중국의 무인항공기 시장 규모는 예측 기간인 2024-2031년 CAGR이 10.96%에 달하며, 2023년 131억 2,000만 달러에서 2031년에는 301억 5,000만 달러로 상승할 것으로 예측됩니다. 중국민용항공국(CAAC)에 따르면 2023년 전국적으로 약 127만 대의 UAV가 등록되어 전년 대비 32.2% 증가할 것으로 예상됩니다. 약 19,000개 기업이 업무에 드론을 사용하고 있으며, 194,000명의 개인이 드론 조종사 자격을 보유하고 있습니다. 드론은 엔터테인먼트, 임업, 축산 및 어업, 농업 등 다양한 산업에서 필수적인 역할을 하고 있습니다.
중국은 모든 유형의 UAV를 생산할 수 있는 능력을 갖춘 UAV 제조의 세계 리더입니다. 이러한 생산 능력은 산업의 급속한 확장을 촉진하고 다양한 분야에서 폭넓게 응용할 수 있게 해줍니다. 중국은 급격한 성장에 대응하기 위해 도시, 섬 및 기타 용도를 포괄하는 17개의 민간 무인 항공 테스트 구역과 3개의 테스트 기지를 설립했습니다. 이러한 조치는 세계 드론 시장에서 중국의 우위를 더욱 공고히 하고, 드론 기술과 용도 확장을 지원하고 있습니다.
중국의 군용 드론 시장은 공격 및 감시용 무인항공기(UAV)의 두드러진 시장 개척으로 번창하고 있습니다. 드론 전쟁의 전략적 중요성을 인식한 중국 정부는 군 현대화에 투자하고 있습니다. 중국은 UAV의 발명과 배치에서 선두를 달리고 있으며, UAV 산업을 전 세계에서 재편하고 있는 경제 발전과 기술 및 안보의 전략적 진보를 상징하고 있습니다.
중국 산업정보화부는 무인항공기(UAV) 관련 정책의 시행을 촉진하기 위해 규제 프레임워크를 구축했습니다. 이 프레임워크는 상업적 인증 및 조종 기준을 포함한 UAV 운영에 관한 행정 지침과 규범 문서로 구성되어 있습니다. 중국 정부는 UAV 시장의 급속한 발전에 대응하기 위해 지속적으로 규제 환경을 개선하고 있습니다.
중국의 무인항공기 시장에 대해 조사했으며, 시장의 개요와 익형별, 클래스별, 용도별, 운영 모드별, 최대 이륙 중량별, 지역별 동향 및 시장에 참여하는 기업의 개요 등을 제공하고 있습니다.
China unmanned aerial vehicle market is projected to witness a CAGR of 10.96% during the forecast period 2024-2031, rising from USD 13.12 billion in 2023 to USD 30.15 billion in 2031. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), in 2023, there were around 1.27 million UAVs registered nationwide, a 32.2% increase from the previous year. Roughly 19,000 businesses were using drones for operations, and 194,000 individuals had drone pilot certifications. These unmanned aerial vehicles have proven indispensable in a variety of industries, including entertainment, forestry, animal husbandry and fishery, agriculture, etc.
China is a world leader in UAV manufacturing, with the capacity to produce any type of UAV. This production capability drives the industry's rapid expansion and enables a wide range of applications across various sectors. China has established 17 civil unmanned aviation test zones and three test bases, covering cities, islands, and other application areas, in response to the exponential growth. These measures further solidify China's dominance in the global drone market, supporting advancements in drone technology and applications.
China's military drone market is flourishing due to notable developments in attack and surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Recognizing the strategic importance of drone warfare, the government is investing in military modernization. China leads in UAV invention and deployment, symbolizing economic progress and strategic advancements in technology and security that are reshaping the UAV industry globally.
Government Regulatory Framework to Boost Market Growth
Due to substantial government investments, legislative and regulatory support, China's UAV sector is expanding quickly. Over 200 regulations have been established and updated by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology for civilian drone application, production, research, and safety. Shenzhen serves as the center of China's growing domination in the UAV industry. Renowned as the Silicon Valley of China, Shenzhen is a home to more than 600 licensed drone manufacturers, which makes it a prime location for the innovation and worldwide competitiveness of the sector. This growth is facilitated by advancements in technology and government support.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is establishing a regulatory framework to expedite the execution of policies pertaining to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The framework consists of administrative guidelines and normative papers for UVA operations, including commercial certification and pilot criteria. The Ministry is constantly improving the regulatory environment to keep up with the UAV market's rapid development.
