China Increases Support to Russia, Exports More Machine Tools

China's exports of advanced machine tools to Russia have heavily increased. The supplies have surged tenfold since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as reported by the Financial Times. The increased shipments from China primarily include vital CNC machine tools crucial for precise metal milling.

In particular, in the production of defense items such as missiles, armored vehicles, and ammunition.

This equipment plays a significant role in manufacturing parts for cruise missile engines, requiring high-precision machining

Russian customs reports indicate a notable uptick, with Chinese manufacturers shipping £68 million worth of equipment in July, compared to £6.5 million in February 2022, when Russia initiated the full-scale invasion. The shift to increased reliance on Chinese suppliers comes amid a decline in Russia's imports of machine tools from the EU, traditionally a major source, due to tightened restrictions since February 2022. Russia is now exploring alternative sources not subject to international control bodies.

The data from customs reports reveals that in July, machine tools of Chinese origin constituted 57% of Russia's total imports, a substantial increase from the pre-war figure of only 12%. The report also suggests that Moscow has continued importing considerable amounts of equipment from Taiwan and South Korea. Amidst these developments, Russia is directing more resources toward the advancement of its domestic defense industry.

In September 2023, plans were disclosed regarding the resumption of production for T-80 tanks, including their parts and gas turbine engines.

A Russian propagandist and engineer of the Kaluga Turbine Plant in the company's workshop against the backdrop of tank engines, September 23

It involves the establishment of production for the GTD-1250 engine, originally produced at the Kaluga Turbine Plant during the Soviet era. This development is anticipated to facilitate the restoration of more Soviet-era tanks from storage, enabling them to be reintegrated into active service. Furthermore, the venture opens avenues for the production of new combat vehicles.

In addition, Russia remains actively engaged in the production of fighter and tactical bomber aircraft, necessitating a considerable demand for high-precision machine tools.