InformNapalm’s intelligence group, working in close cooperation with the cyber-analytic centre Fenix, conducted a multi-stage operation targeting the Russian enterprise Opytno-Konstruktorskoe Byuro Motorostroyeniya (OKBM), which specialises in manufacturing components for advanced aviation and space systems. The operation yielded internal materials that indicate OKBM’s participation in projects supplying parts for the multirole fifth-generation fighter Su-57 and for the next-generation strategic bomber Tupolev PAK-DA (codename “Poslanets” – “Messenger”). A portion of these documents has already been collated and released as part of the OKBMLeaks series.
The obtained files shed light on bottlenecks within Russia’s industrial chain, particularly those linked to shortages of high-precision machinery, and reveal methods used to circumvent sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union. Documentation extracted from OKBM’s internal systems was analysed over several months to support assessments relevant to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their partners. On October 23, 2025, OKBM was officially added to the EU’s 19th sanctions package.
Among the published materials are technical specifications and drawings of gearbox joints coded “80RSh115” and “80RSh,” designed for the bomb bay opening and closing systems of the PAK DA. The publication also includes excerpts from a classified state contract between Tupolev and OKBM for the development of the RSh-115 joint. The contract, marked as “secret,” contains provisions for unilateral termination in case of confidentiality breaches. Appendix 7 to the contract, dated March 31, 2023, outlines the project stages scheduled for 2024–2027.
Internal correspondence and related agreements further confirm that OKBM is developing RSh-65 type joints for the cargo bay of the Su-57 (design index T-50). The technical designations (50RSh-65 → 80RSh-115 → RSh for PAK DA) reflect the evolution of a single class of mechanical assemblies adapted for different aircraft. This highlights OKBM’s role as a key competence center in the production of high-precision dual-use gearbox joints. The operation of this production chain remains directly dependent on the supply of imported CNC machines and the effectiveness of sanctions enforcement.
The documents also include contractual and audit records confirming that the Russian industry is currently unable to fully manufacture such components domestically and is compelled to procure high-precision equipment from abroad. The materials reference specific machine models – the Hartford HCMC-1100AG and Johnford SL-50 (both of Taiwanese origin), as well as the Grindex BSD-700U CNC cylindrical grinding machine (manufactured in Serbia).
An audit assessing serial production readiness for the MC-21 and Superjet programs in 2025 explicitly notes that production timelines have been delayed due to shortages of machine tools following the withdrawal of major international manufacturers from the Russian market. This indicates that sanctions are having a tangible effect, though risks of circumvention through third countries remain.
The materials include extracts from investment projects for procurement of equipment for MC-21 and Sukhoi Superjet-New production in 2025, as well as internal correspondence and contracts between OKBM and the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade concerning subsidies for machine purchases. All files shown represent only a portion of the tens of gigabytes of data exfiltrated from OKBM’s systems. For publication convenience, the documents were standardised into a single PDF format and hosted on InformNapalm’s server for secure viewing and analysis.
The operation’s organisers invite OSINT researchers to examine the OKBMLeaks materials in depth and request that journalists report on the investigation while linking to the CYBINT report. They note that wide dissemination could act as an additional lever of pressure: it may prompt inspections by the Russian contracting authorities, slow production schedules, or even lead to contract cancellations.
The OKBMLeaks project will continue: InformNapalm and Fenix plan further releases containing new document packages. The authors stress the operation’s strategic importance – they argue that limiting Russia’s ability to serially produce modern bombers and fighters is a key component of long-term security in Europe.
Source: InformNapalm
