China Increases Drone Exports to Russia Tenfold

While China’s overall exports to Russia have fallen by more than 10% in 2025, Beijing has dramatically expanded shipments of drone-related components, according to an investigation by The Washington Post.

Surge in drone parts

The report found that China’s deliveries of fiber-optic cables — critical for Russia’s combat drones — surged nearly tenfold this summer, even as most other exports to Russia declined.

Can shift the war in Russia’s favor

Russia’s growing use of fiber-optic-guided drones has given it a significant tactical advantage on the Ukrainian front, analysts say.

Unlike conventional drones, these aircraft are tethered to operators via thin fiber-optic cables, making them immune to electronic jamming, one of Ukraine’s most effective defenses.

“Target civilians near the front”

“Such drones are difficult to defend against and can cause significant damage,” said Samuel Bendett, a researcher at the Center for a New American Security in Washington.

“They’ve been used to isolate Ukrainian supply lines and target civilians near the front.”

Record Chinese exports of fiber-optic cables

Customs data analyzed by The Washington Post shows that China shipped 190,400 km of fiber-optic cable to Russia in May, 208,000 km in June, and a staggering 524,800 km in August — a nearly tenfold increase.

The high value-to-weight ratio of these shipments suggests they are military-grade, according to Joseph Webster, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council who tracks China-Russia trade.

26,000 aircrafts

If used for drones capable of flying up to 20 km each, August’s supply alone could support an estimated 26,000 aircraft, the report found.

China’s minimal supply to Ukraine

By comparison, China shipped only 115 km of fiber-optic cable to Ukraine in August — less than 0.03% of the volume sent to Russia.

“The contrast shows where Beijing’s industrial support is going,” Webster said.

Spike in Chinese battery exports

At the same time, Chinese exports of lithium-ion batteries to Russia also surged, hitting a record $54 million in June.

Analysts believe these batteries are being used to power drones, given that Russia produces few electric vehicles or consumer electronics.

“This is very important, extremely important,” said Katerina Bondar.
“The Chinese play a major role because they’re willing to adapt their production lines to support the Russian military-industrial complex.”

How fiber-optic drones expand Russia’s reach

The new lightweight cables have allowed Russia to extend its attack range, including into cities previously considered out of reach.

On October 5, local authorities in Kramatorsk, about 20 km from the front line, reported the first drone attack using fiber-optic technology.

Bondar noted that Russia’s territorial advances often mirror the operational range of these drones.

China’s trade with Russia declines overall

Despite these military-related exports, China’s total shipments to Russia are falling.

From January to September 2025, overall exports declined 10.6%, and in September alone, trade in yuan terms dropped 21% year over year.

Beijing continues to insist it is “not acting as an ally” of Moscow, but the ongoing export of key drone components tells a different story.

This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation