China's looming drone export cut threatens Ukraine's defence
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 thus the capabilities of their army, could suffer greatly.
Bloomberg notes that in the Ukrainian army, drones play a critical role in combating Russian aggression. Escalating tensions between China and the United States could seriously affect Ukraine.
China may cut off the West from drones
Although China does not support Ukraine, unrestricted access to its electronics is very important. Bloomberg notes, however, that Chinese manufacturers have already started to restrict sales of certain components to the USA and Europe. This includes engines, batteries, and flight controllers.
Americans indicate that these are just preliminary steps ahead of new export regulations, which may be implemented soon. They will be much more stringent and may include requirements such as notifying the government about planned transactions or acquiring a license to trade certain equipment with specified clients.
Chinese authorities are ready to implement such measures in response to new American sanctions, limiting the export of equipment for manufacturing advanced semiconductor chips to China. Lorenz Mayer, director of a company 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. There are even statements suggesting that drones have become a symbol of the conflict in Ukraine. Not only are the most advanced machines designed for military applications important (such as Bayraktar TB2 or FlyEye), but also improvised kamikaze drones.
These types of constructions are often small, inexpensive Chinese FPV (first-person view) drones, which are unmanned aircraft with a built-in camera that provides a live view in real time. They are modified for military purposes (both Ukrainians and Russians do this) by adding explosive charges. This setup works on the principle of kamikaze weapons, providing the pilot with a live view until impact with the target. Sometimes, bombs or grenades are attached to these drones. In that case, they do not strike the target directly but drop their loads from above.
