Russia Replaces Dutch Components in Shaheds with Chinese and Taiwanese Ones

Russia is forced to replace high-quality European components in its weapons systems—particularly in the Shaheds—with ‘questionable’ Chinese and Taiwanese ones.

This was reported by the President of Ukraine’s Representative for Sanctions Policy, Vladislav Vlasiuk, on his Facebook page.

According to him, based on the results of an examination of last week’s Shaheds, there have been significant changes in the component base. In particular, some components have been replaced—for example, high-quality Dutch parts have disappeared and been replaced with ‘questionable’ Chinese and Taiwanese ones.

According to the website War-sanctions of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, which tracks the use of foreign components, a total of 12 parts from the Netherlands were found in the Shaheds. They are partially duplicated and divided into four main types: processors and microprocessors, power transistors, inverters, and an inertial measurement unit.

At the same time, Vladislav Vlasyuk notes that Western components have not yet disappeared entirely, and parts manufactured in the U.S. and Europe in 2025 were found in the drones.

The drones’ printed circuit boards are of foreign origin, most likely manufactured in China, with a production date of March 2, 2026.

According to him, one can cautiously speak of a significant drop in the accuracy of Iskander ballistic missiles, which is also confirmed by reports in Russian military-related channels calling for stricter technical control of components, particularly foreign-made ones.

“Increase the number of simultaneous launches of missiles at a single target—up to three. Then at least one will hit the target. Probably,” noted the Russian ‘military correspondent.’

For more details on how Ukraine monitors the use of sanctioned components in Russian weapons, read our special interview with Vladislav Vlasiuk, the President’s Representative on Sanctions Policy.