Drone deal between Ukraine and US at risk? Expert explains China’s role
Illustrative photo: the US is interested in Ukrainian drones (Getty Images)
From July 1 next year, the US will ban the purchase of drones containing Chinese components due to national security concerns. This ban also creates challenges for Ukraine, which plans to sell drones to the US. This is stated in the material Behind closed doors: How US and Ukraine are shaping billion-dollar drone deal.
In particular, the problem lies in the widespread use of Chinese parts such as cameras, chips, controllers, and other electronics. Even American manufacturers cannot always completely abandon Chinese components because of their availability and the large volumes of supply.
"The problem here is both price and volume. Who else but China can quickly supply products for drones in huge quantities? The critical components are cameras, chips, controllers, and electronics," Valerii Borovyk, founder of the First contact UAV manufacturer, explained to RBC-Ukraine.
Some components are being localized by Ukrainian manufacturers within the country, but most companies could switch to American and European components. The main difficulty is cost. Using non-Chinese parts increases the production cost of drones, and a limited state budget complicates procurement.
"There is the question of cost. Most of our manufacturers are not doing this at the moment, as it would increase the cost of the product, and we already have state budget restrictions. Accordingly, the state will be able to buy even fewer drones if they cost more at cost," Kateryna Mykhalko, executive director of Technological Forces of Ukraine, told the outlet.
According to experts, this approach could help maintain production and supply volumes of Ukrainian drones without reducing their combat capabilities.
US wants to buy Ukrainian drones
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that his country is interested in Ukrainian drones and plans to purchase them. There have been repeated reports about US intentions to acquire Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicles.
It is also known that Ukraine and the US have held negotiations on the supply of American weapons and joint drone programs.
A Ukrainian delegation from the National Security and Defense Council, together with the Ministry of Defense, visited the US to discuss the purchase of Ukrainian drones and issues of security cooperation.
We also reported that Ukraine is preparing to conclude an agreement with the US on the transfer of production technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles that have already been tested in combat conditions.
