Public Safety Drones Market Expected to Reach $3.7 Billion by 2032—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Public Safety Drones Market," The public safety drones market was valued at $1.1 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $3.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.1% from 2023 to 2032.

Heavy investments by the governments in R&D activities play a pivotal role in driving advancements in drone technologies tailored for public safety applications. The investigation of cutting-edge characteristics, such as sophisticated sensors, artificial intelligence, improved communication systems, and greater imaging capabilities, is made easier by this financial assistance. As a result, public safety drones develop into increasingly capable, advanced instruments that are precisely matched to the unique requirements of emergency response teams, police enforcement, and fire departments.

Research initiatives backed by the government are strategically directed at crafting specialized drone solutions to cater to the distinctive requirements of public safety agencies. These endeavors lead to the development of drones optimized for various tasks, including search & rescue missions, disaster response, and surveillance in challenging environments.

Furthermore, government-sponsored research encompasses initiatives that focus on the training and education of public safety personnel in the adept utilization of drones. The development of instructional materials, guidelines, and training courses is intended to improve the abilities of these agencies' decision-makers and drone operators. For instance, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) actively supports public safety agencies to ensure safe drone operations.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has also created a comprehensive reference guide on the usage of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones by public safety agencies. This handbook offers important information for the successful integration of drones into public safety initiatives by focusing on the effects of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on public safety operations and the creation of drone programmes.

This public safety drones market market analysis covers the Asia-Pacific area, which includes South Korea, Japan, China, India, and other countries. The market is expanding in the region due in large part to the increasing recognition of the efficacy of drones used for public safety. As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of these drones in a number of industries, including surveillance, emergency response, and law enforcement.

Fixed-wing public safety drones are types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that resemble traditional aircraft. These drones are gaining popularity in public safety applications due to their specific benefits and applicability in certain scenarios. Fixed-wing drones boast longer flight times and the capability to cover larger distances. This makes them well-suited for tasks requiring extensive area coverage or prolonged aerial surveillance. The aerodynamic design of fixed-wing drones enhances energy efficiency during flight, facilitating extended missions, particularly in search & rescue operations, disaster response, and large-scale incident monitoring.

Their ability to quickly cover substantial areas is critical in search & rescue missions aimed at locating missing people or evaluating disaster-affected regions. In addition, these drones are effective for large-scale surveillance during public events, protests, or the protection of critical infrastructure, providing a comprehensive view of the situation. For instance, Tekever, a UAS manufacturer, offers AR1 Blue Ray, a fixed-wing UAV with features such as a modular and interchangeable design, adaptability to various payloads, capability to operate in adverse weather conditions, and flexibility in different operational modes (remote control, semi-autonomous, and full autonomous).

It can be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, communication relay, perimeter control, crowd observation, search, patrolling, VIP security, and public safety. Therefore, the development and rise in adoption of fixed-wing drones in various applications by public safety agencies drive the growth of the segment. Multirotor public safety drone is characterized by a design incorporating multiple rotors, typically in the form of propellers. These rotors play a pivotal role in generating lift, facilitating the drone's vertical takeoff, hovering capabilities, and vertical landing. Widely employed in various public safety applications, these drones are valued for their agility, stability, and versatility.

The capacity of multirotor drones for vertical takeoff and landing eliminates the need for a dedicated runway. This feature proves beneficial in operating within confined spaces, making them particularly suitable for urban environments or locations with limited landing options. The design of multirotor drones enables them to navigate through intricate and obstructed environments with agility and precision, a critical capability in scenarios such as search & rescue operations.

Moreover, several companies are producing specialized tactical drones for police and other public safety operators. For instance, in March 2023, BRINC, a technology company dedicated to public safety, introduced its newest drone, LEMUR 2, tailored for use by law enforcement and public safety practitioners. The primary objective of this drone is to conduct surveys in perilous environments, evaluate potential threats, and contribute to conflict de-escalation without putting individuals at risk.

Hybrid public safety drones combine features of both fixed-wing and multirotor designs, providing a versatile and adaptable solution for various applications. Hybrid drones are versatile and can adapt to various environments, combining the agility of multirotors for close-quarters operations with the efficiency of fixed-wing flight for broader coverage.

Hybrid drones possess the capability of vertical takeoff and landing, eliminating the necessity for a runway and enabling operations in confined spaces. The hybrid's fixed-wing design further equips it to cover expansive areas swiftly, making it well-suited for tasks such as wide-area surveillance and mapping. This versatility extends to public safety applications, including the monitoring of events, protests, or areas affected by disasters. In these contexts, hybrids can seamlessly transition between providing detailed close-up views and broader overviews. Moreover, hybrid drones prove effective in inspecting critical infrastructure, such as power lines or pipelines.

Impact of Russia-Ukraine war

Tensions in the continuing Russo-Ukrainian War, which started in 2014, have increased when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Due to potential effects on the manufacture and supply chain of drone components, this conflict may hinder the production and availability of drones. The economic challenges arising from the conflict could also lead to financial constraints for public safety agencies. Moreover, the heightened geopolitical tensions may result in the imposition of stricter regulations on drone usage in sensitive areas.

Against this backdrop of geopolitical unrest, there is an increasing demand for advanced surveillance and security measures. Public safety agencies are likely to show greater interest in cutting-edge drone technologies for monitoring borders, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and addressing potential security threats. Additionally, there is a growing need for drones in disaster response and search & rescue operations. These drones would utilize advanced sensors to assess damage, locate survivors, and coordinate emergency efforts.

KEY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

• By application, the search and rescue segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the near future.
• By drone type, the hybrid segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the near future.
• By mode of operation, the autonomous segment is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the near future.
• By region, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Key players operating in the global public safety drones market include Skydio, Inc., DJI, Parrot Drone SAS, Teledyne FLIR LLC, Draganfly, Inc., Yuneec, Autel Robotics, Hoverfly Technologies, Tekever, and BRINC DRONES, Inc. The companies are adopting strategies such as contract, product launch, partnership, and others to improve their market positioning.