Putin's secret weapons

7.5

2026 – Present1 Seasons · 2 EpisodesReturning Series

Overview

The Russian army has no shortage of weapons despite sanctions: With an arsenal mixing old Soviet stocks and modern hypersonic weapons, the country could strike Europe in minutes. An opaque network of spies, shell companies and oligarchs ensures its war capacity through the arms trade, technology theft and state-organized policy of terror.

Network: ARTE

Episodes

Season 1

Episode 1 · 51m

Weapons for a new war

In the heart of Russia, a sprawling arsenal mixes Soviet relics and hypersonic weapons capable of reaching Europe in a few minutes. Behind this firepower, a network of spies, front companies and oligarchs maintains the war effort despite sanctions. Between arms trafficking, technology misappropriation and state terror, this two-part documentary reveals behind the scenes of a system ready to do anything to maintain its destructive power.

Jan 20, 2026

Episode 2 · 51m

Weapons for a new order

From Iranian drones to North Korean missiles, Putin's empire is weaving its new alliances in the shadows. A secret factory is emerging in Russia, ports are reborn in the Sea of Japan, ghost ships exchange weapons and technologies transiting through China. In this second part: spotlight on these unacknowledged pacts which outline a world in tilt, where a new anti-Western axis redefines the balance of power.

Jan 20, 2026