Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 1.06 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 3.03 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 23.26 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market Analysis
The Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market size is estimated at USD 1.06 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 3.03 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 23.26% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- The autonomous BVLOS drone market witnessed unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The advancement of the pandemic led to the closing of borders by various countries as well as the implementation of lockdowns. This affected the supply chain and prevented manufacturers from receiving raw materials that were required for the production of autonomous BVLOS drone systems, which ultimately led to a decline in the production of BVLOS drone systems.
- Moreover, with various companies laying off employees, the necessary manpower required for production was affected during the pandemic. On the other hand, the market showed a strong recovery post-COVID owing to increasing demand by various defense forces as well as commercial companies around the world who make use of autonomous BVLOS drone systems to carry out various operations, and this will lead to the autonomous BVLOS drones market witnessing a positive outlook and market growth during the forecast period.
- Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles have experienced dynamic technological advancements over the last few decades. The technological advancement in operating range, capabilities, and size largely paves the way for various growth opportunities for the defense and commercial sectors. Moreover, as the drone operators robustly expand their BVLOS operations to cater to the demand of various end-users, such as commercial and military, a surge in revenues from contractual operations is envisioned to occur for the market players during the forecast period.
Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market Trends
Military Segment is Anticipated to Grow with the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period
- The military segment is expected to show significant growth during the forecast period. The main factors which are attributable to such a growth include an increase in the defense budget of various countries and the growing demand for autonomous BVLOS drones by the defense personnel of various countries to carry out beyond line-of-sight military operations.
- The military sector deploys autonomous UAVs for various purposes like aerial warfare and ISR applications. Currently, in addition to the existing drones, governments and companies are working on integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence. The revenues have also been higher from the military segment, as military forces around the globe mostly use large UAVs with higher unit prices.
- In addition to the existing models of autonomous BVLOS drones, the companies are expanding their product portfolio through investments in the development of new drone models. For instance, in January 2021, the Japanese government announced its plan to develop an indigenous combat drone, which is planned to enter service by 2035. The drone is planned to be developed in three stages and operate autonomously. Japan's Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency is working on the development of UAV's artificial intelligence (AI), and government plans to invest about JPY 2.7 billion (USD 26.2 million) in the development of the UAV.
- The usage of autonomous BVLOS drones in the military will increase their capabilities for carrying out precise and accurate strikes. These drones can also be used to locate and target enemy camps and vehicles, allowing for a more effective and targeted attack which reduces the risk of civilian casualties and collateral damage.
- Moreover, autonomous BVLOS drones are also being used to gather intelligence and monitor enemy activity and movements, thereby allowing for the development of more effective strategies and tactics. In addition, autonomous BVLOS drones have also changed the way militaries deploy troops. Autonomous BVLOS UAVs can provide troops with a better understanding of the battlefield, as well as accurate real-time data on enemy movements, allowing for more efficient and safe deployments.
- Thus, the growing need for autonomous BVLOS drones by various defense forces around the world to carry out complex military activities, coupled with increasing investments and development of advanced autonomous BVLOS drones for the military by various market players, will lead to a positive outlook and market growth for autonomous BVLOS drones in the military segment during the forecast period.
Asia-Pacific Will Showcase Remarkable Growth During the Forecast Period
- Asia-Pacific is projected to show the highest growth during the forecast period. The main factor behind this growth is the increasing usage of autonomous BVLOS drones in the commercial and military sectors for carrying out various beyond line-of-sight activities and the increasing investments in terms of research and development of advanced BVLOS autonomous drones by major market players in the country. This will lead to an increase in market growth in the coming years.
- China, currently, is witnessing an increase in terms of autonomous drones. There have been growing investments by major companies in China in developing technologically advanced autonomous drones. Currently, various Chinese firms have increased their investments in terms of research for the development of autonomous BVLOS drone systems with advanced capabilities. India is also witnessing significant growth in terms of the development of autonomous drones. Since the last few years, the Indian defense forces have stepped up the procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, primarily for surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, logistics, and precision strikes.
- Various other countries in the Asia-Pacific region are also witnessing immense development in terms of autonomous BVLOS drone systems. Advanced Autonomous BVLOS drone systems are now being developed in the rest of Asia-Pacific countries to carry out various activities such as reservoir monitoring and advanced UAV operations, among others.
- For instance, in July 2021, Singapore's National Water Agency (PUB) announced that they would start using autonomous Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drones to monitor water quality at six reservoirs across the city-state. The drones will be fitted with remote sensing technology and cameras for real-time video data, which will help detect aquatic plant overgrowth and poor water quality based on levels of algae concentration. In addition, the drones will also send live alerts to PUB officers via their mobile devices, enabling them to respond immediately. Alerts include illegal fishing in non-designated areas and vessel overcrowding. Thus, the surge in use cases will also drive the demand for automated BVLOS drones during the forecast period.
Autonomous BVLOS Drones Industry Overview
The autonomous BVLOS drone market is fragmented in nature, with various players holding significant shares in the market. Some prominent market players are Airbus SE, AeroVironment, Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd., General Atomics, and The Boeing Company, amongst others.
The key players in the market are focusing on the development of the advanced autonomous BVLOS market with advanced capabilities to further improve its beyond-line-of-sight capabilities. Growing expenditure on research and development towards manufacturing advanced autonomous BVLOS drone systems for both the military and commercial sectors will lead to creating better opportunities soon. Moreover, various manufacturers are now integrating technologies, like advanced Lidar sensors as well as terrain mapping, and this is expected to support the growth of the autonomous BVLOS drone market during the forecast period.
Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market Leaders
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Airbus SE
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Elbit Systems Ltd.
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The Boeing Company
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General Atomics
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AeroVironment, Inc.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market News
June 2023: Southern Company, in partnership with Skydio, announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted a conditions-based waiver enabling remote-based, autonomous BVLOS dock operations across its system. The waiver is one of the first of its kind and will integrate autonomous drone systems in support of remote-based monitoring and inspection. The BVLOS waiver will assist the Southern Company system with remote-based infrastructure monitoring and inspection at plant sites, substations, and other fixed site locations, allowing more efficient inspections, mapping, and monitoring.
May 2023: In a pioneering global initiative, a fleet of 8 autonomous drones commenced daily flights within the confines of the Antwerp port area. This groundbreaking endeavor stands as a testament to innovation, playing a pivotal role in fortifying the overall security measures of the expansive port complex. The recently inaugurated D-Hive drone-in-a-box network represents a collaborative effort involving the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, DroneMatrix, SkeyDrone, and Proximus. Covering an extensive expanse of over 120 square kilometers, the Antwerp port area is set to benefit immensely from the coordination facilitated by the D-hive drone network, streamlining operations with a focus on efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Notably, the operation of the 18 BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone flights will be meticulously overseen from a centralized Command-and-Control Centre, strategically situated at the heart of the bustling port.
Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
- 4.1 Market Overview
- 4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.3 Market Restraints
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4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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5.1 Type
- 5.1.1 Small UAVs
- 5.1.2 Medium UAVs
- 5.1.3 Large UAVs
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5.2 Application
- 5.2.1 Military
- 5.2.2 Civil & Commercial
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5.3 Geography
- 5.3.1 North America
- 5.3.1.1 United States
- 5.3.1.2 Canada
- 5.3.2 Europe
- 5.3.2.1 United Kingdom
- 5.3.2.2 Germany
- 5.3.2.3 France
- 5.3.2.4 Rest of Europe
- 5.3.3 Asia-Pacific
- 5.3.3.1 China
- 5.3.3.2 Japan
- 5.3.3.3 India
- 5.3.3.4 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.3.4 Latin America
- 5.3.4.1 Brazil
- 5.3.4.2 Mexico
- 5.3.4.3 Rest of Latin America
- 5.3.5 Middle East and Africa
- 5.3.5.1 United Arab Emirates
- 5.3.5.2 Saudi Arabia
- 5.3.5.3 Qatar
- 5.3.5.4 Rest of Middle East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Vendor Market Share
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6.2 Company Profiles
- 6.2.1 Airbus SE
- 6.2.2 AeroVironment, Inc.
- 6.2.3 Elbit Systems Ltd.
- 6.2.4 General Atomics
- 6.2.5 The Boeing Company
- 6.2.6 Northrop Grumman Corporation
- 6.2.7 IAI
- 6.2.8 Saab AB
- 6.2.9 Textron Inc.
- 6.2.10 Plymouth Rock Technologies Inc.
- 6.2.11 DELAIR SAS
- 6.2.12 Zipline International Inc.
- 6.2.13 Drone Delivery Canada Corp.
- 6.2.14 EHang Holdings Limited
- 6.2.15 Wingcopter GmbH
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Autonomous BVLOS Drones Industry Segmentation
With the advancement of drone technologies, UAVs have become viable alternatives to manned aircraft and vehicles. Autonomous BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) drones are flown beyond the visual range of the operator, helping them cover greater distances. There Are several benefits to BVLOS drone operations over traditional line-of-sight flight.
The use of autonomous BVLOS drones for various purposes covers the civil and commercial segments of the industry, including package distribution, critical infrastructure inspection, aerial surveying and mapping, mining, construction, precision agriculture, firefighting, search, and rescue, amongst others.
The autonomous BVLOS drone market is segmented based on type, application, and geography. By type, the market is segmented into small UAVs, medium UAVs, and large UAVs. By application, the market is segmented into military, and civil & commercial. The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the autonomous BVLOS drones market in major countries across different regions. For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).
| Type | Small UAVs | |
| Medium UAVs | ||
| Large UAVs | ||
| Application | Military | |
| Civil & Commercial | ||
| Geography | North America | United States |
| Canada | ||
| Geography | Europe | United Kingdom |
| Germany | ||
| France | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Geography | Asia-Pacific | China |
| Japan | ||
| India | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Geography | Latin America | Brazil |
| Mexico | ||
| Rest of Latin America | ||
| Geography | Middle East and Africa | United Arab Emirates |
| Saudi Arabia | ||
| Qatar | ||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market Research FAQs
How big is the Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market?
The Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market size is expected to reach USD 1.06 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 23.26% to reach USD 3.03 billion by 2029.
What is the current Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market size?
In 2024, the Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market size is expected to reach USD 1.06 billion.
Who are the key players in Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market?
Airbus SE, Elbit Systems Ltd., The Boeing Company, General Atomics and AeroVironment, Inc. are the major companies operating in the Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market?
In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market.
What years does this Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market size was estimated at USD 0.81 billion. The report covers the Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Autonomous BVLOS Drones Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
BVLOS Drone Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 BVLOS Drone market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. BVLOS Drone analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
