Over the last decade, civilian drones have proven their worth as invaluable dual-use assets with both civilian and military capabilities. Officially known as UAVs, civilian use cases of drones include aerial photography, environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, product deliveries, and also police operations.
The military capabilities of civilian drones have been proven in Russia’s war against Ukraine, with civilian drones in use by both sides and playing an indispensable role in the tactics of both armed forces and the wider conflict, causing the war to become the first full-scale drone war in history. These smaller drones, able not only to conduct intelligence and harassment operations but also to play a role in informational warfare thanks to their onboard cameras, have become a key aspect of modern “techno-guerilla warfare”.
Policymakers in both Brussels and Beijing have recognised the importance of the industry, with Beijing’s “Made in China 2025” plan laying out the need for the faster development of China’s drone industry and Brussels’ “Drone Strategy 2.0” envisioning the key role that drones will play in future EU societies. While many global powers have affirmed their commitments to becoming leaders in the technology, today, it is China that is the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of civilian consumer drones by revenue generated, with exports steadily rising.
Currently positioned as the global leader in civilian drone manufacturing, it is Beijing that is set to net the biggest gains from this emerging field, with its advantage translating into potential geopolitical influence in conflicts where the technology is utilised, increased power in international standards setting, and a lead in future technological developments in the industry. This analysis examines the policies implemented by Beijing’s drone industry, the potential risks for Europe, and the implications of Chinese drones in Ukraine.
Download and read: Flying With the Dragons: China’s Global Dominance in Civilian Drones and Risks for Europe (PDF)
