Small Drones Market Statistics 2021–2030:
Small drones market was valued at $7.44 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $24.29 billion in 2030, registering a CAGR of 13.16%.Drones are commonly known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is a flying robotic system that can be remotely operated or fly autonomously using software-controlled flight plans. According to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), a small unmanned aircraft system (small UAS) or small drone means a small unmanned aircraft and its associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the small unmanned aircraft) that are required for the safe and efficient operation of the small unmanned aircraft in the national airspace system.
Small drones consist of micro-drones and mini drones that weigh below 2 kg. They can be launched by hand or they takeoff vertically, hence requiring short or no runways. Small drones are most often associated with military applications including intelligence gathering, and others. In addition, they are highly useful across a wide range of applications such as precision agriculture, assistance to first responders, and safe inspection of crucial infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines.
Increased operational efficiency and growth in demand for improved surveillance are expected to drive the small drone’s market growth during the forecast period. However, strict drone regulations and lack of skilled & trained personnel are the factors that are expected to restrain the growth of the small drones market during the forecast period. On the contrary, improvement in drone technologies and rise in defense expenditure globally are the major factors that are expected to supplement the small drones market, thereby providing a better opportunity for the growth of the small drones market during the forecast timeframe.
The small drones market is segmented on the basis of size, type, application, and region. On the basis of size, the small drones market has been categorized into nano drones and micro drones. By type, the market has been classified into fixed-wing and rotary-wing. By application, the market is bifurcated into commercial, defense, and recreational. By region, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Key players profiled in this report include 3DR, AeroVironment Inc., Autel Robotics, BAE Systems Plc., DJI Technology, Hubsan, Elbit Systems Ltd., Parrot SA, SkyDio, and Teledyne FLIR LLC.
Increased Operational Efficiency
Small drones are capable of flying by themselves & gathering information with minimal human intervention, and without a person on board. Its small size and ability to fly allows it to access regions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach. To achieve the intended outcomes, they are typically equipped with computer vision, a camera, face & object recognition, and other tracking technologies. It performs a variety of functions by combining networking, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Small drones are increasingly being used in defense activities around the world. For instance, in January 2021, European missile group MBDA successfully managed to hit a test target with its new anti-tank missile- Missile Moyenne Portée (MMP), using targeting information gathered by a micro-drone. Rise in use of small drones due to high level of effectiveness, low cost, and a high degree of combat concealment on the battlefield is expected to fuel the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Moreover, apart from defense, they are used in film production, news bulletins, and music videos for creating aerial videos. They are also used to inspect and investigate lands. These drones can easily go places, which are difficult for humans to access and can stay in operation for significantly longer hours. Such features are expected to propel the growth of the global small drones market during the forecast period.
Surge In Demand For Improved Surveillance
The growth in threat from terrorism and rise in security concerns worldwide has led to increased government expenditure for small drones. Small drones can carry out stealth operations, function at night, operate at any location, and are easy to deploy. Such benefits have led to increased investments by governments to procure and develop a large number of small drones globally. For instance, in March 2021, Elbit Systems Ltd. signed a $300 million contract to supply Hermes 900 unmanned aircraft systems to a country in Asia. In February 2020, the Swiss Armed Forces ordered micro-drones from Parrot SA as part of the “Swiss Mini UAV Program” (Swiss MUAS).
In addition, in January 2019, U.S. Army ordered Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance Systems (PRS), unmanned aerial vehicles from FLIR Systems. And in May 2020, FLIR Systems won an additional $20.6 million contract from the U.S. Army for the Black Hornet 3 Personal Reconnaissance Systems (PRS). Moreover, the Russian military has been developing its next generation of combat gear that could be integrated with new micro-drones that provide a tactical level automated command system.
The security of key institutions has been greatly enhanced with advanced video surveillance and access control systems. Small drones are used for surveillance of major events or gatherings in large cities. Moreover, several government agencies impose strict policies and guidelines for the installation of small drones at high-risk locations. Such factors are expected to fuel the small drones market growth during the forecast period.
By Size
Nano Drones is projected as the most lucrative segments
Strict Drone Regulations
Owing to increased use of small drones for civilian applications, governments in developed economies draft laws and regulations for the use of these unmanned aerial vehicles to protect areas of national, historical, or natural importance. The technology of small drones has evolved so fast that the policy makers are not able to keep pace with it.
Moreover, different nations have different and complex airspace regulations for small drones. Many countries have accepted drone use, especially for recreational use, as something that does not need to be highly regulated however monitored only for safety. For instance, in the US, to fly a drone for recreational purposes, pilot must take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or to fly a drone for commercial purposes pilot must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. In India, no person shall operate an unmanned aircraft system without first registering it on the digital sky platform. And in Canada, Drone pilots must follow the rules in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). The pilots here must carry a valid drone pilot certificate and only fly drones that are marked & registered.
