The U.S. Needs Its Own Drone Industry to Counter China
Briefly

Mithril Defense, a Texas-based drone startup, has launched a unique initiative introducing drones equipped with pepper sprays to counter school shootings. This project signifies a major shift in domestic security strategies. However, the U.S. drone industry faces significant challenges, primarily due to China's overwhelming dominance, with companies like DJI controlling a substantial market share. Many American drones are cost-prohibitive for swarm operations, lacking the intelligence necessary for autonomous deployment. Effective drone swarms vital for advanced military operations remain constrained by high manufacturing costs and complex technology requirements.
The drone startup Mithril Defense aims to provide security solutions by using drones armed with pepper sprays, designed to neutralize school-shooting suspects, marking a first in the U.S.
China dominates the drone industry, with DJI controlling over 70% of drone purchases, making it essential to design components that are deliberately non-Chinese.
Many U.S.-manufactured drones are too expensive and not intelligent enough to participate in effective drone swarm operations, constraining military capabilities.
Autonomy is crucial for drone swarms to avoid collisions; however, the high cost of U.S. drones presents significant challenges for mass deployment.
Read at The American Conservative
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