According to   Fortune Business Insights , the global   commercial drone market size  was valued at   USD 13.86 billion in 2024 . The market is projected to grow from   USD 17.34 billion in 2025 to USD 65.25 billion by 2032 , registering a   CAGR of 31.31%   during the forecast period.

Commercial drones—also known as   unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) —are increasingly being adopted across industries for a variety of applications, including   air taxis, surveying, logistics, monitoring, surveillance , and   mapping . The integration of advanced sensors and camera systems in drones has positioned them as transformative tools in the commercial sector. Growing investments by enterprises and startups are further fueling market expansion as they seek to capitalize on the potential of drone-based technologies.

Key Players in the Commercial Drone Market

Some of the leading companies profiled in the report include:

• 3D Robotics, Inc. (U.S.)
• Aeronavics Ltd. (New Zealand)
• AeroVironment Inc. (U.S.)
• Autel Robotics (China)
• Ehang Holdings Limited (China)
• FLIR Systems, Inc. (U.S.)
• Teal Drones (U.S.)
• Holy Stone (China)
• Intel Corporation (U.S.)
• AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (U.S.)
• Parrot Group (France)
• PrecisionHawk, Inc. (U.S.)
• Skydio, Inc. (U.S.)
• SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. (China)
• Yuneec Holding Ltd. (China)

Source:  https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/commercial-drone-market-102171

Market Segmentation

By Weight Class:
The market is segmented into   <2 Kg ,   2 Kg – 25 Kg , and   25 Kg – 150 Kg   categories. Among these, the   <2 Kg   segment dominated the market in 2022. This dominance is attributed to the increasing use of lightweight drones for   photography, mapping, inspection , and   surveying . These drones are favored for their   ease of deployment ,   lower cost , and   versatile functionality   across commercial applications.

By Technology:
Based on technology, the market is classified into   fully autonomous ,   semi-autonomous , and   remote operated   drones. In 2022, the   remote operated   segment held the largest market share. This segment’s growth is fueled by the   user-friendly interface ,   lower operational costs , and   widespread availability   compared to fully or semi-autonomous drone technologies.

By System:
The commercial drone market is bifurcated into   hardware   and   software   systems. The hardware segment is further sub-divided into   propulsion system, payload, airframe , and   others . In 2022, the   hardware segment   led the market, supported by the surge in demand for   medical drones   during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were used to deliver   medicines and vaccines   to remote and underserved regions.

By Application:
In terms of application, the market is segmented into   filming & photography ,   mapping & surveying ,   horticulture & agriculture ,   inspection & maintenance ,   delivery & logistics ,   surveillance & monitoring , and   others . The   filming & photography   segment captured the largest share in 2022. This is due to the growing adoption of   consumer and professional drones   like the   DJI Mavic 2 Zoom ,   PowerVision PowerEgg X , and   Parrot Anafi FPV , which are widely used for aerial photography, content creation, and cinematography.

Regional Insights

North America

North America dominated the global commercial drone market in 2022, driven by   robust drone manufacturing activity in the U.S.   and increasing adoption of UAVs across various industries. As per the   Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) , over   872,000 drones   were registered in the U.S. by May 2021.

Europe

Europe is witnessing significant growth, supported by rising drone usage in   France, Germany,   and the   United Kingdom   for agriculture, surveillance, and logistics.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is projected to record the   fastest growth   during the forecast period, led by increasing investment from governments and OEMs in drone infrastructure and production—especially in countries like   China, India,   and   Japan .

Market Drivers

Technological Advancements Driving Market Growth

The integration of technologies such as   AI, machine learning, modern sensors, processors, and computer vision   is transforming commercial drones into intelligent platforms capable of complex data analytics. These innovations are empowering businesses with new capabilities in measurement, mapping, inspection, and logistics.

Market Restraints

However, the market faces challenges including a   shortage of skilled drone pilots ,   insufficient infrastructure , and   regulatory inconsistencies across global airspaces , which may hinder widespread adoption.

Competitive Landscape

Leading market players are focused on   partnerships, product innovation, and regional expansion   to strengthen their market presence. For instance:

Key Industry Development

• February 2022   –   Zain Group , a Kuwait-based telecom company, signed a collaboration agreement with   Saudi Arabia   to advance   drone technology   as part of efforts to   diversify its economy   beyond oil exports.
• October 2021   –   FIXAR , a leading drone manufacturer, signed an exclusivity deal with   Paras Aerospace   to distribute its UAV solutions—including   FIXAR INDOOR   and   FIXAR 007 —across the Indian market.