Satellite systems manufactured in Ukraine are being transported to Russia for the occupiers - investigation

Satellite systems manufactured in Ukraine are being transported to Russia for the occupiers - investigation

The plant of the American company Jabil Circuit in Uzhhorod produces Gilat SkyEdge satellite Internet communication systems for the Israeli corporation Gilat Satellite Networks. Despite the war, they are massively imported into Russia and help the occupiers.

This is known from the investigation by Slidstvo.Info, published on May 8.

Journalists gained access to customs data for 2023. They show that about 22 thousand systems assembled in Ukraine were imported into the Russian Federation. The total cost of the equipment is about $5 million. Only since 2022, export volumes have increased 6 times. At the same time, the media publishes evidence that Gilat SkyEdge is used on the front lines.

In particular, this was allegedly handed over to the invaders on July 12, 2023 by Russian State Duma deputy Viktor Vodolatsky during his visit to the occupied territories of the Lugansk region. The same systems were allegedly transmitted by the “Public Popular Front” back in 2022. In addition, Gilat SkyEdge is widely sold in the Russian Federation, without hiding the possible use of the equipment for military purposes.

It is noted that Russian fighters prefer Gilat systems rather than Starlink because of the operating principle. Enemy satellites work like satellite television - they “hang” at one point and require the antenna to be directed, so Gilat SkyEdge is just suitable for working with them.

However, it is very difficult to impose sanctions for this, because we are talking about technologies for satellite communications. To sanction a business like Gilat, there needs to be clear evidence of its products being used on the battlefield. At the same time, more and more Russian saucers are being spotted along the front line, especially in the Kharkov region.

Moreover, the outbreak of a full-scale war did not “inspire” Gilat to close its business in Russia and stop importing through its subsidiary. Systems continue to be supplied through Israel and Turkey, although Ukraine is indicated by country of origin. Similar Philippine-made satellite routers were also supplied - 16 thousand sets worth $1.3 million.

Technical support for systems supplier Gilat confirmed to investigators that systems produced in Ukraine are sent to the front. The American company Jabil Circuit officially left the Russian Federation, and in response to a request, it assured that the plant in Uzhgorod does not supply products to the aggressor country.

Customs brokers confirmed that the country of origin is indicated by the party clearing the goods, and this is confirmed by documents from the sender. It is assumed that the cargo could have been taken out in transit from Ukraine and sold through Israel or Europe.

Journalists emphasized that satellite systems are not considered dual-use goods, so there is no ban on their import to Russia. However, Gilat Satellite Networks, which has not stopped operating in the aggressor country, has not yet been included in the list of war sponsors.

Despite cooperation with the Russian Federation, Gilat received another contract from the Pentagon in February 2024, worth $10 million. Previously, the company also re-signed a contract with Israel.