Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
An international cyber operation has uncovered how sanctions are crippling Russia’s ability to build its next-generation military aircraft.
Intelligence reports reveal deep production problems behind Moscow’s most advanced fighter and bomber projects.
The volunteer intelligence collective InformNapalm, together with the Fenix cybersecurity center, said it had gained access to the internal systems and secret files of the Russian engineering company OKBM.
In an official statement, InformNapalm said it had conducted “a multi-stage intelligence operation against the Russian company OKBM, which specializes in the production of components for strategic aviation.”
The hacked materials reportedly include internal correspondence, technical documents, and production records related to the Su-57 fighter and the upcoming PAK DA stealth bomber.
Both aircraft are central to Russia’s efforts to modernize its air force.
Sanctions hit production
According to InformNapalm’s analysis, OKBM’s internal documents show that Russia cannot manufacture essential components for these aircraft without foreign technology.
“An analysis of OKBM’s internal documentation shows that Russia currently lacks the capacity to independently produce components for its future aircraft,” the group stated.
The leaked documents are written in Cyrillic, making it impossible for the editorial office to independently verify the information.
CNC shortage due to sanctions
The report highlights that Russia’s dependence on imported CNC (computer numerical control) machines has become a major obstacle.
Western sanctions have sharply limited access to these precision tools, severely restricting Moscow’s ability to produce critical parts.
“Therefore, the sanctions are effective and significant because they limit Russian military capabilities,” InformNapalm added.
Future projects in doubt
The difficulties come as the EU prepares its 19th package of sanctions, which will include OKBM on the list of targeted entities.
Analysts say the company’s inclusion could further slow down the development of advanced aircraft.
The PAK DA bomber, still in the early stages of development, is meant to replace older long-range bombers in Russia’s strategic fleet.
Meanwhile, the Su-57—Russia’s most advanced operational fighter—is intended to demonstrate the country’s fifth-generation stealth capabilities.
High hopes, high hurdles
The Su-57 is a twin-engine, multi-role aircraft capable of reaching speeds over 2,100 km/h and operating at altitudes up to 20,000 meters.
It carries a 30 mm cannon and can be equipped with multiple air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including the Kh-69 cruise missile.
Despite its technological ambitions, experts note that Russia has so far struggled to produce the fighter in large numbers.
The revelations from InformNapalm suggest those problems may persist for years as sanctions continue to block access to key manufacturing technology.
You can see the leaked documents on InformNapalm’s website.
Sources: InformNapalm, Reuters, BBC, AP
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation
