Russia continues to import inertial navigation sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers — key components for drone navigation alongside satellite guidance, The Insider has discovered after analyzing Russian customs databases.
Inertial navigation relies on accelerometers to measure acceleration and gyroscopes to track a device's movement, enabling the calculation of trajectory through motion equations. Magnetometers further enhance accuracy by detecting the Earth's magnetic field direction. High-quality inertial sensors are essential for drones in combat situations — especially when adversaries disrupt satellite signals.
In 2024, the leading importer of inertial sensors to Russia was LLC “FabTsentr” — a company linked to the Ostek («Остек») and Yadro FAB Dubna («Yadro ФАБ Дубна») groups, both of which feature prominently in The Insider’s previous reporting. Ostek has been involved in supplying electronics and industrial equipment for manufacturers of “Kinzhal” missiles, while Yadro has relied on foreign-made components in the production of its internet filtering technology.
In second place is LLC «Lumos» (ООО «Люмос»), which — as previously revealed by The Insider — is responsible for a significant portion of drone component imports into Russia.
In third place is LLC «Mach Unit» (ООО «Маш Юнит») — a major electronics manufacturer and retailer with significant revenue, multiple certifications, and a well-developed website.
Another major buyer is LLC “Gemam” (ООО «Гемам») — a relatively unknown company with a reported revenue of over 1 billion rubles in 2023. According to its website, Gemam operates purely as a reseller, with no in-house development or production. Among the other top purchasers is Eltrade (ООО «Элтрейд»), a retailer specializing in electrical engineering and automation equipment.
Western sensor manufacturers whose products appear in Russian import data include: Analog Devices, Honeywell, Innalabs, Kistler Holding, Nexperia, Onsemi, and the Parker-Lord Corporation.
Meanwhile, the leading Chinese suppliers of sensors and inertial systems to Russia are Ericco, Cuav Tech, Jiujiang Xunwei Automation Equipment, and Wuxi Lins-Tech.
MEMS gyroscopes produced by the Xi’An-based Ericco were previously discovered by Ukraine in a downed Russian Shahed-136 drone (an Iranian-designed UAV widely used by Moscow’s forces).
Gyroscopes, accelerometers, inertial sensors, and navigation systems are being actively purchased by state military and aerospace enterprises in Russia, as well as by drone manufacturers.
Some of the key Russian organizations procuring gyroscopes include the Academician Pilyugin Center, the Elektropribor Institute, and the Polyus Scientific Research Institute named after M. F. Stelmakh.
Defense enterprises acquiring inertial navigation systems include the Kalashnikov Concern (a major arms manufacturer), the Burevestnik Central Scientific Research Institute, and the Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Equipment.
Despite making significant investments in the development of domestic inertial navigation systems over the past decade, Russia continues to rely on foreign-made components. Imported inertial sensors — including gyroscopes and accelerometers — have been found in Russian weaponry downed in Ukraine, including in “Parodya” and “Orlan” drones.
The Insider reached out to Analog Devices, Honeywell, Innalabs, Kistler Holding, Nexperia, Onsemi, and the Parker-Lord Corporation for comment regarding their possible involvement in shipping such components to Russia.
Nexperia replied that Jiaheng Trading Limited does not appear in their direct or indirect trade records. The company also noted that the product mentioned in the inquiry likely belongs to a sensor category that Nexperia does not manufacture.
Kistler confirmed that it strictly adheres to embargo regulations and actively works to identify and eliminate distributors who reroute their products to Russia. The company added that it has made necessary changes to its terms and conditions.
Innalabs emphasized its full compliance with EU export control laws, asserting that it does not ship products to Russia. Following an internal review of its records, the company confirmed that it has never engaged in business with Xinghua Co Limited or supplied products to Gdynia, Poland, as claimed in the provided documents. It further noted that Xinghua Co Limited, a Chinese importer/exporter, is listed under UK sanctions for unlawfully acquiring products on behalf of Russia. Innalabs concluded by saying that it has never conducted business with this company and that it has no plans to do so in the future.