The Russian Federation has increased imports of machines from China for military production: how the scheme works - GUR

To spread: According to Ukrainian intelligence, 37 units of foreign equipment were received for the needs of Russian defense enterprises. At the same time, most of the Chinese machines are equipped with CNC systems of German and Japanese production. During 2024, the Russian Federation increased the import of Chinese equipment for the needs of the defense industry. Increase in deliveries is associated with increased international sanctions that limit access to Western technologies.

This was reported on March 26 by the press service of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. According to GUR, 37 units of foreign equipment were received for Russian defense enterprises. Among them are Chinese machines purchased in 2023-2024. They are used in strategically important enterprises as the Diamond Antai concern that produces air defense systems and Uralvagonzavod, which is the largest tanks and armored vehicles in Russia.

The department notes that the Russian military industry remains dependent on high -precision equipment with numerical software management (CNC) manufactured abroad. After increasing sanctions in 2024, the supply of machines from Western countries became complicated, which led to an increase in imports from China. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the calculations for Chinese equipment are made through the "Bank of VTB" and its branch in Shanghai. And all payments are made in Chinese yuan.

It is noticeable that most of the Chinese machines are equipped with CNC systems of German and Japanese production, such as Siemens, Heidenhain and Fanuc. The reason is that Russian experts have considerable experience with these platforms, and most software for the process of details is adapted to them. In addition to Chinese machines, Uralvagonzavod and Diamond Antai continue to use equipment purchased before the start of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.