China restricts supply of parts for drones on which Ukraine depends

Manufacturers in China have recently begun to restrict sales in the US and Europe of key components used to build drones. This was reported by Bloomberg with reference to secret sources.

Here's What We Know

The moves are a prelude to broader export restrictions on drone parts that Western officials expect Beijing to put in place in the new year. According to one source, these rules could take the form of approving licences based on the intended use of the components. That is, China is likely to start issuing licences based on the purpose for which the parts will be used, or by requiring Chinese suppliers to notify the government of deliveries.

Restrictions on the supply of drone components have affected both US and European companies. According to sources, Chinese manufacturers of motors, batteries and flight controllers have limited the amount they supply or stopped supplying altogether.

In October, China imposed sanctions on three US firms that supply products to the US military and ten senior defence officials, citing Pentagon plans to provide assistance to Taiwan. On 5 December, China added 13 more US companies to its sanctions list for similar reasons.

This new group includes Shield AI Inc, which creates autonomous drones designed to operate without GPS or remote control. The company is active in Ukraine, where drones play a key role in the war.

Source: Bloomberg