China’s restrictions lead to a shortage of drones and their parts in Russia

18 September, 2023 A Russian with a heavy quadcopter. Photo illustration China's restrictions have led to disruptions in the supply of drones and their parts to Russia.

The BBC's Russian Service reported on this with reference to the Kommersant. The restrictions have reportedly led to a shortage of a number of parts, including thermal imagers and laser rangefinders. There is already a shortage of certain types of drones weighing more than 4 kg.

According to the publication, major Russian drone manufacturers hope that their suppliers in China will be able to obtain licenses to export to Russia, but the process could take up to a year.

A Russian with a heavy quadcopter. Photo illustration

To do this, it is necessary to prove that the drone will not be used for military purposes. Sellers of Chinese drones to Russia are trying to set up parallel imports, but they are blocked by transit countries.

Militarnyi reported in July that the People's Republic of China had imposed export controls on certain equipment used in drones. Having come into force on September 1, the restriction applies to certain types of engines for unmanned aerial vehicles, lasers, and communication equipment. The restrictions also apply to anti-drone systems whose operational parameters exceed the benchmarks set by the Chinese side.

A Chinese-made Mugin UAV shot down by Ukrainian forces.

March 2023. Ukraine. Photo credits: ArmyInform

Equipment for the production of vehicles with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 7 kg, laser designators that can operate stably at temperatures above 55?C, and video transmission modules for distances of more than 50 km came under export control.

Now, in order to sell this group of goods abroad, Chinese exporters will need to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China every time.

In addition, it was reported that Chinese manufacturers were developing systems for dropping 120-mm mortar rounds for Russian drones.