Mazur, Kyrylo2026-06-262026-06-262026-05Mazur, Kyrylo. (2026). STRATEGIC RISKS OF UKRAINIAN DRONE MANUFACTURERS RELATED TO CHINESE COMPONENTS. Kyiv: American University Kyiv. URI: https://er.auk.edu.ua/handle/234907866/189https://er.auk.edu.ua/handle/234907866/189This capstone project analyzes the strategic dependence of Ukrainian drone manufacturers on Chinese components and the challenges of transitioning to a NATO compliant component base. Given that drones have become a critical element of the Russian Ukrainian war and modern warfare in general, Ukrainian manufacturers now face a trade-off between short-term efficiency (Chinese components) and long-term integration into Western markets (NATO-compliant components). Using a mixed-methods approach, this research combines qualitative insights from industry experts and suppliers with quantitative data from a Ukrainian manufacturer on costs, lead times, and volume comparisons between Chinese and NATO-compliant supply chains. This capstone project develops a navigation map of components for different drone clusters, based on the Ukrainian drone ecosystem, describes the up-to-date drone component market dynamics in Ukraine and globally, and provides practical strategic recommendations for the Western (including Ukraine) governments and Ukrainian drone manufacturers, with a clear roadmap and mitigation plans for several clusters.en-USUkrainian drone industryChinese electronic componentsNATO standardizationDefense procurementStrategic sourcingThesis