Ukraine has reached a new stage in drone production — without Chinese components

Ukraine has reached an important milestone in the development of its defence industry — the country has managed to manufacture combat drones without using Chinese components. This was reported by The New York Times.

In underground workshops, Ukrainian engineers and technicians assemble electronic boards and other components for explosive drones. A year ago, most defence companies in Ukraine were unable to produce such key components on their own.

The development of domestic production has become part of the strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of drones, which today play a key role on the battlefield. According to Major Robert Brovdi, commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, drones are currently responsible for more than 90% of Russian military losses.

At the same time, it is still difficult to completely abandon Chinese components. Due to China's global dominance in electronics manufacturing, even parts made in other countries often contain Chinese materials.

Ukrainian officials emphasise that the main goal is to minimise dependence on Chinese supplies so that drone production does not stop in the event of restrictions or political pressure.

In 2022, almost all drones used by Ukraine were manufactured in China. However, after Beijing imposed restrictions on the export of such components in 2023–2024, Ukrainian companies began to actively develop their own production.

According to the Ukrainian Defence Industry Council and the Snake Island Institute analytical centre, in 2025, the share of Chinese components in drones manufactured by Ukraine decreased to approximately 38%.

One of the companies working on such drones is Ukrainian Defence Drones Tech Corporation. Its FPV drones are actively used on the front lines to destroy Russian heavy equipment.

The company has already localised the production of carbon frames, antennas, flight controllers, modems and video transmission systems, with some components supplied by European manufacturers.

Despite this, certain elements, such as batteries, are still mostly manufactured in China. This is because the country controls a significant portion of the global supply chains for lithium and rare earth metals.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and Military Advisor Pavlo Palisa noted that the development of Ukraine's own defence industry also strengthens its position in future negotiations.

"If we import, we are dependent. And any dependence means a weaker position," he explained.