Thailand’s Drone Trade With Russia Grows Sharply Amid Ukraine War
A close-up view of a drone navigating through a wooded area
BANGKOK, Feb 20, 2026 — Thailand has emerged as a key transit point for Chinese-made drones shipped to Russia, according to official trade data, underscoring how supply chains have shifted as Moscow faces Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine.
Data analyzed by Bloomberg show that Russia imported $125 million worth of drones from Thailand in the first 11 months of 2025, accounting for 88% of Thailand’s total drone exports and marking an eightfold increase from a year earlier.
Over the same period, China exported $186 million worth of drones to Thailand — nearly all of Thailand’s drone imports — the data show.
Before Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Thailand’s drone exports were minimal, with less than $1 million recorded that year and none sent to Russia.
Western governments have imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Moscow, restricting access to so-called “dual-use” goods that can serve civilian and military purposes. While China says it does not provide military assistance to Russia, Western officials have said Chinese-origin components account for a significant share of technology used by Russia’s defense sector.
Analysts say rerouting goods through third countries has become a common practice as authorities tighten enforcement on traditional transit hubs.
“Countries may change, but the methods do not — rerouting via third countries using shell companies,” said Maria Shagina, a sanctions specialist at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Berlin.
Company records show that Bangkok-based firms including Skyhub Technologies Ltd. and China Thai Corp. were among major drone importers in 2025. Britain sanctioned China Thai Corp. in October for allegedly supplying technology to Russia’s military. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Autel Robotics, a major Chinese drone manufacturer identified in shipment data, said it complies with international sanctions and equips its drones with geofencing systems to prevent operation in restricted conflict zones.
Thai customs officials said exporting drones to Russia is not currently illegal under Thai law and that there is no requirement to declare end use upon import. The Commerce Ministry is reviewing the matter, a senior customs official said.
Thailand’s overall trade with Russia remains relatively modest, totaling about $2.3 billion last year. However, economic ties have expanded, with Russian tourism and property investment in Thailand rising sharply.
The growing drone trade highlights the challenges facing Western efforts to restrict Russia’s access to technology as the Ukraine war approaches its fifth year.
New Fortune Times
