Russia Develops Homegrown SIM Chip for Navigation and Transport Monitoring

A Russian-made embedded SIM chip is now being mass-produced for use in navigation systems and unmanned vehicles, offering a secure and self-reliant alternative to imported tech.

Russia’s Glonass company has unveiled a domestically developed embedded SIM chip designed specifically for navigation and transport tracking applications. The chip, which integrates directly into devices, eliminates the need for traditional SIM cards and is recognized by all major mobile networks.

The chip’s main role is to track vehicle movements, transmit emergency signals, and identify drones. It can be deployed in emergency call systems, navigation equipment, and mobile trackers.

The chip is being assembled under contract by Plastim, a local manufacturer. Since June, over 500,000 chips have already rolled off the production line and are currently undergoing trials by navigation hardware developers.

Pending successful validation, the new chip is expected to see widespread use in industries such as hazardous cargo transportation, forestry equipment, waste management logistics, and aviation drones—strengthening Russia’s push for technological independence in critical sectors.