By Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global – Ambassador for Israel
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are sharply reducing their use of Chinese-made drones over mounting evidence that these systems expose sensitive operational data to hostile actors. Israel has briefed NATO partners on suspected vulnerabilities, warning that data siphoned from these platforms can be exploited by adversaries in real time.
IDF Moves to Limit Chinese Drones
During recent months, Hamas propaganda videos have shown how the organization collected intelligence on Israeli forces using Chinese-made drones operated by the IDF. As a result, the IDF has curtailed operations with these platforms, confining them to what commanders now define as “safe use” profiles.
This shift follows an earlier decision to bar Chinese-made cars from certain IDF bases and then to phase them out entirely from official use by officers. The vehicles are being removed from service and sold on the civilian market, reflecting a broader risk posture toward Chinese-connected technologies.
Data, Espionage and Legal Obligations
The core concern around low-cost Chinese drones centers on:
- Potential data exfiltration from sensors and onboard systems.
- Espionage risks created by China’s national security laws, which can compel firms to share data with state authorities.
- Geopolitical dependencies that give Beijing leverage over critical European and Middle Eastern security operations.
European institutions and member states are now treating these issues as strategic threats, debating restrictions and new acquisition policies for security, enforcement and emergency services. Analyses from Ruhr University Bochum and multiple national warnings highlight telemetry misuse and possible routing of geodata, imagery and flight logs through Chinese servers.
European Security and Infrastructure at Risk
Security, law enforcement and emergency agencies across the European Union have come to rely heavily on Chinese-made drones for operations around critical infrastructure and defence sites. That dependence is increasingly seen as a liability given China’s technology ties to Russia and the potential for remote access to operational data.
Several EU member states, including Lithuania and the Netherlands, have already restricted the use of Chinese drones in defence and public security missions. Germany is actively exploring alternative suppliers, including manufacturers in Taiwan, to diversify away from Chinese-origin platforms.
Sanctions, Russia and Hybrid Threats
The EU has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies accused of supplying drone components to Russia’s military-industrial complex. Brussels has warned of further “consequences” if Beijing-linked firms continue enabling the production of military-grade drones for use in Ukraine and other theatres.
At the same time, a series of unauthorized drone sightings over European airports and critical infrastructure has raised alarms about Russian hybrid tactics. These incidents underscore the urgency of deploying counter-drone systems and accelerating a strategic reduction in dependence on Chinese platforms.
Clear and Imminent Cyber Risk
“The danger is clear and imminent,” says Guy Mizrahi, a senior Israeli cyber expert who spoke with Autonomy Global. “When a Chinese drone is operated it collects data from the operational environment and transfers it to someone in China. It collects locations, operational schedules and even audio and video. The IDF’s decision is based on solid, proven facts.”
For Israel, NATO members and EU institutions, the emerging consensus is that cheap Chinese drones come with hidden strategic costs that may far outweigh their commercial advantages. As militaries and governments reassess their unmanned fleets, secure-by-design alternatives are rapidly shifting from option to imperative.