As the war in Ukraine rages on, new revelations have emerged that cast a troubling light on the role of French companies in helping the Russian Federation maintain its military power. Open-source intelligence group InformNapalm has exposed how Kazakh defense contractors have been sourcing avionics components from two major French firms to bypass Western sanctions, ultimately supporting Russia’s Su-30SM fighter aircraft—a key element of its air force.
The findings allege that Kazakh companies, Analyst Research Consulting (ARC) Group and Aviaremont Plant No. 405, were aiding Russian defense contractors by securing mission-critical aviation equipment from France, specifically through Thales and Safran. Both companies were implicated in helping to keep Russia’s war machine operational, but their responses have been starkly different.
Thales Takes Swift Action
Thales, a leading French defense and aerospace company, was quick to respond to the allegations. In a decisive statement, Thales confirmed it was actively ensuring compliance with international sanctions. “No equipment has been supplied to Aviaremont Plant No. 405 in Kazakhstan,” Thales declared, while clarifying that they had only provided training for Kazakh technical staff but no spare parts or repair services. Additionally, the company is suspending contracts with the Kazakh entities in question and working toward legally terminating its agreements.
Thales’ track record on sanctions compliance has been described by experts as exemplary, particularly since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Analysts have commended the company for its prompt and responsible actions following the InformNapalm report, proving their commitment to international law and distancing themselves from any perceived association with Russia’s aggressive war effort.
Safran’s Evasive Tactics: A Cause for Concern
In contrast, Safran’s response—or lack thereof—has been far less reassuring. When confronted with evidence of its role in supplying avionics equipment via Kazakh intermediaries to Russia, the French aerospace giant provided vague and evasive answers. Safran claimed compliance with sanctions but refused to elaborate on specific measures taken to prevent the resale of its equipment to Russia.
When pressed about its relationship with the ARC Group, which boasted of being Safran’s exclusive distributor in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Safran declined to comment. Their refusal to address these concerns head-on only fueled suspicions of potential complicity. The disappearance of the ARC Group’s website—along with any reference to its partnership with Safran—shortly after the report surfaced further deepened the mystery.
Safran’s lack of transparency raises serious questions about its commitment to upholding the sanctions regime, and whether it has turned a blind eye to its products being used to fuel Russia’s war of aggression.
Sanctions Must Work: Loopholes Cannot Be Tolerated
As Russia continues its unprovoked aggression in Ukraine, sanctions must be enforced with unyielding precision. Every company that enables Russia to maintain its military capacity—either through direct trade or by exploiting loopholes—must be held accountable. Safran’s failure to provide clear answers illustrates the ongoing challenge of sanction evasion, where third-party nations, like Kazakhstan, serve as intermediaries for critical military supplies.
The stakes are high. Russia’s fleet of around 130 Su-30SM fighter jets is central to its military operations, and without avionics support, they would become inoperable—effectively grounding Russian pilots. The InformNapalm investigation makes it clear: “Without this equipment, Russian pilots would be flying blind.”
The message is simple: sanctions must work, and any company aiding Russia’s war effort will be punished.
In a time when global unity against Russia’s aggression is more critical than ever, the world cannot afford to let sanctions falter. The integrity of international law depends on it.
