Media: EU remains dependent on Chinese components for drone production

The European Union is currently unable to fully eliminate its reliance on Chinese components for drone manufacturing, Euractiv writes.

Key parts used in drone production, particularly magnets used in motors and rotors, are heavily controlled by China, which has established a near-dominant global market share in the sector.

Citing European Commission data, Euractiv notes that the EU still imports 100% of its rare earth metals used in permanent magnets and around 97% of its magnesium from China. The dependence extends beyond raw materials to include advanced semiconductors, sensor technologies, and batteries.

Industry experts say this reliance makes it difficult for Europe to achieve full supply chain independence in the near term. Ronalds Strauchs, a representative of defence company LMT Defence, said that “a fully independent supply chain is currently unattainable.”

Other analysts echoed similar concerns, arguing that phasing out Chinese components in the short term is not feasible due to cost and production constraints. James Campion, CEO of Swedish technology firm TERASi, said China remains more competitive in producing many high-tech components, particularly in electronics.

“From a financial standpoint, there is simply no alternative,” Campion said.

By Sabina Mammadli