By Type
Fixed Wing is projected as the most lucrative segments
In addition, other countries have very strict laws and regulations against drone use, no matter what the purpose and pilots need to be sure they follow all the correct procedures before flying. Stringent drone regulations in various countries are anticipated to limit the growth of the micro drone market during the forecast period.
Improvement In Drone Technologies
The technology behind unmanned air systems (UAS) has advanced rapidly in recent years and as a result, UAS can fly faster and further than ever before and are able to perform ever more sophisticated surveillance operations.
By Application
Commercial is projected as the most lucrative segments
Developments in size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized technologies have driven these improvements, allowing smaller man-portable systems more flexible tactical capability. For instance, in October 2021, Teledyne FLIR LLC launched the ION M640x tactical Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). ION M640x, the American designed, developed and manufactured unmanned aerial system (UAS) built on the capabilities of the ION M440 (a Blue sUAS) provides military and other government customers with best-in-class capabilities for their unique missions. In addition, in March 2021, MIT Assistant Professor Kevin Yufeng Chen, a member of the department of electrical engineering and computer science and the research laboratory of electronics, developed insect-sized drones with unprecedented dexterity and resilience.
Recent advancements in drone technologies such as fully autonomous drones, longer flight time, stabilization technology, and high-quality HDMI port have fuelled an unprecedented level of interest in these devices. Defense manufacturers have developed small drones that fly, search, and kill without human intervention. Also, many of these can even be effectively controlled with the help of ordinary smart phones. Owing to several benefits offered by small drones, the demand for small drones is expected to grow appreciably during the forecast timeframe.
By Region
Asia-Pacific would exhibit the highest CAGR of 14.94% during 2021-2030.
Covid-19 Impact Analysis
- The COVID-19 impact on the small drones market is unpredictable, and is expected to remain in force for a few years.
- The COVID-19 outbreak forced governments across the globe to implement stringent lockdown and ban import–export of raw material items for most of 2020 & few months in 2021. This led to sudden fall in the availability of important raw materials for manufacturing small drones.
- Moreover, nationwide lockdown forced drone manufacturing facilities to partially or completely shut their operations.
- Adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in delays in activities and initiatives regarding development of advanced small drone products globally.
Key Benefits For Stakeholders
- This study presents analytical depiction of the global small drones market analysis along with the current trends and future estimations to depict imminent investment pockets.
- The overall small drones market opportunity is determined by understanding profitable trends to gain a stronger foothold.
- The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities of the global small drones market with a detailed impact analysis.
- The current small drones market is quantitatively analyzed from 2020 to 2030 to benchmark the financial competency.
- Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of the buyers and suppliers in the industry.
Small Drones Market Report Highlights
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Analyst Review
The small drones market offers promising opportunities to the aerospace & defense industry. The small drones market is expected to witness significant growth as the adoption rate of small drones have experienced an extensive rise and many companies have integrated aerial data in their workflows to improve efficiency and streamline operations. Small drones have the capability to capture data and can thereby transform the operations of companies.
Moreover, increased operational efficiency and growth in demand for improved surveillance are expected to drive the small drones’ market growth during the forecast period. However, strict drone regulations and lack of skilled & trained personnel are the factors that are expected to restrain the growth of the small drones market during the forecast period. On the contrary, improvement in drone technologies and rise in defense expenditure globally are the major factors that are expected to supplement the small drones market, thereby providing a better opportunity for the growth of the small drones market during the forecast timeframe.
The small drones market is segmented on the basis of size, type, application, and region. On the basis of size, the small drones market has been categorized into nano drones and micro drones. By type, the market has been classified into fixed-wing and rotary-wing. By application, the market is bifurcated into commercial, defense, and recreational. By region, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
Key players profiled in this report include 3DR, AeroVironment Inc., Autel Robotics, BAE Systems Plc., DJI Technology, Hubsan, Elbit Systems Ltd., Parrot SA, SkyDio, and Teledyne FLIR LLC.
The global small drones market valued at $7.44 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $24.29 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 13.16% between 2021 and 2030
Small drones find applications across different industry verticals such as Aerial photography for journalism and film, Thermal sensor drones for search and rescue operations, Precision crop monitoring, Law enforcement and border control surveillance, and others
The report sample for global small drones market report can be obtained on demand from the website
Small drones are being used for numerous commercial and defense applications throughout the world
The company profiles of the top players of the market can be obtained from the company profile section mentioned in the report. This section includes analysis of top ten player’s operating in the industry along with their last three-year revenue, segmental revenue, product offerings, key strategies adopted, and geographical revenue generated
Small drones are are used to carry out lethal counterterrorism strikes as well as surveillance and other non-lethal operations
Advent of drone favourable regulations across various nations throughout the world, Increase in demand for small drones across several industrial verticals
The leading companies operating in the small drones market are Aerovironment, Inc., DJI Technology, Parrot SA, Hubsan, and Autel Robotics
Increase in operations in the insurance, construction & mining, and agriculture sectors
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