30 Foreign Machines Identified in Russian Missile Factories

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (DIU) has identified 30 pieces of foreign-made equipment inside Russian factories that produce ballistic missiles and their parts. The agency published the findings on the War&Sanctions portal on Sunday. The list includes specific tools like altimeters, aerodynamic rudders, and gyroscopes used in the manufacturing process.

The DIU stated that the 30 items were manufactured in China, Germany, Taiwan, the US, Türkiye, Switzerland, and Italy. The agency noted a rise in the use of Chinese machine tools and machining centres. This trend is particularly evident with five-axis machines, which allow for complex shaping of missile components.

The intelligence report highlights a layered supply chain. The DIU explained that Chinese machine tools often rely on components from Europe, Japan, and Taiwan. These parts include CNC systems, servo drives, high-precision spindles, bearings, and measuring systems. This dependency creates multiple points of exposure for sanctions and tracking.

One specific entry on the list is the GX-650 five-axis universal machining centre made by Hyper Machine Tool in China. The DIU confirmed that the Votkinsk Plant uses this machine. Votkinsk is the manufacturer of the 9M723 Iskander-M ballistic missile and the missile body for the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missile. Another entry lists turning and milling centres from the Chinese firm Shtral. These are used at PEMZ Molot JSC, which builds electronic equipment units for the Iskander-M system.

The list also names German equipment. Measuring devices from Rohde & Schwarz are installed at UPKB Detal. This company produces altimeters for Zircon missiles. The DIU has previously released similar data, including 13 items used to produce Kometa navigation modules and details on Kinzhal components.

The agency urges manufacturers to tighten control over who buys their equipment. The DIU proposes conducting on-site inspections at the locations where the machines are installed. They also call for monitoring the supply of spare parts, software, and consumables. The report suggests checking distributors and intermediaries to trace how equipment reaches Russian defence firms.

The DIU recommends restricting the supply of CNC systems and other components to Chinese manufacturers whose products end up in Russian defence production. The agency aims to close gaps in the supply chain that allow foreign technology to support Russian missile capabilities.