“KNDISE experts examine Russian weapons: in some cases up to 90% of foreign components are identified KNDISE investigates Russian and Iranian weapons used against Ukraine. In some samples, up to 90% foreign components were found, including parts from Japan, China and European countries.”, — write on: unn.ua
Sanctions work, but not perfectly
As the experts of the military research laboratory of KNDISE said, a significant part of the components of Russian missiles and drones are of foreign origin. According to them, in some cases this number reaches 85-90% of the total number of parts.
“Among the latest objects of research, the Russian Kh-69 cruise missile was analyzed, which was adopted by the aggressor country only in 2023. For example, Japanese-made components have already been identified in the control and flight support systems,” experts noted.
Among other things, according to KNDISE, Russian kamikaze drones marked “Geranium 2” (“Shahed 136”) use Chinese engines, Japanese bearings and Polish fuel pumps. Therefore, as it turns out, even after the introduction of sanctions, Russia finds ways to receive components through third countries, or in the form of dual-purpose goods.
“Shahedy” is a technological mix
According to the Institute’s experts, studies show that the “Shahedy” kamikaze drones, which Russia uses in the war against Ukraine, have undergone several stages of modification.
In particular, the first models were based on Iranian components, many of which were manufactured on the basis of Chinese technologies. At the next stage, Russia began to assemble drones from ready-made machine sets received from Iran, adding its combat units.
The latest versions of Shahed-K drones are already manufactured in Russia, but with foreign components, from Chinese engines to Japanese bearings.
“On one of the last investigated Shaheds, a carburetor made in Ireland was identified. This part was officially purchased through a Chinese company that uses such components for agricultural machinery,” KNDISE experts said.
North Korean missiles are a threat, but with limitations
Specialists of the Institute are also investigating Russia’s use of North Korean missiles of the KN-23/24 type.
“The peculiarity of this type of weapon is a powerful warhead, but their accuracy is very doubtful. In addition, we believe that significant gaps are observed in the navigation systems themselves, which often do not work, which makes them less effective in the general context. However, this does not deny the fact danger for Ukrainian citizens,” the experts noted.
According to them, components of foreign origin were also found in these missiles, which indicates the importance of continued strengthening of sanctions pressure and control.
Experts point out that while sanctions are working, many components for Russian weapons end up going through third countries or circumventing restrictions. “It is important to track the origin of components and to block such supply routes. For example, after the Ukrainian side turned to Poland for the facts of the discovery of components from Polish companies, there was a tangible result,” KNDISE emphasized.
Ukrainian researchers continue to transfer the collected evidence to international partners, including for consideration in courts such as the Hague Tribunal. This is an important step in the fight for justice and increased sanctions pressure on Russia.
Let’s add
It is worth noting that the Russians are constantly trying to modify and modernize all the types of missiles and drones they have, which are used for attacks on Ukraine. KNDISE specialists in the comments UNN told what specific features are in question and what role western components play in changes to enemy weapons. The enemy uses not only Western components. According to Oleksandr Ruvin, director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Examinations, about 50 Chinese manufacturers supply components for UAVs, which the enemy is using to attack Ukraine.
In addition, the KNDISE experts established that the Russian X-69 missiles, which the occupiers use to attack Ukraine, are made of several types of weapons and have foreign components.