The “Harpia” project was designed and developed by Chinese experts.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced sanctions against a network of Chinese and Russian companies involved in the development and production of long-range “Harpia” drones, which Russia has been using in its war against Ukraine. This was outlined in an official statement from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
“Today, OFAC is sanctioning three organizations and one individual for their role in the development and production of the Russian long-range ‘Harpia’ drone,” the statement said.
The “Harpia” project was designed and developed by specialists from China. These drones are manufactured in Chinese factories in collaboration with Russian defense companies before being delivered to Russia for use in attacks on Ukraine.
As a result, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on the Chinese company Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Co., Ltd., which produces the L550E engine for the “Harpia” drones. Also sanctioned are Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen Co. Ltd., which collaborates with Russia’s defense industry, and the Russian company Trading House “Vector” along with its director, Artem Yamshchikov.
Washington highlighted that these sanctions are part of ongoing U.S. efforts to prevent Russia from acquiring advanced technologies, particularly from China, in violation of existing restrictions. However, it is clear that these measures are not enough. To truly curb Moscow’s ability to wage hostilities against Ukraine, sanctions pressure must be significantly strengthened. Only by intensifying sanctions can the flow of critical technologies to Russia be fully cut off, diminishing its military capabilities and forcing it to reconsider its aggressive actions.
