Mechanically erased batch number markings and QR codes (Photo 4) on the XILINX ZYNQ FPGA from the Russian UAV “Phoenix” are intentionally removed.
This is done to prevent tracing the components’ supply chain within Russia, which could lead to updates in sanction lists and the identification and arrest of specific individuals in Russia who procure these components from Western markets.
The erasure is a clear indication that sanctions are effective, as they have significantly disrupted procurement and supply chain processes, complicating them to a large extent. Therefore, strict adherence to sanction policies by all countries against Russia is of paramount importance.
Interestingly, such erasures are not observed on missiles. For instance, Photo 5 shows the ALTERA ACEX FPGA from the 2024-produced 3M14 Kalibr missile, where markings remain intact. This is because the cost of the missile is too high to justify taking such risks.
