Russia Drone Shortage: China's Export Restrictions Put Moscow in a Bind

China's export restrictions on drones and related components have led to shortages in Russia, according to Russian newspaper Kommersant. This is a major blow to Russia, which has been relying on drones to support its military operations in Ukraine.

The restrictions apply to drones that fly beyond the operator's natural line of sight, remain airborne for more than 30 minutes, have attachments that can be used to throw objects, and weigh more than 7 kilograms. This includes many types of drones used for both civilian and military purposes.
The shortage of drones is likely to have a significant impact on Russia's ability to wage war in Ukraine. Drones have been used by both sides in the conflict for a variety of purposes, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and airstrikes.

Russia is trying to mitigate the impact of the shortage by establishing its own drone production facilities. However, it is unclear how long it will take for Russia to be able to produce enough drones to meet its needs.

In the meantime, Russia is also trying to import drones from other countries, such as Iran. However, it is unclear how successful Russia will be in obtaining drones from other sources.
The shortage of drones is a major setback for Russia, and it could have a significant impact on the outcome of the war in Ukraine.