South Korean drone maker Alux Co. said on Monday its cumulative export contracts with the US and Japan have surpassed 7 billion won ($5 million).
The company’s total overseas drone sales have reached 150,000 units.
“With the ongoing US-China conflict, there is growing interest in Alux as an alternative supplier to Chinese-made drones in the US,” a company source said.
To strengthen its position in the US drone market, Alux has established product-specific task forces and is also developing home security drones in collaboration with a major US security solutions company.
As the US government imposes various regulations on Chinese-made drones, which dominate 90% of the commercial drone market, opportunities are emerging for South Korean drone companies.
Currently, the global leader in the drone market is China’s DJI.
The US House of Representatives passed legislation banning the use of DJI products within the US.
In response, the Chinese government has blocked Chinese companies from supplying key components to US drone manufacturers.
By Eun-Yi Ko
koko@hankyung.com