complex policies, regulations, and geopolitical implications surrounding drones developed and used in China. Understand their impact on global security, trade, and technology transfer.
defense
ODNI’s 2026 threat assessment frames AI as a strategic, cross-cutting driver of modern warfare and coercion, with China the top competitor and autonomy risks rising—implications Europe must reflect in procurement and resilience.
defense
A Defence Technology study reports an energy-learning hyper-heuristic that improves heterogeneous UAV swarm task assignment under tight timing, payload and obstacle constraints.
China
China has confirmed that its suspension of rare earth export controls will now include the EU, following high-level discussions between Chinese and European officials. This move aims to stabilize supply chains crucial for the EU's clean-tech and defense industries.
China
While European drone startups multiply, their strategic foundation remains fragile. True sovereignty lies not in final assembly, but in the upstream production of critical components: magnets for motors, processed graphite for batteries, and low-cost sensors.
southern-european
The Italian Competition Authority has initiated an investigation into DJI and its importer Nital for suspected illegal price-fixing and blocking of parallel imports. The probe focuses on the resale practices of professional drones, potentially violating EU competition laws.
regulation
In response to China's recent export restrictions on rare earths, the EU is set to propose a comprehensive strategy for critical minerals by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to bolster the EU's supply chain resilience and reduce dependency on non-European sources, particularly in the defense an