China and Russia deepen joint weapons development, sharing drone-rocket technology
A C4ADS analysis reveals that China and Russia are expanding cooperation on conventional arms, including drones launched from rockets.
A new study by the Center for Advanced Defense Studies finds the Sino-Russian defence collaboration has become markedly more strategic, aligning manufacturing and logistics to satisfy Russia's wartime demand for dual-use goods, while China emerges as the chief supplier and sanctions-evasion partner. The analysis traces the evolution from a Russian Splav concept that carried a drone inside a 300 mm rocket to a Chinese system launched from Norinco's SR-5 rocket, featuring a solid-fuel booster and subsequent electric thrust.
Russian trade records show Splav sent technical dossiers to Norinco in 2014-15 and again in 2022, hastening China's development. The report also notes discussions at the Russian-Chinese Military Technology Forum about countering Starlink through cyber attacks or kinetic means, underscoring a broader aim to reduce reliance on Western technology. Despite underlying mistrust, both nations view the cooperation as a means to close technological gaps against rival forces.
Why it matters
The partnership could help sustain Russia's war effort and shift global arms and tech power balances.
In this story
