Ukraine can produce components for drones, but it is matter of money – Ukrainian volunteer and IT specialist

This was emphasised by Lyuba Shipovych, co-founder of the Dignitas Charitable Foundation, in the War and Volunteers program hosted by Espreso.

"Currently, the drone market is waiting to see what will happen in September, after China imposes the announced restriction on the export of drones and components. Manufacturers are trying to buy and contract as many drones as possible," says Lyuba Shipovych, "because September is so unpredictable. And for business, there is nothing worse than this, because then people cannot plan their production, expenses, income, or invest in development. That's why there is a kind of panic in the market now. We are currently signing contracts with producers for October and November so that they can collect prepayments and place orders before the restrictions are introduced."

Lyuba Shipovych emphasises that the fund buys FPV drones only from Ukrainian manufacturers. After all, these are jobs and an impetus for development.

"It's important to reduce dependence on China," says Shipovych. "The state should invest not only in the economic component, but also in the security component. Therefore, spare parts should be manufactured in Ukraine. For example, it is possible to manufacture propellers, a little more difficult to manufacture engines, and very difficult to manufacture electronics. But it is realistic, the only question is money. Any capital production requires investment in the purchase of equipment for these components and the construction of factory premises. But it is not profitable for business because Chinese equipment is cheaper. Therefore, this is a question for the state, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine. Sometimes it is worth overpaying for security to reduce dependence on China.  I think the state should make efforts to localise at least certain components. War is not a business, but a security element. It is expensive, but we have to overpay for our security to free Ukraine and not become part of the occupying power."