Not producing consumer electronics and electronic chips in large quantities, Russia is also very dependent on its imports of high-end semiconductors.
In a decree promulgated on May 12, the Russian government established a list of reduced standards to be able to certify new vehicles produced in the country. Among these new standards, the government authorizes manufacturers not to equip vehicles with ABS sensors or airbags, or even seat belt pretensioners. This decree is in force until February 1, 2023.
At the same time, Russia, according to this same decree, has also considerably reduced environmental standards, according to the daily Kommersant. The newspaper notes that these return to a level equivalent to the vehicles produced in 1988.
Heavy sanctions on the automotive sector
Following the Russian offensive in Ukraine, Western countries imposed heavy sanctions on the Russian automotive sector, in particular banning the export of spare parts to Russia. Since then, many producers have also announced that they will stop selling components or cars to Russia, such as Audi, Honda, Jaguar or Porsche.
In May, Russia published a list of around 100 categories of goods that are allowed to be imported without the agreement of intellectual property holders in order to circumvent restrictions. Among these products, we find in particular the major car brands and spare parts.
Vladimir Putin repeats over and over again that the West has unleashed an economic war against his country but that Russia has resisted the sanctions, and that it now has the chance to develop its own national productions. Except that the lack of components or electronic chips does not only affect the automotive sector.
Effects on tanks?
According to a US report last week, Russia, hit by sanctions, is no longer able to obtain certain components to build new tanks. Ukrainian soldiers have even discovered tanks that work thanks to chips intended for dishwashers and refrigerators, according to the Washington Post. “Ukrainians report to us that when they find Russian military equipment in the field, it’s full of semiconductors they’ve removed from dishwashers and refrigerators,” confirmed Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce. United.
In addition, two of the tank manufacturers in Russia are currently shut down due to lack of components. The situation is not limited to tanks either. British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has indicated that the Russians are also tinkering with their SU-34 bombers. On several downed planes, the Ukrainians discovered basic GPS receivers, taped to the dashboard, to compensate for their insufficient navigation systems.
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