Global Drone Market Outlook, 2028

Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), have made significant strides in a relatively short period. Initially developed for military purposes, they quickly found their way into the civilian and commercial sectors, due to advancements in technology that made them more affordable, accessible, and capable. Drones or UAVs were primarily associated with military and defense since the Second World War. They are used for anti-aircraft target practice, aerial surveillance, weaponry, intelligence gathering, artillery spotting, and, more controversially, as weapons platforms. For instance, it was used to train anti-aircraft gunners as well as fly attack flights. Throughout the war, Nazi Germany created and operated a variety of UAV aircraft, including the Argus 292 and the V-1 flying bomb with a jet engine. Drones are a valuable addition to any industrial facility’s efforts, enabling limitless aerial perspective. The possibilities for drones to create real value are endless. Drones open up new opportunities and generate efficiencies in various industries such as defense, mining, sea ports, oil & gas, and other large industrial facilities. They have emerged as incredibly powerful, versatile industrial tools capable of completing a wide range of applications. Industry professionals are increasingly using drones to improve and optimize industrial processes as well as enhance operational efficiencies. Drones can be used during various phases of the facility’s lifecycle in manufacturing plants. The nearly limitless visibility, data gathering and analyzing capabilities make automated drones valuable for various industry sectors. For instance, in solar energy production the output of solar panels decreases at a rate of 0.5% to 3% each year. Timely detection of such defects is important to fix anomalies to avoid severe drops in energy production. However, the conventional inspection method of walking through the solar farm with handheld cameras is not efficient enough and is highly time consuming. A drones equipped with a thermal camera can inspect a solar farm with higher speed and accuracy. The data gathered can be analyzed to detect faults and streamline workflows in significantly less time. Aerial inspection by drone with thermal cameras capture in-depth infrared signatures and hot spots of defective panels which helps to detect anomalies and proactively address them to minimize maintenance cost and downtime. Drones inspections provide the capability to maximize output of solar farms in relatively less time and lower costs. Drones with thermal camera provide accurate heat maps that enable customers to proactively address anomalies and maximize output. These drones typically reduce the time and cost required for inspection by up to 60%.

According to the research report, Global Drone Market Outlook, 2028 the market is anticipated to cross USD 185 Billion by 2028, increasing from USD 45.63 Billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow with 28.05% CAGR by 2023-28. The market for drones is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, with new applications and use cases emerging. The purpose of the drone market is to provide various types of drones to customers across different industries for a wide range of applications, including aerial photography and videography, mapping, surveying, search and rescue, and monitoring and inspection of infrastructure. The primary driving factors behind the growth of the drone market is the increasing demand for drones in the commercial and industrial sectors. Drones offer significant advantages in terms of speed, cost-effectiveness, and safety compared to traditional methods of data collection and inspection. Additionally, advancements in drone technology, including improved sensors and longer flight times, are driving the growth of the market. Different industries are investing in commercial drone technology and paying close attention to expanding their awareness of commercial applications, which is expected to boost the business outlook. Numerous firms are investing in new start-ups through well-funded strategic techniques to address the need for commercial drone portfolios such as surveying, air taxis, logistics, surveillance, monitoring, and mapping. In addition to that, technological development in electronics and integrations of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into drones using modern computing, microcontrollers, processors, and mobile hardware is driving the industry to new heights. They enable high-speed data capture, processing, and transfer for their consumers, allowing them to make real-time, data-driven decisions. Artificial intelligence helps drones to work efficiently by managing and storing massive volumes of data with cloud technologies. Skydio, Inc., a drone manufacturer, presented the Skydio X2 AI-enabled drone to meet the demand of the most sophisticated fleets in the drone market. Increasing adoption of drones in several applications, including internet provision in remote locations, aerial videography & photography, survey and diarizing flora & fauna, and public services missions is expected to grow the demand for the drone market. Moreover, sectors with high rates of crime and labor expenses are also more likely to see the development of traditional use cases like monitoring, surveillance, and security. Also, drones are gaining popularity in the construction business due to their effective and time-saving qualities when scanning construction sites for layout operations. During an emergency reaction, several industrial businesses and firms use drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to make touch with and detect causalities that are not visible to the naked eye.

Based on the regions, Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead the overall global drone market by the end of the forecast period with rapid CAGR of 35.07% by 2023-28.

