Ukraine Displays Russian Weapon Components

Ukrainian presidential advisers displayed components recovered from Russian missiles and drones during a briefing for Ukrainian and foreign media, saying the weapons rely heavily on foreign-made electronics. The briefing was held by Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the president’s sanctions policy commissioner, and Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser on defense technology development.

Beskrestnov said Russia produces as many as 3,000 jet-powered drones each month and is expanding several drone and missile programs. He said Russia has developed five versions of the Geran unmanned aerial vehicle and is increasing production of the Banderol, Filin and Dan-T missiles.

The officials said the displayed systems included components from Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones, as well as Iskander-M, Kalibr, Kh-101, Banderol, Filin and Dan-T missiles. According to Vlasiuk, most of the electronics identified in the weapons were manufactured abroad, with Chinese antennas, engines and cameras particularly common. European and U.S.-made components were also found, he said.

Vlasiuk said Ukraine was sharing information about serial numbers, manufacturers and components with international partners to support sanctions enforcement. He cited new Chinese export licensing requirements for various electronics and drone components, including jet engines, which are scheduled to take effect Nov. 18, while noting that some supplies from China to Russia continue. Beskrestnov also called for the development of lower-cost interceptors and surface-to-air missiles, arguing that expensive air-defense missiles are inefficient against relatively inexpensive drones.