Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Size
Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 12.39 Billion |
Market Size (2030) | USD 20.72 Billion |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 10.84 % |
Fastest Growing Market | North America |
Largest Market | North America |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Analysis
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size is estimated at USD 12.39 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 20.72 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.84% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The unmanned aerial vehicles industry is experiencing transformative changes driven by technological advancements and regulatory evolution. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), out of 872,248 registered UAVs in the United States, 338,614 are registered for commercial drone applications, highlighting the significant shift from military drone to commercial use. The integration of artificial intelligence and advanced sensor technologies has enabled manufacturers to develop increasingly sophisticated autonomous aircraft systems. Regulatory bodies worldwide are adapting their frameworks to accommodate these technological advances, with the FAA implementing new standards for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and unmanned traffic management systems.
The healthcare and logistics sectors are emerging as significant adopters of UAV technology, revolutionizing delivery systems and emergency response capabilities. In India alone, over 650 UAV flights have successfully delivered more than 8,000 medical products across challenging terrains spanning 15,000 kilometers in Arunachal Pradesh. Major corporations are investing heavily in delivery drone infrastructure, with Amazon announcing plans to expand its Prime Air drone delivery network into multiple countries by the end of 2024. The agriculture sector has also witnessed substantial innovation, exemplified by the FAA's approval of the Pelican Spray drone for crop protection operations in the United States in August 2023.
The defense sector continues to drive technological innovation in the drone industry, with a growing emphasis on autonomous systems and advanced capabilities. In 2023, the Pentagon announced plans to mass-produce inexpensive autonomous UAVs to enhance defense capabilities, while the UK Royal Air Force received its first of 16 Protector RG Mk1 UAVs, capable of reaching altitudes of 40,000 feet with over 30 hours of flight endurance. These developments are pushing the boundaries of UAV capabilities and creating spillover effects in commercial applications.
The industry is witnessing a significant shift towards indigenous manufacturing and technological self-reliance across various regions. Think tanks and government bodies are recognizing the enormous potential of the drone market, with India's NITI Aayog projecting the country's drone market size to reach USD 50 billion by 2040. The FAA forecasts that the commercial UAV fleet in the United States could expand to approximately 858,000 units by 2026, indicating robust drone market growth potential. This expansion is accompanied by an increasing focus on developing sophisticated traffic management systems, advanced propulsion technologies, and enhanced sensor capabilities to support the growing complexity of UAV applications.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Trends
Enhanced Investments Towards UAV Startups
The drone industry has witnessed substantial financial backing from industrial conglomerates, chip companies, IT consulting firms, and major industrialists, driven by increasing awareness of UAV capabilities and technological potential. Over the past seven years, investments totaling approximately USD 2 billion have been channeled into UAV startups, including OEMs and related companies in the supply chain. This surge in investment has been particularly notable in countries that have established well-defined regulatory policies, creating a more conducive environment for UAV operations and innovations.
The investment landscape in 2023 has been particularly dynamic, with several significant funding rounds demonstrating continued investor confidence. For instance, in April 2023, medical UAV delivery company Zipline secured new funding of USD 330 million, elevating the company's market valuation to USD 4.2 billion—representing a 55% increase from its 2021 valuation. Similarly, automated drone-in-a-box solution provider Percepto announced a Series C funding round of USD 67 million in June 2023, including approximately USD 50 million in equity and USD 16 million in debt funding. The Indian drone sector has also seen remarkable growth in funding, with companies like UrbanMatrix Technologies raising USD 720,000 and Garuda Aerospace securing USD 3 million in fresh funding rounds during 2023, aimed at product development, team expansion, and market entry initiatives.
Increasing Penetration of UAVs Into Various Civilian Applications
Drones have become integral to various businesses and governmental organizations, revolutionizing operations across multiple sectors through enhanced efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. The technology has found diverse applications in areas such as aerial photography, express shipping, delivery, disaster management, geographical mapping of inaccessible terrain, building safety inspections, precision crop monitoring, unmanned cargo transport, law enforcement, and border control surveillance. The versatility of drones has led to their adoption in critical infrastructure inspection, with companies like Valmont completing groundbreaking achievements such as the industry's first 77-mile BVLOS inspection drone mission in 2023, monitoring essential infrastructure including power lines, railways, and bridges.
