Components such as motors, speed controllers, antennas, and other electronics, previously plentiful from Chinese suppliers, are now in critical short supply.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated, the significance of drone warfare has increased, leading to substantial investments in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by militaries worldwide.
The US military is also enhancing its inventory of high-tech drones to counter China in potential conflicts.
However, the service is facing a drone shortage due to the US ban on drone spare parts made in China.
Ban on Chinese drones
A bill titled “Countering CCP Drones Act” passed by the US House of Representatives in mid-June stated that all Chinese-made drones, especially those made by DJI, are considered a “national security threat” and should, therefore, be banned.
The Pentagon’s decision to prohibit Chinese components is based on valid security concerns regarding espionage and cyber vulnerabilities.
However, this ban has profound unintended consequences for the US military.
US manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the increasing demand for essential components needed for drone technology.
Components such as motors, speed controllers, antennas, and other electronics, previously plentiful from Chinese suppliers, are now in critical short supply.
Diminished drone production
Recent reports highlight the scale of the issue. A Pentagon briefing projects a significant increase in demand for small UAVs in response to evolving threats and operational requirements.
For example, the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division has been forced to assemble drones from “qualified” parts, but the production volume remains alarmingly low.
As a result, many units operate with outdated equipment, which undermines the effectiveness of missions.
The significant dominance of Chinese companies in the drone component market is a cause for concern.
Firms like DJI provide advanced technology at prices that US manufacturers struggle to match.
This competitive edge has led to a dependence that creates operational risks.
[…]
Via https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-military-drone-shortage-china
The Most Revolutionary Act 
Dr. B, I was listening to a guy in Tennessee who said “Preppers” should include a drone in their supply and a satellite phone. The drone can survey the land you are living on. Is this really our reality now?
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With our recent power outage from Helene, when drones were used by GA power to assess the damage to our power line, they served a useful, functional purpose. We still needed human beings to repair the damage to the line, who were sent from Ontario, Canada to do the work.
Drone use for the military to fight the Pentagon’s battles with the world are more concerning.
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In my experience, Trace, there are 2 kinds of preppers: loners who prep for themselves and their families and those who prep collaboratively with others in their community. What is predicted now, is some kind of cyber event against the banks before Jan 2025. It will be initiated by the CIA and blamed on Iran and we will be told the money in our bank accounts is gone, and the only way we can access it is to sign up for a CBDC and a digital ID. Our hope here in NZ is that communities will be able to organise their own food, health care and other basic necessities so they don’t need to access their bank accounts. We don’t feel any particular need for drones because we trust each other. Some of our members have investigated satellite phones but you need to have a monthly subscription to use them (same as cellphones) so you would need a bank account.
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We are in mortal danger and yet no one is yelling
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I watch Badlands TV, Trace – Badlands Daily when The Spirit of Patrick Henry is on and Breaking History, which features Matt Ehret and The Spirit of Patrick Henry. Here in New Zealand people listen to Reality Check Radio. They’re for sure yelling.
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I just found it on Rumble – will bookmark that. Thanks Dr. B!
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