Chinese companies have reduced drone deliveries to Ukraine due to export controls
Since September 1, Chinese companies have reduced the number of drones sold to Ukraine due to new export control rules. The New York Times found out that this led to difficulties for the Ukrainian Armed Forces: due to restrictions, obtaining drones in Ukraine turned into a quest. At the same time, Kiev is losing about 10 thousand drones per month.
The New York Times wrote that the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine collect combat drones from amateur drones. Such self-made UAVs have proven themselves well in combat, so their production is increasing in Ukraine.
As noted in the article, the need for drones makes Ukraine dependent on drone suppliers, including China.
The problem with Chinese drones
China produces cheap consumer drones, but on September 1, new rules came into force in China restricting the export of UAV components.
According to the DroneAnalyst research group, DJI, the largest Chinese drone manufacturer, occupies about 90% of the market, producing devices for photographers, outdoor enthusiasts and videographers.
Now it is difficult to buy such UAVs, since in April 2022 the company stopped selling its products in Ukraine and Russia. Chinese enterprises wishing to trade on the Ukrainian market are forced to use a complex network of intermediaries, which makes it difficult to supply goods.
The Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mikhail Fedorov said that some small companies faced problems from suppliers from China.
"But there is no such thing as saying that there are some supercritical problems that hinder development," Fedorov stressed.
How many drones does Kiev need
According to the British security think tank, Ukraine is losing about 10,000 drones a month. Due to China's new rules on the eve of winter, the problem with the supply of components for drones may worsen. The authors of the article write that the state has allocated $ 1 billion for a program to support startups to create drones, as well as for other measures that will help import components.
"Even if you see a component labeled like "America" or "Australia", it is still entirely manufactured in China. It is almost impossible to create something that could effectively replace China," says Alexey Kolesnik, founder of Reactive Drone.
The NYT found out that the drones that attacked Moscow all summer were upgraded in Ukraine. It is difficult to replace China as a supplier of drones, but Ukraine was able to find spare parts in Europe, the USA and Taiwan.
Why has China imposed restrictions
Reuters, citing the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, reported that since September 1, China has been restricting the export of UAVs and equipment for their drones in order to "protect national security and interests."
Now a number of drone engines, lasers, communication equipment and anti-drone protection systems are under export control, and this also applies to devices that are not intended for military operations.
"We have never developed or manufactured military products and equipment, nor have we ever promoted or sold our products for use in military conflicts or wars in any country," DJI's press service commented.
Fleet of marine drones in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, during a speech at the Defense Industries forum in Kiev on September 30, said that Ukraine is creating the world's first fleet of marine drones:
Zelensky stressed that the development of defense production in Ukraine is now a priority. The Ukrainian side has already discussed partnership options in this area with the United States, Great Britain, France, Turkey, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
During the forum, Turkish Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar said that the company is investing about $100 million in the construction of a UAV production plant in Ukraine.
"...the process has started. Construction has already begun. It will take about 1.5 years to complete it," the businessman says.
Alyona Fomina
