Key UAV manufacturer in Russia ramps up production despite sanctions – leaked documents

The Russian manufacturer of Orlan-10 reconnaissance drones is growing its production despite sanctions and dependence on Western parts.

Source: volunteer community Inform Napalm, having analysed documents leaked by hackers from the Ukrainian group CyberResistance

Details: The company in question is the Special Technology Centre (STC). Volunteers have observed using one UAV model as an example that the company's products consist almost entirely of imported electronics.

In particular, the propeller and engine are manufactured by the Chinese company T-Motor. The flight controller and GPS module are made by China's Radiolink Electronic Limited, the laptops by Lenovo, and the cameras by Sony. Moreover, the company imports devices, parts and equipment made in the USA, Germany, Spain, Austria, the UK, Switzerland, etc.

An analysis of procurement documents revealed that the schemes for importing sanctioned parts are primitive. The goods from the manufacturer are delivered to a distributor in the same country and then purchased by an intermediary company from China, Serbia, the UAE or Türkiye. A Russian importing company then acquires the supplies and transfers them to the drone manufacturing plant. Settlements are made in US dollars, euros, and Chinese yuan.

The analysts also found that the STC has permanent partners from China who supply critical electronic components.

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