Western tech in Russian jets: this is how sanctions are bypassed

Euromaidan Press has revealed concerning findings from Ukrainian intelligence, showing that more than 2,000 imported components have been discovered in Russian Su series fighters. These components are integrated into fighters such as the Su-57, Su-34, Su-30SM, and Su-35S, which Russia has deployed in its operations against Ukraine.

The investigation by Euromaidan Press indicates a significant reliance of the Russian defence industry on foreign technologies, particularly in developing sophisticated weapons systems like fighter aircraft. Ukrainian intelligence has reportedly secured a comprehensive list from suppliers of military hardware in Russia, endorsing the presence of over 2,000 overseas electronic components within the technology of Russian Su series fighters. These parts are crucial to the aircraft's functionality, and they are embedded in the systems of models, including the Su-27SM3, Su-30SM, Su-34, Su-35S, and the advanced Su-57.

Additionally, Ukrainian aviation expert Valerii Romanenko, as cited by Euromaidan Press, argues that Western electronics empower Russian fighters to identify targets over 300 kilometres away, facilitate the automatic tracking of multiple targets, and enhance the pilot's situational awareness. It's claimed that the Kremlin sources these components through a network of intermediaries from countries such as Hungary, Cyprus, Turkey, China, and Russia, many of which have evaded Western sanctions.

Echoing this sentiment, Russian opposition figure [prof. In a discussion, Vladimir Ponomarev] noted that the current sanctions on Russia fail to curb Putin's war capabilities as expected. Ponomarev highlighted that Russia faces little hindrance in securing the necessary components to sustain its military equipment production, with modern parts acquired predominantly through smuggling.

Experts warn that the sanctions against Russia could prompt it to identify alternative procurement routes and suppliers, potentially impacting the quality of its military output. However, Euromaidan Press reports that the Kremlin possesses sufficient stocks of Western components to continue production for another 2-3 years.