How German-Made Transistors Reach Russian Drones via Third Countries to Evade Sanctions

German Electronic Components Found in Russian Attack Drones

According to Главком: Russian drones attacking Ukraine contain electronic components manufactured in Germany. According to data from the War&Sanctions portal of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (GUR), 137 parts of German origin have been identified, predominantly transistors from Infineon Technologies. The report notes that producing 40,000 'Geran-2' (Shahed-136) drones in 2025 could require nearly half a million German transistors. German manufacturers state they comply with sanctions and ceased direct shipments to Russia in 2022. This highlights the ongoing challenge of enforcing export controls on dual-use technology in complex global supply chains.

German-made electronic parts continue to be discovered in Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used against Ukrainian cities. For instance, in November 2021, German broadcaster ARD reported that a 2017 Russian reconnaissance drone in Donbas contained an engine from the German company 3W Modellmotoren. In late January 2025, German media reported that the 'Geran-5' UAV contained transistors from Infineon Technologies. According to War&Sanctions data, over half of the 137 identified parts were found in drones, with transistors being the most common component, numbering around 50 units.

Manufacturers and Component Quantities

The most prevalent German manufacturer is Infineon Technologies, accounting for 58 of the 137 parts. Other components found in the drones include:

• 7 electronic components made by the German firm EPCOS AG (TDK Electronics);
• 9 parts from Germany's Würth Elektronik;
• Three pumps from Germany's Pierburg (a subsidiary of Rheinmetall) in the 'Geran-2' (Shahed-136) UAV;
• A pump from Bosch in the 'Geran-3' drone;
• A push-button switch from Bosch in the Shahed-136.

GUR information indicates that the onboard control system of each 'Geran' series drone, starting with the 'Geran-2', uses between 8 and 12 German-made transistors. In 2023, the share of American parts in these drones may have reached 80%, but currently up to 60% of components are of Chinese origin. GUR representatives stated that Infineon transistors can be ordered online, though an eBay seller does not ship them directly to Russia, Belarus, or Kazakhstan. It is believed the transistors are procured for Russia through front companies in Germany.

German professor Victor Winkler confirmed that since 2022, the supply of military components from Germany to Russia increasingly occurs directly through criminal intermediary firms within Germany. Meanwhile, Infineon halted all shipments to Russia in 2022, and Rheinmetall states it does not trade with Russia. In January 2024, German customs informed Rheinmetall that civilian electric fuel pumps manufactured in July 2020 had reached Russia; however, the company noted this did not constitute a supply from Rheinmetall.

Würth Elektronik also ceased trade with Russia in 2022. Bosch stated that the fuel pump from the 'Geran-3' UAV is not a Bosch product but acknowledged the push-button switch in the Shahed-136 could be from their standard product line. TDK Electronics had not responded to a DW inquiry at the time of publication.

Thus, despite German manufacturers' claims of sanction compliance, evidence indicates that German-made electronic components continue to be used in Russian military hardware, raising concerns within the context of arms supply. This situation underscores the difficulties in monitoring sanction adherence within global technology supply chains, as components can still reach military technology via indirect channels even after official supply cuts. The significance of these findings grows amid international efforts to strengthen sanctions against Russia, questioning the effectiveness of existing military supply control mechanisms.