The small drones market is projected to reach USD 11.25 billion by 2030, from USD 6.40 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 11.9%. Companies in this market are experiencing rapid growth by developing smarter and more powerful drones. These advanced drones feature enhanced cameras, AI capabilities, and robust flight systems. To drive further innovation, companies are forming partnerships with other businesses and government agencies. This allows them to leverage new technologies and utilize drones to ensure public safety, monitor areas, and assist in defense operations. By securing significant contracts and working with technology firms, they are enhancing the utility of drones for both commercial and military applications.
DJI (China), Boeing (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Parrot Drone SAS (France), RTX (US), Northrop Grumman (US), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), BAE Systems (UK), AeroVironment, Inc. (US), Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel), Thales (France), Teledyne FLIR LLC (US), XAG Co., Ltd. (China), AERONAUTICS (Israel), Skydio, Inc. (US), and Textron Inc. (US) are the top companies in the small drones market. To strengthen their market position, these companies have implemented various growth strategies, such as acquisitions, agreements, contracts, and partnerships related to small drones.
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Major Small Drones Companies Include:
DJI (China)
DJI is a leading global manufacturer of commercial drones. The company manufactures a wide range of drones, flight controllers, drone accessories, propulsion systems, cameras, and camera gimbals (aerial and handheld). Its products are used in agriculture, energy, public safety, entertainment, infrastructure, and construction sectors. DJI sells its products through DJI online stores, DJI-operated stores, and retail stores. The company has in-house R&D and manufacturing facilities in China. It has offices in the US, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, China, and Hong Kong. DJI generates most of its revenue from the US and China.
Lockheed Martin Corporation (US)
Lockheed Martin Corporation specializes in the research, design, development, manufacture, and integration of advanced technology systems and related products and services for the aerospace, defense, and security sectors. The company operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space. The Aeronautics segment is engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, sustainment, support, and upgrade of advanced military aircraft, including combat and air mobility aircraft, UAVs, and related technologies. The company has around 572 manufacturing plants in 500 cities across 50 states in the US. It has a presence in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Its subsidiaries are Lockheed Martin UK Limited, Lockheed Martin Global, Inc. (US), Lockheed Martin Australia Pty Limited, Lockheed Martin Canada Inc., and Lockheed Martin Logistics Management, Inc. (US).
Israel Aerospace Industry (Israel)
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is Israel’s largest aerospace and defense company. It designs, manufactures, and provides diverse products for the commercial aviation, defense, and homeland security sectors. The company operates through two segments: Aviation Group and Military Group. It has expertise in air and missile defense manufacturing, including ground robotics solutions, precision-guided weapons, loitering munitions, special-mission aircraft, and modernized military aircraft. It also provides diverse solutions and services for aerial defense, from special mission aircraft and advanced UAS to precision-guided munitions, multi-layered missile defense, loitering munitions, and upgrades for military aircraft and helicopters. IAI operates in varied markets worldwide, including North America, South America (Brazil and Colombia), Asia Pacific (India and South Korea), and Europe (Germany).
AeroVironment, Inc. (US)
AeroVironment, Inc. focuses on the design, development, and production of small, unmanned aircraft and fast-charge systems for electric industrial vehicle batteries. The company operates through four segments: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS), Tactical Missile Systems (TMS), Medium Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MUAS), and others. It offers a range of products, including long-range tracking antennas, sensors, and missile systems, primarily marketed in the US. Its small drones, including Raven, Wasp AE, and Puma AE, are designed to operate reliably at very low altitudes in various environmental conditions, providing a vantage point from which to collect and deliver valuable information.
Parrot Drone SAS (France)
Parrot Drone SAS is one of the key players in the small drones market. The company designs, develops, and markets unmanned technology products for hobbyists and professionals globally. Its offerings include drones, accessories, and support services. Parrot operates through two segments: Microdrones and Photogrammetry. The company provides a wide range of mini drones, including Swing, Hydrofoil, Jumping Range, Airborne Range, Rolling Spider, and AR. It offers products for surveying and mapping, mining and quarrying, engineering and construction, agriculture, environment, and humanitarian applications. Its key subsidiaries include SenseFly SA (Switzerland), Pix4D (Switzerland), Parrot Inc. (France), Parrot Italia S.r.l. (Italy), and Parrot GmbH (Germany). The company has a customer base in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. It generates most of its revenue from the US and the UK. It has an in-house R&D facility for small UAV products.
Market Ranking Analysis, 2024
The ranking of the top five small drone players is based on an in-depth analysis of their financial performance in different business segments, product portfolio width, and individual product capabilities. The assessment also considers the recent activities of these organizations, such as product innovations, geographic expansions, and technology development. These are ranked based on various parameters, such as revenues generated through the sale of small drones, diversification and differentiation in their product offerings, and strategic initiatives like collaborations, partnerships, and mergers to become a consolidated market force.
Companies that have continuously served innovative drone technologies, expanded geographically, and enjoyed solid customer relationships are the market leaders. Additionally, those players having a strong presence in high-growth markets and engaging dynamically in trailblazing innovations in small drone technologies are well-placed in the competition. Their ability to meet varied market demands, win large-scale orders, and invest in research and development (R&D) has also strengthened their position in the competition. Dominance in strategic leader regions and the efficiency of international distribution networks have further played key roles in shaping today’s rankings.
Related Reports:
Small Drones Market by Platform (Civil & Commercial and Defense & Government), Type (Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing and Hybrid), Power Source (Fully-powered and Battery-powered), Application, Mode of Operation and Region - Global Forecast to 2030
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