Global Small Drones Market, By Type (Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, Hybrid or Transitional), Application (Military, Civil and Commercial, Homeland Security, Consumer), MTOW (5 Kilograms, 5-25 Kilograms, 25-150 Kilograms), and Consumer Market (5 Kilograms, 5-25 Kilograms, 25-150 Kilograms). Power Source, Payload (Cameras, CBRN Sensors, Electronic Intelligence, UAV Radar) (Lithium-ion, Solar Cells, Hybrid Cells, Fuel Cells), Country (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of the Middle East and Africa) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2028

Using secondary sources such as the US Department of Defense (DoD), the US Air Force database, company websites, corporate filings, annual reports, investor presentations, and paid databases, the small drones market size was estimated and forecasted. The bottom-up procedure was employed to arrive at the overall size of the market by estimating revenues of key market players. After determining the total market size, the small drones market was divided into several segments and subsegments, which were validated through extensive interviews with CEOs, VPs, directors, and executives, among other industry leaders. The data triangulation and market segmentation procedures were used to complete the overall market engineering process and obtain accurate statistics for all market segments and subsegments.
Small UAV Market Statistics from 2022 to 2028:
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the global market for small drones as a result of the global implementation of stringent lockdown measures. The COVID-19 pandemic posed numerous difficulties for the small drones industry, including disruptions in the supply chain for raw materials and logistics issues, among others. Small drone technology manufacturers, on the other hand, had to reduce expansion and R&D expenditures in order to withstand the decline in revenue and operating performance of various companies. Throughout the course of the year, difficulties in acquiring small drones for a variety of commercial applications were observed, but they are expected to subside within a few years.
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or unmanned aerial vehicles are terms commonly used to refer to drones (UAVs). It is a flying robotic system that can be remotely controlled or flown autonomously using flight plans controlled by software. A small unmanned aircraft system (small UAS) or small drone is defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as a small unmanned aircraft and its associated elements (including communication links and control components) that are required for the safe and efficient operation of the small unmanned aircraft in the national airspace system.
Small drones consist of micro- and mini-drones weighing less than 2 kg. They can be launched manually or take off vertically, necessitating short or nonexistent runways. Small drones are typically associated with military applications, such as intelligence gathering and others. In addition, they have a wide range of applications, including precision agriculture, assistance to first responders, and safe inspection of vital infrastructure, such as oil and gas pipelines.
During the forecast period, the market for small drones is anticipated to expand due to an increase in operational efficiency and demand for enhanced surveillance. However, strict drone regulations and a lack of skilled and trained personnel are expected to restrain the market growth of small drones over the forecast period. In contrast, advancements in drone technology and a rise in global defence spending are anticipated to bolster the small drones market during the forecast period, thereby creating a more favourable environment for the market’s growth.
The market for small drones is segmented by size, type, application, and region. The market for small drones has been divided into nano drones and micro drones based on their size. The market has been divided into fixed-wing and rotary-wing categories. The market is segmented by application into commercial, defence, and recreational. The market is analysed regionally, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. This report profiles 3DR, AeroVironment Inc., Autel Robotics, BAE Systems Plc, DJI Technology, Hubsan, Elbit Systems Ltd., Parrot SA, SkyDio, and Teledyne FLIR LLC as key market participants.
Enhanced Operational Productivity
Small drones are capable of autonomous flight and data collection with minimal human intervention and without a human on board. It can access regions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach due to its small size and ability to fly. They are typically equipped with computer vision, a camera, face & object recognition, and other tracking technologies in order to achieve the desired results. Combining networking, robotics, and artificial intelligence, it carries out a variety of functions.
Small drones are increasingly utilised in defence operations worldwide. Using information gathered by a micro-drone, the European missile group MBDA successfully hit a test target with its new anti-tank missile, Missile Moyenne Portée (MMP), in January 2021. Increased use of small drones on the battlefield due to their high level of effectiveness, low cost, and high degree of combat concealment is anticipated to drive market growth during the forecast period.
Additionally, they are used in film production, news broadcasts, and music videos to create aerial footage. Additionally, they are utilised to inspect and investigate land. These drones can easily access areas that are inaccessible to humans and operate for significantly longer periods of time. Such characteristics are anticipated to drive the expansion of the global market for small drones over the forecast period.
Target Audience:
- Manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles
- UAV Component Manufacturers
- System Integrators
- Government and Accreditation Institutions
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