KNIISE is investigating Russian and Iranian weapons used against Ukraine. Some samples contain up to 90% of foreign components, including parts from Japan, China, and European countries.
The Kiev Research Institute of forensic expertise (KHNIISE) told about the details of the study of Russian and Iranian weapons used in the war against Ukraine. KNIISE experts are working on investigating parts and fragments of missiles, drones, and other weapons used by the enemy against Ukraine. Experts determine the type of weapon, the specifics of its use, identify foreign components that often fall into weapons, despite sanctions, and find out their Origin, writes UNN.
sanctions are valid, but not ideal
According to experts of the KNIISE military research laboratory, a significant part of the components of Russian missiles and drones are of foreign origin. According to them, in some cases, this number reaches 85-90% of the total number of parts.
"Among the latest research objects, the Russian x-69 cruise missile, which was adopted by the aggressor country only in 2023, was analyzed. So, Japanese — made components have already been identified in flight control and support systems," the experts noted.
Among other things, according to KNIISE, Russian kamikaze drones marked "Geranium 2" ("Shahed 136") use Chinese engines, Japanese bearings and Polish gas pumps. Therefore, as it turns out, even after the introduction of sanctions, Russia finds ways to receive components through third countries, or in the form of dual-use goods.
"Shahed" — a technological mix
According to the Institute's experts, research shows that the Shahed kamikaze drones that Russia uses in the war against Ukraine have gone through several stages of modification.
In particular, the first models were based on Iranian components, many of which were manufactured on the basis of Chinese technologies. At the next stage, Russia began assembling drones from ready-made vehicle kits received from Iran, adding its own combat units.
The latest versions of Shahed-K drones are already manufactured in Russia, but with foreign components — from Chinese engines to Japanese bearings.
"On one of the last studied" Shahed " identified a carburetor made in Ireland. This part was officially purchased through a Chinese company that uses such components for agricultural machinery," KNIISE experts said.
North Korean missiles are a threat, but with restrictions
The Institute's specialists are also investigating Russia's use of North Korean KN-23/24 missiles.
"The peculiarity of this type of weapon is a powerful warhead, but their accuracy is very doubtful. In addition, we believe that significant gaps are observed in navigation systems themselves, which often do not work, which makes them less effective in the general context. However, this does not deny the fact of danger to Ukrainian citizens," the experts noted.
According to them, components of foreign origin were also found in these missiles, which indicates the importance of continuing to strengthen sanctions pressure and control.
Experts note that while sanctions work, many components for Russian weapons fall through third countries or circumvent restrictions. "It is important to track the origin of components and block such supply routes. For example, after the appeal of the Ukrainian side to Poland on the facts of identifying the components of Polish companies, a tangible result was achieved," the KNIISE stressed.
Ukrainian researchers continue to transfer the collected evidence to international partners, including for consideration in courts such as the Hague tribunal. This is an important step in the fight for justice and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia.
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It is worth noting that the Russians are constantly trying to modify and modernize all the types of missiles and drones available to them, which are used for attacks on Ukraine. KNIISE specialists in the commentary UNN toldwhat features are being discussed and what role Western components play in changing enemy weapons. the enemy uses more than just western components. According to Alexander Ruvin, director of the Kiev Research Institute of forensic examinations, components for UAVs used by the enemy to attack Ukraine are supplied by about 50 manufacturers from China.
In addition, KNIISE experts have established that the Russian x-69 missiles used by the invaders to hit Ukraine are created from several types of weapons and have foreign componentsand.
