Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Drones Market by Solution (Infrastructure, Software, Services), Function (Flight Operations, Maintenance, Ground Control, Asset Health, Simulation, Revenue Optimization), End User, Technology - Global Forecast to 2030
The artificial intelligence (AI) in drones market is estimated to be USD 821.3 million in 2025. It is projected to reach USD 2751.9 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 27.4% during the forecast period. Technological advancements and changing market conditions are the key drivers of the market.
Scope of the Report
Years Considered for the Study
2021-2030
Base Year
2024
Forecast Period
2025-2030
Units Considered
Value (USD Million)
Segments
By Solution, Technology, Function, End User and Region
Regions covered
North America, Europe, APAC, RoW
"By solution, the services segment is projected to achieve the highest growth during the forecast period."
The services segment is projected to achieve the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is due to the rising demand for end-to-end solutions that include drone hardware and software and essential services, such as system integration, training, predictive maintenance, data analysis, and cloud deployment. To reduce initial costs, businesses and government organizations are turning toward service-based approaches, such as Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) and customized AI model development. Moreover, the intricacy of AI model deployment, edge-to-cloud deployment, and regulatory requirements necessitates ongoing support, and services become critical to operational success. The increasing demand for scalable, flexible, and secure AI-powered drone operations, particularly in dynamic sectors like logistics, agriculture, and defense, further supports the service-driven growth. With enterprises moving toward outcome-based deployments, AI-powered services span mission planning to automated analytics, taking the center stage as the foundation of sustainable adoption.
"By technology, the Generative AI segment is projected to achieve the highest CAGR during the forecast period."
The Generative AI segment is projected to achieve the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the potential of Gen AI to revolutionize simulation, mission planning, and adaptive decision-making. Generative models distinguish themselves from conventional AI as they generate new data, reproduce real-world scenarios, and retrain themselves adaptively with changing scenarios. In drone applications, Generative AI is used in virtual sandboxing missions, synthetic data generation for training, swarm simulation, and autonomous path recalculation functions integral to high-stakes and high-complexity missions like disaster response, urban logistics delivery, and battlefield reconnaissance. Generative AI also greatly minimizes dependence on labeled data, accelerating the development and release of AI models. With increasing autonomy and distribution of drone fleets, the contribution of generative AI toward assured, resilient, adaptive, and intelligent decision-making rises manifold. Investment in digital twin technology, simulation-based training, and AI co-pilot systems is also driving the inclusion of generative AI as the fastest-growing technology during the forecast period.
"North America is estimated to account for the largest market share in 2025."
North America is estimated to account for the largest market share in 2025. The region's growth is due to its established aviation ecosystem, early adoption of cutting-edge propulsion technologies, and robust institutional support for drone innovation. Additionally, the widespread deployment of drones in North America's border security, homeland security, and wildland fire monitoring generates the need for AI technology. With robust testing infrastructure, favorable regulatory support from bodies like the FAA, and a vibrant network of drone startups and defense contractors, North America continues to set the benchmark for AI-enabled drones.
The break-up of primary participants in the artificial intelligence (AI) in drones market is given below:
By Company Type: Tier 1 - 35%, tier 2 - 45%, and tier 3 - 20%
By Designation: Director Level - 25%, C Level - 35%, Others - 40%
By Region: North America - 30%, Europe - 20%, Asia Pacific - 35%, Middle East - 10%, Rest of World-5%
DJI (China), DroneDeploy (US), Teledyne FLIR LLC (US), Skydio (US), and ShieldAI (US) are the key players in the market. These players offer connectivity applicable to various sectors and have well-equipped and strong distribution networks across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America & Africa.
Research Coverage:
The study covers the artificial intelligence (AI) in drones market across various segments and subsegments. It aims to estimate the size and growth potential of this market across different segments by function, solution, technology, end user, and region. This study also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key players in the market, along with their company profiles, key observations related to their solutions and business offerings, recent developments undertaken by them, and key market strategies adopted by them.
This report segments the artificial intelligence (AI) in drones market across five key regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America & Africa. Its scope includes in-depth information on significant factors, such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities that influence the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) in drones market.
A comprehensive analysis of major industry players has been conducted to provide insights into their business profiles, solutions, and services. This analysis also covers key aspects like agreements, collaborations, product launches, contracts, expansions, acquisitions, and partnerships associated with the artificial intelligence (AI) in drones market.
Reasons to Buy this Report:
This report serves as a valuable resource for market leaders and newcomers in artificial intelligence (AI) in the drone market, offering data that closely approximates revenue figures for both the overall market and its subsegments. It equips stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape, facilitating informed decisions to enhance their market positioning and formulating effective go-to-market strategies. The report imparts valuable insights into the market dynamics, offering information on crucial factors such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities, enabling stakeholders to gauge the market's pulse.
