JUST IN: 🇨🇳🇺🇸 China officially sanctions US drone maker Skydio, which supplies Ukraine's military. pic.twitter.com/yqMAgq07W1
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) October 31, 2024
Man, @SkydioHQ has been having a rough time despite all their attempts to spin things positively. Crashes, departments not wanting to move forward, a DOD program on the line and sanctions on Skydio? Something about Karma?! pic.twitter.com/p83hIHYfky
— Romeo Durscher (@romeoch) October 31, 2024
Ukraine’s largest drone supplier has been officially sanctioned by China, targeting Skydio, the biggest U.S.-based drone manufacturer. This move complicates the supply chain for Ukraine’s military operations at a crucial time.
In early 2023, Skydio shifted its focus from commercial drones to military production for Ukraine after influential investment firms took control of the company. Now, the sanctions imposed by China prevent Chinese companies from supplying essential components like batteries to Skydio. This blockade severely hampers Skydio’s ability to deliver drones needed for Ukraine’s defense.
The impact on Skydio’s operations is immediate and significant. The company faces a critical supply chain crisis and is urgently searching for alternative suppliers to maintain production. The sanctions highlight the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, which are escalating due to recent U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
Sources:
h/t Flying Elvii