Small Drone Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis, By Product(Less than 5kg, 5-25kg, above 25-150kg), By Maximum Takeoff weight(Fuel powered and Battery powered), By Region - Industry Forecast 2024-2031

Small Drone Market  Drivers

Government Regulations to Bolster Market Growth

• In 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced a new regulation called 'Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations (Part 107)', designed to encourage the use of smaller drones. The regulation is specifically made for small drones used for commercial and government applications, weighing less than 55 pounds. The new regulation will make it easier for drone operators to register their devices and use them safely. It will also improve drone safety by ensuring that operators know and follow proper safety practices.

• In December 2020, the US Department of Transportation issued new drone rules to help promote drone innovation and safety. These rules encourage the use of drones for research, development, and other purposes, while ensuring that safety is a top priority. According to the FAA, there are 1.7 million registered drones and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots in the US.

• The Indian government has taken some effective steps to promote the drone industry in the country. In 2020, the Indian government started several initiatives aimed at helping to promote the use of small drones. These include the SVAMITVA program, the Drone Rules 2021, the SOP for Agri Drones, the Hara Bhara Project, and the PLI Scheme for Drones and Drone Components. The SVAMITVA scheme was launched in April 2020 to carry out mapping operations of 600,000 villages. Whereas the PLI Scheme for Drones and Drone Components was launched in September 2021, it has been valued at USD 15.04 million. Under this three-year plan, the Indian government aims to realize the vision of "Atma Nirbhar Bharat". In September 2021, the Indian government organized a Bharat Drone Mahotsav-2022 with 150 companies to help boost the development and innovation of drones.

Small Drone Market Restraints

Restrictions to Hinder Market Growth

• According to the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) (US), the limited use of small drones in civilian airspace is hindering market growth in the US. Currently, commercial small drones are not allowed to fly in civil airspace unless they have received an exemption. These exemptions are typically granted to companies who are testing or demonstrating the drones.

• Another major impediment to market growth is the lack of confidence in the safe and effective merger of small drones with existing air traffic systems. Small drones work in close coordination with continuously evolving air traffic systems.