Small Drone Market to Reach USD 77 Billion by 2030; High Demand for Aerial Surveying and Mapping Solutions to Boost Market Growth

The global small drone market size touched USD 14.04 billion in 2022 and is predicted to reach USD 16.90 billion in 2023. The market is anticipated to touch USD 77 billion by 2030, recording a CAGR of 24.2% over 2023-2030.

Fortune Business Insights™ displays this information in its latest report titled “Small Drone Market Size, Share, Russia-Ukraine War Impact & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, and Hybrid Wing), By Maximum Take-off Weight (Less than 5 Kg, 5-25 Kg, and Above 25-150 Kg), By Power Source (Fuel Powered and Battery Powered), By End-use (Defense, Consumer, Commercial, and Civil), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030”.

Small drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), are lightweight drones that can be used by a single person and are usually powered by fuel or batteries. They come with innovative sensors and cameras that make it much easier to collect valuable information, especially from inaccessible areas. The growing demand for drone services from a wide range of industry verticals is predicted to drive the small drone market growth in the coming years.

Robust Demand for Contactless Deliveries from Logistics Sector During COVID-19 Boosted Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic played an important role in boosting the small drone market share. This is due to the fact that the logistics sector started looking for contactless delivery solutions as there were lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed during this period. Drones gained immense popularity among end-users of this industry as they facilitated contactless deliveries. They also played a vital role in covering last-mile deliveries.

To get a detailed report summary and research scope of this market, click here:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/small-drones-market-102227

High Demand for Aerial Surveying and Mapping Solutions to Boost Market Growth

Aerial surveying and mapping captures thousands of images taken from Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and compiles them to create a 3D model of the area of interest. Small drones are gaining popularity in such systems as they can take high-resolution images and process data quickly by using advanced sensors and cameras. They can also fly at low altitudes to reach complex and inaccessible areas.

Competitive Landscape

Prominent Market Players to Concentrate on Product Developments and Technological Innovations

The market has a vast presence of prominent companies such as SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd., Parrot Drones, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, AeroVironment Inc., Guangzhou Walkera Technology Co., Ltd., and others. These organizations are trying to introduce technological advancements, make innovative products, and expand their operations in developing markets to boost their global presence.

Notable Industry Development:

• January 2023 – Elbit Systems received a contract from the U.K. to deliver its Magni-X drones to the British armed forces for an undisclosed amount. According to the contract, the company is expected to supply its service-ready Magni-X systems to the army, with an option to deliver more systems if necessary.

List of the Companies Profiled in the Report:

• SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd. (China)


• Parrot Drones SAS (France)


• AeroVironment Inc. (U.S.)


• Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (U.S.)


• Guangzhou Walkera Technology Co Ltd (China)


• Yuneec (China)


• Northrop Grumman Corporation(U.S.)


• BAE Systems (U.K.)


• Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel)


• Turkish Aerospace Industries (Turkey)

Further Report Findings

• North America held the largest share of the market in 2022. This growth can be credited to the growing presence of leading OEMs in the region and increasing number of government deals to strengthen its military power. For example, in February 2022, Skydio, a U.S.-based automated flight specialist and drone maker, revealed that it received a contract to deliver its X2D UAVs to the U.S. army’s Short-Range Reconnaissance Program (SRR). The fixed-price provision deal is expected to be worth USD 99.8 million over its five-year duration, with its annual value reaching USD 20.2 million.


• The Asia Pacific region accounted for the second-largest share in the market and is predicted to be the fastest growing region during the forecast period. This is due to the rising demand for crop monitoring and surveying solutions across the agriculture sector. For example, in January 2022, India’s Agricultural Ministry unveiled a monetary grant program, named Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), to accelerate the purchase of agricultural drones. In addition, the region has a large and rapidly expanding e-commerce industry. This has boosted the demand for drones for delivery services. Small UAVs are being widely used for delivering goods, such as medicines, food, and other consumer products, to avoid heavy traffic and meet urgent deliveries.


• The 5 – 25 kg segment held the largest share of the market and is projected to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast timeline as there is a rising demand for search & rescue, military operations, and industrial inspections.


• The less than 5 kg segment held the second-largest share in the market. It consists of micro drones that are easier to operate and less expensive. Meanwhile, mini drones are well equipped to carry out an extensive range of commercial applications. The high demand for commercial applications, such as surveying, aerial photography, and monitoring is anticipated to expand the less than 5 kg segment.

Table of Segmentation