SBU exposes Ukrainian companies supplying microchips for Russian missiles

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has uncovered companies in Kharkiv, Chernivtsi, and Odesa oblasts that supplied electronic components to Russia for manufacturing missiles and drones during the full-scale invasion, circumventing international sanctions. This was reported by the SBU's press service.

The companies are part of a major Russia-based international corporation producing unique microchips and electronic boards used in navigation and control systems for ballistic and cruise missiles, including the Kh-101, Kalibr, and Iskander-K, the SBU reported.

Some components are also utilized in guidance systems for kamikaze drones, Tornado-G multiple launch rocket systems, and onboard navigation of Ka-52 attack-reconnaissance helicopters.

To bypass sanctions, the firms masked end users by purchasing components in Ukraine and other countries, then shipped them to a Middle Eastern subsidiary (under international sanctions), which redirected the chips to a sanctioned Russian corporation.

End clients include strategic Russian state enterprises and defense industry entities, such as JSC SpecTechMash.

Documented evidence shows that during the summer of 2022 alone, over 1,500 microelectronics items worth more than $600,000 were smuggled to Russia through this scheme.

Russia's use of Ukrainian microchips and circuit boards was confirmed by examinations of debris from downed Russian missiles and drones.

Searches at company offices uncovered physical evidence of collaboration with Russia.

The SBU has detained one suspect, who holds a Russian passport, facing up to 12 years in prison with asset confiscation for aiding an aggressor state as part of an organized group.

Other participants are being notified of suspicion.