Armenia secretly purchased Chinese attack drones without Russia's knowledge

The Armenian military has purchased Chinese CH-4 Rainbow drones, which it plans to showcase for the first time at a parade in Yerevan on May 28, 2026. 

Satellite images have captured at least two such aircraft at the Gyumri airfield, and the total number of drones available to the country may reach six. The corresponding videos and images were shared by Clash Report. 

What makes this event notable is that, until now, Armenia had no drones of any type at its disposal, particularly those of Russian manufacture, and the UAVs themselves were spotted at an airfield housing a Russian military base with approximately 10 MiG-29 fighters.

This situation indicates Armenia’s systemic disappointment with Russia and its search for new arms suppliers, as the country had previously ordered a specific list of weapons from India, which is a geopolitical rival of China. Regarding the specifications of the CH-4 drones received—which Beijing actively exports to countries in the “Global South”—they come in the reconnaissance variant CH-4A and the strike variant CH-4B; however, the exact model supplied to Armenia is currently unknown. The Chinese drones have a fuselage length of 8.5 meters, a wingspan of 18 meters, a takeoff weight of 1,300 kilograms, a payload capacity of up to 345 kilograms, a maximum speed of 435 km/h, and a control range of up to 1,000 kilometers when using satellite communication.

Earlier, Armenia appealed to the EU to send a rapid response team to counter Russian influence.

Armenia could receive visa-free travel to the EU within two years — Pashinyan

The EU has confirmed its support for Armenia’s European aspirations.

Pashinyan also stated that Armenia is seeking EU membership.