Indian-made electronics found in Russian Shahed drones; Ukraine informs MEA: Report

Ukrainian explosives experts and police officers examine parts of a Shahed 136 military drone that fell down following an air-attack in Kharkiv on June 4. (AFP file photo)

Ukraine has reportedly raised concerns with the Indian government and the European Union, formally, over Indian-origin electronic components reportedly found in Iranian-designed drones used by Russian forces in the war in Ukraine.

To be noted, these unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), Shahed 136 drones, have been deployed extensively by Russia since 2022.

Ukrainian authorities have reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through diplomatic channels on at least two occasions over the past year, it has been learnt from a Hindustan Times report.

Investigations by Ukrainian defence officials reportedly identified components from two firms -- U.S.-based Vishay Intertechnology and Bengaluru-based Aura Semiconductor.

A Vishay bridge rectifier (model E300359), assembled in India, was allegedly found in the drone’s voltage regulator. A PLL-based signal generator chip (AU5426A) manufactured by Aura has been, meanwhile, traced to the drone’s satellite navigation system.

The components were first discovered during inspections of downed Shahed drones, Ukraine’s defence intelligence agency (HUR) said via official channels, it has been learnt from the report.

Ukrainian diplomats reportedly flagged the issue to EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan during his mid-July visit to New Delhi, it has been learnt from the report. O’Sullivan was in India to discuss the EU’s latest sanctions on Russia, including a ban on refined products linked to Russian crude. He alsoflagged India’s Vadinar refinery for scrutiny.

However, despite Kyiv's concerns, New Delhi has maintained that its laws and international commitments continue to remain the same.

Speaking on the matter, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has remarked, “India’s exports of dual-use items are in keeping with its international obligations on non-proliferation, and based on its robust domestic legal and regulatory framework. Due diligence is conducted to ensure that such exports do not violate any of our laws.”

Aura Semiconductor co-founder Kishore Ganti has also expressed concern, in the meantime, over the findings and stressed that the company strictly adheres to compliance regulations, states the report.

Aura said it had initiated a limited internal audit but could not determine the end-user.

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report.

As per officials cited in the abovementioned report, the components might have been legally exported to destinations in West Asia before being diverted, most likely without the manufacturers’ knowledge, to Iran or Russia.

Following Kyiv's communication, Indian security agencies reportedly visited electronics manufacturers in cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, in a bid to increase awareness of export compliance, particularly regarding dual-use technologies.

The Shahed 136 drone has remarkably become a key element in Russia’s offensive against Ukraine, valued for its affordability and ease of production. Ukraine’s air force reported over 6,100 Shahed-type drones launched this July.

Initially supplied by Iran, the drones are now reportedly being assembled within Russia using imported parts. Ukrainian authorities have also identified components from U.S. and Chinese firms in various Russian weapons systems.