WorldNYT details Russia’s alleged pipeline for Japanese technology into its weapons

The New York Times reports that Russian weapons continue to contain Japanese-made components, even as manufacturers insist they do not export sensitive technology to Russia. According to the report, intermediaries move the parts to third countries before they reach Russia. Current and former officials from five Western intelligence agencies identified the GRU’s 20th Directorate as responsible for acquiring the technology in Japan. The operation is reportedly run by career officer Maksim Filchenkov, who works undercover as an employee of Aeroflot’s Tokyo office.

Russian weaponsJapanese technologyGRUcovert procurement

MMeduza★★★☆☆2026-07-13 19:54Original