IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1543307
56 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2026 A M E R I CA N M A D E A DVO CACY BY S H A N E W H I T E S I D E , P C BA A Restore the Domestic PCB Industry to Support National Drone Initiatives U nmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, once cast only as secret weapons in movies, are now central to modern warfare, law enforcement, and a plethora of industrial applica- tions. Drones carry out a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance operations providing precise data on enemy positions, to delivering ammunition, equipment, and supplies to soldiers in combat, to being used as weapons in direct engagements and for striking distant targets. Drones have played a major role in Russia's war against Ukraine since 2014, and because drones were clearly a force multiplier for both sides in that conflict, the U.S. mil- itary has increased the demand, certification, train- ing and acquisition of drones. China dominates the global drone market, manu- facturing 70–80% of the world's drones. This domi- nance spans consumer, commercial, and, to a lesser extent, military markets, driven by compa- nies like SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.