Global Small Drone Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis, By Product(Less than 5kg, 5-25kg), By Maximum Takeoff weight(Fuel powered and Battery powered) - Industry Forecast 2024-2031

Global Small Drone Market size was valued at USD 4.58 billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 5.11 billion in 2023 to USD 12.20 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 11.50% during the forecast period (2024-2031).

Small drones, compact yet multifunctional systems, are anticipated to play a pivotal role in both military operations and commercial ventures, owing to their diverse capabilities packed into a diminutive frame. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, GPS, and sensors, these unmanned aircraft are widely employed in aerial photography and filming. The burgeoning adoption of miniature drones worldwide is poised to bolster market expansion, propelled by their heightened efficiency, productivity, and precise image-capturing abilities across various industries. Integration of artificial intelligence into drone technology is poised to further amplify market growth, facilitating the precise collection and management of real-time data. With a plethora of small UAVs available in different configurations tailored for specific applications ranging from oil and gas exploration to disaster management and defense surveillance, these drones offer a robust solution to enhance security measures and tackle emerging threats effectively. Capable of identifying security risks and vulnerable areas prone to terrorism, small drones are primed to fuel global market growth in the foreseeable future.

Top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the Global Small Drone Market and to estimate the size of various other dependent submarkets. The research methodology used to estimate the market size includes the following details: The key players in the market were identified through secondary research, and their market shares in the respective regions were determined through primary and secondary research. This entire procedure includes the study of the annual and financial reports of the top market players and extensive interviews for key insights from industry leaders such as CEOs, VPs, directors, and marketing executives. All percentage shares split, and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through Primary sources. All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study have been accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to get the final quantitative and qualitative data.

Global Small Drone Market Segmental Analysis

The small drones market is segmented on the basis of by type analysis, by maximum take off weight analysis, by End use, By Mode of operation, By power house and By region. Whereas, by type analysis is sub segmented into the Fixed wing, Hybrid wing, Rotary wing. By maximum take-off weight is sub segmented into the Less than 5kg, 5-25kg, above 25-150kg. By End use is sub segmented into the Military & defense, Consumer, Commercial & Civil. By Mode off operation is sub segmented into the Remotely piloted, optionally piloted, fully autonomous. By power house is sub segmented into the Fuel powered and Battery powered. By region, the Small Drone Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Drivers of the Global Small Drone Market

Introduced in 2020 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the 'Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations (Part 107)' were implemented to promote the utilization of smaller drones, particularly for commercial and governmental purposes, with a weight limit of under 55 pounds. This regulation streamlines the registration process for drone operators and enhances safety measures by enforcing adherence to proper safety protocols, thereby facilitating safer and more efficient drone usage.

Restraints in the Global Small Drone Market

The Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) in the US highlights that the restricted deployment of small drones in civilian airspace is impeding market expansion. Presently, commercial small drones face limitations in flying within civil airspace unless they secure specific exemptions, typically granted to entities engaged in drone testing or demonstration activities.

Market Trends of the Global Small Drone Market

Drone-based LIDAR represents a significant technological leap in the drone sector, employing sensors that emit light beams downward, which subsequently rebound back to the sensor, measuring and documenting the distance traveled. This innovation finds application across military and commercial domains, facilitating the creation of intricate 3D maps and models of various terrains, structures, and artifacts. Its emergence has not only revolutionized planning and aerial surveying missions but has also unleashed a spectrum of innovative opportunities for diverse creative endeavors.