China has recently intensified restrictions on the export of key components for Ukrainian drone production, even though it remains one of the main suppliers of parts at attractive prices. According to representatives of the domestic defense industry, such actions by Beijing may be intentional to complicate the development of Ukraine’s drone industry, which has become critically important in the struggle against Russian occupiers.
This is reported by Business • Media
Ukraine’s Dependence on Chinese Technologies in Drone Production
Unmanned aerial vehicles have become one of the primary types of weaponry in the war against the Russian Federation. Ukrainian drones strike not only at enemy command and logistics centers but also at strategically important oil refineries, significantly weakening the aggressor’s economy. However, approximately 60% of the components for drones must be imported from China. For the full development of independent production that could compete with the Chinese market in terms of price and efficiency, more significant investments from the European Union and the launch of joint projects are necessary.
Beijing’s Support for the Russian Military Industry
Despite China’s declared “neutrality” regarding the war in Ukraine, Chinese components have repeatedly been found in Russian weaponry, including not only drones but also the latest guided bombs. The latter are equipped with engines from China, allowing strikes on targets up to 200 kilometers away.
Furthermore, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that, according to his information, China supplies Russia with machinery for weapon production, which also indicates support for the Russian defense industry from Beijing.
“Cut off the oxygen” to Ukrainian drone production.