Small Drones Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The global small drones market size is assessed to grow in the forecast period of 2025-2034 at a CAGR of 13.00%. The market growth is being driven by robust military expenditure towards small drones for defence purposes and increasing usage in various commercial applications.

Increasing technological advancements are a key factor driving the growth of the global small drones market as development of new and improved small drones are bolstering their capabilities and applications. Small drones with superior surveillance capabilities and longer distance compatibility are beneficial for extensive monitoring and search and rescue operations. Integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation are resulting in superior small drones that can perform more advanced functions independently. Growing commercial uses of small drones in areas including product and medical delivery, agriculture monitoring, wildlife, atmospheric research, and airborne remote sensing, are anticipated to have a favourable effect on the market, in the coming years.

Increasing Military Expenditure to Bolster the Small Drones Market Growth

The global market for small drones is being driven by the rising usage of small drones for various commercial and military applications. This can be associated with the compact design of the drone, improved efficiency, enhanced flexibility, and high accuracy, among other features, that aids in boosting productivity. In addition, small-sized drones are commonly available in a variety of shapes and configurations, which enables them to reach closed and confined places, proving beneficial in military and surveillance applications.

The defence sector is one of the major applications of small drones owing to robust investments in the sector by various governments to enhance national security. Small drones for military use are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and progressive, user-friendly digital software. In addition, the development of pocket-sized drones by leading manufacturers with strong hardware and lightweight structure, enhanced battery life, and fast speed, are advantageously influencing the market. With growing concerns regarding international conflicts, domestic disputes, and terrorism, countries across the globe are robustly spending on their defence and military systems, increasing the demand for small drones.

Small Drones Market Segmentation

Small drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAV) which are small enough to be man-portable and can be used indoors or outdoors. The size of small drones ranges from mini drones to micro/nano drones and are commonly available as fixed-wing drones, rotary-wing drones, and hybrid/transitional drone types.

Market Breakup by Type

• Fixed-Wing Drones
• Rotary-Wing Drones
• Hybrid/Transitional Drones

Market Breakup by Power Source

• Lithium-Ion
• Solar Cell
• Fuel Cell
• Hybrid Cell

Market Breakup by Size

• Mini Drones
• Micro/Nano Drones

Market Breakup by Application

• Commercial
• Defence

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Commercial Applications to Hold a Significant Small Drones Market Share

Commercial applications of small drones are expected to occupy a significant share in the overall market over the coming years. This is attributable to the rising utility of small drones by the e-commerce industry for delivery. Usage of small drones for delivery purposes enables faster deliveries and lower costs as traffic and travelling costs can be avoided.

The rising popularity of small drones for agricultural purposes, such as crop and livestock monitoring, irrigation management, and fertilisation, among others, are further augmenting the growth of the market for small drones. Characteristics such as lightweight structure, ease in portability, and safety are some of the factors positively influencing the small drones market value.

Key Players in the Global Small Drones Market

The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global small drones market, looking into their capacity, market share, and latest developments like capacity expansions, plant turnabouts and mergers and acquisitions:

• Aerovironment, Inc.
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Aeronautics Ltd.
• Thales Group
• Elbit Systems, Ltd.
• BAE Systems
• Teledyne FLIR LLC
• SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.
• Parrot Drone SAS
• Autel Robotics
• BAE Systems
• Skydio, Inc
• Delair
• Guangzhou Walkera Technology Co., Ltd.
• Others

The comprehensive report looks at the micro and macro aspects of the market. The report gives an in-depth insight into the market by providing a SWOT analysis as well as an analysis of the Porter’s Five Forces Model.