China hit the drone manufacturer that helps Ukraine: how it will affect the Armed Forces
Chinese authorities do not recognize Taiwan's independence, unlike the United States, which support it in every possible way. For example, Washington approved the sale of percussion drones. Due to Skydio restrictions, batteries cannot be received in a timely manner - supplies will be delayed for at least several months. The manufacturer stressed that he was trying to buy components for drones outside China, but batteries have become one of the few exceptions.
"We have a significant stock of batteries, and our team is already looking for alternative suppliers. But now we do not expect that new sources will appear earlier in the spring of next year," Adam Bray said. In order to continue the supply of Skydio X10 drones, the manufacturer decided on a radical step and limited the number of batteries to one for each device.
As compensation, it continues the software license, the guarantee and the term of support for all UAVs that are incomplete for the period that the company is required to deliver all batteries. According to Adam Bara, the China government has decided to use the supply chains of components as weapons to promote their interests. Chinese companies dominated the drone market for a long time, but are now rapidly losing their positions through Skydio and other Western manufacturers.
The sanctions are designed to strengthen the world's dependence on UAV suppliers. According to Finantial Times, the Chinese authorities have visited Skydio suppliers, including DongGuan Poweramp, a subsidiary of Japanese TDK that produces drones for drones, and ordered them to break the relationship. The company is now looking for new suppliers by negotiating in Asia. Skydio addressed the US Presidential Administration Joe Biden.
CEO Adam Brya met last week with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and negotiated with high -ranking officials in the White House. Skydio said she had sent more than 1000 drones to Ukraine. Drones were also used to document Russian war crimes in the Ukrainian territory. The manufacturer also claims that X10 became the first drone from the United States to undergo Ukrainian tests for resistance to radio electronic struggle, and that Kiev has invited thousands of such devices.
However, in April 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that drones from Skydio had poorly shown on the battlefield in Ukraine, so the military gave preference to Chinese models. According to the media, the UAVs could not withstand the attacks of Russian "muffins" and were lost. The developers may have improved them and have been tested since then.