In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Chinese drones, originally intended for civilian use, have become integral to military operations in the conflict.
Russian media is buzzing with reports of Ukraine using Chinese drones in attacks on Russian targets. For days, the question of how Ukraine managed to get these drones dominated discussions.
Now, Russian outlets claim they’ve uncovered the methods behind Kyiv’s continued procurement of Chinese Mavic drones, sidestepping restrictions from DJI and China’s export limits.
According to RIA Novosti – a Russian state-owned domestic news agency, Ukraine is receiving these drones through Polish companies and private entrepreneurs, despite official bans.
Kyiv reportedly remains an active buyer of DJI Mavic drones, including the Mavic 3 Pro, in defiance of tighter export controls and protests from the manufacturer.
Polish Firm Strikes Major Drone Deal With Ukraine
As revealed by Ukraine’s public procurement platform – Prozorro, Kyiv City Council has inked a substantial deal with UMO Ukraine, a subsidiary of Polish company UMO.
The contract, valued at over UAH 391.5 million (USD 9.79 million), includes the delivery of 1,550 DJI Mavic 3T and 950 DJI Mavic 3E drones, all slated for arrival by August 2024.
UMO Ukraine is heavily involved in supplying DJI Mavic 3 Pro drones to various units of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. For instance, the 25th Airborne Brigade recently acquired 15 Mavic 3 Pro drones for one million hryvnia, while the 103rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade secured 40 units for UAH 2.8 million (Ukrainian currency Hryvnia).
Individual entrepreneurs are also playing a role in drone supply. RIA Novosti highlights a growing trend of drone supplies via private entrepreneurs.
One notable example is Alina Ostapenko, who signed a contract to provide 1,000 DJI Mavic 3 Pro drones to the 26th River Fleet Division of the Ukrainian Navy for UAH 71.4 million (USD 1.785 million). She has also secured several other drone contracts worth over UAH 70 million, benefiting various branches of the Ukrainian military.
China’s Export Control Measures
Interestingly, both Russia and Ukraine reportedly have increasingly relied on Chinese-made “civilian drones” for surveillance, communication, strikes, and even suicide missions.
China recently tightened its export controls on drones and drone components with military potential, extending last year’s restrictions on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sales.
According to a joint statement by three government agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the new measures, effective September 1, aim to safeguard China’s security and fulfill its non-proliferation commitments.
This move follows the U.S. passing the “Countering CCP Drones Act” in mid-July, which banned DJI—the world’s largest drone manufacturer—from using American communications infrastructure.
While these Chinese export curbs have led to shortages and supply chain disruptions in Russia, the Kremlin is reportedly working on alternative supply routes to secure military drones and bypass the ban.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
DJI, Headquartered in China’s Silicon Valley ‘Shenzhen’ and the world’s largest drone manufacturer, suspended operations in both Russia and Ukraine in April 2022, citing opposition to the use of its products in warfare.
However, the company’s drones, particularly the Mavic 3 Pro model known for its advanced cameras and navigation systems, continue to reach Ukrainian forces.
In 2023, China introduced stricter export controls, mandating permits for drones with potential military applications, including the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. These restrictions were further tightened on September 1, 2024, yet Ukrainian forces continue to receive these models.
China-Russia Drone Collaboration?
In recent years, China has made significant strides in drone technology, investing heavily across all military branches to produce faster, more intelligent, and highly adaptable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This rapid advancement has drawn considerable attention from military analysts worldwide.
Recent reports suggest a potentially concerning development in this field. According to a Bloomberg article published on July 2, citing anonymous European officials, there are suspicions that Chinese firms may be working on attack drones intended to support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. These drones are allegedly similar in design to the Shahed-type UAVs produced by Iran.
The report, citing multiple unnamed European sources, suggests that Chinese and Russian companies discussed collaborating in 2023 on the development of an attack drone similar to the mass-produced Shahed.
From Dual-Use Assets To Geopolitical Influence
Civilian drones have emerged as crucial dual-purpose assets over the last decade, demonstrating significant value in both civilian and military applications.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has particularly highlighted the military potential of these devices, with both sides extensively employing civilian drones. This widespread use has transformed the conflict into history’s first full-scale drone war, fundamentally altering tactics for armed forces and shaping the broader conflict dynamics.
These compact unmanned aerial vehicles have proven versatile, capable of conducting intelligence gathering, harassment operations, and even contributing to information warfare through their onboard cameras. As a result, they have become integral to modern “techno-guerilla warfare” strategies.
While numerous global powers have expressed ambitions to lead in drone technology, China currently dominates the market as the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of civilian consumer drones by revenue, with its export figures consistently rising.
Beijing’s position as the global frontrunner in civilian drone production positions it to reap substantial benefits from this burgeoning field. This advantage could translate into increased geopolitical influence in conflicts where drones play a significant role, enhanced power in setting international standards, and a head start in future technological advancements within the industry.
Global Context
The use of civilian drones in military conflicts has become a growing concern internationally. While China tightens export controls, countries involved in conflicts are seeking alternative supply routes to maintain access to drone technology.
As the situation evolves, the international community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the dual-use nature of drone technology and its impact on contemporary warfare.
- Shubhangi Palve is a defense and aerospace journalist. Before joining the EurAsian Times, she worked for E.T. Prime. In this capacity, she focused on covering defense strategies and the defense sector from a financial perspective. She offers over 15 years of extensive experience in the media industry, spanning print, electronic, and online domains.
- Contact the author at shubhapalve (at) gmail (dot) com.
