Despite sanctions and export controls, Russia continues to use Western technologies to manufacture its weapons, including the Oreshnik missile, the Financial Times reports.
It is noted that the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology (MITT) and the Sozvezdie concern, which Ukrainian intelligence identifies as developers of this missile, are actively recruiting employees with experience working on Japanese Fanuc equipment and German Siemens and Heidenhain systems.
Journalists emphasized that job advertisements published by MITT and Sozvezdie in 2024 explicitly indicate the use of foreign numerical control systems (CNC).
At the same time, the Titan-Barricades plant, another participant in the Oreshnik project, was spotted using devices with the Fanuc logo.
It is reported that the Russian company Stan, which claims to develop domestic production, acknowledges the use of imported equipment.
The article noted that despite the Kremlin’s attempts to create domestic alternatives, Russia continues to depend on Western technologies in the metalworking sector.
Export controls imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have significantly complicated the supply of these systems. However, according to the Financial Times, Heidenhain components were still reaching Russia in 2024.
It is reported that the volume of such supplies is estimated at at least $3 million. Some of the equipment is likely imported through third countries, including China, which is a key supplier of metalworking equipment to Russia.
Russian Oreshnik missile
It should be recalled that on November 21, Russians launched the Oreshnik missile against the city of Dnipro for the first time during the full-scale war.
At the time, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that this was a test of this type of weapon.
Later, during his so-called Direct Line, he again threatened to strike Ukraine with the Oreshnik.
However, both Ukrainian and Western experts claim that this Russian missile is not as serious a threat as Russia attempts to portray.
Previously, British intelligence analyzed the Oreshnik missile — more details in the RBC-Ukraine article.
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