Skydio CEO Highlights Challenges in Competing with China
Adam Bry, CEO of Skydio, Inc., provided crucial insights during his testimony this morning before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. His testimony was a part of the presentation titled “From High Tech to Heavy Steel: Combatting the PRC’s Technique to Dominate Semiconductors, Shipbuilding, and Drones.” The committee is currently evaluating the impact of Chinese subsidies on critical technologies and their repercussions on US industries.
In opening remarks, Committee Chairman Moolenar said that “…the CCP seeks to manage the important thing technologies and sectors that may determine future conflicts. We’re looking intimately at three of those today: chips, ships, and drones.
Chips, or semiconductors, power all the pieces from the guidance system on missiles to satellites, mobile phones, computers, and cars.
Ships transport cargo all over the world and form the navies that may blockade global supply lines or enable invasions. This includes the chance to Taiwan, which might cut off the foundries that produce virtually the complete world’s supply of advanced semiconductors.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones will play a key role in the longer term of civilian and military airpower.
In all three, America’s industrial capability has waned while China has gained dominance or is within the means of gaining dominance over each.”
Testimony from US Drone Manufacturer Skydio
Bry began his testimony by emphasizing Skydio’s pioneering role in aerial robotics. Because the co-founder of the most important US manufacturer of small drones, he highlighted the corporate’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy. “Skydio drones use AI to grasp the environment and to plan and execute complex tasks,” he explained, noting the transformative potential of autonomous aviation in democratizing access to flight technology.
Skydio, founded in 2014, has grown from a small startup to a big player within the drone industry, supplying over 40,000 drones to greater than 2,000 enterprise and government customers. These customers include various branches of the US military, public safety agencies, and utility corporations. Bry underscored Skydio’s mission to construct the world’s best automated data capture platform, designed to operate in probably the most dangerous and demanding environments.
A central theme of Bry’s testimony was the competitive landscape dominated by Chinese corporations. He recounted the aggressive tactics employed by these corporations, similar to undercutting prices and intimidating distributors, which have posed significant challenges to American manufacturers. Despite this, Bry expressed confidence in Skydio’s competitive edge, leveraging America’s strengths in AI and autonomy. “In 2024, Skydio is competing—and winning—on the strength of our products,” he stated.
The Increasing Role of Small Drones on the Battlefield
Bry highlighted the strategic importance of the drone industry for national security, using Ukraine as a case study. “In Ukraine, drones are essential,” he noted, illustrating the dependency on Chinese drones and the risks involved. He identified that Chinese corporations have imposed export controls and geofencing features, complicating Ukraine’s defense efforts and underscoring the necessity for secure, reliable alternatives.
To advance American leadership within the drone industry, Bry offered three key recommendations:
- Surge American Drones to Ukraine: Bry urged the US to supply more small, dual-use ISR drones to Ukraine, countering China’s export controls and supporting Ukraine’s defense needs. This move wouldn’t only aid Ukraine but additionally strengthen US defense capabilities by producing battle-tested drones at scale.
- Speed up Drone Integration within the US Military: He advocated for increased integration of drones on the unit level, enhanced stockpiling of drone capabilities, and investment in next-generation wireless links. Bry beneficial expanding programs just like the Marine Corps Short Range Short Endurance Program and the Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance Program to make sure every soldier has access to autonomous drones. Moreover, he emphasized the necessity to develop multi-drone capabilities to increase the reach and efficacy of individual units.
- Support End Users: Bry called for adequate funding of existing grant programs for state and native agencies and the creation of targeted grant programs to support public safety agencies. He highlighted the importance of initiatives just like the Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant (DIIG) Act and the Drone Education and Workforce Training Grant Program. These programs would enhance the adoption of advanced drone technology in critical infrastructure inspection and public safety operations.
In conclusion, Bry stressed the critical role of innovation and collaboration in maintaining US leadership within the drone industry. “One of the best strategy to predict the longer term is to invent it,” he remarked, expressing confidence in America’s ability to compete and win on this strategically vital sector. His testimony underscored the necessity for continued investment in AI and autonomy, robust support for domestic drone manufacturers, and comprehensive strategies to counteract the impact of Chinese subsidies on US industries.