Global Small Drones Market Size Study & Forecast, by Type, Weight, Power Source, End-use, and Regional Forecasts 2025-2035

Global Small Drones Market is valued at approximately USD 21.66 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at an impressive CAGR of 24.20% over the forecast period 2025-2035. Small drones-once confined to niche hobbyist use-have undergone a massive transformation into indispensable assets across defense, commercial, civil, and consumer sectors. These compact, highly maneuverable systems are being deployed to carry out an expansive range of operations, from surveillance and reconnaissance to last-mile delivery and agricultural mapping. The increasing integration of artificial intelligence, miniaturized sensors, and 5G-powered remote connectivity is allowing small drones to displace traditional human-led operations with scalable, data-driven aerial autonomy.

Surging demand from the defense sector for agile, cost-effective unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to carry out ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) missions in contested zones has significantly pushed forward adoption of small drones. At the same time, civilian applications-from precision agriculture to infrastructure inspection-are driving a parallel commercial boom. Battery-powered drones dominate due to ease of use and environmental considerations, while fuel-powered variants are gaining ground for long-duration and heavy-payload operations. The acceleration in regulatory clarity by aviation authorities globally is opening new airspace corridors for drone delivery networks, urban mobility trials, and industrial inspections-thereby providing fertile ground for innovation and investment.

Regionally, North America leads the global small drones market, thanks to robust military procurement, widespread commercial use, and a mature regulatory framework overseen by the FAA. Europe is witnessing growing adoption across security, disaster management, and smart city projects, with active participation from defense ministries and commercial startups. However, it is the Asia Pacific region that is poised to see the highest CAGR, powered by strategic government initiatives in countries like China, India, and Japan. These nations are deploying drones in agriculture, border monitoring, and e-commerce, backed by aggressive investments in indigenous manufacturing and drone ecosystem development. Additionally, advancements in lightweight materials, autonomous navigation algorithms, and drone swarming capabilities are redefining operational limits across emerging economies.

Major market players included in this report are:

• DJI
• Boeing
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• AeroVironment Inc.
• Parrot Drones S.A.S.
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Textron Inc.
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Thales Group
• FLIR Systems Inc.
• 3D Robotics
• Leonardo S.p.A.
• BAE Systems
• Teledyne FLIR LLC

Global Small Drones Market Report Scope:

• Historical Data - 2023, 2024
• Base Year for Estimation - 2024
• Forecast period - 2025-2035
• Report Coverage - Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
• Regional Scope - North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa
• Customization Scope - Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts' working hours) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope*

The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values for the coming years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within the countries involved in the study. The report also provides detailed information about crucial aspects, such as driving factors and challenges, which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, it incorporates potential opportunities in micro-markets for stakeholders to invest, along with a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape and product offerings of key players. The detailed segments and sub-segments of the market are explained below:

By Type:

• Fixed Wing
• Rotary Wing
• Hybrid Wing

By Maximum Take-off Weight:

• Less than 5 Kg
• 5-25 Kg
• Above 25-150 Kg

By Power Source:

• Fuel Powered
• Battery Powered

By End-use:

• Defense
• Consumer
• Commercial
• Civil

By Region:

• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Europe
• UK
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Middle East & Africa
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Key Takeaways:

• Market Estimates & Forecast for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
• Annualized revenues and regional level analysis for each market segment.
• Detailed analysis of geographical landscape with Country level analysis of major regions.
• Competitive landscape with information on major players in the market.
• Analysis of key business strategies and recommendations on future market approach.
• Analysis of competitive structure of the market.
• Demand side and supply side analysis of the market.