Key facts
- Russia is obtaining specialized metalworking equipment from Germany, Italy, Spain, and other EU countries.
- This equipment is being supplied through a Turkish intermediary.
- The machinery is essential for the production of Russia's Iskander-M ballistic missiles.
- Key components and machines are sourced from various international brands, including those from Switzerland, Germany, China, Japan, Taiwan, Czechia, Brazil, Slovakia, the US, and South Korea.
- Some Russian defense enterprises purchased foreign machinery and components after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in March 2022.
Despite ongoing sanctions and Europe's rearmament efforts, Russia continues to acquire specialized metalworking equipment from EU countries, which is crucial for building its deadliest weapons, including the Iskander-M ballistic missile. Customs records indicate that machinery from Germany, Italy, Spain, and other EU nations has been reaching Russian metallurgical plants through a Turkish intermediary, even after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Research by the Economic Security Council highlights that at least 12 enterprises involved in the production of the 9M723 missile for the Iskander-M system rely on foreign machinery and components. These include equipment from brands such as Agie Charmilles (Switzerland), DMG Mori and Walter Maschinenbau (Germany), Aman and Baofeng (China), Sodick (Japan), Accuway (Taiwan), Comagrav (Czechia), Romi S.A. (Brazil), Trens SK (Slovakia), Tarso (US), and Hwacheon (South Korea).
Some of this equipment was acquired by Russian defense entities post-invasion. For instance, in March 2022, KB Mashinostroyeniya, the primary developer of the Iskander-M, purchased a Taiwanese clamping cylinder and German drilling and sensor equipment. In May 2022, Russia's Federal Center for Dual-Use Technologies "Soyuz" acquired a screw-cutting lathe. The production of the Iskander-M has historically depended on foreign technology, with a significant portion of funds allocated for its modernization in 2009 spent on imported CNC machines.
Currently, the Russian military-industrial complex is operating at a record high capacity of 84%, despite a substantial portion of its capital equipment being worn out. This indicates a continued reliance on and acquisition of advanced manufacturing technology to sustain its weapons production.