According to a recent Rhodus Intelligence report, Russia’s missile manufacturing industry is on the brink of collapse due to a severe shortage of Western machinery. This shortage arises from Russia’s heavy reliance on computerized equipment from Western Europe and East Asia, which has been restricted by sanctions and geopolitical tensions.
Post-Soviet Russia outsourced much of its industrial production to foreign nations, especially US allies. Russia’s military modernization in the 2000s and 2010s heavily depended on imported computerized equipment. This equipment became the backbone of its missile production, as Rhodus Intelligence notes:
“Russia’s military buildup was based on mass import of computerized equipment from US allies. These supplies formed the Russian missile manufacturing base, leaving it dependent on spare parts, consumables, and software support from those allies.”
The automation of Soviet-era machines with CNC equipment boosted Russia’s machining capacity, enabling it to produce advanced weaponry. However, this progress came at a cost: Russia’s near-complete dependence on Western technology.
Despite popular belief, China’s role in Russia’s military buildup has been limited. China, a “catching development producer,” could not provide Russia’s missile industry with the advanced equipment it required.
“The absence of Chinese tools in Russian missile plants is explained by China’s limited capabilities. As of 2024, China can only provide non-integrated products that cannot substitute for Western European solutions in the short to medium term.”
Russia’s missile production faces significant challenges due to these obstacles. Without access to Western technology, its missile manufacturing infrastructure could face serious setbacks, impacting its long-term military capabilities. CONTINUE READING
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