China's drone restrictions could cripple Ukrainian defenses
According to Bloomberg's findings, Chinese authorities are close to deciding to significantly limit the supply of drones and components to the West. Both American and Ukrainian media note that without affordable Chinese technology, the Ukrainian drone industry, and consequently their army's capabilities, could suffer greatly.
Bloomberg highlights that in the Ukrainian army, drones play a key role in fighting Russian aggression. Increasing tensions between China and the United States could have severe consequences for Ukraine.
China may cut off the West from drones
Although China does not officially support Ukraine, unrestricted access to its electronics is crucial. Bloomberg notes, however, that Chinese manufacturers have already begun limiting sales of certain components to the USA and Europe, including engines, batteries, and flight controllers.
American sources indicate that these are preliminary steps leading up to new export regulations, which may be introduced soon. These regulations are expected to be much more restrictive and may include requirements such as notifying the government about planned transactions or possessing a license to trade certain equipment with specified clients.
Chinese authorities are prepared to implement such measures in response to new American sanctions, which impose restrictions on the export of equipment used for manufacturing advanced semiconductor chips to China. Lorenz Mayer, director of one of the companies supplying drone software in Ukraine, believes that the planned decisions could become a "serious obstacle."
The war in Ukraine is a drone war
Analysts, experts, and Ukrainian military personnel often emphasize the significant role that unmanned aerial vehicles play in the ongoing war. Some even suggest that drones have become a symbol of the war in Ukraine. Not only the most advanced machines designed for military applications (such as Bayraktar TB2 or FlyEye) are important, but also improvised kamikaze drones.
These constructions are often small, inexpensive Chinese FPV (first-person view) drones, unmanned aircraft with a built-in camera providing a real-time live view. They are modified for military purposes (both Ukrainians and Russians do this) by adding explosive charges. These constructions operate on the principle of kamikaze weapons and provide the pilot with a live view until the moment of impact with the target. Sometimes bombs or grenades are attached to these drones, so they don't strike the target directly but drop their loads from above.