The report provides insights into the following pointers:
Analysis of key drivers and factors, such as increasing need for autonomous operations in complex environments, rising defense & security investments, and rapid expansion of commercial use of drones
Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on artificial intelligence (AI) in drones solutions offered by the top players in the market
Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and product & service launches in the artificial intelligence (AI) in drones market
Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets across varied regions.
Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the artificial intelligence (AI) in drones market
Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market share, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players in the artificial intelligence (AI) in drones market
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 STUDY OBJECTIVES
1.2 MARKET DEFINITION
1.3 STUDY SCOPE
1.3.1 MARKET SEGMENTATION
1.3.2 INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
1.4 YEARS CONSIDERED
1.5 CURRENCY & PRICING CONSIDERED
1.6 STAKEHOLDERS
2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2.1 RESEARCH DATA
2.1.1 SECONDARY DATA
2.1.1.1 Key data from secondary sources
2.1.2 PRIMARY DATA
2.1.2.1 Key data from primary sources
2.1.2.2 Breakdown of primary interviews
2.2 MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION
2.2.1 BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
2.2.2 TOP-DOWN APPROACH
2.3 DATA TRIANGULATION
2.4 RESEARCH ASSUMPTIONS
2.5 RESEARCH LIMITATIONS
2.6 RISK ASSESSMENT
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4 PREMIUM INSIGHTS
4.1 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN DRONES MARKET
4.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN DRONES MARKET, BY END USER
4.3 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN DRONES MARKET, BY TECHNOLOGY
4.4 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN DRONES MARKET, BY SOLUTION
4.5 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN DRONES MARKET, BY FUNCTION
5 MARKET OVERVIEW
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 MARKET DYNAMICS
5.2.1 DRIVERS
5.2.1.1 Increasing need for autonomous operations in complex environments
5.2.1.2 Rise in investments in defense and security
5.2.1.3 Rapid expansion of commercial use of drones
5.2.1.4 Increasing demand for real-time data analytics
5.2.2 RESTRAINTS
5.2.2.1 High cost of AI integration and onboard processing hardware
5.2.2.2 Lack of standardized regulations for autonomous drone operations
5.2.3 OPPORTUNITIES
5.2.3.1 Expansion of autonomous Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) Model
5.2.3.2 Deployment of AI-enabled swarm drones for defense and emergency response
5.2.3.3 Growth of intelligent ISR and border surveillance capabilities
5.2.4 CHALLENGES
5.2.4.1 Data privacy and cybersecurity concerns in AI-driven drone missions
5.2.4.2 Difficulty developing robust AI algorithms for GPS-denied and adverse environments
5.3 TRENDS AND DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMER BUSINESS
5.4 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
5.4.1 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
5.4.2 COMPONENT & CHIPSET MANUFACTURING
5.4.3 AI SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
5.4.4 SYSTEM INTEGRATION
5.4.5 APPROVALS
5.4.6 END USERS
5.5 ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS
5.5.1 PROMINENT COMPANIES
5.5.2 PRIVATE AND SMALL ENTERPRISES
5.5.3 END USERS
5.6 PRICING ANALYSIS
5.6.1 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE OF AI-POWERED DRONES FOR KEY PLAYERS, BY SOLUTION
5.6.2 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE OF AI-POWERED DRONE SOLUTIONS, BY REGION
5.6.3 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE OF AI-POWERED DRONES, BY END USER
5.7 REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
5.7.1 REGULATORY BODIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
5.7.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, BY REGION
5.7.2.1 North America
5.7.2.2 Europe
5.7.2.3 Asia Pacific
5.7.2.4 Middle East
5.7.2.5 Latin America & Africa
5.8 KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND BUYING CRITERIA
5.8.1 KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN BUYING PROCESS
5.8.2 BUYING CRITERIA
5.9 TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS
5.9.1 KEY TECHNOLOGIES
