A newly released RUSI analysis lays out startling evidence that Russia is playing a pivotal role in China’s strategy to seize Taiwan.
According to contracts and technical documents acquired by the Black Moon hacktivist group, Moscow is supplying Beijing with advanced airborne assault gear and training to help China strike Taiwan from the air.
This dangerous support fills a critical gap in China’s military capabilities-giving it tools and know-how it lacks internally.
"Russia has agreed to equip and train the PLA to air-drop armoured vehicles and special reconnaissance capabilities."
🛩️ China’s Weakness in Airborne Power
China faces significant limitations when it comes to airborne invasion. A successful landing depends on capturing airfields, but runways can be disabled quickly in war.
China needs options-ways to land forces beyond the main beaches.
That’s where Russia’s skills and equipment come in.
The RUSI analysis shows that Russia agreed to sell China a full airborne battalion’s worth of gear.
That includes:
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37 BMD-4M light amphibious assault vehicles
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11 Sprut-SDM1 anti-tank self-propelled guns
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11 BTR-MDM "Rakushka" airborne armored personnel carriers
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Command, observation, and support vehicles adapted for Chinese systems
All units must be compatible with Chinese electronics, communications, and ammunition. Russia will also train Chinese operators from vehicles to command systems.
📡 Parachutes, Infiltration, and "Stage Zero" Landings
One of the most chilling revelations is the Dalnolyot parachute system. It allows heavy payloads (up to 190 kg) to be dropped from extreme altitude, enabling groups to glide up to 80 km.
In one document from March 2024, Moscow agreed to provide China data on operating this system in extreme cold (down to –60 °C). Beijing requested testing drops from 8,000 meters.
This could support covert infiltrations, or what some call "stage zero" landings, where special forces or equipment slip past defenses before a larger invasion.
🧠 Why Russia Matters in China’s Plan
Russia’s experience in air manoeuvre and its military-industrial base give it leverage Beijing lacks.
Even though China’s capabilities are closing the gap, Moscow still holds unique knowledge over how to execute airborne insertions at scale.
But this alliance is not without limits. Russia has failed in deploying airborne troops in Ukraine, notably in the Hostomel airfield operation.
The experience underscores that even when equipment is modern, execution matters.
⚠️ Risks, Motives, and Downsides
Russia isn’t just being generous. There’s profit and geopolitical strategy at play:
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By helping China, Russia deepens a strategic tie that counters U.S. influence.
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Economic gains flow through weapon sales, licensing, and technology transfer.
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Russia may gain diplomatic cover or a partner in future great-power confrontation.
Yet Moscow must tread carefully.
A Taiwan conflict draws in the U.S., and exposure could lead to sanctions or retaliation that hurt its interests in Europe or Asia.
Analysts suggest Russia will likely stay behind the scenes, supplying and advising, not fighting.
📍 What This Means for the Future
This development shifts the calculus for Asia-Pacific security:
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Taiwan must prepare to defend against airborne as well as seaborne invasion.
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U.S. and allied forces may need to boost counter-airborne deterrence.
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A Russia-China operational link raises the stakes, this isn’t just China acting alone.
The documents in the RUSI report show that China’s window to act will be ever tighter.
Support from Russia could accelerate timelines, making 2027 and the so-called Davidson Window all the more dangerous.
In short: China is acquiring not just equipment, but the blueprint for invasion.
And Russia is helping to draw the map.
