In 2024, Russia imported more than 85% of the aviation tires needed to operate Su-34 and Su-35S combat aircraft from China. The total value of supplies of tires and materials for their production exceeded $60 million.
This is stated in a study by the Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU).
Due to the high intensity of combat sorties, Russian military aircraft require tire replacement approximately every 10 days.
An analysis of customs data showed that China has become the key supplier of both finished aviation tires and raw materials for their production.
In 2024, the Russian Federation received tires from China worth $10.3 million (85% of total imports), as well as aramid fibers worth $9.3 million and rubber worth $42 million, which are critical for the defense industry.
However, only one of the nine companies supplying aviation tires to Russia is currently under U.S. sanctions.
ESCU experts note that without Chinese supplies, Russia would not be able to maintain a sufficient level of military aviation to wage a prolonged war. In addition, Russian military factories are heavily dependent on Chinese microelectronics and industrial equipment.
