South African authorities have opened an inquiry after a laser rangefinder made by Centurion firm Lightware Optoelectronics was identified among parts recovered from Russian strike drones operating over Ukraine. (Bloomberg)
Ukraine’s special envoy for sanctions, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, said the unit can measure distance and act as a contact sensor that may trigger detonation when a drone reaches its target. Ukrainian intelligence listed the device among components discovered in a long-range Garpiya-A1 drone. (BusinessTech)
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The National Conventional Arms Control Committee said the company involved is not registered to trade in munitions or dual-use military goods. They also said that inspectors will visit the Lightware premises to establish the scope of the business and any export controls required.
Sipho Mashaba, acting director for conventional arms control, made the statement in response to enquiries.
Lightware’s chief executive, Nadia Nilsen, said the company makes civilian sensors used in driverless vehicles, mining and wildlife monitoring and that the discontinued SF-20 model in question was never intended for military use.
She said the firm uses end-user declarations and that sensors can be resold through intermediaries beyond the company’s control.
Analysts note the discovery raises uncomfortable questions about global supply chains for commercial components and how they can be diverted into conflict zones.
Russia has increased production of Shahed-type and Garpiya-type drones, relying on foreign components in several cases, according to international reporting. (Reuters)
Investors and community members in Centurion expressed shock at the news. Samantha Pokroy of Sanari Capital called the finding ‘ profoundly disturbing’ and said manufacturers often lack the ability to trace final end use once parts leave authorised distributors.
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Picture: Screenshot, WSJ / Youtube
