Since 2023, Russia has imported over 22,000 computer numerical control (CNC) machines and components, valued at $18.2 billion, according to recent research by the Economic Security Council, a Ukrainian NGO. The report, shared by United24 media, highlights a substantial shift in Russia’s supply chains and its reliance on foreign CNC technology amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The total expenditure includes more than 10,000 CNC machines, worth $403 million, and machine tools valued at over $4 billion. CNC machines, essential for precise manufacturing processes such as cutting, drilling, and milling, are critical for scaling modern arms production and maintaining Russia’s defense capabilities.
Foreign Suppliers Driving Russia’s CNC Imports
The research reveals that China has emerged as the primary supplier of CNC machines and components, accounting for more than half of the imports. Taiwan and South Korea follow closely behind, playing a significant role in Russia’s procurement strategy. The analysis of 210 Russian machine tool importers showed that at least 190 are connected to defense enterprises, underlining the strategic importance of these imports for military production.
“Dozens of CNC machines have been identified at Russian defense plants, further emphasizing their role in modernizing arms production,” said Olena Yurchenko, the Economic Security Council’s senior advisor and chief analyst, in a statement to United24.
Shift in Supplier Landscape After 2022
The customs data, covering imports from early 2023 to mid-2024, shows a clear shift in Russia’s sourcing patterns. Before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia predominantly sourced CNC equipment from Japan and European Union countries. However, following the conflict, China, Taiwan, and South Korea have taken the lead, although many of the imported machines still feature Japanese or German CNC systems due to their superior quality.
European countries now supply only 5.6% of Russia’s CNC imports, with Italy being the largest European exporter.
Components Outpace Machine Imports
While Russia continues to import a significant number of CNC machines, it is the importation of components that constitutes the bulk of its spending. The research estimates that Russia spent over $12.8 billion on CNC components, nearly half of which were sourced from China. Switzerland and Germany are also key players, with the latter two supplying almost a quarter of the components.
Europe’s contribution to Russia’s component imports remains significant, exceeding $1 billion. However, much of this European equipment enters Russia via intermediaries and third countries, circumventing sanctions imposed by the EU. Notably, components from European brand subsidiaries based outside of Europe were supplied to Russia, amounting to over $6.9 million.
Despite the EU’s sanctions against Russia’s access to CNC equipment through its 12th and 14th sanctions packages, Russia has adapted by establishing new intermediary networks, enabling continued access to crucial technologies.
The increasing reliance on foreign CNC machinery and components underscores the importance of these tools to Russia’s defense industry as the geopolitical situation evolves.
