Decision to allow UK exports to Armenian firm under review

Ministers are reviewing a decision to allow a British company to export hi-tech equipment to Armenia after links to the Russian military supply chain were uncovered. Cygnet Texkimp, based in Cheshire, was weeks from exporting two machines that produce carbon fibre “prepreg”, a lightweight material with both civil and military uses.

Whitehall officials had told Cygnet last year that no special licence was required, but trade minister Chris Bryant has paused the shipment while the government reassesses whether the machines could be used in missiles or drones. He said some elements of the production equipment should now be considered subject to dual-use controls.

The review followed a letter from Liam Byrne that highlighted links between Cygnet’s Armenian client, Rydena LLC, and the Russian military. Rydena was formed by former executives of Umatex, a Kremlin-owned company; Rydena has denied doing business with Russia or sanctioned entities, and both it and Cygnet say the equipment will be used for civil applications.

United Kingdom, Cheshire

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