A New York Times investigation has alleged that Russia has turned Japan into a key hub for espionage, covert procurement, and the sourcing of critical technology used in the Russia-Ukraine war. The report claims Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic and commercial cover have exploited Japan's relatively weak espionage laws to acquire sensitive components. Japan has acknowledged the need to strengthen its intelligence and counter-espionage capabilities, with Parliament approving a new national intelligence coordination body. The report also alleges that procurement networks routed military-use technology through intermediary countries to bypass export controls.

Japan tightens intelligence network after the NYT exposes alleged Russian spy operations

Russia's airline sector is going through a tough period amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Reportedly, state-controlled Aeroflot has resorted to stripping its passenger jets to barebones to obtain spare parts, which it cannot find otherwise as the West has closed its doors.

Russia's airline sector is going through a tough period amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Reportedly, state-controlled Aeroflot has resorted to stripping its passenger jets to barebones to obtain spare parts, which it cannot find otherwise as the West has closed its doors. According to a Reuters report, Russia and its airline sector is heavily dependent on Western countries to secure spare parts, required to keep the jetliners in the air. However, the sanctions imposed by the West mean that Russian planes cannot receive the parts, thus forcing the hand of Russian authorities to take a cannibalistic approach. Reportedly, Aeroflot has stripped down its Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s and recovered the spare parts to be fitted into other Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. Moreover, Aeroflot's three out of seven Airbus A350s have already been stripped apart and used to operate on the remaining four jetliners. While switching parts between jets is a known practice, doing so frequently poses a danger to the aircraft's operability efficiency. Many parts have a limited life that must be logged. Thus, it is perhaps the reason that such jets do not receive permission to re-enter the global airskies. Read more: Manchester United withdraws Russian airline Aeroflot's sponsorship amid Ukraine crisis The trouble is expected to compound in the coming days and months as the newer generation of passenger jets such as Boeing 737 MAX, 787, A320neo and A350 amongst others require frequent upgradation. It is pertinent to note that Russia's Sukhoi superjets are also heavily dependent on foreign parts. Aeroflot owns 80 Russia-made Sukhoi Superjet-100 planes and procuring the materials is proving to be a tough task. If the current trend continues, Russia will have a hard time keeping its modern fleet of jets in service. WATCH: Aeroflot's dispute with leasing company intensifies × While the Western world is not helping Russia, companies in Asia and Western Asia have also refused to step in, fearing secondary sanctions. Prior to the war, Aeroflot was one of the biggest global players. However, its traffic has fallen a record 22 per cent since then and the company is now completely reliant on state support to continue its operations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia stripping its passenger jets to secure spare parts and keep airlines functioning

A diplomatic spot between Sri Lanka and Russia has kicked off after an 'Aeroflot' Airbus A330 was detained in Sri Lanka. Plane was detained over sanction disputes. Russia has decided to stop all its operations from the island city.

Aeroflot's dispute with leasing company intensifies

Manchester United have withdrawn Russian airline Aeroflot's sponsorship rights after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Premier League club said on Friday.

Russia's Aeroflot was banned from flying to the United Kingdom on Thursday after President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine.

UK Civil Aviation Authority said it had suspended Aeroflot's foreign carrier permit.

"In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot's sponsorship rights. We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected," a club spokesperson said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-moves-champions-league-final-from-st-petersburg-to-paris-amid-russia-ukraine-conflict-456427">UEFA moves Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris amid Russia-Ukraine conflict</a>

United made Aeroflot its first Russian sponsor in 2013 when it became the club's airline partner, replacing Turkish Airlines.

Russia has been condemned for its invasion of Ukraine by several sports bodies and on Friday the country lost its hosting rights for the Champions League final in May while Formula One said the Grand Prix in Sochi could not go ahead.

Manchester United have withdrawn Russian airline Aeroflot's sponsorship rights after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Premier League club said on Friday. Russia's Aeroflot was banned from flying to the United Kingdom on Thursday after President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine.

Manchester United have withdrawn Russian airline Aeroflot's sponsorship rights after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Premier League club said on Friday. Russia's Aeroflot was banned from flying to the United Kingdom on Thursday after President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine. UK Civil Aviation Authority said it had suspended Aeroflot's foreign carrier permit. "In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot's sponsorship rights. We share the concerns of our fans around the world and extend our sympathies to those affected," a club spokesperson said. ALSO READ: UEFA moves Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris amid Russia-Ukraine conflict United made Aeroflot its first Russian sponsor in 2013 when it became the club's airline partner, replacing Turkish Airlines. Russia has been condemned for its invasion of Ukraine by several sports bodies and on Friday the country lost its hosting rights for the Champions League final in May while Formula One said the Grand Prix in Sochi could not go ahead.

Manchester United withdraws Russian airline Aeroflot's sponsorship amid Ukraine crisis

41 people on board a Russian Aeroflot passenger plane were killed after the aircraft caught fire as it made a bumpy emergency landing at a Moscow airport. Watch this video to know more.

Atleast 41 killed as Russian plane catches fire

41 Russian Aeroflot passengers were killed on Sunday, including two children, after the aircraft caught fire as it made a bumpy emergency landing at a Moscow airport. Watch this video to know more.

Russian plane crash: 78 people on board the Superjet-100, only 37 survived

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