Skydio Responds to Chinese Sanctions with Temporary Battery Rationing for Drone Customers

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Skydio Responds to Chinese Sanctions with Temporary Battery Rationing for Drone Customers​

U.S. Manufacturer Plans to Bolster Supply Chain Amid Ongoing Industry Tensions​

In response to recently announced Chinese sanctions against them, U.S.-based drone manufacturer Skydio informed its customers of a plan to ration battery supplies temporarily. The sanctions, which affect Skydio’s ability to source batteries, stem from the company’s sale of drones to Taiwan’s National Fire Agency. Skydio has affirmed its commitment to maintaining its current partnerships while adjusting supply chain operations to accommodate the disruption.

The issue highlights broader concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities in the drone industry. Lawmakers in the U.S. and allied countries have increasingly urged drone users to seek alternatives to Chinese-made equipment, citing supply chain issues and cyber security as critical factors. China’s dominance in drone production has led to concerns about reliance on foreign technology for essential operations. These restrictions against Skydio underscore the importance of supply chain resilience.

Battery Rationing in Response to Limited Supply​

The sanctions have constrained Skydio’s access to batteries, While Skydio has invested in domestic production and sourcing outside of China, it acknowledged that “batteries are one of the few components we have not yet moved out of China.” Skydio CEO Adam Bry noted, “We have a substantial stock of batteries on hand, and our team was already developing alternative suppliers. But right now we don’t expect new sources to come online until the spring of next year.”

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