Russian-Owned Factory in Oregon Accused of Faking Quality Control Tests for U.S. Military Armor

Introduction to the Scandal

A shocking revelation has emerged about a Russian-owned steel manufacturing plant in Oregon, which reportedly falsified quality control tests for armor plates supplied to the U.S. military and its allies. The factory, operated by Evraz North America in Portland, allegedly skipped mandatory tests for nearly 13,000 armor plates between 2017 and 2019, instead recording fake results. Some of these plates, used in combat vehicles, later showed signs of cracking, raising serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the equipment. The issue came to light through an internal investigation and a subsequent report by Bloomberg, which highlighted the potential risks to soldiers and military operations.

The Impact on Military Vehicles and Allied Forces

The armor plates in question were primarily used by Oshkosh Defense, a leading manufacturer of military vehicles, including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The JLTV, a multi-purpose vehicle designed to replace the Humvee, is widely used by the U.S. military and several allied nations. The compromised armor plates could potentially jeopardize the safety of these vehicles, putting soldiers at risk during combat operations. While it remains unclear exactly how many of the faulty plates were integrated into the vehicles, the mere possibility has raised alarm bells within the defense community. Evraz North America halted deliveries of the armor plates once the issue was brought to light, but the damage may already have been done.

How the Falsification Was Discovered

The falsification of quality control tests was uncovered during an internal investigation conducted by Evraz North America in late 2019. The probe revealed that employees at the Portland plant had bypassed a critical testing process for the hardness of the armor plates. Instead of using the required machinery, workers inputted fake results based on plates manufactured around the same time. The practice, described as "widespread" in an internal report, was reportedly driven by pressure to meet production demands. Several employees admitted to investigators that they felt there was insufficient time to conduct proper tests for each plate, leading to the corner-cutting. A manager at the plant even justified the practice, stating, "When you’re thrown in the fire, you gotta do what you gotta do to keep the line rolling."

Aftermath and Investigations

Following the internal report, Evraz North America and Oshkosh Defense held a conference call to address the issue. Meanwhile, local media reported that FBI agents visited Evraz’s facility in Pueblo, Colorado, in mid-2024, though no specific reason was given beyond "court-authorized law enforcement activity." An Evraz spokesperson confirmed that the company was cooperating fully with authorities. The incident has sparked concerns about the oversight of military contractors and the potential vulnerabilities in the supply chain for critical defense equipment. It also raises questions about whether similar lapses in quality control may have occurred at other facilities.

Statements from Evraz North America and the FBI

In response to the allegations, Evraz North America emphasized its commitment to producing high-quality products. A spokesperson for the company told Bloomberg that the internal report highlighted efforts to improve quality control protocols and ensure the reliability of its products. On the other hand, the FBI declined to comment on whether an investigation was underway, citing its policy of not disclosing the existence or nonexistence of ongoing probes. Oshkosh Defense and the Pentagon have also been contacted for comment but have not yet responded publicly.

Conclusion and Broader Implications

The revelations about Evraz North America’s alleged fraud have serious implications for the U.S. military and its allies. The use of substandard armor plates in combat vehicles could undermine the safety of soldiers and the effectiveness of military operations. While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, the incident highlights the importance of rigorous oversight and accountability in the defense supply chain. As investigations continue, both the company and its government clients will face scrutiny over how such a lapse in quality control was allowed to occur—and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.