The healthcare sector has emerged as a particularly promising area for drone applications, especially in addressing medical supply chain challenges in underserved and rural communities. In 2022, over 300 UAV-enabled vaccine delivery trials were successfully completed in Telangana, India, as part of the World Economic Forum's Medicine from the Sky initiative. By 2023, the program had expanded significantly, with over 650 drone flights executed, delivering more than 8,000 medical products to over 200 patients across challenging terrains in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The technology is also being explored for innovative applications such as wireless communication in remote locations, with companies like Facebook planning to use enterprise drone swarms to provide internet access in isolated areas worldwide. Additionally, drones are increasingly being utilized for scientific research, collecting data about wildlife, air pollution, excavation sites, glaciers, and volcanic activity.
Segment Analysis: UAV Size
Small UAV Segment in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market
Small UAVs dominate the global unmanned aerial vehicles market, accounting for approximately 45% market share in 2024. These drones, typically spanning up to 2 meters in length, are predominantly deployed at altitudes near 125 meters at speeds less than 50 meters per second. The segment's leadership position is driven by growing military surveillance requirements, with several countries focusing on enhancing their capabilities through nano drones for different military missions. Additionally, the expanding applications of small UAVs in aerial photography, 3D mapping, surveying, and oil and gas pipeline monitoring have been propelling the growth. According to recent data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there are almost 900,000 drones registered in the US as of July 2023, with 516 thousand for recreational purposes and 348 thousand for commercial operations.
Medium UAV Segment in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market
The medium UAV segment is experiencing the fastest growth trajectory in the unmanned aerial vehicles market, with a projected growth rate of approximately 15% during 2024-2029. These UAVs, characterized by their ability to carry payloads of up to 100 kg to 200 kg, are witnessing increased adoption across various sectors. The growth is primarily driven by rising defense expenditure and growing procurement contracts from defense forces worldwide. The segment's expansion is further supported by growing investments from OEMs and the emergence of numerous startups in the UAV sector. Recent developments include Event 38 Unmanned Systems' launch of the E400 ISR drone equipped with a 40x zoom EO/IR camera, demonstrating the segment's technological advancement and innovation potential.
Remaining Segments in UAV Size Market
Large UAVs represent a significant segment in the market, primarily utilized for combat operations and missions requiring extended flight capabilities. These UAVs can fly at altitudes greater than 5,500 meters at speeds exceeding 125 meters per second, making them ideal for conducting near real-time assessment of combat and battle damage, communications relay, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), border surveillance, and humanitarian aid missions. The segment's importance is underscored by its ability to handle complex military operations and its role in strategic defense capabilities, particularly in high-altitude, long-endurance missions that smaller UAVs cannot accomplish.
Segment Analysis: Type
Fixed-wing Segment in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market
Fixed-wing UAVs dominate the global unmanned aerial vehicles market, holding approximately 55% market share in 2024. These drones are preferred for their superior capabilities in carrying heavier payloads over longer distances while consuming less power compared to other types. Fixed-wing UAVs can typically stay airborne for over 16 hours, making them particularly well-suited for long-distance missions such as mapping, surveillance, and defense operations. Their enhanced efficiency is further complemented by the ability to use gas engines as power sources, leveraging the greater energy density of fuel. Major defense forces worldwide are increasingly adopting fixed-wing UAVs for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, driving significant market growth. The segment's dominance is reinforced by ongoing technological advancements in areas such as fuel efficiency, payload capacity, and autonomous capabilities.
VTOL Segment in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market
The Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) segment is experiencing rapid growth in the unmanned aerial vehicles market, with a projected growth rate of approximately 14% during 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is driven by the increasing adoption of VTOL drones in various commercial applications, particularly in urban environments where conventional takeoff and landing capabilities are limited. VTOL UAVs, especially multi-rotor configurations, are gaining popularity due to their hovering capability, cost-effectiveness, and operational simplicity. These systems are predominantly powered by electric motors and find extensive applications in aerial photography, inspection, mapping, and delivery services. The segment's growth is further propelled by technological advancements in battery technology, which are gradually addressing the traditional limitations of flight endurance. The versatility of VTOL UAVs in performing precise operations in confined spaces, combined with their ability to carry diverse payload types, makes them increasingly attractive for both commercial and military applications.