The increase is attributed to the government and OEMs' large investments in drone technology. The countries in Asia Pacific, such as Japan and China, have presence of large drone manufacturers such as TerraDrone and DJI. The rest of the world has witnessed depleting growth amid the pandemic due to disruption in supply chains. However, increase in the adoption of drones for several commercial applications such as photography, pipeline and oil tank inspection, and 3D mapping is anticipated to create lucrative growth opportunities in the coming years. China is the main revenue contributor to the market in the region. The country is witnessing the swiftly growing adoption of drones in the agriculture, construction, defense, and mining industries. Several farmers in China utilize drones for spraying pesticides on their farms. The availability of drones at a considerably lower cost, the lack of availability of labor, and the increase in technological adoption across the agriculture sector are fueling the demand for drones in the agriculture sector in China. Moreover, several other sectors, especially the photography, event organization, construction, mining, surveying, and industrial sectors, are likely to propel the demand for drones in the country soon. Owing to these factors, the market in China is expected to grow during the forecast period. Additionally, Japan, India, and South Korea are witnessing the rapid adoption of drones. In June 2019, the Government of Japan adopted a draft bill to create advanced cities called Super-city. The government is aiming at deploying product deliveries by drones, autonomous driving, novel services, and cashless payment services in these cities using sophisticated technologies, such as AI and big data. Furthermore, India has a large consumer base with high technology adoption potential. Therefore, several technology companies and service providers are focusing on deploying drone-based services across the country, which is likely to generate attractive growth opportunities for manufacturers and, subsequently, for drone flight management system suppliers.

Commercial drone product type is dominating the global drone market in 2022 with highest revenue generation.

Commercial drones are used in a variety of industries for applications such as aerial photography and videography, surveying and mapping, monitoring and inspection of infrastructure, delivery services, and agriculture. Commercial drones are typically smaller and less expensive than military drones and are designed for civilian use. They are also subject to different regulations compared to military drones. The commercial drone market growth is further driven by technological advances in electronics, such as modern computing, microcontrollers, processors, mobile hardware, and cameras. For instance, in September 2022, AeroVironment Inc. launched Vapor 55MX, a next-generation VAPOR Helicopter that caters to customers from the defense, commercial, and industrial sectors. Advances in drone technology have made commercial drones more affordable than ever before. This affordability enables businesses of all sizes to invest in drone solutions, making them accessible for a wide range of applications. Commercial drones have seen remarkable technological advancements in areas such as battery life, flight stability, camera capabilities, and data processing. These improvements make drones more reliable and capable, expanding their range of applications. As businesses become more aware of the benefits of drones, they are more likely to invest in these technologies. The growing awareness of how drones can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety drives their adoption. Commercial drones are incredibly versatile, with applications spanning multiple industries. From agriculture to construction, mining to healthcare, drones can perform various tasks, making them attractive to a wide range of businesses. Drones equipped with advanced sensors and cameras can collect vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently. This data can be processed and analyzed to gain valuable insights, aiding decision-making processes in numerous industries. Drones can perform tasks in hazardous or hard-to-reach environments, reducing the risks to human workers. This enhanced safety aspect makes them invaluable in industries such as construction, oil and gas, and search and rescue. Drones can perform tasks much faster than traditional methods, leading to increased productivity and cost savings. For example, surveying and mapping that would take days or weeks can be completed in a matter of hours with drones.

Based on the type, rotary wing drones are projected to grow with prominent growth rate during the forecast period in global drone market.

Rotary-wing drones, also known as multi-rotor drones, use rotor blades to generate lift and move through the air. They are typically smaller and more maneuverable than fixed-wing drones and are designed for short-distance flights and hovering in place. Rotary-wing drones are commonly used in the commercial industry for applications such as aerial photography and videography, delivery services, and inspections of buildings and infrastructure. The global drone market by type based on propulsion systems shows that rotary-wing drones account for a significant portion of the market due to their versatility and wide range of commercial applications. The demand for rotary blade drones is anticipated to surge for inspection activities owing to their ability to hover and execute agile maneuvering while maintaining a visual on a particular target for prolonged periods. These drones are often seen as a suitable alternative for various business applications. In addition, they are easier to control than hybrid and fixed-wing counterparts. Additionally, fixed-wing drones excel in covering large areas swiftly and efficiently, making them highly suitable for tasks such as aerial mapping, surveying, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. The extended flight times enabled by their design provide a distinct advantage over multi-rotor counterparts, enhancing their suitability for long-range missions. Moreover, the rising demand for accurate geospatial data, particularly in industries like construction, mining, and agriculture, underscores the market's growth trajectory. Regulatory frameworks that increasingly accommodate the integration of drones into various sectors further bolster the market's expansion. As industries continue to recognize the value of efficient data acquisition and analysis, the fixed-wing drone segment is poised to experience sustained growth, offering a compelling solution for diverse applications across the commercial landscape.

