The Telegraph: China helping Russia produce Oreshnik missiles

China is supplying Russia with specialised equipment, tools and advanced devices used in the production of hypersonic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, including the Oreshnik missile system, The Telegraph reports, citing Ukrainian intelligence.

According to the report, the total value of Chinese technologies and equipment delivered to Russia amounts to at least $10.3 billion. Chinese computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools are said to play a key role in boosting Russia’s missile production capacity.

Ukrainian intelligence reportedly identified one such CNC machine at the Votkinsk Plant, where Oreshnik, Iskander-M and Topol-M missiles are manufactured.

The newspaper also said that China has supplied Russia with ball bearings critical to the aviation industry, as well as piezoelectric crystals used in radar systems and electronic warfare equipment. Additional deliveries allegedly included telescopic sights and measuring instruments used for weapons testing.

All of these components are classified as dual-use or military goods, the export of which to Russia is prohibited under Western sanctions.

Analysts quoted by the newspaper said that without access to Chinese technology and markets, Russia would struggle to sustain its military effort and maintain the pace of advanced weapons production.

By Vugar Khalilov