Ukraine has sharply reduced its dependence on China for military drones since 2022, but still relies on Chinese supplies for several hard-to-replace components, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.
China made up 28 per cent of Ukraine's direct drone imports at the end of August, according to Ukrainian customs figures, compared with near-total reliance in the first year of the full-scale invasion. Large makers such as Fire Point now source most parts at home or from allied countries, and Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drones at targets in Russia over 17 and 18 October.
Analysts say gaps remain in thermal camera optics, battery cells, motor magnets and some electronics, where Chinese supply is cheaper and dominant. Ukraine is looking to partners including Taiwan to fill them, while Europe is not expected to make rare earth magnets at scale until the early 2030s.
Source: RFE/RL
