Sanctions are often viewed as a powerful tool to cut off a country’s access to advanced technology.
Yet, in Russia’s case, loopholes and indirect supply chains seem to undermine these efforts.
An investigation by the Financial Times reveals that Western manufacturing equipment is still being used in the production of Russia’s Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile.
The Oreshnik missile, which Vladimir Putin confirmed was used in a November 2024 attack on Dnipro, relies on components from Germany and Japan.
Two key Russian military engineering institutes, the Moscow Institute for Thermal Technology (MITT) and Sozvezdie, have advertised job openings requiring expertise in German and Japanese CNC (computer numerical control) systems.
CNC systems, essential for high-precision metalworking, are critical to the missile’s development. according to Pravda.
The investigation shows the reliance on controllers produced by Germany’s Siemens and Heidenhain and Japan’s Fanuc.
These systems power CNC machines that shape missile components with extraordinary precision. Even as China supplies Russia with large quantities of CNC machines, many are equipped with Western controllers.
Evidence from trade fairs and shipment records supports these findings.
In 2024, an analysis revealed that 11 out of 12 CNC models displayed by Chinese companies at a Russian trade fair included German or Japanese controllers.
Meanwhile, export records show shipments to Russia worth at least $3 million in CNC components this year.
One shipment included a Heidenhain TNC640 controller, a cutting-edge device used for high-end milling and grinding. It was sent via China to a Russian company tied to military production.
Western companies have responded cautiously. Siemens reaffirmed its compliance with sanctions and said it investigates any signs of circumvention.
Fanuc identified its older equipment in Russian promotional videos but emphasized tightened controls.
Despite these measures, Russia continues to exploit vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
As Putin accelerates production of the Oreshnik, the role of Western technology in its creation raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions and the need for stricter enforcement.
