Russia deploys AI-enabled Garpiya-A1 kamikaze drone in Ukraine
Russia has reportedly produced over 2,500 Garpiya-A1 long-range kamikaze drones using Chinese engines and parts since July 2023, according to European intelligence sources. The drones have been deployed in Ukraine against military and civilian targets, causing infrastructure damage and casualties.
What happened
Russia started producing a new long-range attack drone called the Garpiya-A1 last year using Chinese engines and parts, according to two sources from a European intelligence agency. The intelligence indicated that IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned weapons maker Almaz-Antey, produced more than 2,500 Garpiyas from July 2023 to July 2024.
The Garpiya has been deployed against military and civilian targets in Ukraine, causing damage to critical infrastructure as well as both civilian and military casualties, according to the intelligence sources.
Reported impact
The drone has caused damage to critical infrastructure in Ukraine and resulted in both civilian and military casualties.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.