Russia is engaging with a Chinese manufacturer to acquire a batch of 100 drones. A report from a German publication cited unnamed sources in its briefing.
The report states that the Chinese drone maker Xian Bingo Intelligent Aviation Technology is prepared to produce 100 prototype units of its ZT-180 drone, capable of delivering a warhead in the 35-50 kilogram range. Delivery to Russia could occur by April, according to the publication.
The same report adds that Bingo intends to assist in establishing a UAV production facility inside Russia that would be able to manufacture up to 100 drones each month.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented to ZDF state television that he found the potential arms sale to Russia by a third country unacceptable.
On the previous day, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg indicated that the alliance had observed indications suggesting China might be considering supplying weapons to Russia, although no shipments had taken place yet.
There are discussions in Washington about releasing intelligence related to possible Chinese arms transfers to Russia, a move that could influence the strategic assessment of the situation.
Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rejected the notion that Beijing would arm Russia and dismissed the claims circulating in some intelligence circles as speculation and distortion.