India Bans Use of Chinese Parts in Military Drones Amid Security Concerns

New Delhi: India has banned the use of Chinese-made drone components in military drones, citing security concerns. The ban covers parts related to communication functions, cameras, radio transmission, and operating software in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The decision comes amid escalated military tensions between India and China, following skirmishes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in May 2020. Indian defence officials believe that China could use backdoors in Chinese-made drone components to compromise intelligence-gathering operations.

The ban is similar to the one imposed by the Pentagon in 2019, which prohibits the purchase and use of drones and components from China. Indian defence officials acknowledge that domestic manufacturing will require higher costs, but they emphasize the need to boost domestic production to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has pledged significant funding for defence research and development in the private industry.

The ban on Chinese-made drone components is a major step towards bolstering India’s national security. It will also help to encourage the growth of the domestic drone manufacturing ecosystem.