Segment Analysis: Range
Visual Range of Sight (VLOS) Segment in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market
The Visual Range of Sight (VLOS) segment dominates the global UAV market, commanding approximately 71% market share in 2024. This segment encompasses UAV operations conducted below 400 ft above ground level where remote pilots maintain direct and unaided visual contact with the aircraft at distances not exceeding 500 meters. VLOS flights are considered relatively safer compared to BVLOS as potential obstacles can be tackled by operators without requiring additional collision avoidance features. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by simpler training and certification requirements compared to BVLOS operations, making it more accessible to a wider range of users. The segment is also experiencing the fastest growth with an expected CAGR of approximately 15% from 2024 to 2029, driven by increasing adoption in agriculture, construction projects, perimeter security, and law enforcement applications. VLOS UAVs have proven highly efficient for tasks that don't require long-distance continuous flights, particularly in rapid deployment scenarios for emergency services, search and rescue missions, and customized applications across various industries.
Beyond Visual Range of Sight (BVLOS) Segment in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market
The Beyond Visual Range of Sight (BVLOS) segment represents a critical component of the UAV market, enabling drones to cover significantly greater distances and operate with enhanced autonomy. BVLOS capabilities allow UAVs to conduct missions where the pilot may only observe potential obstacles via remote camera feed, or in the case of automated flights, operate without direct human observation. These operations typically require additional equipment, specialized training, and certification, making them subject to stricter regulatory oversight in many jurisdictions globally. The segment's growth is being driven by increasing applications in long-range delivery services, infrastructure inspection, and advanced surveillance operations. Major regulatory bodies worldwide are actively working to develop comprehensive frameworks for BVLOS operations, which is expected to further accelerate adoption across various sectors. The segment's evolution is also supported by advancements in detect-and-avoid technologies, improved communication systems, and enhanced autonomous flight capabilities.
Segment Analysis: Application
Military Segment in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market
The military drone segment continues to dominate the global unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) market, holding approximately 53% market share in 2024. This dominance is primarily driven by increasing defense budgets worldwide and the growing adoption of military drones for both combat and non-combat operations. Military UAVs are extensively deployed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, with countries like the US, China, and Israel leading the implementation of drone technology in their defense operations. The segment's strength is further reinforced by ongoing technological advancements in autonomous systems, enhanced payload capabilities, and improved endurance characteristics of military UAVs. Recent developments include the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, enabling more sophisticated autonomous operations and better decision-making capabilities in complex battlefield scenarios.
Inspection and Monitoring Segment in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market
The inspection and monitoring segment is emerging as the fastest-growing application area in the UAV market, with a projected growth rate of approximately 16% during 2024-2029. This remarkable growth is driven by the increasing adoption of UAVs across various industries including oil and gas, power utilities, and infrastructure maintenance. The segment's expansion is fueled by the ability of drones to access hard-to-reach areas, reduce human risk in hazardous environments, and provide real-time data collection capabilities. The integration of advanced sensors, high-resolution cameras, and thermal imaging technologies has significantly enhanced the inspection capabilities of these drones. Furthermore, the development of specialized software solutions for data analysis and reporting has made UAV-based inspections more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional methods.
