China's drone export curb threatens Ukraine's war efforts
According to Bloomberg's findings, Chinese authorities are close to deciding to significantly restrict 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 the capabilities of their army, could suffer greatly.
Bloomberg notes that in the Ukrainian army, drones play a key role in fighting Russian aggression. Escalation of tensions between China and the United States could have adverse consequences for Ukraine.
China may cut off the West from drones
Although China does not support Ukraine, unrestricted access to its electronics is of great importance. Bloomberg notes, however, that Chinese manufacturers have already begun to limit sales of certain components to the USA and Europe. This includes engines, batteries, and flight controllers.
Americans indicate that these are just preliminary steps leading to new export regulations, which may be introduced soon. They will be much more restrictive and may include requirements such as notifying the government about planned transactions or possessing a licence allowing the trade of certain equipment with specified clients.
Chinese authorities are prepared to implement such steps 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 providing software for drones 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 emphasise 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 war in Ukraine. Important are not only the most advanced machines designed for military applications (such as Bayraktar TB2 or FlyEye) but also improvised kamikaze drones.
These constructions are often small, affordable Chinese FPV (first-person view) drones, i.e., unmanned aircraft with a built-in camera that provides a real-time live view. By adding explosive charges, they are modified for army purposes (both Ukrainians and Russians do this). Such a construction operates on the principle of kamikaze weapons and provides the pilot with a live view until the moment of impact with the target. Sometimes, bombs or grenades are attached to such drones. Then, they do not strike the target but drop their loads from above.
