Western electronics in Russian fighter jets: new investigation reveals extent of dependence

Russian Su-34 and Su-35S fighters, some of the most dangerous combat aircraft in the Russian Aerospace Forces, have been found to be critically dependent on Western electronics. Despite the sanctions, almost all of their electronic components come from the US, EU and Asia.

Here's What We Know

This is according to a joint investigation by the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO) and Hunterbrook Media. In the report Parts of the Problem, the authors identified 1115 out of 1119 components used in Russian aircraft and traced their origin.

Most of the parts were manufactured by American companies - Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, Intel, Maxim, OnSemi, Vicor and others. Overall, 68% of the Su-34's electronics are made in the United States, and another 16.2% in Japan. Other supplier countries are the EU (7%), Switzerland (4.4%), Taiwan (3.1%), and South Korea (0.9%).

The electronic components of the Su-35S fighter jet, which Russia is actively using in its war against Ukraine, have a similar structure.

Despite the restrictions, Russia manages to purchase critical technologies through intermediaries, including intermediary companies in China, Hong Kong, Turkey, the UAE, and even a number of European Union countries.

The report once again underlines how important international coordination is to strengthen export controls and prevent sanctions circumvention. After all, Western chips still play a key role in the Russian army's ability to wage war with high-tech weapons.

Source: PARTS OF THE PROBLEM: Tracing Western Tech in Russia's Deadliest Jets