Drones equipped with up-to 25 Kg payload has become the optimal choice for the market with higher growth compared to other payload segmentations in global drone market.

Market drivers for drones with a payload capacity of less than 25 kilograms in the industry are pivotal forces that shape the trajectory of this specific segment. These drivers emanate from a fusion of technological innovation, regulatory developments, and diverse application demands. Drones within this weight category offer a versatile solution for various sectors, including aerial photography, small-scale delivery, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection. In addition, the growing need for cost-effective, agile, and easily deployable aerial solutions across industries fuels the demand for drones with less than 25 kilograms payloads. Regulatory frameworks that facilitate the integration of lightweight drones into airspace operations also contribute significantly to the market's expansion. Technological advancements in miniaturization, battery efficiency, and communication systems further bolster the capabilities of these drones, making them more efficient and user-friendly. As businesses and industries recognize the value of incorporating aerial capabilities into their operations, the demand for less than 25 kilograms payload drones is expected to remain robust, driving continuous innovation and market growth.

Based on the component, hardware segment is occupying lion’s share in overall global drone market in 2022.

The rising adoption of drones for numerous commercial applications, such as pipeline inspection, aerial photography, surveillance, and wildlife monitoring, is anticipated to drive the hardware segment growth during the forecast period. In addition, the market witnessed great demand for medical drones during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver vaccines and medicines in rural areas. Market drivers for hardware components in the drones industry play a pivotal role in shaping the technological landscape and driving its evolution. These drivers stem from a synergy of factors that combine innovation, functionality, and demand. The continuous pursuit of lightweight, high-performance materials and components fuels advancements in drone hardware. As drones find increased adoption in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and surveillance, there is a growing need for specialized sensors, cameras, and communication modules that enhance their capabilities. The demand for reliable and precise navigation, improved battery efficiency, and data processing prowess further propels the innovation in drone hardware components. Additionally, cost efficiencies achieved through economies of scale and streamlined manufacturing processes contribute to the growth of this market. As industries realize the transformative potential of drones in optimizing operations and data collection, the market for hardware components is poised to experience sustained expansion. The confluence of cutting-edge technology, market demand, and efficient production methodologies establishes hardware components as a crucial driver of progress within the drones industry. However, the software segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The segment growth is due to the increasing utilization of drone mapping software to analyze and represent collected data and enhance operational efficiency. In addition, the rising adoption of advanced technology-enabled fully autonomous drones across the world is supporting the segment growth.

Drones have become invaluable tools for military and defense operations due to their accuracy and effectiveness in various roles with sustainable market growth in 2022.

Market drivers for the military and defense end-use industry within the drones sector are critical factors that significantly influence this specialized market segment. These drivers arise from a convergence of security imperatives, technological advancements, and operational requirements. Drones have revolutionized military and defense operations by providing enhanced reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition capabilities. In addition, the growing need for real-time situational awareness, border security, and counterterrorism efforts propels the demand for advanced drone technologies. Along with this, the development of autonomous and semi-autonomous drones offers strategic advantages in reducing human risk and increasing operational efficiency. As governments and defense agencies prioritize the integration of drones into their operations, investments in research and development of cutting-edge drone technologies rise. Furthermore, the emergence of multi-domain warfare strategies underscores the importance of versatile drones that can operate across land, air, and sea domains. These drivers, coupled with geopolitical factors and the ongoing pursuit of technological superiority, contribute to the prominent growth of the military and defense end-use market within the drones industry. Drones are also being used for various purposes, such as providing internet access in rural areas, aerial photography and video recording, surveying and documenting animals, and public service missions. Several firms primarily provide tiny drones for agricultural, aerial photography, and data collecting purposes. Drone-assisted home deliveries have become a reality as a result of the efforts of logistics and retail organizations such as Amazon and UPS to implement the technology. As commercial drones can travel at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and transport products weighing less than 5 pounds, the delivery mechanism is projected to reduce delivery time and related expenses. Increased investments in drone technology are also expected to drive long-term industry growth.

