Most Companies Supplying Molniya Drones Remain Outside Western Sanctions

Most companies that supply components for Russian Molniya-series drones are not under Western sanctions. The manufacturer itself is currently not subject to U.S. or U.K. sanctions.

The Kyiv Independent reported this, citing a study by the Ukrainian think tank Center for Defense Reforms.

According to the media, Molniya has become one of the most widely used Russian strike UAVs. Its low cost, relatively simple production, and reported effectiveness have contributed to its widespread use.

In June alone, the Defense Forces shot down about 30,000 Russian Molniya drones. Depending on the modification, the UAVs are used for reconnaissance, air defense, strikes, or to carry FPV drones into the combat area.

The manufacturer, Atlant-Aero, is under sanctions imposed by the EU, Canada, and Ukraine, but is currently not subject to sanctions in the United Kingdom or United States. According to the study, Prominvest JSC, which controls Atlant-Aero, is not under sanctions in any jurisdiction.

Another 10 Russian companies that supply critical components and services for Molniya drone production are also not subject to Western sanctions.

Atlant-Aero’s ultimate beneficial owner, Viktor Grigoryev, and the company’s four other co-owners are also not under Western sanctions.

The study also identified 11 Chinese companies not under sanctions that supply critical components for Molniya drone production. They include Shenzhen Xingkai Technology Company, which supplies equipment for mesh networks. This allows Russian drones to fly deeper into Ukrainian territory. On its website, the company openly states that the technology has military applications.

Ukraine has repeatedly launched drone and missile strikes against Molniya production facilities in Taganrog. In particular, a drone attack on the night of September 12 destroyed three production and storage buildings, while in April, Neptune missiles hit two production halls and completely destroyed another workshop at the plant.