Russia imports Irish components for 'kamikaze drones' used in UkraineRussia has been importing electronic components from Ireland to go towards the building of "kamikaze drones" used against civilian targets in Ukraine, an Irish Times investigation has found. In a 15-month period, beginning in January 2024, just under 10 tonnes of components from Irish companies reached Russia, according to The Irish Times. Irish companies were not directly responsible for the shipments, with wholesale and export companies responsible, particularly from China. "The material included 1.3 tonnes of antennas originally made by the Irish company Taoglas and imported by Russia in 2024," The Irish Times investigation reads. That is enough to make 36,000 Geran-2 kamikaze drones, a weapon that has become a central part of Russia’s strategy to wear down Ukraine’s will to fight by attacking civilian targets."

Source: Irish Independent February 18, 2026 12:59 UTC