South Africa Investigates Possible Use of Locally Made Parts in Russian Drones Operating in Ukraine

South African authorities have launched an investigation into whether locally manufactured components were used in Russian drones deployed in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on October 10, citing government officials familiar with the matter.

The inquiry follows reports that drone parts traced to South African companies had been recovered from downed Russian unmanned aerial vehicles. The National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), which oversees the country’s defense exports, is examining the supply chains involved.

“We are looking into whether these components were exported legally or diverted through intermediaries,” a South African defense official told Bloomberg.

The parts in question reportedly include electronics and mechanical assemblies typically used in commercial drones. South Africa maintains that it has not authorized any arms or dual-use exports to Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Pretoria has faced increasing scrutiny over its neutral stance on the war. Western governments have previously accused South Africa of allowing Russian entities to bypass sanctions, allegations the government has denied.

In May 2023, US Ambassador Reuben Brigety claimed weapons had been loaded onto a Russian vessel in Cape Town, though an independent inquiry later found no evidence supporting the claim.

The NCACC stated it would “cooperate with international partners to ensure compliance with export controls.” No companies have yet been named publicly, and officials said the investigation is ongoing.

Earlier, it was reported that a Russian Shahed factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan has been recruiting young women from dozens of low-income countries (including via South Africa-affiliated networks) to work in drone production.

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