Market Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Smaller Commercial Drones: Growing adoption of small UAVs for different commercial applications such as filmmaking, relief & rescue operation, precision, agriculture, law & enforcement, wildlife monitoring, disaster management, research & development, aerial photography, entertainment, logistics & transportation, and construction is expected to fuel the market growth. Several engineering and other companies extensively adopt small drones for numerous commercial projects. Few key commercial applications of drones include in-depth project maintenance, inspection and oil pipeline & transmission cable inspection. A surge in demand for unmanned systems in the oil & gas, energy, and power generation sector will likely fuel market growth in the coming years. Amazon Inc. and big logistic companies such as UPS, DHL, and FedEx are investing heavily in creating drone delivery platforms owing to the demand for home delivery services for food and e-commerce platforms. An increase in global demand for online food delivery services will propel the market for small drones during the forecast period.
• Growing Demand in Delivering Packages: Drone technology manufacturers across the globe have put in serious efforts to improve the package delivering technologies over past few years. Significant number of drone package delivering startups has been surfacing online. The future of drone technology will present consumers with the convenient option of receiving their packages through drones. Amazon is among the companies at the forefront of making this a reality. For example, its upcoming Amazon Prime Air service is expected to allow consumers to request drone delivery for packages weighing up to five pounds. The package delivery will work via drone which is dispatched to the consumer’s address, which can be tracked by the customers through smartphone. Once the drone arrives, the customer will use their phone to flash QR code, barcode, or LED signal to the drone, validating the drone partner as the correct customer. The package is then lowered from a safe height using a pulley system and is released to the customer. The research and development in drone delivering technology is aimed toward improving consumer experience, reducing delivery time and increasing the packaging standards. Owing to growing demand of drones for delivering packages, the global drone market is expected to register a brisk growth during the forecast years.

Market Challenges

• Lack of Uniform Air Traffic Management, Appropriate Infrastructure, and Skilled Operators: Drones are widely used worldwide for commercial, military & defense, and civil applications. The drone industry and end-users have witnessed severe limitations on drone flying in numerous countries for the past few years. A few countries allow commercial flights for small drones Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS); some have a mandatory flight license. The challenges faced by the industry are due to a lack of appropriate infrastructure for air traffic controllers responsible for safe flight operations. The presence of uniform air traffic management can create drone-related safety as well as reduce challenges. These primary factors are projected to support drone operations in various regions; at the same time, they will protect against environmental damage and property losses. Regulations related to drones vary widely across countries, making it challenging for drone manufacturers to develop products that comply with different regulations. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of drones in certain areas, such as airports and other sensitive locations, which limit their use in those areas. There have been instances of drones colliding with airplanes and other vehicles, causing accidents and damage. As a result, many countries have strict regulations in place to ensure the safe operation of drones, which can limit their use in certain applications.
• Environmental Impact: Drones, especially larger ones or those with combustion engines, can generate noise pollution, which can disturb wildlife and disrupt tranquil natural settings. In sensitive environments, noise pollution can affect the behavior and habitats of animals, potentially leading to ecological imbalances. Drones flying near wildlife habitats can disturb animals, causing stress, changes in behavior, and even displacement. This disturbance can be particularly detrimental to species that are already vulnerable or endangered. Drones with internal combustion engines emit greenhouse gases and other pollutants. While the emissions from individual drones are relatively small compared to other sources, the cumulative impact can contribute to air pollution, especially in urban areas. The presence of drones in natural landscapes can detract from the visual aesthetics of these areas, affecting the recreational and aesthetic value of natural environments, including national parks and scenic areas. Drones can inadvertently damage fragile ecosystems, such as wetlands or sensitive vegetation, if they crash or collide with natural features. The potential for such accidents underscores the need for responsible drone operation in environmentally sensitive areas. Drones and their components, such as batteries, may produce waste that requires proper disposal. Ensuring the responsible disposal of old or damaged drones and their batteries is essential to minimize environmental impacts.

Market Trends

• Urban Air Mobility (UAM): The concept of Urban Air Mobility involves using drones or electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban transportation, potentially reducing congestion and improving mobility in cities. UAM represents a significant shift in the drone industry, transitioning from primarily recreational and industrial applications to urban transportation. While this trend offers exciting possibilities for faster and more efficient commuting, it also presents substantial challenges in terms of infrastructure development, air traffic management, safety, and regulatory compliance. E-commerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba are actively exploring drone delivery services to speed up last-mile deliveries. Drone deliveries have the potential to revolutionize the logistics and e-commerce industries by reducing delivery times and costs. However, challenges related to regulatory approvals, safety, and the development of delivery infrastructure must be overcome for this trend to reach its full potential.
• Counter-Drone Technologies: With the proliferation of drones, the demand for counter-drone technologies to detect, identify, and mitigate rogue drones has grown significantly. The rise of counter-drone technologies underscores concerns about the misuse of drones, including privacy breaches, security threats, and airspace safety. Companies specializing in counter-drone solutions are likely to see substantial growth as governments, critical infrastructure providers, and event organizers seek ways to protect against unwanted drone incursions. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in drones is enhancing their capabilities for tasks like autonomous navigation, object recognition, and data analysis. AI-powered drones are becoming smarter and more efficient, enabling a wide range of applications in agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and surveillance. This trend will lead to increased accuracy, faster data processing, and improved decision-making, making drones even more valuable in various industries.

