January 29, 2026 · Author: Dmitry Lukashev
What does The Telegraph report?
The British newspaper The Telegraph published an article claiming that China is assisting Russia in the production of advanced missile systems. According to the report, Beijing allegedly supplies technologies and equipment required for hypersonic weapons, including the Oreshnik missile, which is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
What sources support these claims?
The publication refers to information provided by Ukrainian intelligence services. These sources state that Russian military factories are using Chinese-made computer numerical control (CNC) lathes, which significantly enhance manufacturing precision.
Which weapons are linked to this equipment?
With access to modern CNC machinery, Russia is reportedly able to produce not only the Oreshnik missile, but also Iskander-M tactical ballistic missiles and Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missiles.
How large are China’s technology supplies?
The article states that the volume of Chinese military-related technology supplied to Russia exceeds 10 billion dollars. At the same time, the real figures may be substantially higher than officially estimated.
Why are microchips so important?
Deliveries of microchips and memory boards from China, used in precision weapons, aviation, and unmanned aerial vehicles, are estimated at around 5 billion dollars. These electronic components are described as essential to modern weapons systems.
How dependent is Russia’s defense industry?
According to The Telegraph, a significant portion of Russia’s military-industrial complex relies on components imported from China. Without these supplies, the country would be unable to maintain its current level of military production.
When was the Oreshnik missile used?
The report recalls that Russian armed forces first used the Oreshnik missile in strikes on Ukrainian territory in November 2024. A second strike was carried out on January 9, 2026, targeting a facility in the Lviv region.