Small UAV Market Size
| Study Period | 2022-2027 |
| Market Size (2023) | USD 7.30 Billion |
| Market Size (2028) | USD 15.47 Billion |
| CAGR (2023 - 2028) | 16.21 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Need a report that reflects how COVID-19 has impacted this market and its growth?
Small UAV Market Analysis
The Small UAV Market size is expected to grow from USD 7.30 billion in 2023 to USD 15.47 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 16.21% during the forecast period (2023-2028).
- The COVID-19 pandemic drove the adoption of small UAVs by law enforcement agencies in some countries for crowd monitoring and other surveillance purposes. However, the supply chain disruption resulted in a temporary shortage of such systems which resulted in the end-users procuring commercial-off-the-sheld (COTS) payloads for small UAVs. The temporary production crunch on account of supply chain disruption also led to temporary price inflation during the pandemic. However, since the normalization of the global supply chain due to the repelling of lockdown restrictions, the price inflation has been negated, and the demand for small UAVs is witnessing healthy growth on account of adoption from both civil and military end-users.
- Government regulations, to a huge extent, determine the growth of the civilian drone industry in any country. Countries with lesser restrictions on civilian drones have witnessed increased adoption of drones, while countries with stricter regulations have witnessed smaller market growth in the last ten years. Several countries across the world lack well-formulated guidelines and regulations that are required for the smooth operation of drones without any ambiguity or concerns. Market growth in such countries is largely dependent on the pace at which these guidelines are drafted and implemented.
- Advancements in newer-generation military UAVs are unlikely to stop and may experience accelerating growth in the coming years. To succeed in critical military missions, real-time information can prove to be the most powerful weapon for warfighters, commanders, and troops to protect themselves. Hence, tailoring their response to the threat requires superior tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. This is generating the demand for small UAVs from the armed forces across the world, thus, driving market growth.
Small UAV Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Small UAV Market according to our research experts:
By Application, the Civil and Commercial Segment Is Expected to Witness Significant Growth During The Forecast Period.
By application, the civil and commercial segment is expected tow witness significant growth during the forecast period. Commercial usage applications for small UAVs have been on an ever-increasing trend for the past few years. These drones are being used extensively for videos ranging from entertainment to engineering inspections, marketing, and advertising on a large scale. Similarly, the long-endurance capability also enables them to be used for other commercial and civil purposes like agriculture, land surveying, route mapping services for navigation, etc. According to the global Small UAV Coalition, these small UAVs are anticipated to be largely used for applications like small-load courier delivery and logistics, digital photography, and videography for filmmakers where using helicopters is not feasible or economical. As a result of this surge in demand, major companies offering products in this market have been on an inventing spree to gain deeper market penetration and competitive advantage as a result. Similarly, the number of commercially used drones has extensively increased over the years. Moreover, due to various market developments, this segment is expected to witness a healthy growth rate during the forecast period.
The North American Region Is Expected To Witness Significant Growth During The Forecast Period
The North American region is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. In the race to develop new technologies to be used in the event of an adversary attack from China, the United States has been developing new UAV technologies with the inclusion of onboard tracking and payload-carrying capacities. As part of this, a significant amount of research and development, along with testing various new autonomous UAVs and drone defense technologies is taking place in the country. The United States is the largest defense spender in the world.
Increasing defense spending, rising use of small UAVs, and adoption of small drones for civilian applications drive market growth across the United States. Furthermore, the country’s aviation regulatory authorities have also permitted the use of small UAVs to be used for flight above the general population and at night. Moreover, the country’s defense manufacturers have been extensively developing next-generation UAVs with capabilities far beyond today’s requirements.
For instance, in January 2022, Raytheon Technologies demonstrated the counter-drone capability of its small Coyote Block 2+ drone showcasing unmanned vehicle blasting unmanned aerial drones. This new Coyote small drone is also equipped with tracking and surveillance technologies that can be used for ISR applications before engaging a target with its warhead, providing the United States with an immense tactical advantage.
Canada has been one of the few countries extensively implementing drones for both commercial and military applications. The small UAVs are employed for last-mile logistics and military mission aid functions that are regularly carried out in the country. Furthermore, the country’s tricky and difficult terrains sometimes require the use of small UAVs for reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations to be aided by using small UAVs. The national government’s favorable outlook toward the use of small and medium UAVs is anticipated to further drive the demand for small UAVs in the coming years.
