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The small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV) market size is forecast to increase by USD 11.21 billion at a CAGR of 13.91% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing demand for advanced surveillance solutions in various sectors. Military attacks and terrorism have heightened the need for reliable aerial surveillance, leading to increased adoption of SUAVs. Weather determination and mapping are other key applications driving market growth. In regional law enforcement, SUAVs are used for border patrol, traffic monitoring, and search and rescue operations. However, the market faces challenges such as vulnerability to cyber hacking, which could compromise data security and operational effectiveness. company partnerships, collaborations, and agreements are crucial market growth factors. To stay competitive, market participants must focus on enhancing the security features of their SUAV offerings.
Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (SUAVs), also known as drones, have gained significant traction in various industries and applications. This section provides an overview of the current market landscape for SUAVs, focusing on their applications in defense forces, monitoring, surveying and mapping, precision agriculture, aerial remote sensing, product delivery, and other sectors. The Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV) market is experiencing strong growth, driven by advancements in military UAVs and the expanding range of applications. Light fixed wing SUAV and heavy fixed wing SUAV, along with multi rotor VTOL SUAV, are increasingly utilized for both non consumer applications and commercial and civil segment. The Progressive Battle Management Scheme highlights the need for real-time information to support armed forces in dynamic environments. Visual line of sight and beyond the line of sight operations are becoming standard, enhancing capabilities for tasks like liveliness inspection, land surveying, and small load courier delivery. Additionally, man portable SUAV offer versatility, making them suitable for diverse missions, from military reconnaissance to civilian uses, further propelling market expansion.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.
The light fixed-wing SUAV segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), specifically light fixed-wing models, are aircraft without onboard human pilots. These UAVs can be operated remotely by a human controller or autonomously through onboard computers. Light fixed-wing UAVs are predominantly used for commercial applications, such as aerial surveying, infrastructure inspection, agriculture monitoring, construction site assessment, and public safety. The advantages of these UAVs include reduced operational costs compared to manned aircraft and the ability to fly in locations where manned aircraft cannot. Different models cater to various applications, making them indispensable tools for industries and law enforcement agencies. Light fixed-wing UAVs contribute significantly to public safety through applications like livestock monitoring, wildfire detection, and disaster response.
Furthermore, they play a crucial role in ecological protection and animal welfare by monitoring wildlife populations, habitats, and migration patterns. In non-consumer applications, these UAVs are instrumental in industries like construction and infrastructure, where they provide valuable data for project planning, progress tracking, and quality control.
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The Light fixed-wing SUAV segment accounted for USD 2.41 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
APAC is estimated to contribute 32% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
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The market, also known as pilotless helicopters, is experiencing significant growth worldwide. Aviation regulatory authorities are increasingly approving the use of these aerodynamic forces-driven vehicles for various applications. In particular, the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is projected to exhibit the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the expanding defense capabilities in countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea. There is a growing focus on indigenously developing advanced SUAV systems to enhance aerial capabilities. Defense authorities are investing in research and development (R&D) to create sophisticated SUAV platforms capable of functioning effectively in challenging conditions and catering to diverse mission profiles.
Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
The company partnerships, collaborations, and agreements is the key driver of the market. The market is experiencing significant growth as defense forces increasingly utilize Military UAVs for monitoring, surveying, and mapping applications. companies in this market are implementing strategic partnerships and collaborations to expand their business and strengthen their market position. For instance, Northrop Grumman signed a contract with the US Navy in March 2021 to integrate advanced sensors and evasion capabilities into its MQ-4C Triton drone system. This collaboration aims to enable the safe operation of high-altitude, long-endurance drones in shared airspace with manned aircraft. Additionally, EHang partnered with Giancarlo Zema Design Group in March 2021 to develop an eco-sustainable vertical airport in Italy.
These collaborations demonstrate the industry's focus on innovation and expansion. Moreover, the SUAV market is also gaining traction in sectors such as precision agriculture and aerial remote sensing. companies are consolidating their supply chain networks with distributors to expand their global reach. In the agricultural sector, drones are used for crop monitoring, irrigation management, and yield forecasting. In aerial remote sensing, SUAVs are used for surveying and mapping applications, providing accurate and timely data for various industries. As the market continues to grow, we can expect further collaborations and innovations from key players.
