Foreign components found in Russian missiles used against Ukraine

Russia continues to use foreign technology and components in the production of ballistic missiles used to attack Ukraine. Ukrainian experts have discovered a French-made laser module tied to the navigation system's gyroscope inside a Russian RM-48U missile launched from S-400 complexes. Foreign components in Russian ballistic missiles were displayed during a briefing attended by Ukraine's presidential commissioner for sanctions policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk. The presidential office emphasized that Russia remains dependent on imported technologies beyond just electronics. Foreign materials and industrial equipment are also critical for missile manufacturing.

The details presented at the briefing included a cooling laser module from the French company 3SP Technologies, found in the Russian RM-48U missile. This component is used in the missile’s laser gyroscope, an integral part of its navigation equipment. While it is unlikely the French manufacturer supplied its products directly to the Russian defense industry, the components may have been obtained earlier or entered Russia through complex re-export chains. Identifying and disrupting such channels is a key focus of sanctions enforcement.

Other foreign-made parts have been found in Russian missiles. For instance, American components have been detected in the navigation equipment 'Kometa,' and French technology has been spotted in the navigation systems of Iskander missile complexes. Russia’s ballistic weapons do not rely solely on Western microchips. Ukrainian experts have analyzed production chains and identified materials and technological equipment that are crucial for sustaining Russia’s missile output. These include ammonium perchlorate required for solid rocket fuel, carbon and aramid fibers, epoxy and phenolic resins, polybutadiene, aluminum powder, titanium, specialized aluminum alloys, and tungsten.

High-precision computer numerical control (CNC) machines and their parts are especially vital. Such equipment is needed for the serial production of complex missile components at the required precision. Kyiv is sharing information on discovered components and manufacturing companies with international partners to help track supply chains and block the routes through which these products reach the Russian defense sector. Ukraine is calling on partner countries to not only add new companies to sanctions lists but also to systematically block Russia from obtaining essential components, materials, and manufacturing equipment via third countries and intermediaries.

Russia is actively ramping up production and deployment of the RM-48U missile in its attacks on Ukraine. This weapon is based on the 48N6 series of surface-to-air missiles used in S-300PM and S-400 systems, which have now been adapted for strikes on ground targets. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia has modified up to 17 S-400 launchers to fire these types of missiles. Russian manufacturers continue serial production, with up to 500 RM-48U missiles planned for 2026. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia could produce as many as 1,300 ballistic missiles per year. He also stated that Russian forces currently have between 600 and 630 such missiles in stock.