Russian self-reliance in microelectronics remains a distant dream
Rostec communications equipment, pictured at Army 2020 in Moscow. (Photo: Rostec)
A dependence on foreign-made microelectronics remains a critical vulnerability for the Russian defence sector.
On 20 April, Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov announced that his companies are accelerating the development of domestic microelectronics ‘as foreign deliveries can be stopped at any time’.
He added: ‘The trend of recent years shows that import of the electronic components, products and software can be terminated at any time. That is why we are speeding up the development of our own hardware components, technologies and products.’
Concerns over security of supply are not new. The authorities in Moscow recognised this vulnerability in high-technology defence programmes several years ago, and they have been working to improve the situation since then.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
![Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US]()
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
-
![Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences]()
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
