CNA: Russia Is Critically Dependent on Chinese Tires and Raw Materials for Combat Aircraft

The Taiwanese media outlet CNA has published data from the Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESC) on the critical dependence of the Russian Federation on Chinese aircraft tires.

According to the ESC, 85% of the tires required for Su-34 and Su-35C aircraft are sourced from China, CNA cited the NEC report.

In particular, in 2024, imports of tires and materials from China exceeded $60 million.

Deliveries of finished tires amounted to $10.3 million, which also accounts for 85% of all Russian imports.

In addition, China supplied Russia with $9.3 million worth of aramid fibers, which are key to the production of aircraft tires.

Imports of rubber from China reached $42 million, or 22% of Russia’s total imports of this raw material.

In addition to raw materials, Russian military factories massively use Chinese microelectronic components and computerized numerical control (CNC) machines for processing metals, plastics, and wood.

Out of 29 supplier companies, only five are under US sanctions, indicating that export flows are laxly controlled.

According to the ESC, EU countries also supplied rubber to Russia: in 2024, almost 2,000 tons worth $5.1 million.

Despite the sanctions, strategic materials continue to flow to the Russian military-industrial complex through China and some European jurisdictions, experts say.

“Aircraft tires remain a critical element for the operation of Russian combat aircraft, and Russia’s dependence on them creates potential pressure points on its military-industrial complex,” the Economic Security Council emphasized.

As a reminder, the WSJ recently reported that China is supplying Russia with engines for the Shahed.