China’s Cheap Drones: A Threat to Whom?

This article is worried that China’s cheap clones may end up in the wrong hands, or could be owned and used by the adversaries of the US government.

From Technewsdaily.com

Cheap drones made in China could end up arming potential U.S. foes such as North Korea, Iran and terrorist organizations.

China already makes drones that don't quite match up to U.S. military drones, but for a fraction of the cost. The Chinese military envisions such unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) scouting out battlefield targets, guiding missile and artillery strikes, and swarming potential adversaries, such as U.S. carrier battle groups…

China has built a huge military-industrial complex to support its growing drone fleet, which consisted of about 280 military drones as of mid-2011, according to a report released by the Project 2049 Institute on March 11. Chinese manufacturers supplying the military and state agencies also have begun seeking foreign buyers in a global drone market that aerospace and defense market research firm Teal Group estimates to be worth $89 billion over the next 10 years…

The idea of cheap, China-made drones may not tempt countries such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia or NATO allies that want to buy the best U.S. or Israeli drone hardware. Instead, China is seeking buyers in the Middle East and Africa at glitzy expositions such as China’s biennial Zhuhai Air Show.

While such concern could partially be true, considering the estimated $89 billion market, my guess is that China’s cheap drones will likely threaten politically connected US drone providers/suppliers more than terrorists or US foes having access to them. 

Besides, anti-drone laser weapon system has already been developed. Foes of the governments are likely to use them than use drones.

Yet demand for commercial drones has been estimated to reach 10,000 according to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

Many of such demand come from hobbyists.

A good example of the growing commercial use of drones has been in photography or cinematography particularly in the covering of field events. The Golf Channel used a drone to film a recently held tournament, according to the Business Insider.

The point is commercialization of drones will likely mean more price competition, more innovation, more applications and an increasing use of them by the markets. China's cheap drones may be one factor in driving the commercialization of drones.