Russian weapons riddled with Western electronic components, RUSI finds
The Orlan-10 UAV is one of the military systems examined in RUSI's report on western electronics in Russian military equipment. (Photo: Russian MoD)
Russian weapons used in its invasion of Ukraine are full of Western-made electronic components, a report from the RUSI think tank has found.
Hundreds of foreign-made microelectronic components such as processors have been found in weapons used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, according to a recent report from the RUSI think tank.
The report, 'Silicon Lifeline: Western Electronics at the Heart of Russia's War Machine', includes an examination of the components and functioning of 27 of Russia's 'most modern' weapons, including cruise missiles, found at least 450 foreign-made components many of which were made by US companies known for providing microelectronics to the US military.
According to the 8 August report, as many as 80 of the components were subject to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
