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China Developing Drones For Russia Modeled After Iranian Shahed: Report

A Shahed-type kamikaze drone over Kyiv in 2022 (file photo)
A Shahed-type kamikaze drone over Kyiv in 2022 (file photo)

Chinese and Russian companies are reportedly working on a kamikaze drone modeled after the Iranian-made Shahed-class unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), according to European officials who spoke to the U.S.-based outlet Bloomberg. The unnamed officials said the companies first held talks in 2023 and started developing and testing a model this year. A Chinese company last year unveiled the Sunflower 200, which bears a striking resemblance to the Iranian-made Shahed-136 drone used by Russia in its war against Ukraine. To read the full story by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, click here.

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    RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service

    RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service has seen its audience grow significantly since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and is among the most cited media outlets in the country. Its bold, in-depth reporting from the front lines has won many accolades and awards. Its comprehensive coverage also includes award-winning reporting by the Donbas.Realities and Crimea.Realities projects and the Schemes investigative unit.

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