Remaining Segments in UAV Applications
The UAV market encompasses several other significant application segments including agriculture drones, construction and mining, delivery drones, and law enforcement. The agriculture sector utilizes drones for crop monitoring, precision farming, and spraying operations, while the construction and mining industry employs them for site surveying and progress monitoring. The delivery segment is witnessing innovative developments with companies exploring autonomous delivery solutions for various goods and services. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly adopting surveillance drones for surveillance, crowd monitoring, and emergency response operations. Each of these segments contributes uniquely to the market's growth, driven by specific industry requirements and technological advancements in drone capabilities, making the UAV market increasingly diverse and sophisticated.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Geography Segment Analysis
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market in North America
North America represents a dominant force in the global unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) market, driven by substantial military investments and growing commercial applications. The region's market is characterized by advanced technological capabilities, robust research and development activities, and a well-established regulatory framework. Both the United States and Canada have witnessed significant adoption of UAVs across various sectors, including defense, agriculture, construction, and surveillance. The presence of major UAV manufacturers and ongoing technological innovations has further strengthened the region's position in the global drone market.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market in the United States
The United States maintains its position as the largest market for UAVs in North America, commanding approximately 94% of the regional drone market share in 2024. The country's dominance is attributed to its extensive military UAV programs, substantial defense budget allocations, and growing commercial applications. The U.S. Department of Defense operates a diverse fleet of UAVs, ranging from small tactical systems to large strategic platforms. The Federal Aviation Administration has been proactive in developing regulatory frameworks to facilitate the integration of UAVs into civilian airspace, while various industries including agriculture, construction, and logistics continue to adopt UAV technology for improving operational efficiency.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market in Canada
Canada emerges as the fastest-growing market in North America, with a projected growth rate of approximately 15% during 2024-2029. The country's UAV market is experiencing rapid expansion driven by increasing adoption in commercial applications and a supportive regulatory environment. Canadian authorities have been progressive in implementing regulations that facilitate UAV operations while ensuring safety and security. The country has witnessed significant growth in UAV applications across various sectors, including precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and remote sensing. Canadian companies are actively developing innovative UAV solutions, particularly focusing on harsh weather operations and long-range applications, contributing to the overall drone market growth.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market in Europe
The European UAV market demonstrates strong growth potential, supported by increasing defense modernization initiatives and expanding commercial applications. The region benefits from collaborative defense projects and research initiatives among member states. Countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Ukraine have established themselves as key markets, each contributing significantly to the region's UAV ecosystem. The European Union's efforts to standardize UAV regulations and promote innovation have created a favorable environment for market growth.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom leads the European UAV market, holding approximately 27% of the regional market share in 2024. The country's strong position is supported by its advanced defense capabilities and growing commercial UAV sector. The UK has implemented progressive regulations for UAV operations, particularly in areas such as delivery services and infrastructure inspection. The country's focus on developing autonomous systems and investment in UAV research and development has attracted both domestic and international players to its market, enhancing its role in the drone industry.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market in France
France demonstrates robust growth potential in the European UAV market, with a projected growth rate of approximately 14% during 2024-2029. The country has established itself as a key player in both military and commercial UAV applications. French authorities have been proactive in developing UAV capabilities for defense applications while also supporting the growth of commercial applications. The country's aerospace industry continues to invest in developing advanced UAV technologies, particularly focusing on autonomous systems and urban air mobility solutions, thereby contributing to the drone market.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market in Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific region represents a rapidly evolving market for UAVs, characterized by increasing defense modernization initiatives and growing commercial applications. Countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia are making significant strides in developing their UAV capabilities. The region has witnessed substantial investments in indigenous UAV development programs and increasing adoption across various commercial sectors including agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and delivery services.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market in China
China maintains its position as the largest UAV market in the Asia Pacific region. The country has developed a robust UAV manufacturing ecosystem and has become a significant global supplier of commercial drones. China's strengths lie in its manufacturing capabilities, technological advancement, and growing domestic demand across both military and civilian applications. The country continues to invest in research and development of advanced UAV technologies, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, enhancing its leadership in the commercial drone sector.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market in India
India emerges as the fastest-growing market in the Asia Pacific region. The country's UAV market is experiencing rapid expansion driven by increasing defense requirements and growing commercial applications. The Indian government's initiatives to promote domestic UAV manufacturing and recent policy reforms have created a favorable environment for market growth. The country has witnessed significant growth in UAV applications across various sectors, including agriculture, surveillance, and infrastructure inspection, with a notable emphasis on surveillance drone technologies.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market in Latin America
The Latin American UAV market demonstrates growing potential, driven by increasing defense modernization initiatives and expanding commercial applications. Countries including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia are actively developing their UAV capabilities for both military and civilian applications. Mexico leads the regional market in terms of size, while Brazil shows the fastest growth rate. The region has witnessed increasing adoption of UAVs in applications such as agriculture, border surveillance, and law enforcement, supported by evolving regulatory frameworks and growing investment in UAV technologies.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market in Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa region presents significant opportunities in the UAV market, driven by defense modernization programs and growing commercial applications. Countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt have made substantial investments in UAV capabilities. Turkey leads the regional market in terms of size, while Israel demonstrates the fastest growth rate. The region has witnessed increasing adoption of UAVs across various applications, including defense, border surveillance, and commercial sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure inspection, with a growing focus on professional drone solutions.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Industry Overview
Top Companies in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market
The UAV market is characterized by intense innovation and strategic positioning among key players like Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, Thales, Boeing, and Leonardo. Companies are heavily investing in drone research and development to enhance their product portfolios with advanced features such as improved battery life, enhanced payload capacity, and sophisticated sensor technologies. Operational agility is demonstrated through flexible manufacturing processes and rapid prototype development to meet evolving customer requirements. Strategic moves include vertical integration to control critical component supply chains and the development of proprietary technologies. Market leaders are expanding their geographical presence through strategic partnerships and establishing regional manufacturing facilities, while also diversifying into adjacent markets such as autonomous systems and artificial intelligence integration.