Growth in demand for improved surveillance solutions is the upcoming trend in the market. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for advanced surveillance solutions. Various industries, such as military, law enforcement, agriculture, and infrastructure, are leveraging SUAVs for surveillance purposes. These vehicles offer numerous advantages over traditional surveillance methods, as they can capture and transmit real-time high-definition video and images from various angles and heights. Equipped with infrared sensors and innovative technologies, SUAVs enable efficient data collection, remote monitoring, and enhanced situational awareness. In the military and defense sector, SUAVs are utilized extensively for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Weather determination is another critical application of SUAVs, making them indispensable in meteorological studies and disaster management.
Furthermore, SUAVs play a vital role in mapping and surveying, offering accurate and detailed information for various industries. Lastly, SUAVs are increasingly being used for counter-terrorism operations, providing valuable intelligence and support for law enforcement agencies.
Vulnerability to cyber hacking is a key challenge affecting the market growth. In the modern military landscape, Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (SUAVs) have become essential tools for product delivery, border surveillance, and disaster response. With remote control capabilities, these devices offer agility and flexibility for various applications. However, they are not without risks. Natural disasters and accidents can disrupt communication lines, leading to potential misguidance. Moreover, the increasing use of SUAVs in military operations makes them susceptible to cyber-attacks. Hackers can infiltrate these systems through wireless networks, causing misdirection and misuse of weapon systems. Despite advancements in technology to make SUAVs more secure, the evolving threat landscape necessitates continuous innovation to counteract these vulnerabilities.
The Nano SUAV market is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for compact and agile drones for various applications. Cybersecurity remains a critical concern for this industry, and collaboration between companies and military forces is vital to ensure the safety and effectiveness of SUAV systems.
The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
AeroVironment Inc. - The company offers small unmanned aerial vehicle such as Raven B T 20, Jump 20 and Puma Le.
The market research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (SUAVs), also known as drones, have gained significant traction in various industries and applications beyond military use. These aircraft, operated remotely, offer numerous benefits such as real-time information gathering, monitoring, and surveying. In the defense sector, military UAVs play a crucial role in border surveillance, military attacks, and disaster response. Beyond military applications, SUAVs have found extensive use in civilian sectors. Precision agriculture employs drones for crop monitoring and mapping, while aerial remote sensing is used for weather determination and natural disaster assessment. Product delivery, infrastructure inspections, and law enforcement are other significant applications. Nano SUAVs cater to non-consumer applications like ecological protection, animal protection, and scientific research.
Further, law enforcement agencies use drones for terrorism attacks and public safety inspections. The entertainment industry utilizes drones for filmmaking, while engineering inspections, marketing, and advertising also leverage their capabilities. The aviation regulatory authorities oversee the use of pilotless aircraft, ensuring they adhere to aerodynamic forces and safety regulations. The civilian drone industry continues to grow, with applications ranging from livestock inspection to logistics and route mapping services. Digital photography, videography, and helicopter replacement are other emerging markets for SUAVs.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
167 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018-2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 13.91% |
Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 11.21 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
13.45 |
Regional analysis |
APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 32% |
Key countries |
US, Canada, China, India, and France |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
AeroVironment Inc., Airbus SE, Airgility, AZUR DRONES SAS, C Astral d.o.o., Elbit Systems Ltd., Freebird Aerospace India Pvt. Ltd., General Atomics, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Leonardo Spa, Northrop Grumman Corp., Parrot Drones SAS, Red Cat Holdings, Skydio Inc., SwissDrones Operating AG, SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd., Teledyne Technologies Inc., The Boeing Co., Throttle Aerospace System Pvt Ltd., and Vantage Robotics |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, market forecast, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for the forecast period |
Customization purview |
If our market report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Type
7 Market Segmentation by Application
8 Customer Landscape
9 Geographic Landscape
10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
11 Vendor Landscape
12 Vendor Analysis
13 Appendix
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