In 2018, the global civil drone market was valued at approximately US$ 6.56 billion and is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3% from 2019 to 2027, reaching an estimated US$ 21.62 billion by 2027.
The expansion of the civil drone market is primarily fueled by advancements in precision agriculture and the mining sector, which are expected to significantly enhance the growth trajectory of civil drones. Additionally, the emergence of drone technology is opening new avenues for the power and utilities industry, further propelling the civil drone market forward. Nevertheless, challenges such as operational safety and data security pose significant obstacles to market growth, alongside stringent legal regulations that serve as key restraining factors. Despite these challenges, the integration of civil drones into security services within smart cities is anticipated to create substantial opportunities for the global civil drone market. Major players in the civil drone sector are increasingly focusing on strategic initiatives to enhance their product offerings and expand their global reach, thereby contributing positively to the market's growth.
The civil drone market is categorized based on various criteria, including type, platform, application, end user, and geographical region. The type segment includes fixed-wing and rotary-wing drones. The platform segment encompasses hardware, software, and services associated with civil drones. Applications of civil drones range from aerial photography and surveying & mapping to inspection and other uses. The end-user segment includes industries such as agriculture, real estate/infrastructure, energy & power, among others. Geographically, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America.
Investment in civil drones is substantial across both developed and emerging markets, particularly in regions like North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The demand for civil drones is anticipated to rise further during the forecast period from 2019 to 2027. Factors such as increasing digitization and a favorable economic outlook are significant macroeconomic drivers behind the growth of the civil drone market. The civil drone sector is evolving into a global business, with numerous large companies capable of offering civil drones on an international scale. Currently, key industry sectors such as agriculture, real estate/infrastructure, and energy & power are the primary contributors to civil drone expenditures. In 2018, North America dominated the civil drone market, holding the largest share, followed by Asia Pacific and Europe, which ranked second and third, respectively, in market share.
The overall size of the civil drone market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process begins with comprehensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the civil drone market. This research also provides an overview and forecast for the global civil drone market based on the various segments across five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America. Furthermore, primary interviews with industry participants and experts are conducted to validate the data and analysis. Participants typically include industry professionals such as vice presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the civil drone market. Notable companies operating within the civil drone market include 3D Robotics, Inc., Aerovironment, Inc., Aeryon Labs, Inc., Drone Volt, ECA Group, Insitu, Inc., Intel Corporation, Parrot SA, Precisionhawk Inc., SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd, and Yuneec International, among others.