Achilles heel of Russia's military might: Western CNCs

Euromaidan Press writes about it.

In recent incidents, such as the Iskander missile strike in Hroza and the tragic deaths of volunteers, the common thread is the use of precision weapons manufactured with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools imported from the West. These tools, vital for producing advanced military hardware, constitute a strategic weakness for Russia.

Over 70% of Russia's CNC machine tools are imported, primarily from the US, EU, and Japan. More than 80% of these CNCs find their way into Russia's military production facilities. A recent roadmap by the Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU) suggests targeting CNC imports to weaken Russia's military capabilities.

CNC machines are automated robots that use software to produce metal parts without direct human involvement. They play a pivotal role in manufacturing advanced weaponry, including missiles, aircraft, and radar systems.

Every Russian tank, plane, APC, and even nuclear weapons incorporate parts made with foreign CNC machine tools. Russia relies on Western-made CNCs, and attempts to substitute them have proven difficult.

Top CNC producers supplying Russia include DMG Mori, Trumpf, Fair Friend Group, Haas, and others. Despite sanctions, companies like Haas, Niles-Simmons, and DMG Mori have been implicated in indirectly supplying the Russian arms industry.

The West can significantly hamper Russia's military capabilities by restricting the import of CNC machine tools. China and Germany are major contributors, with Germany supplying at least $242 million worth of tools to Russia.

Blocking CNC exports to Russia

Effective sanctions are crucial to weaken Russia's war machine. While Russia's oil revenue has surged, its military spending is set to reach record levels. In the first half of 2023, despite controls, Russia imported nearly $800 million of critical battlefield technology.

To disrupt Russia's weapon production, the West should:

• Include all CNC machine tools and spare parts under export controls.
• Regularly target and sanction companies aiding evasion.
• Introduce stringent checks on clients and enforce Know-Your-Customer practices for CNC producers.
• Install GPS trackers on CNC machines, stop servicing those in Russia, and cut software updates.

These recommendations, shared with US Congress and law enforcement, have spurred action. Over 20 US congressmen urge a CNC machinery focus on sanctions, and the EU is contemplating its inclusion.

By restricting Russia's access to these manufacturing tools, the West can cost-effectively diminish Moscow's military production, tilting the odds against Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine.