Russian Volunteer Corps Exposes Russian Missile Program Secrets Amidst Sanctions

Russian Volunteer Corps in Ukraine claims to have obtained sensitive intelligence on Russia's missile program, exposing vulnerabilities in defense industry security and impacts of international sanctions.

The Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), a right-wing paramilitary unit composed of Russian citizens and based in Ukraine, claims to have obtained extensive documentation on Russia's missile program. The group, formed in August 2022 to oppose Vladimir Putin's government, asserts that it possesses detailed technical data, designs, and internal communications related to the missile program. The information was reportedly acquired with the help of Russian engineers who collaborated for financial compensation.

In an interview with Ukrainian news outlet 5 Kanal on May 1, 2024, RDK Chief of Staff Alexander, also known as “Fortuna,” discussed the corps' activities and their intelligence operations. He highlighted that the RDK's efforts extend beyond combat, involving significant political activity and open-source intelligence (OSINT) on various Russian military programs. These include missile technology, electronic warfare, and submarine systems, as well as investigations into war crimes and missing persons.

According to Alexander, a significant target of the RDK's intelligence operations is the Russian state-owned Almaz-Antey Corporation. This company is crucial in the arms industry, producing air defense systems, surface-to-surface missiles, and radar equipment. Alexander revealed that around a year and a half ago, the corps obtained crucial documentation on a Russian missile program, leading to the identification of key engineers involved in missile production.

The RDK Chief of Staff noted that some engineers willingly cooperated with the group for financial rewards, while others were coerced or their security systems were breached. He specifically mentioned the Novator Design Bureau, where RDK accessed insider communications. The corps also gathered personal information about the engineers, including their family details and personal activities, which Alexander claims helps in leveraging their cooperation.

Many engineers are reportedly willing to sell intelligence for monthly payments ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, significantly higher than their regular salaries. Alexander stated that dozens of engineers across various missile plants are currently collaborating with the RDK. He criticized Moscow's failure to protect the personal data of its engineers, who are often targeted by state prosecutors.

The interview also touched on the impact of Western sanctions on Russia's missile manufacturing capabilities. Alexander argued that these sanctions have severely limited Russia's ability to produce new missiles due to a lack of infrastructure, components, and financial resources. As a result, Russia has focused on modernizing existing equipment. For example, old Soviet-era "FAB" heavy aviation bombs are being retrofitted with airborne planning modules to extend their usability.

The RDK's intelligence operations represent a significant challenge to Russia's defense industry, highlighting vulnerabilities in its security and the impacts of international sanctions on its military capabilities.