Increasing Usages of AI and Machine Learning in UAV for Defense Industry
Chinese drones are becoming more advanced, with an AI-powered drone claiming to defeat a human-operated UAV in an aerial battle. The drone outmaneuvered the human by attempting to force it to crash into the ground. Chinese military authorities are testing swam drone capabilities, where multiple units are used to attack or monitor targets via a single networked system. China has developed secretive hardware to prevent drones manufactured in the country from being used to attack China.
For instance, China's Caihong 4 (CH-4), created by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, is a well-liked device that resembles the MQ-9 Reaper manufactured in the United States. It can be employed for both attack and reconnaissance. Whereas the human operator can manage the Wing Loong 2, an unmanned aerial vehicle with sensors and infrared cameras for supply line monitoring and strike attacks.
Defense Segment to Dominate the Market Share
The defense segment is projected to exhibit significant growth in China UAV market during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to increasing defense expenditure by the Chinese government. With a focus on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), China's People's Liberation Army is progressively integrating advanced domestically manufactured unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into its armed forces. Notably, these include models such as the GJ-1, GJ-2, WZ-7, and WZ-8. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), in 2022, China was ranked as the top defense spender in Asia-Pacific and the second largest in the world, with a defense budget of USD 293 billion.
In January 2024, Chinese companies displayed a number of UAVs at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris, which has enhanced stealth, sensors, and attack capabilities. China has established itself as a major arms exporter, mainly to the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, based on creating affordable military unmanned aerial vehicles. Despite competition from other arms exporters and limited presence in Europe, China is expected to continue expanding its UAV business.
Fixed Wing UAVs are Dominating the Market
The fixed-wing UAV market in China is experiencing significant growth, fueled by domestic demand, favorable policies, and strong manufacturing capabilities. Compared to multirotor UAVs, large-size fixed-wing drones have a larger market share as they can fly farther, last longer, and cover more ground. China is witnessing a significant increase in the use of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are known for their superior power efficiency and capacity to carry larger cargo.
For instance, China's drone industry has seen a significant increase in newly registered unmanned aerial vehicles in the first half of 2024, reaching nearly 608,000, a 48% increase from the end of 2023. The industry is focusing on improving communication, navigation, and surveillance capabilities, and establishing safety rules and regulatory policies for various flight activities.
Future Market Scenario (2024 - 2031F)
The intricate and varied UAV regulations in China have fueled the expansion of the transportation, logistics, agricultural, and environmental protection sectors. This is a result of laws and policies that support technological innovation. The nation's governmental structure is continually evolving to keep pace with the rapid development of UAV applications. The Ministry of Information and Technology (MIIT) has created or revised over 200 regulations concerning the study, development, use, and safety of civil UAVs. In addition to high-quality communication via 5G and big data technologies, a robust administrative structure is essential to ensure the future-proof use of UAVs in transportation and logistics.
Policymakers in China emphasize their approval of unmanned aerial vehicles in low-altitude airspace. To shape the future of the drone market, they focus on developing digital infrastructure, standardization, regulation, technological advancements, and user acceptability. Cooperative discussions at both political and technical levels can yield fruitful outcomes, facilitating the rapid expansion of the UAV industry in China.
Chinese drone manufacturers are integrating unmanned aerial systems into mobility and transportation through pilot and demonstration projects. These initiatives demonstrate how UAVs could eventually replace combustion engine-powered vehicles in both urban and rural settings. Unmanned aerial vehicles can deliver goods quickly and affordably, regardless of road conditions. They are used for logistical tasks in rural areas and for first and last-mile urban short-distance express deliveries. However, substantial investments in hardware and technology advancements, such as longer battery life or research into new propulsion systems, will be necessary to achieve economically and technologically viable and sustainable UAV deployment.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
China unmanned aerial vehicle market is dominated by several key players, including SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. (DJI), EHang Holdings Ltd. ADR, and Yuneec International Co., Ltd., which lead in innovation and market share. Due to the growing need for UAVs in industries such as agriculture, surveillance, logistics, and urban air mobility, the market is expected to increase significantly. UAV technology is advancing due to government support and large R&D investments, which are expanding the devices' capabilities and uses.
For instance, in 2023, to develop innovative air mobility solutions and applications, China's EHang has partnered with Xi'an Aerospace Investment Science and Technology Development Holdings Group. The two companies will prioritize the development of smart flight operating systems and the promotion of autonomous aerial vehicles, which will improve air mobility in a variety of scenarios.
Similarly, in 2023, XAG Co Ltd, the leading manufacturer of agricultural drones in China, presented its smart agricultural products and application scenarios. The gadgets are meant to help with unmanned agricultural output. They have made significant advancements in autonomous driving, structural design, material research, and intelligent manufacturing.
Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work.