DIU Identifies 30 Foreign Machines in Russian Missile Production

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) published data on 30 specific items of foreign-made equipment currently used by Russian firms that manufacture ballistic missiles and their parts. The list identifies machines originating from China, Germany, Taiwan, the United States, Türkiye, Switzerland, and Italy. These tools support the production of critical components such as altimeters, aerodynamic rudders, and gyroscopes.

The agency reported a rise in the number of Chinese machine tools and machining centers, with a specific increase in five-axis systems. DIU noted that while these Chinese tools are manufactured domestically, they rely heavily on components from Europe, Japan, and Taiwan. These imported parts include CNC systems, servo drives, high-precision spindles, bearings, and linear guides.

One specific entry in the data is the GX-650 five-axis universal machining center. Made by the Chinese firm Hyper Machine Tool, this machine is installed at the Votkinsk Plant. That facility produces the 9M723 Iskander-M ballistic missile and the missile body for the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic weapon.

The list also cites turning and milling machining centers from the Chinese manufacturer Shtral. These units are used in production processes at PEMZ Molot JSC, a company responsible for electronic equipment units for Iskander-M missiles. German measuring equipment from Rohde & Schwarz appears in the data as well. That gear is installed at UPKB Detal, which manufactures altimeters for Zircon missiles.

DIU stated that these findings require tighter control over the end users of such equipment. The agency proposed conducting on-site inspections at the locations where the machines are installed. It also urged monitors to track the supply of spare parts, software, and consumables.

The intelligence agency recommended checking distributors and intermediaries to investigate cases where equipment ends up in the Russian defense industry. It further proposed restricting the supply of CNC systems and other components to Chinese manufacturers whose products are utilized by Russian defense firms. This release follows earlier DIU reports on 13 items of foreign equipment used to produce Kometa navigation modules.

The agency previously revealed details on the components of the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missile and the companies involved in its production. The current data expands on that work by detailing the specific foreign hardware used in the manufacturing process.