The new EU sanctions package includes a ban on the export of goods and technologies related to the aviation and space industry, including aircraft engines and their parts, including through third countries. This also applies to the sale of parts for drones and the UAVs themselves.
Previously, Russia could purchase parts from intermediaries – partners of Western companies in neutral jurisdictions, but now, if the goods are transferred to Russia, these structures will be subject to European sanctions. Own UAVs, for example, Iran, consist of Western components. Most aircraft parts are produced by companies in the US, Europe and other allied countries. Aviation parts are manufactured under license from Boeing and Airbus in many countries.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, an analysis of Iranian drones shot down in Ukraine, which are used by Russia, showed that 75% of the components of these UAVs are of American origin.
On December 15, an investigation was published stating that Western companies continue to supply Russia with components for Russian Orlan-10 drones. Western countries also continue to supply semiconductors to Russia, in particular through Estonia. The Tallinn company Elmec Trade OÜ sent goods worth at least $17 million to Russia from April 1 to October 31.