Despite claims that Western sanctions have minimal impact on russia’s access to civilian Western electronics, recent developments suggest otherwise. Russia has begun actively integrating domestically produced microelectronics into its military products.
A report, obtained by Defense Express from its own sources, highlights the utilization of russian-made components in SN-99 satellite navigation units used in russian cruise and guided missiles. The command device chip, signal receivers, piezoelectric filters and voltage converter are all sourced from russian entities, including the Research Institute of Space Instrumentation and the russian Institute of Radionavigation and Time, affiliated with the Almaz-Antey concern.
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However, despite this shift towards domestic microelectronics, russia still relies heavily on Western electronic imports. The SN-99 units incorporate a significant number of chips from American companies. To obfuscate the origin of components, markings are intentionally tampered with during board assembly.
Furthermore, the new SN-99 block includes a relatively cumbersome modification aimed at increasing the number of communication channels with satellites from 24 to 50.
It’s noteworthy that the replacement of Western components with russian ones maintains the dimensional characteristics and connection means of the boards. This ensures that the substitution doesn’t alter the performance of the main product into which these navigation units are integrated.
Nevertheless, the substitution process suggests potential challenges in procuring the necessary electronics or perhaps an anticipation of greater repercussions from Western sanctions by the Kremlin. This push towards expanding domestic microelectronics production indicates a strategic shift in response to external pressures.
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