Despite facing Western sanctions, Russia’s arms industry is experiencing a significant boom, with the production of crucial weapons for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine seeing a dramatic increase. The monthly capacity for long-range missiles has more than doubled since the start of the fighting, thanks to new international suppliers providing parts, electronics, and tools.
A study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC, reveals that many of the imports crucial to Russia’s arms production lead back to China. Chinese firms have supplied Russia with semiconductors, navigation equipment, parts for jets, and other essential components. The surge in deliveries from China coincided with a meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, despite China’s claims of neutrality in the conflict.
While Western countries have imposed extensive export controls, Russia has still managed to acquire Western-made components through third countries like Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current sanctions in limiting Russia’s defense industry growth.
Despite the challenges, Russia’s defense spending is expected to reach $115 billion in 2024, a 68% increase from the previous year. However, the country may face shortages of explosive materials needed for munitions production in the near future. Western countries are urged to close loopholes in sanctions and bolster their own production capacity to support Ukraine in the conflict.
The complex web of international supply chains and the involvement of various countries in supporting Russia’s arms industry highlight the ongoing challenges in curbing the country’s military capabilities amidst the conflict in Ukraine.