Ukraine Faces Drone Crisis as China Halts DJI Mavic Sales – Can Domestic Alternatives Fill the Gap?

Ukrainian forces are grappling with a critical shortage of DJI Mavic drones due to China’s export restrictions, threatening frontline reconnaissance and artillery operations. RBC-Ukraine reports that these restrictions have disrupted supplies, forcing Ukraine to seek alternatives amid a monopoly by Chinese drones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Mavic’s Role in Ukraine’s Defense

Since 2017, DJI Mavic drones have been vital for Ukrainian units, prized for their compact design, quiet operation, and advanced cameras. The Mavic 2 Pro, replacing the Mavic Pro Platinum, became a frontline staple, launching in under a minute to relay target coordinates. By 2023, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted Ukraine was procuring “up to 60% of the world’s Mavic production,” supporting reconnaissance, artillery adjustments, and evacuations.

In spring 2025, DJI discontinued the Mavic 3 series, introducing the Mavic 4 Pro with enhanced sensors and a 40-minute flight time. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed in May that China halted drone sales to Ukraine and Europe while supplying Russia, exacerbating shortages. Samir Makhmudov, Chief of Staff for the ANTARES battalion, confirmed, “It was already clear back then that shipments were being restricted,” complicating frontline logistics.

Impact of Export Restrictions

The Unmanned Systems Forces told RBC-Ukraine, “They (the restrictions – ed.) have affected the supply of certain commercial UAV models, particularly due to increased delivery times, higher product costs, and the need to implement more complex logistical solutions.”

This has strained reconnaissance missions, with Mavics comprising 90% of such operations, per Yehor Firsov, Commander of a strike UAV platoon.

China’s restrictions extend to components like tungsten cutters and carbon, hindering Ukrainian production.

Vadym Horiushko, Director of VPP Invest, stated, “Chinese companies that see themselves strategically in this field are leaving the country and relocating their production to avoid all these restrictions.”

This creates a supply vacuum, pushing Ukraine toward self-reliance.

Rise of Ukrainian Drone Production

Ukraine is countering the crisis by scaling domestic manufacturing, producing 4 million drones annually, with 1.5 million delivered to troops. The Ministry of Strategic Industries supports this through tax exemptions and platforms like Brave1, which offers testing and military feedback. At least ten Mavic analogues, like the Shmavic, have emerged, though specifics remain confidential.

Alternative drones, such as the Ukrainian-made Mamba and Shark, are gaining traction. The Unmanned Systems Forces outlined requirements for replacements: 40-minute flight times, electronic warfare resistance, and modular designs. Western models like the Blue sUAS Parrot Anafi USA were tested but proved costly and logistically challenging.

Horiushko emphasized, “Ukraine is capable of creating a platform that will be more reliable, adaptable, and cost-effective in the long term.”

New Procurement Strategies

To address procurement bottlenecks, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry launched the DOT-Chain Defense platform, enabling brigades to order drones directly.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov admitted, “Some commanders say, ‘Mr. Minister, I have no one to make the purchases.’ Others are afraid to spend the money.”

This initiative aims to streamline acquisitions, though its effectiveness is unproven.

Looking Ahead

While Mavics remain dominant, Ukraine’s pivot to domestic and alternative drones is accelerating. The Vyriy Drone’s fully Ukrainian FPV model marks progress, reducing reliance on Chinese electronics. Yaroslav Honchar of Aerorozvidka believes the crisis, though disruptive, is not critical, predicting independence from China within “one or two more quarters,” as Horiushko suggested.

Ukraine’s drone industry faces challenges but is poised for growth, driven by necessity and innovation. With centralized programs and international support, the nation aims to secure its aerial capabilities, ensuring frontline resilience against evolving geopolitical constraints.