Ukraine Discovers Indian Component in Russian Weapons

For the first time since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv’s intelligence agency (HUR) has discovered an Indian-made component in a captured Russian weapon — a finding that underscores Moscow’s ongoing efforts to circumvent international sanctions.

A clock buffer, developed by Bengaluru-based Aura Semiconductor, was among nearly 200 newly-identified components found across six types of Russian weapon systems seized on the battlefield.

However, the HUR did not specify which weapon systems contained this component.

Clock buffers play a crucial role in synchronizing electronic signals within complex systems.

In military applications, they are used to enhance the performance of precision-dependent weapons, particularly those requiring high-speed data processing.

These components are commonly integrated into guidance and navigation systems, drones, electronic warfare systems, and radar and surveillance systems.

Evading Sanctions

The integration of Indian components into Russian weaponry is seen as an effort by Moscow to bypass strict international sanctions.

The US, the UK, and the European Union have imposed extensive sanctions targeting key sectors, such as defense, energy, and finance, to cripple Russia’s economy.

These measures have restricted Russia’s access to advanced technology, foreign investment, and global markets.

By May 2022, three months into the war, a US defense official acknowledged that international sanctions were already impacting Russia’s arms industry, forcing it to turn to North Korean weapons to replenish its stockpiles.

In addition to Indian-made components, Russian weapons have also been found to contain critical parts from the US, China, France, Germany, and other EU nations.