Russian Base Station Manufacturer Signs Landmark Microchip Supply Deal

A new forward contract between Russian firms Irteya and Mikron marks a major shift in the country’s telecommunications hardware supply chain.

Russian telecommunications equipment maker Irteya has signed its first-ever forward contract with domestic microchip developer and manufacturer Mikron, part of the Element Group. The three-year agreement, worth 400 million rubles (approximately $4.5 million), secures the supply of 10 different types of microchips for use in base stations, according to Pravda.ru.

The deal was signed during the Digital Industry of Industrial Russia (CIPR-2025) conference. Irteya representatives indicated plans to sign an additional three to five forward contracts for electronic components, potentially totaling between 1 and 2 billion rubles.

A forward contract obligates the supplier to deliver prepaid goods at a set time. Its main advantage is locking in prices, eliminating the need for additional working capital.