Consolidated Market with Strong Defense Focus
The drone market exhibits a relatively consolidated structure dominated by large defense contractors and aerospace conglomerates with established relationships with military customers. These major players leverage their extensive research capabilities, manufacturing infrastructure, and long-standing government relationships to maintain their market positions. The market also includes specialized drone manufacturers focusing on specific applications like agriculture, surveillance, or commercial photography, though their market share remains comparatively smaller. The industry has witnessed significant consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, particularly among mid-sized players seeking to enhance their technological capabilities or expand their market reach.
The competitive dynamics are shaped by the presence of both global leaders with comprehensive product portfolios and regional specialists with a deep understanding of local markets and regulations. Market entry barriers are substantial due to high technological requirements, stringent regulatory compliance needs, and the importance of established customer relationships. The industry has seen increased collaboration between traditional aerospace companies and technology firms, particularly in developing autonomous capabilities and advanced navigation systems. Cross-border partnerships and joint ventures have become common strategies for market expansion and technology sharing.
Innovation and Adaptability Drive Market Success
Success in the drone industry increasingly depends on companies' ability to innovate while maintaining cost competitiveness and regulatory compliance. Incumbent players must focus on continuous product development, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence integration, enhanced autonomous capabilities, and improved energy efficiency. Building strong relationships with end-users across both military and commercial sectors remains crucial, as does the ability to provide comprehensive support services. Companies need to maintain flexible manufacturing capabilities to adapt to rapidly changing market demands while investing in emerging technologies to stay ahead of the competition.
For new entrants and smaller players, success lies in identifying and focusing on specific market niches where they can develop specialized expertise. This includes developing innovative solutions for particular industries or applications, establishing a strong local presence in growing markets, and building strategic partnerships with larger players. The ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining technological advancement is crucial. Companies must also consider the increasing importance of cybersecurity features and environmental sustainability in their product development strategies, as these factors are becoming increasingly important to end-users and regulators alike.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Leaders
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Northrop Grumman Corporation
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THALES
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General Atomics
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BATKAR TECH
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Leonardo S.p.A.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market News
- October 2024: The US DoD and the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) finalized a USD 3.5 billion deal for procuring 31 MQ-9B armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) manufactured by General Atomics.
- September 2023: Delair SAS received a contract to supply 150 DT-46 drones to Ukraine as per the French Defense Ministry. The drone has a dual-sensor ISR payload combining EO/IR and LiDAR (Laser Detection and Ranging).
