British researchers found hundreds of components in Russian weapons made in the United States, Germany, Japan and Switzerland. There is no clarity on how the components ended up in Russia.
British researchers estimate that Russia may not be able to wage such an extensive war in Ukraine in the future.
The reason for this is that it may be difficult for Russia to acquire new military equipment to replace the destroyed one.
Russia’s weapons and equipment have used a lot of high-end Western technology, which is difficult for Russia to obtain due to sanctions, say researchers from the Royal United Defense Research Institute (RUSI).
For example, British researchers from the Orlan 10 reconnaissance aircraft used by the Russian army found (you move to another service) a Japanese motor, a Swiss microcontroller-based control system and an image stabilizer from a US company.
In total, RUSI researchers found 450 different Western components in 27 different weapons and equipment.
A recent report reveals that most of the technology originated in the United States, Europe or East Asia.
Up to 70 percent of the foreign components found in the weapons came from the United States.
For example, the important navigation elements in the 9M549 and 9M72 rockets that can be loaded into rocket launchers were made by American companies. Up to 30 American components were found in the X-101 cruise missile.
Russia dependent on Western technology
RAM modules and ethernet cables, microchips and signal processors bearing the logos of American companies such as Altera, Xilink and Maxim Integrated Products were found in Russian drones, missiles and communication systems.
To get permission to use foreign components in military equipment, Russian arms companies must first demonstrate to the Russian Ministry of Defense that there are no domestic alternatives.
A large amount of foreign high technology in Russian equipment can therefore mean that without Western technology the Russians would not have the same advanced weaponry, RUSI estimates.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said (you switch to another service)in May that simple GPS devices have been found in the destroyed Russian fighters. The positioning devices were attached to the dashboards with duct tape.
According to Wallace, this would have been done because the Russians’ own GPS locators are of poor quality.
Microchips like in microwave ovens
Some of the components found by RUSI in Russian weapons date back to the 1980s, but some are quite new.
For example, parts of the Kalibr cruise missile that were manufactured in 2018–2019 were found. At that time, the European Union had already banned the export to Russia of such technological products that could increase Russia’s military preparedness.
When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, the United States announced that it was blocking Russia’s ability to access advanced technology. For example, telecommunications, semiconductors, laser and navigation, as well as aviation and marine technology were added to the scope of the sanctions.
– As time passes and the Russian stocks dwindle, our sanctions will bite even harder, Yhydsvaltai’s Ministry of Finance said.
In its research, RUSI found, for example, microchips similar to those used in cars and microwave ovens in Russian cruise missiles.
The export of such chips to Russia is not restricted.
RUSI and Reuters news agency joint statement (you switch to another service) According to the report, Russia has been supplied with microprocessors, programmable chips, storage devices and other technology intended for civilian use since Russia invaded Ukraine.
According to customs data, more than 15,000 deliveries have been sent to Russia during the spring in the names of distributors and subsidiaries of technology companies Intel, AMD, Analog Devices, Infineon and Texas Instruments.
Russia’s dependence on Western electronics in the development of weapon systems has been known for years. Russia also makes no secret that it wants Western technology.
In June, the president Vladimir Putin signed (you are moving to another service)a regulation that allows Russian companies to import electronics and components without permission from patent holders.
The companies started internal audits
The American technology giant Intel and the German company Infineon announced that they are deeply concerned that their equipment intended for civilian use is being used to violate human rights.
Intel explained that some of the orders were on their way to Russia just before the start of the war. Intel stopped all deliveries to Russia in April.
Infineon said that it is currently investigating the deliveries of its subsidiary Cypress Semiconductor to Russia after the start of the war. In total, Infineon products have been delivered to Russia in 2,500 shipments between February 25 and May 30.
Analog Devices said the company ceased operations in Russia. The company also said that it had urged its dealers to stop deliveries to Russia.
Texas Instruments said that the company’s parts found in Russian weapons were designed for civilian use.
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