Ukraine identifies French technology in Russian RM-48U missiles used by S-400 systems

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Ukraine’s investigation into the presence of foreign technology in Russia’s arsenal has uncovered further Western-made components allegedly used in RM-48U missiles, a variant deployed by S-400 air-defence systems. The items identified reportedly include a laser module manufactured in France by 3SP Technologies, according to information presented by Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine’s Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy.

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The finding was made public during a briefing with local media and forms part of the Ukrainian authorities’ work to trace the source of electronic and technological components recovered from weapons used by Russia. The purpose is to share this information with international partners and strengthen sanctions and export controls targeting Russia’s defence industry.

Foreign technology identified in RM-48U missiles

According to the information presented, the module made by 3SP Technologies is reportedly incorporated into the RM-48U’s inertial navigation system. This technology is important in establishing the missile’s flight path, allowing it to navigate without needing to rely continuously on external signals.

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The French-made component would be used in the system’s gyroscopic assembly, which may use fibre-optic technology or solid-state laser gyroscopes.

Russian missiles also reportedly use components from the United States, Japan, Switzerland and Germany

Ukraine’s analysis also found other foreign-origin elements in the RM-48U electronic architecture. They reportedly include an amplifier made by the US company Analog Devices and an integrated circuit from Texas Instruments. The reports also identified components linked to Maxim Integrated Products and ON Semiconductor Corporation, both American companies.

Reliance on overseas technology would also extend to the satellite-navigation system. RM-48U missiles reportedly use a 12-channel Kometa antenna, which can receive navigation data to supplement the inertial system and correct possible deviations in flight. The investigation identified supercapacitors manufactured by Japan’s Elna Co., satellite-navigation modules from Switzerland’s U-blox, and a microcontroller made by Germany’s Infineon Technologies, among other components.

For Kyiv, identifying these items reinforces the need to widen restrictions on Russian companies involved in missile production. “All these files have been shared with our partners. Consequently, we expect all Russian manufacturers of ballistic weapons to be added to sanctions lists between September and October. This affects more than 100 companies (…) If sanctions are imposed and export controls are established, we believe this will have a decisive impact on Russia’s ability to manufacture these ballistic weapons,” Vlasiuk said.

Russia adapts S-400 system missiles for strikes against ground targets

The RM-48U has also drawn attention because it represents an expansion of the S-400 system’s operational options. By modifying missiles from the 48N6 family, Russia is said to have developed an additional capability to strike ground targets from launchers originally designed for air-defence missions.

Ukrainian intelligence estimates that Moscow has around 17 launchers adapted for this role. Some of these units are believed to have already taken part in attacks on Ukrainian territory, adding RM-48U missiles to the range of ballistic and cruise weapons employed by Russia.

Ukraine confirmed the missiles’ use during attacks recorded on 20 January this year. At the time, the country’s intelligence service stated that it was the first identification of this type of weapon in operations since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The offensive also involved Shahed drones, Iskander missiles and Kh-101 missiles.

RM-48U stocks and production targets

Other large-scale attacks recorded on 2 June and 19 July reportedly also involved RM-48U missiles. At the start of 2026, Ukrainian intelligence estimated that Russia held approximately 400 of these missiles, allocated across five groupings, chiefly in the Bryansk and Rostov regions. Moscow had also reportedly set a production target of more than 480 units by the end of the year.

The increase in manufacturing would be linked to the need to expand the available missile stockpile for attacks on Ukraine, particularly given the heavy use of other systems, including Iskander missiles, since the conflict began.

Images used for illustrative purposes only.