Thus, owing to major developments and government investments, this segment of the market is expected to witness a significant growth rate during the forecast period.
Small UAV Industry Overview
Some of the prominent players in the Small UAV Market are AeroVironment Inc, SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd., Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Thales Group, and Lockheed Martin Corporation amongst others. Players may use emerging technologies to design new types of advanced small UAV systems, thereby increasing their market share by attracting new customers. Product innovation and investment in R&D will play a vital role in the success of the new and existing players in this market in the coming years.
Small UAV Market Leaders
AeroVironment Inc
SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Thales Group
Lockheed Martin Corporation
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Small UAV Market News
In November 2022, Chinese drone companies announced that they will be showcasing its small military bombing drones at the opening of the 14th China airshow. These small UAVs will be capable of carrying six 60mm or four 82mm mortars, through a simple module installed on shells at a cost of less than USD 10.
In January 2021, Parrot Drones SAS announced that they have been selected by the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) to provide its ANAFI USA micro-drones for the French armed forces, including Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Small UAV Market Report - Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
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 Wing Type
5.1.1 Fixed Wing
5.1.2 Rotary Wing
5.2 Size
5.2.1 Micro
5.2.2 Mini
5.2.3 Nano
5.3 Application
5.3.1 Military and Law Enforcement
5.3.2 Civil and Commercial
5.4 Geography
5.4.1 North America
5.4.1.1 United States
5.4.1.2 Canada
5.4.2 Europe
5.4.2.1 Germany
5.4.2.2 United Kingdom
5.4.2.3 France
5.4.2.4 Russia
5.4.2.5 Rest of Europe
5.4.3 Asia-Pacific
5.4.3.1 China
5.4.3.2 Japan
5.4.3.3 India
5.4.3.4 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.4.4 Latin America
5.4.4.1 Brazil
5.4.4.2 Mexico
5.4.4.3 Rest of Latin America
5.4.5 Middle East and Africa
5.4.5.1 Saudi Arabia
5.4.5.2 United Arab Emirates
5.4.5.3 Kuwait
5.4.5.4 Rest of Middle East and Africa
6. Competitive Landscape
6.1 Vendor Market Share
6.2 Company Profile
6.2.1 Northrop Grumman Corporation
6.2.2 Baykar technology
6.2.3 Parrot Drones SAS
6.2.4 AeroVironment Inc.
6.2.5 Textron Inc.
6.2.6 SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.
6.2.7 YUNEEC
6.2.8 Guangzhou Walkera Technology CO. LTD
6.2.9 Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
6.2.10 Elbit Systems Ltd
6.2.11 Thales Group
6.2.12 Lockheed Martin Corporation
7. Market Opportunities and Future Trends
Small UAV Industry Segmentation
A small UAV or miniature UAV is a pilotless aircraft either controlled by a remote or an app and uses aerodynamic forces to navigate and perform desired functions. They are small enough to be man-portable
The Small UAV Market has been segmented by wing type, size, application, and geography. By wing type, the market has been segmented into fixed wing and rotary wing. By size, the market has been segmented into micro, mini, and nano. By application, the market has been segmented into military and law enforcement and civil and commercial. By geography, the market has been segmented by North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Moreover, the report offers a market forecast and is represented by USD million. Furthermore, the report also includes various key statistics on the market status of leading market players and provides key trends and opportunities in the Small UAV Market.
| Wing Type | |
| Fixed Wing | |
| Rotary Wing |
| Size | |
| Micro | |
| Mini | |
| Nano |
| Application | |
| Military and Law Enforcement | |
| Civil and Commercial |
| Geography | |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
|
Small UAV Market Research FAQs
How big is the Small UAV Market?
The Small UAV Market size is expected to reach USD 7.30 billion in 2023 and grow at a CAGR of 16.21% to reach USD 15.47 billion by 2028.
What is the current Small UAV Market size?
In 2023, the Small UAV Market size is expected to reach USD 7.30 billion.
Who are the key players in Small UAV Market?
AeroVironment Inc, SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd., Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Thales Group and Lockheed Martin Corporation are the major companies operating in the Small UAV Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Small UAV Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (20211-2027).
Which region has the biggest share in Small UAV Market?
In 20211, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Small UAV Market.
Small UAV Industry Report
Statistics for the 2023 Small UAV market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Small UAV analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2028 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