5.9.1.1 Vision Transformers (ViTs)
5.9.1.2 AutoML/AutoAI
5.9.1.3 Reinforcement Learning (RL)
5.9.2 COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGIES
5.9.2.1 Sensor fusion systems
5.9.2.2 Edge AI processors
5.9.3 ADJACENT TECHNOLOGIES
5.9.3.1 Digital twin platforms
5.9.3.2 Geospatial Information Systems (GISs)
5.10 CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
5.10.1 CASE STUDY 1: DRONEDESK INTEGRATED ALTITUDE ANGEL'S GUARDIANUTM API INTO ITS WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
5.10.2 CASE STUDY 2: INTEL DEPLOYED DRONES EQUIPPED WITH AI, COMPUTER VISION, AND EDGE COMPUTING TO MAP TERRAIN, MONITOR VEGETATION, AND ASSESS SOIL CONDITIONS
5.10.3 CASE STUDY 3: CALTRANS PARTNERED WITH SKYDIO TO DEPLOY AUTONOMOUS DRONES WITH ADVANCED AI AND COMPUTER VISION CAPABILITIES
5.11 KEY CONFERENCES AND EVENTS, 2025-2026
5.12 INVESTMENT & FUNDING SCENARIO
5.13 US TARIFF 2025
5.13.1 INTRODUCTION
5.13.2 KEY TARIFF RATES
5.13.3 PRICE IMPACT ANALYSIS
5.13.4 IMPACT ON COUNTRY/REGION
5.13.4.1 United States
5.13.4.2 Europe
5.13.4.3 Asia Pacific (APAC)
5.13.5 IMPACT ON END-USE INDUSTRIES
5.14 MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK
5.14.1 INTRODUCTION
5.14.2 NORTH AMERICA
5.14.3 EUROPE
5.14.4 ASIA PACIFIC
5.14.5 MIDDLE EAST
5.14.6 LATIN AMERICA
5.14.7 AFRICA
5.15 TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP (TCO)
5.16 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN DRONES MARKET: BUSINESS MODELS
5.17 TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP
5.18 TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
5.18.1 REAL-TIME OBJECT DETECTION & TRACKING
5.18.2 AUTONOMOUS NAVIGATION
5.18.3 EDGE AI PROCESSING
5.18.4 SWARM INTELLIGENCE/MULTI-AGENT AI
5.18.5 NATURAL LANGUAGE INTERFACES
5.19 IMPACT OF MEGA TRENDS
5.19.1 ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
5.19.2 ADVANCED MATERIAL INTEGRATION
5.19.3 BIG DATA ANALYTICS
5.20 SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS
5.21 PATENT ANALYSIS
6 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN DRONES MARKET, BY SOLUTION
6.1 INTRODUCTION
6.2 INFRASTRUCTURE
6.2.1 INCREASING NEED FOR EDGE COMPUTING AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE ONBOARD PROCESSING TO DRIVE MARKET
6.2.2 COMPUTE HARDWARE
6.2.2.1 Onboard AI chips
6.2.2.2 Edge computing modules
6.2.3 MEMORY & STORAGE
6.2.3.1 Flash/SSD modules
6.2.3.2 Removable media
6.2.4 NETWORKING
6.2.4.1 Radio modules
6.2.4.2 Satellite links
6.3 SOFTWARE
6.3.1 GROWING DEMAND FOR REAL-TIME, AUTONOMOUS DECISION-MAKING CAPABILITIES ACROSS COMMERCIAL AND DEFENSE APPLICATIONS TO DRIVE MARKET
6.3.2 AI DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
6.3.2.1 Software development kits (SDKs) and machine learning (ML) frameworks
6.3.2.2 Vision-specific AI toolkits
6.3.3 AI APPLICATION PLATFORMS
6.3.3.1 Onboard autonomy stacks
6.3.3.2 Fleet/Cloud platforms
6.4 SERVICES
6.4.1 INCREASING DEMAND FOR CUSTOMIZED, END-TO-END AI INTEGRATION ACROSS DIVERSE INDUSTRIES TO DRIVE MARKET
6.4.2 CORE DATA SERVICES
6.4.3 INTEGRATED SERVICES
7 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN DRONES MARKET, BY END USER
7.1 INTRODUCTION
7.2 MILITARY
7.2.1 INCREASING NEED FOR AUTONOMOUS, GPS-INDEPENDENT SYSTEMS IN CONTESTED ENVIRONMENTS TO DRIVE MARKET
7.3 COMMERCIAL
7.3.1 RISING DEMAND FOR REAL-TIME ANALYTICS AND AUTOMATION ACROSS LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS TO DRIVE MARKET
7.4 GOVERNMENT & LAW ENFORCEMENT
7.4.1 EMPHASIS ON SMART SURVEILLANCE AND RAPID EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAPABILITIES TO DRIVE MARKET
8 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN DRONES MARKET, BY FUNCTION
8.1 INTRODUCTION
8.2 FLIGHT & MISSION OPERATIONS
8.2.1 RISING NEED FOR FULLY AUTONOMOUS DRONE OPERATIONS IN COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS TO DRIVE MARKET
8.2.2 AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT PLANNING & SCHEDULING
8.2.2.1 Use case: Walmart & Wing's drones schedule optimized delivery missions within 30 minutes
8.2.3 ROUTE OPTIMIZATION & DYNAMIC REROUTING
8.2.3.1 Use case: MIT's AI navigates wind deviations mid-flight, improving accuracy by 50%
8.2.4 OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE & PATH CORRECTION
8.2.4.1 Use case: Amazon's Prime AIR MK30 drones navigate and avoid obstacles using AI, enabling safer BVLOS flights
8.2.5 REAL-TIME WEATHER AVOIDANCE
8.2.5.1 Use case: Adaptive control systems allow wildfire drones to adjust paths to avoid turbulent winds