North America Small UAV Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The North American small UAV market is experiencing growth driven by the increasing adoption of drones across various sectors, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic slowdown. The market's expansion is supported by the diverse applications of UAVs, including military operations, internet provision, aerial photography, and agricultural data collection. However, the market's potential growth is tempered by technological limitations and regulatory hurdles that may restrict UAV usage in certain areas. Enhanced investments in drone technology are expected to contribute to the market's long-term development.

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Market Size of North America Small UAV Industry

North America Small UAV Market Summary
Study Period 2020 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Forecast Data Period 2024 - 2029
Historical Data Period 2020 - 2022
CAGR 7.00 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

North America Small UAV Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

North America Small UAV Market Analysis

The North American small UAV market is anticipated to register a CAGR of more than 7% during the forecast period.

Since unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) procurement is a direct proponent of the demand from end-user industries, COVID-19 has severely impacted the market in focus. The ongoing global economic slowdown is anticipated to result in a subsequent decline in the demand for UAVs from end-user sectors that deploy drones for various applications. However, the demand for UAVs has rapidly increased due to their diverse application portfolio. However, due to existing regulations and controls, major US-based companies are less likely to bear the impact of the wider supply chain disruption caused by the pandemic.

The growing realization of drone deployment in military operations has encouraged vendors to offer drones that can be used in numerous commercial applications. Drones are also being adopted in other applications, including internet provision in remote places, aerial photography and video recording, survey and documenting wildlife, and public service missions. Several companies primarily offer small drones used in agricultural and aerial photography and data collection applications. Home deliveries via drones have become a reality due to the efforts of logistics and retail companies, such as Amazon and UPS, toward rolling out the technology. Enhanced investments in drone technologies are also anticipated to foster long-term growth of the market. However, the growth of the small UAV market in North America can be hindered by technological constraints, such as limited endurance, SWaP challenges, and the presence of non-uniform laws and regulations that can restrict the usage of such systems in the airspace of certain countries.

North America Small UAV Industry Segmentation

Small UAVs are pilotless platforms that weigh a maximum of 25 kg. These platforms are either remotely controlled by a human operator or navigated autonomously by a programmed onboard computer.

The North American small UAV market is segmented based on UAV type, propulsion technology, end-user industry, and country. By UAV type, the market is segmented into fixed-wing and rotary-wing. By propulsion technology, the market is segmented into hydrogen cell, hybrid, solar, and lithium-ion (Li-ion). By end-user industry, the market is classified as construction, agriculture, energy, entertainment, defense and law enforcement, and other end-user industries. By country, the market is divided into the United States and Canada. The other subsegment in the end-user industry includes the deployment of drones for operations such as firefighting and aerial mapping. The market sizing and forecasts for each segment are provided in values in USD million.

UAV Type
Fixed-wing
Rotary-wing
Propulsion Technology
Hydrogen Cell
Hybrid
Solar
Lithium-ion
End-user Industry
Construction
Agriculture
Energy
Entertainment
Defense and Law Enforcement
Other End-user Industries
Country
United States
Canada
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North America Small UAV Market Size Summary

The North American small UAV market is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of drones across various sectors. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic slowdown, the demand for small UAVs has surged due to their versatile applications in military, commercial, and public service domains. The market is witnessing a shift as drones are increasingly utilized for tasks such as aerial photography, internet provision in remote areas, and agricultural applications like crop monitoring and pesticide spraying. Companies like Rantizo and Hylio are pioneering the use of drones in agriculture, enhancing crop yields and operational efficiency. The regulatory landscape in the United States has also evolved, with recent relaxations allowing drone operations over people and at night, further propelling market growth.

The competitive landscape of the North American small UAV market is characterized by a mix of established players and emerging startups. Major companies such as AeroVironment Inc., Thales Group, and Lockheed Martin Corporation hold significant market shares, while new entrants are leveraging technological advancements to capture market opportunities. The development of alternative fuel-powered drones and the use of composite materials are expected to enhance drone capabilities, driving adoption across industries like mining and construction. The market's expansion is supported by strategic contracts, such as those signed by Teledyne FLIR Defense and Skydio with the US Army, highlighting the growing integration of UAVs in defense operations. As the market continues to evolve, the interplay of regulatory changes, technological innovations, and competitive dynamics will shape its trajectory in the coming years.

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North America Small UAV Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Market Drivers

    3. 1.3 Market Restraints

    4. 1.4 Industry Attractiveness: Porters Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.4.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

      2. 1.4.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      3. 1.4.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 UAV Type

      1. 2.1.1 Fixed-wing

      2. 2.1.2 Rotary-wing

    2. 2.2 Propulsion Technology

      1. 2.2.1 Hydrogen Cell

      2. 2.2.2 Hybrid

      3. 2.2.3 Solar

      4. 2.2.4 Lithium-ion

    3. 2.3 End-user Industry

      1. 2.3.1 Construction

      2. 2.3.2 Agriculture

      3. 2.3.3 Energy

      4. 2.3.4 Entertainment

      5. 2.3.5 Defense and Law Enforcement

      6. 2.3.6 Other End-user Industries

    4. 2.4 Country

      1. 2.4.1 United States

      2. 2.4.2 Canada

North America Small UAV Market Size FAQs

The North America Small UAV Market is projected to register a CAGR of greater than 7% during the forecast period (2024-2029)

Elbit Systems Ltd., Thales Group, AeroVironment Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation and IAI are the major companies operating in the North America Small UAV Market.

North America Small UAV Market Report Snapshots

North America Small UAV Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)