Competitive Landscape

The global drone market is fragmented, with several major companies. These important players focus on improving their product portfolios, pricing strategies, and marketing efforts to increase revenue share in the next few years. Domestic participants are expected to grow due to lack of substantial obstacles and high domestic demand. New development, innovative product launch, acquisition, partnership, and collaboration are major strategies adopted by players operating in the market. In March 2021, a leading drone manufacturer DJI introduced its novel First-Person View (FPV) drone for entertainment and media end-use applications. Some of the major companies are SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd., Parrot SA, Intel Corporation, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, The Lockheed Martin Corporation, Yuneec International, PrecisionHawk, Delair, BAE Systems plc, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., AeroVironment, Inc, Ideaforge Technology Ltd., Draganfly Inc, Safran S.A., Esri, General Atomics, Skydio, Quantum-Systems GmbH, XMobots and Wingtra AG.

Key Developments

• On June 2023, Dufour Aerospace, a Swiss eVTOL company, unveiled the Aero2 drone's final design and specifications. The drone features a hybrid-electric propulsion system & an aerodynamically-efficient tilt-wing design. The Aero2 serves as the antecedent to the Aero3, a tilt-wing aircraft of greater size and capacity, capable of accommodating both manned and unmanned missions. Dufour has made significant progress in testing through simulation and real-world experimentation at its facilities in Dübendorf/Zurich and Visp, Switzerland.
• On June 2023, A2Z Drone Delivery launched the RDSX Pelican, which integrates the dependability and flight stability of a multirotor platform with the extended range of a fixed-wing aircraft. The design of the Pelican is both simple and robust, effectively eliminating specific failure points and prolonging the time between necessary maintenance overhauls. The device can transport a payload of 5 kg during missions that cover a roundtrip distance of up to 40 km & the device can be tailored to various applications. The RDSX Pelican boasts a hybrid fixed-wing & multirotor airframe that eliminates conventional control surfaces, reducing operational costs for commercial drone delivery fleets. The Pelican drone boasts an operating cost of 13 cents per kg per km, which enables optimal efficiency, payload capacity, and reaches for commercial drone delivery operations.
• On May 2023, Trimble recently introduced the Trimble PX-1 RTX solution, which offers accurate and reliable positioning and heading capabilities for commercial drone delivery operations. With the help of this solution, drone integration businesses can offer centimeter-level positioning in real-time as well as exact inertial-derived actual heading measurements. The Trimble PX-1 RTX utilizes Trimble's CenterPoint RTX corrections and small, high-performance GNSS-inertial hardware, allowing operators to manage unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during takeoff and landing in confined or partially obstructed areas. The proposed solution aims to mitigate operational risks from suboptimal sensor performance or magnetic interference by enhancing positioning redundancy, especially in urban and suburban regions.
• In July 2023, Currawong Engineering stated that it will continue its relationship with AeroVironment Inc. by giving the company's JUMP-20 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) the upcoming batch of High-Performance Velocity Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC).
• In August 2023, Parrot SA stated that it will decrease its employment by about 20% and discontinue buying components from China. Despite weak drone sales, the corporation aims to scale back on its financial outlays..

Considered in this report

• Geography: Global
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Global Drone with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region-wise Drone market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions & Countries covered in the report

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Russia)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)
• Middle-East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa)

By Product Type:

• Commercial Drone
• Military Drone
• Consumer Drone

By Type:

• Fixed Wing
• Rotary Wing
• Hybrid

By Payload:

• Drones Up-to 25 Kg
• Drones from 25 Kg - 150 Kg
• Drones More than 150 Kg

By Component:

• Hardware
• Software
• Accessories

By Application

• Military and Defense
• Inspection & Monitoring
• Environmental Monitoring
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Media and Entertainment
• Aerial Surveying
• Security & Law Enforcement
• Logistics & Transportation
• Photography
• Energy
• Others (Search and Rescue, Wildlife Conservation, Education and Research, etc.)

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organizations related to the Drone industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.