Russia Forced to Rely on Chinese Optical Fiber Imports After Ukrainian Strikes Halt Domestic Plant - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 26, 2026
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Russia’s sole domestic producer of optical fiber has been offline since May 2025 following damage from Ukrainian strikes, leaving the country entirely dependent on Chinese imports for this critical component. The plant, operated by Optic Fiber Systems in Saransk, produced about 4 million kilometers annually before its shutdown. This reliance on Chinese suppliers has led to significant price hikes, with G.652D fiber prices rising from 16 yuan per kilometer in early 2025 to 40 yuan by January 2026.
The disruption has severely impacted Russia’s telecommunications networks and military systems, which rely heavily on optical fiber for drone operations resistant to electronic warfare jamming. Russian cable manufacturers now face challenges as Chinese suppliers demand full prepayment due to rising procurement costs, potentially forcing them to increase their prices. This shift in dynamics highlights the strain on global supply chains and the growing demand for optical fiber driven by military applications and expanding AI infrastructure.
Russia’s dependence on imports has also underscored its vulnerability in the tech sector, particularly as it competes
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/26/2026