China has blocked the supply of drones to Russia

Illustrative photo from open sources

In Russia there is a shortage of drones and their components due to China's decision to ban the export of high-performance unmanned aerial vehicles. Some models of drones are now available only in limited quantities, and their cost has doubled. This is reported by the Russian media.

It is reported that from September 1, 2023, the Ministry of Trade of China introduced export control over drones weighing more than 4 kg or with a maximum take-off weight of more than 7 kg and a flight duration of more than 30 minutes.  In addition, the export of drones that can carry loads with a drop function or a device for securing them was banned.

China decided to limit the supply of components such as multi- and hyperspectral cameras for drones, powerful on-board radio equipment, infrared cameras , thermal imagers and laser ranging and positioning modules.

As a result, even those products that were not banned stopped being supplied to the Russian Federation, and there is a shortage on the market, prices have increased sharply.

Earlier, the Russians imported some models of drones through the territory of Kazakhstan, but local suppliers also suspended shipments due to increased control over dual-use goods.

Prepared by: Sergey Daga