According to the latest findings, Russia has purchased abroad since 2023 over 22 1000 machines and components for computer numerical control (CNC) with a full value of $18.2 billion (approximately PLN 73 billion).
This sum includes more than 10,000 CNC machines worth $403 million (about PLN 1.6 billion) and device tools worth over $4 billion (about $16 billion), according to United24, citing studies carried out by the economical safety Council, Ukrainian NGO.
CNC machines are automated tools controlled by programmed instructions for the precise manufacture of parts by cutting, drilling, milling or shaping materials — a essential production tool to scale modern weapons production. In another fresh report, the United24 media identified "tens" CNC machines in Russian armament facilities.
— Out of 210 Russian device tools importers analysed, at least 190 cooperate or proceed to cooperate with defence companies said United24 Olena Jurchenko, elder Advisor and Chief Analyst of the economical safety Council.
The People's Republic of China remains a key supplier, whose share exceeds half all machines and components sold to Russia. The next are Taiwan and South Korea.
citing customs data between the beginning of 2023 and the first 7 months of 2024, the economical safety Council noted Change in Russia's supplier countries.
Before the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia bought equipment mainly from Japan and the EU, writes United24. While China, Taiwan and South Korea dominated Russian CNC import, many of them are inactive equipped with nipponese or German CNC systems due to their "unmatched" quality, reports United24. Meanwhile, Europe presently covers 5.6% of deliveries, headed by Italy.
Less machines, more components
As for CNC components, Switzerland and Germany are located just behind China in deliveries to Russia, covering almost a 4th of deliveries. However, Russia imports much more components than machines. The survey estimated that Russia imported CNC components worth over $12.8 billion (about PLN 51.3 billion), of which almost 50% were produced in China and around 20% in Switzerland.
Alexander Kazakov/Kremlin Pool / AFPVladimir Putin visits the tank mill on Nizhny Tagał. Illustration image
"The combined value of European components delivered to Russia from EU producers exceeds $1 billion (approximately PLN 4 billion — ed.). At the same time, components produced by subsidiaries of European brands in 3rd countries were delivered to Russia for over $6.9 million. (about PLN 27,7 million — ed.)" wrote United24.
The survey showed that European components are frequently purchased by intermediaries and 3rd countries. Although Europe imposed sanctions on Russia's access to CNC equipment in the 12th and 14th package of sanctions, Russia is building fresh chains of intermediate companies to aid import equipment and components.