- July 2023: DJI announced the launch of the DJI Air 3 drone. The Air 3 has an f/1.7 primary camera with a focal length of 24mm and an f/2.4 telephoto lens with a focal length of 70mm.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.3 Market Restraints
4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 By UAV Size
5.1.1 Small UAV
5.1.2 Medium UAV
5.1.3 Large UAV
5.2 By Type
5.2.1 Fixed-wing (MALE, HALE, and TUAV)
5.2.2 VTOL (Single Rotor and Multi Rotor)
5.3 By Range
5.3.1 Visual Range of Sight (VLOS)
5.3.2 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
5.4 By Application
5.4.1 Combat
5.4.2 Non-combat (Cargo Delivery, ISR, and Battle Damage Management)
5.5 By Geography
5.5.1 North America
5.5.1.1 United States
5.5.1.2 Canada
5.5.2 Europe
5.5.2.1 United Kingdom
5.5.2.2 Germany
5.5.2.3 France
5.5.2.4 Ukraine
5.5.2.5 Rest of Europe
5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
5.5.3.1 China
5.5.3.2 India
5.5.3.3 Japan
5.5.3.4 South Korea
5.5.3.5 Malaysia
5.5.3.6 Philippines
5.5.3.7 Indonesia
5.5.3.8 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.5.4 Latin America
5.5.4.1 Mexico
5.5.4.2 Brazil
5.5.4.3 Argentina
5.5.4.4 Colombia
5.5.4.5 Rest of Latin America
5.5.5 Middle East and Africa
5.5.5.1 Saudi Arabia
5.5.5.2 United Arab Emirates
5.5.5.3 Turkey
5.5.5.4 Israel
5.5.5.5 Egypt
5.5.5.6 Rest of Middle East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Vendor Market Share
6.2 Company Profiles
6.2.1 SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd.
6.2.2 Parrot SAS
6.2.3 Delair SAS
6.2.4 AeroVironment, Inc.
6.2.5 Northrop Grumman Corporation
6.2.6 Elbit Systems Ltd.
6.2.7 General Atomics
6.2.8 Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
6.2.9 THALES
6.2.10 The Boeing Company
6.2.11 Microdrones GmbH (mdGroup Germany GmbH)
6.2.12 BAYKAR TECH
6.2.13 Leonardo S.p.A
6.2.14 Textron Inc.
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Industry Segmentation
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are aircraft that do not have a human pilot on board. They are remotely controlled or can operate autonomously through pre-programmed flight plans or a combination of the two. UAVs are used in a wide range of military and civilian applications and come in various shapes and sizes.
The UAV market is segmented based on UAV size, type, range, application, and geography. By UAV size, the market is segmented into small, medium, and large. By type, the market is classified into fixed-wing and rotary-wing. By range, the market is divided into visual line of sight (VLOS) and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). By application, the market is segmented into military, and civil & commercial. The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the UAV market in major countries across different regions. For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).
By UAV Size | |
Small UAV | |
Medium UAV | |
Large UAV |
By Type | |
Fixed-wing (MALE, HALE, and TUAV) | |
VTOL (Single Rotor and Multi Rotor) |
By Range | |
Visual Range of Sight (VLOS) | |
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) |
By Application | |
Combat | |
Non-combat (Cargo Delivery, ISR, and Battle Damage Management) |
By Geography | ||||||||||
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Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Research Faqs
How big is the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market?
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size is expected to reach USD 12.39 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 10.84% to reach USD 20.72 billion by 2030.
What is the current Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size?
In 2025, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size is expected to reach USD 12.39 billion.
Who are the key players in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market?
Northrop Grumman Corporation, THALES, General Atomics, BATKAR TECH and Leonardo S.p.A. are the major companies operating in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market?
North America is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market.
What years does this Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size was estimated at USD 11.05 billion. The report covers the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Research
Mordor Intelligence delivers comprehensive insights into the drone industry through detailed analysis of the unmanned aerial vehicle sector. Our expertise spans the entire industry, including military drones, commercial drones, agriculture drones, and delivery drones. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the drone market, covering VTOL drone technology, multirotor systems, and developments in autonomous aircraft. Available as an easy-to-read report PDF for download, our research encompasses professional drone applications, surveillance drone systems, and emerging technologies in aerial robotics.
Stakeholders benefit from our thorough drone market forecast and detailed drone industry statistics. These highlight the expanding drone market size and the growth of the drone industry. The analysis covers crucial segments, including enterprise drone solutions, inspection drone capabilities, and mapping drone applications. Our research provides valuable insights into consumer drone trends, industrial drone market dynamics, and developments in the commercial drone industry. The report examines the integration of RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft), innovations in quadcopters, and presents a comprehensive drone industry outlook. This enables informed decision-making for industry participants.