The US Can’t Let China Dominate the Small-Drone Market

Russia’s war on Ukraine is a wake-up call on the dangers of letting an unfriendly nation dominate the drone market. Both sides are deploying thousands of Chinese drones, said Stacie Pettyjohn, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security.

“Most of the drones are pretty cheap, and you’re seeing a lot of them lost,’’ said Pettyjohn, who wrote a report on drone use in the conflict. “They’re being used like munitions.’’

The US is a leader for large, long-range drones, including General Atomics’ MQ-9 Reaper and Northrop Grumman Corp.’s MQ-4C Triton. These are more like airplanes and are as sophisticated as they are expensive. These drones are crucial for the long-range missions that would likely be required in a sea conflict, such as one involving Taiwan, Pettyjohn said.

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