Preparations are underway for the launch of integrated circuit production in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone (Republic of Tatarstan). This was reported by Cnews, citing sources. Experts believe that the production could be used to equip drones, telecom, industry, and other sectors.

According to one of the interlocutors, ASML photolithography machines, Lam Research etching reactors, Applied Materials implanters, and other equipment for a full chip production cycle have already been delivered to the site. Another CNews interlocutor heard that the company was interested in supplying ASML lithographs.

The fact that microelectronic production is being prepared for launch in Alabuga is also evidenced by the vacancy for a leading engineer for commissioning of the integrated circuit line, published by Alabuga SEZ on the HeadHunter portal on June 30, 2026. It lists the machines that the specialist will have to set up: ASML photolithography equipment, Lam Research etching reactors, Applied Materials implanters, as well as thin film deposition and heat treatment machines.

The candidate is offered a salary of 150 thousand rubles or more, work in Yelabuga, and mandatory relocation to the Republic of Tatarstan. In addition to this vacancy, CNews also found a vacancy for an operator-adjuster with the same salary on HeadHunter. He will be responsible for setting up the operation of control and measuring equipment. The specialist must understand the technology of integrated circuit production.

What kind of chip equipment is this?

The equipment listed by sources and in the vacancy is necessary for the production of integrated circuits, explained Konstantin Lapotko, project manager of the SNDGlobal holding, to CNews. According to him, photolithography machines form the pattern of the future microcircuit on a silicon wafer. Lam Research equipment is used for etching (one of the key stages of transferring this pattern into the material structure). Applied Materials machines are used for thin film deposition and the formation of individual technological layers.

However, without knowing the specific model of the ASML lithograph, it is impossible to determine the topology according to which the microcircuits will be produced.

The most critical for localization are microcontrollers, interface chips, analog and mixed-signal devices, power electronics, controllers for transport, energy, communications, and specialized equipment.