#SU30Leaks: Kazakhstani specialists maintain Russian Su-30SM aircraft using French equipment from Thales and Safran, 12 September 2024

...The Su-30SM aircraft use foreign-made avionics, primarily from the French companies THALES and SAGEM (or SAFRAN following the acquisition of the latter).

In particular, these machines are equipped with SMD55S and SMD66S multifunctional LCDs, TLS2020 multi-mode receivers, TACAN-NC12 airborne tactical navigation interrogator, HUD 3022 head-up displays manufactured by Thales, and SIGMA 95NAA high-precision inertial navigation system manufactured by Safran.

Without the above equipment, the pilot is effectively blind and the plane turns into a pile of flying metal. In order to continue operating the aircraft and bombing Ukrainian cities, the Russians need to constantly maintain the French equipment...

However, there are many airplanes in operation, and French equipment needs to be serviced. Whereas, sanctions, albeit slowly, are working against Russia. Only specialists certified by the manufacturer may service the components using certified equipment. After the full-scale invasion, Russia allegedly lost access to such capabilities. However, the documents in our possession clearly show that the Russian side found an excellent channel for bypassing sanctions through a contractor in Kazakhstan...

The Limited Liability Company Analyst Research Consulting Group (ARC Group)...has looked fishy since its very inception. Kazakhstani data sources mention only five employees. The company’s website https://arcgroup.kz/ contains only a short general description of the company and contacts. However, they indicate that since 2016, ARC Group has been a licensee of the Committee for Industrial Development and Industrial Safety of the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and has a state license for the export, import, installation, adjustment, modernization, operation, storage, repair and maintenance of aviation equipment and spare parts...