The Drone Supply Chain War: Identifying the Chokepoints to Making a Drone

Payne Institute Communications Associate MacDonald Amoah, Director Morgan Bazilian, Fellow Jahara Matisek and Katrina Schweiker write about how every drone involved in the war in Ukraine depends on China. From palm-sized quadcopters guiding artillery to long-range loitering munitions, nearly every unmanned system on both sides contains materials and components that originate in Chinese factories and refineries. December 9, 2025.