South Africa launches probe after its parts found in Russian combat drones – Bloomberg
Photo: South Africa is investigating how their parts could have ended up in Russian drones (Getty Images)
The South African government is investigating how electronic equipment manufactured in the country ended up in Russian drones used to attack Ukraine, Bloomberg reports.
According to the agency, this refers to a laser rangefinder manufactured by Lightware Optoelectronics Ltd., which, according to the company, is not intended for military use.
The company blamed unscrupulous buyers for using the equipment in Russian drones and said that this did not fall within the remit of the National Arms Control Committee.
The laser rangefinder can be used to measure distances and initiate detonation.
It is still officially unclear how Russia obtained this equipment, which is not intended for military use. Under South African law, companies are prohibited from exporting weapons to a country involved in active conflict without the permission of the National Arms Control Committee.
"We are profoundly disturbed to learn that one of the technologies we support has been found in such a nefarious application. It is deeply unfortunate that component manufacturers lack the means to fully trace the end use of their products," said Samantha Pokroy, CEO of Sanari Capital.
Russian equipment analysis
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that in the fourth year of full-scale war, Russia continues to receive foreign components for the manufacture of weapons.
Specialists have revealed the technical characteristics of the S8000 Banderol cruise missile, which can be used from Mi-28N attack helicopters.
The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine also revealed a technical unboxing of the new Russian V2U strike drone, which is actively used in the Sumy direction. A distinctive feature of the device is its autonomous target selection thanks to artificial intelligence.
Russian Iskander that struck the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine contained more than 30 foreign parts. Spare parts manufactured in the United States, Britain, and Japan were found in the missile.
