US imposes sanctions on Chinese companies involved in production of Harpy drone

Photo: Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen inspect part of UAV shot down in Kyiv/AP Photo/Alex Babenko

The United States has imposed sanctions on one individual and three entities involved in the development and production of the Russian long-range strike unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Harpia series, which was used in Russia's war against Ukraine.

This is stated in a statement by US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, published on Thursday, October 17, the Voice of America reports.

The Harpia UAV, developed and produced in China in cooperation with Russian defense companies, was used to destroy critical infrastructure. Its use led to mass casualties, Miller said in a statement.

These Chinese individuals and entities were involved in developing and producing military equipment for a Russian defense company under U.S. sanctions for use by the Russian military in Ukraine.

While the U.S. has previously imposed sanctions on Chinese entities that partner with Russia’s military-industrial complex, these are the first sanctions the United States has imposed on Chinese entities that directly develop and produce complex weapons systems in partnership with Russian firms.

“Today’s action is part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt efforts by Chinese and Russian entities and individuals to support Russia’s acquisition of advanced technologies and weapons components,” Miller said in a statement. “We will continue to pursue those who support the Russian military-industrial complex.”