Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick Katz /Skydio(opens in a new window)
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Image Credits:U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick Katz /Skydio(opens in a new window)
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
Gadgets
game
Government & Policy
Hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
Privacy
Robotics
security department
societal
blank
Startups
TikTok
Transportation
speculation
More from TechCrunch
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
TV
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
America ’s supply chain vulnerabilities were on full display Thursday after laggard manufacturer Skydio told customers it was facing a shelling clinch after being impinge on with sanctions from China .
“ This is an attempt to eliminate the leading American bourdon troupe and deepen the world ’s dependance on Chinese monotone suppliers , ” Skydio CEO Adam Bry saidin a letter to customersfirst reported by the Financial Times .
The company , which provides drones to Ukraine ’s military and Taiwan ’s National Fire Agency , manufactures its products in the United States but still relies on a global supply chain for many of its component ; one of the most decisive components , batteries , are still sourced in China . As a result of the sanctions , which bar Chinese companies from doing business with Skydio , customers will be limited to one barrage per pilotless aircraft , Skydio tell customers .
While Skydio has a “ substantial line ” of batteries on hand , it does n’t anticipate newfangled sources coming online until give of next year . In the meantime , the ship’s company is extending the computer software licence , warranty , and support term for orders bear on by the battery ration by the length of time it takes for the full complement of barrage to be deliver .
Skydio is America ’s largest drone producer and operates an enterprise - only business aftershutting down its consumer drone business in 2023 . It has sent 1000 of its drones to Ukraine to aid that country ’s warfare - fighting crusade .
“ This is a elucidative moment for the drone industry , ” Bry said . “ If there was ever any doubt , this action mechanism makes clear that the Chinese administration will expend supplying chains as a arm to advance their interests over ours . ”
The drone maker has sought help from the Biden establishment and has been in spot with Taiwan ’s vice chairperson Hsiao Bi - khim as it face up this crisis , the Financial Times report . The sanction , which were imposed on October 10 and let in two other companies , were reportedly imposed in retaliation for the U.S. government ’s announcement that it would allow additional military assistance for Taiwan .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Ten executive were also sanctioned , including Bry and Skydio ’s Asia - Pacific general manager Tom Moss .
This is n’t the first fourth dimension the U.S. and China have traded jabs over drone technoloy : DJI , the world ’s largest drone manufacturer , file away a suit against the U.S. political science sooner this month over being specify a “ Chinese military company , ” claiming the designation is “ unlawful and misguided . ”
