China Introduces Export Licensing for Drone Engines Used in Russian Geran Attack Drones

China has introduced export licensing for certain categories of drones, along with their components and technologies. Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine's Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, relayed the news, citing a clarification from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

According to Vlasiuk, the rules will take effect on 18 November. Among other items, they will apply to the engines used in Russian Geran attack drones.

"Formally, the core of Russian long-range attack drones has fallen under control," Vlasiuk said. He listed engines for Gerans, turbojet engines for jet-powered modifications, autopilots and jam-resistant navigation among the covered items. "However, whether anything will change in practice depends on how these rules are applied."

He cautioned that licensing is not the same as an export ban. The rules envisage general permits of up to three years for "reliable" exporters, alongside broad grounds for refusal.

Vlasiuk also noted that the new requirements largely do not reach components for mass-produced frontline FPV drones. "The new thresholds do not cover motors and speed controllers for FPVs, batteries, cameras or fibre optics. Production equipment is not covered either," he explained.

Even so, he described the decision as an opportunity for Ukraine, because Beijing is officially taking responsibility for controlling specific categories of goods. "We will demand that the new rules be applied to known suppliers of the Russian defence industry. Together with our partners, we will track licences, transit channels and re-exports," he said.

Vlasiuk called the introduction of the rules big news and grounds for cautious optimism.

The development follows earlier reports by Ukrainska Pravda that Russia had begun learning to produce Chinese Telefly TF-TJ2000A jet engines for the Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones. These are assembled from Chinese kits at the Alabuga industrial facility.

It was also reported that Russia is having trouble procuring Chinese jet engines for drones. According to Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, this is the result of sanctions imposed by Ukraine and its partners.