31.10.2024, Washington.
Skydio, the largest drone manufacturer in the USA and a supplier for both the US and Ukrainian militaries, is facing significant supply chain issues, according to sources cited by The Financial Times on October 31.
In mid-October, China imposed sanctions on three US defense companies and their executives due to their military support for Taiwan. The companies affected by these sanctions are Edge Autonomy Operations LLC, Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc., and Skydio Inc.
An insider mentioned that “Skydio, the US’s largest drone maker and a supplier to Ukraine’s military, faces a supply chain crisis,” as a Chinese manufacturer has stopped supplying the necessary batteries to the company due to China’s sanctions against the three US defense firms for providing military aid to Taiwan.
Skydio reported that it is currently seeking alternative suppliers and has requested assistance from the White House. However, the source expressed doubts that this issue could be resolved positively before spring 2025.
On October 29, Bloomberg reported that Taiwan and the USA had signed an agreement to supply up to 1,000 strike UAVs to the island’s defense ministry. The drones will be supplied by the US companies AeroVironment Inc. and Anduril Industries Inc. This move is part of Taiwan’s preparation to counter a potential attack from China.
