Dual-use semiconductors and electronics are essential components of many modern technologies, including computers, mobile devices, and telecommunications systems. However, these same semiconductors and electronics can also be used to produce advanced weapons systems. Recently, concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of dual-use products by hostile countries for military purposes. Thus, dual-use production is increasingly becoming a subject of sanctions and export control regulations.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated this trend with vast numbers of Western-made components found in its weapons, military equipment and Iranian UAVs used by the Russian Army. Since 2022, journalists, researchers, and investigators have published several materials on the Western parts used in missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and military technologies that are enabling the Russian war against Ukraine. To date, NAKO published a few materials in Ukrainian media and also collaborated with the Wall Street Journal on an investigative report specifically regarding Iranian UAVs.
This report examines the following pieces of weapons:
This report examines the following pieces of weapons:
- Ka-52 Alligator battle helicopter
- 2S19M1 Мsta-S self-propelled howitzer
- 3M-54 Kalibr missile
- Kh-101 missile
- Orlan-10 UAV
- Luch Korsar UAV
- Shahed-136
- Mohajer-6
- and several pieces of equipment and devices used for military purposes.
This report examines yet another part of foreign technology in the Russian military, specifically the Western one.
We also looked through the issue of sanctions and export control challenges, specifically in the context of deepening military and technological cooperation between countries of concern.