Western intelligence officials have warned that Russian intelligence agencies are intensifying efforts to acquire sensitive Western technology and defense-related secrets, as international sanctions continue to strain Moscow’s wartime economy and restrict access to critical industrial imports. Speaking to The Associated Press, three senior European intelligence officials said Russia has significantly expanded covert procurement networks, including the use of front companies, intermediaries, and cyber espionage operations.

These methods are reportedly being used to obtain machinery, advanced manufacturing tools, and dual-use technologies that could support both civilian industry and military applications. Officials said the pressure from four years of sanctions, combined with the economic and industrial demands of the war in Ukraine, has forced Moscow to prioritise self-reliance in key sectors while simultaneously attempting to bypass restrictions.

According to Christoffer Wedelin, deputy head of operations at Sweden’s Security Service, Russian actors are highly targeted in their approach, focusing on “advanced machine tools, factory equipment, research and dual-use technology” essential for sustaining defence production. Security officials in the Nordic region said Russia’s intelligence apparatus is particularly focused on high-end research and military technologies in countries such as Sweden and Finland.

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In Sweden, the target includes sensitive defence-related development such as the Gripen fighter jet, as well as civilian technologies like precision cameras and laser systems that can be repurposed for military use. Finland’s Security and Intelligence Service Director Juha Martelius said Russia is also pursuing long-term strategic technologies including space systems, quantum research, Arctic engineering, and marine technology.

He noted that space-related capabilities are of immediate interest due to their role in satellite imaging, communications, and navigation systems, alongside continued demand for sanctioned software updates and industrial machinery support. Separately, UK intelligence officials have also accused Moscow of sustained hostile activity across Europe, including cyber operations and alleged sabotage attempts. Swedish authorities have previously investigated cases involving suspected sanctions violations linked to shipments of machine tools routed through third countries such as Turkey, highlighting the complexity of enforcement challenges.

Officials warned that the expanding scale and sophistication of these operations means private companies may unknowingly become part of illicit supply chains supporting Russia’s military-industrial base. They stressed that intelligence agencies across Europe are increasingly coordinating efforts to detect and disrupt such procurement networks.

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