If China blocks exports, Korea can’t even buy drones… Pushing for localization of drone parts.

Anchor

As drone applications continue to expand significantly, the global drone market is currently dominated by Chinese companies.

If China were to halt exports of drone parts, it would become extremely difficult for domestic companies to continue production.

In response, the Korean government has begun supporting the localization of drone components.

Here is a report by reporter Yoon Arim.

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A drone flying over the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.

It successfully carried a 15kg payload up to an altitude of 6,000 meters.

"(This drone) remains stable even in sudden strong winds and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C."

This is a drone made by DJI, a Chinese company.

DJI alone accounts for 70% of the global drone market.

Chinese drones lead the world in both performance and cost-effectiveness.

Because of this, the Korean government also attempted to introduce Chinese drones for monitoring illegal fishing activities—but the plan fell through.

Since last year, China has restricted the export of high-performance drone components that could be used for military purposes.

Currently, the average localization rate of major drone components like propellers and motors is below 30%.

If China bans the export of drone parts, Korean companies would find it nearly impossible to manufacture drones.

Lee Jong-su / Domestic drone company representative: "If imports from China are blocked, prices will inevitably rise..."

Kim Tae-woo / Domestic drone company representative: "I want to buy and use domestic products, but the Chinese market is just so big and the prices are so low..."

Additionally, 70% of Korean drone companies earn less than 1 billion won (approximately $740,000) annually, making them small-scale businesses.

The government is stepping in with countermeasures.

The goal is to localize all components of drones. It plans to support the development of drones for five key sectors—agriculture, construction, firefighting, and others—using entirely domestic technology.

This year, the government will invest 10 billion won (approx. $7.4 million) to develop drones for firefighting and bird control.

This is Yoon Arim, reporting for KBS News.

Camera: Ko Hyung-seok / Video editing: Han Chan-ui / Footage: YouTube DJI / Graphics: Kim Sung-il