Inspection Drone Global Market Report 2025

The inspection drone market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $9.94 billion in 2024 to $11.64 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the increasing complexity of infrastructure, advancements in battery technology, demand for safer inspection methods, regulatory framework development, the rise of Industry 4.0.

The inspection drone market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $21.97 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to advancements in AI and machine learning, rapid development of edge computing, customized solutions for vertical industries, collaboration with robotics and automation, security and counter-drone technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include increased automation, regulatory developments, improved sensors, enhanced data analytics, technological advancement.

The forecast of 17.2% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.3% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US through tariffs on ultrasonic flaw detectors from China and South Korea, increasing expenses for infrastructure maintenance.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The rising oil and gas sector is expected to propel the growth of the inspection drone market going forward. The oil and gas sector refers to a sector that involves the extraction, exploration, refining, and distribution of fossil fuels, fueling a variety of industries and fulfilling the world's energy demands. It encompasses companies engaged in activities related to crude oil, natural gas, and their derived products. Inspection drones are employed in the oil and gas industry to conduct efficient and safe inspections of infrastructure, pipelines, and facilities, providing real-time data on equipment integrity and operational conditions, reducing downtime, and enhancing overall safety. For instance, in September 2023, according to gov.uk, a UK-based public sector information website, total government revenues from UK oil and gas production were $1.79 billion (£1.4 billion) in the tax year 2021-2022, compared to $0.38 billion (£0.3 billion) in the previous year, an increase of more than $1.3 billion. Therefore, the rising oil and gas sector will contribute to the growth of the inspection drone market.

Major companies operating in the inspection drone market are developing advanced solutions, such as asset inspection technology, to gain a competitive edge in the market. Asset inspection technology involves the use of advanced tools such as drones, sensors, and data analytics to assess and monitor the condition, performance, and integrity of physical assets, optimizing maintenance and reducing downtime. For instance, in October 2023, Dexon Technology plc, a Thailand-based oil and gas technology company, launched the GEN 2 Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) Drone System, a groundbreaking inspection drone system specifically designed to provide enhanced inspection capabilities. It incorporates non-destructive testing using ultrasonic thickness measuring in a variety of sectors. This innovative drone system features a 180-degree adjustable ultrasonic sensor arm, allowing for dynamic inspections. With the ability to inspect surfaces at various orientations and angles, the GEN 2 UTM drone ensures comprehensive and accurate data collection across a wide range of assets.

In December 2023, AkzoNobel NV, a Netherlands-based paint and coating manufacturing company, acquired a minority stake in Donecle for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition reflects AkzoNobel’s strategy of partnering with best-in-class technologies, which is central to the manufacturer’s new Aerofleet coatings management service. Donecle is a France-based manufacturer of inspection drones, such as the Iris GVI drone, for automated visual inspection of aircraft structures and components.

Inspection drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed for visual checks and data gathering on large assets for maintenance purposes. They are used to allow inspectors to speed up their collection of inspection data while removing slower manual processes.

The main types of inspection drones are fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid. A fixed-wing drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that has one rigid wing designed to look and work like an airplane, providing lift rather than vertical lift rotors. Various types of components are used, such as the mainframe, brushless motors and ESC, transmitter and receiver, flight controller, and others, which are sold through online and offline sales channels. These are used for several applications, such as oil and gas pipeline inspection, solar panel, power line and windmill, critical infrastructure inspections, commercial farms, built railway, roadways and bridge inspection, border security, and others. Various end-users are included, such as construction and infrastructure, oil and gas, agriculture, utilities, and others.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The sharp increase in U.S. tariffs and resulting trade disputes in spring 2025 are significantly affecting the aerospace and defense sector. Prices for key materials such as titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics primarily sourced from international suppliers have surged. Defense contractors, constrained by fixed-price government contracts, are forced to absorb these rising costs. Meanwhile, commercial aerospace companies are encountering resistance from airlines over increased aircraft prices. In addition, customs delays are disrupting already tight production timelines for jets and satellites. In response, the industry is stockpiling essential materials, pursuing import waivers for defense-related goods, and working with allied nations to diversify supply chains.

The main types of inspection drones are fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid. A fixed-wing drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that has one rigid wing designed to look and work like an airplane, providing lift rather than vertical lift rotors. Various types of components are used, such as the mainframe, brushless motors and ESC, transmitter and receiver, flight controller, and others, which are sold through online and offline sales channels. These are used for several applications, such as oil and gas pipeline inspection, solar panel, power line and windmill, critical infrastructure inspections, commercial farms, built railway, roadways and bridge inspection, border security, and others. Various end-users are included, such as construction and infrastructure, oil and gas, agriculture, utilities, and others.

Major companies operating in the inspection drone market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Yamaha Motor Corp, Drone Volt SA, Wipro Limited, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Trimble Inc., EPAZZ Inc., Teledyne Flir LLC, Intertek Group plc, Insitu Inc., AeroVironment Inc., Yuneec International Co. Ltd, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., 3D Robotics Inc., ECA Group, Airobotics Ltd., MIR Innovation, Parrot SA, SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd (Dà-Jiāng Innovations), MISTRAS Group Inc., PrecisionHawk Inc., AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc., Flyability SA, Delair Aerial Intelligence SAS, Aerialtronics B.V., MicroMultiCopter Aero Technology Co. Ltd, Draganfly Innovations Inc., Digital Aerolus Inc., American Robotics Inc., SkySpecs Inc., Acecore Technologies B.V.

North America was the largest region in the inspection drone market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the inspection drone market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the inspection drone market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The inspection drones market consists of sales of mini and micro drones, tethered drones, VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) drones, hexacopters, and octocopters. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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