Unmanned Helicopter Market By Type (Small (0-20 lbs) ,, Medium (21-55 lbs)) .) , By Application (Military, Government Agency, Industrial, Others) By End-user (Defense agencies, Law Enforcement, Emergency Services) : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033
Unmanned Helicopter Market
The unmanned helicopter market was valued at $5.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $24.2 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 15.4% from 2024 to 2033.
An unmanned helicopter, also known as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is a medium of conveyance that does not require a human for its operation. Unmanned helicopters either fly autonomously or are piloted remotely and serve as an essential asset for the military sector. Advancements in technology have led to miniaturization of UAVs, diversifying their utility across non-military applications such as environmental monitoring, aerial photography, precision agriculture, infrastructure inspections, and package deliveries.
Advancements in technology have led to enhancement in features of unmanned helicopters, including remarkable navigation systems, improved battery life, and upgraded autonomy. These enhancements have increased the adoption of UAVs for various applications, propelling the growth of the market. In addition, rise in prevalence of natural calamities has elevated the role of unmanned helicopters in disaster management and rescue operations. This drives the market growth substantially. An emerging trend anticipated to dominate in the future is the deployment of smart swarming capabilities into unmanned helicopters. The technology is projected to enable independent interaction of drones with each other, along with data transfer, analysis, and collaborative decision-making.
However, the high expense of production of cutting-edge unmanned helicopters with ingenious attributes restricts its applicability, restraining the growth of the market. Furthermore, the vehicles integrated with smart technologies remain at a high risk of data breach and cyberattacks, which hampers the development of the unmanned helicopter market. According to IOActive, a cybersecurity firm, the integration of electromagnetic (EM) glitches into drones during firmware updates compromises their security. The glitch allows hackers to gain access to the operating system of the device which regulates the core operations. The firm states that the glitches are highly powerful, offering direct access to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast and disclosing the encryption keys.
Segment ReviewThe unmanned helicopter market is segmented into type, application, end user, and region. On the basis of type, the market is bifurcated into small (0-20 lbs) and medium (21-55 lbs). Depending on application, it is divided into military, government agency, industrial, and others. As per end user, it is classified into defense agencies, law enforcement, and emergency services. Region wise, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.
Key FindingsOn the basis of type, the small (0-20 lbs) segment is expected to exhibit a high growth throughout the forecast period.
Depending on application, the military segment is projected to be the highest shareholder by 2033.
As per end user, the emergency services segment is anticipated to acquire a high stake in the market during the forecast period.
Region wise, North America is predicted to be the highest revenue generator by 2033.
Competition AnalysisThe leading players operating in the global unmanned helicopter market include Schiebel Group, Yamaha Motor Company, MD Helicopters, CybAero, Elbit Systems, Northrop Grumman, Leonardo, AVIC Helicopter Company, Airbus Helicopters, and Lockheed Martin. These major players have adopted various key development strategies such as business expansion, new product launches, and partnerships, to strengthen their foothold in the competitive market.
Key Market SegmentsBy TypeSmall (0-20 lbs),
Medium (21-55 lbs)).
By ApplicationMilitary
Government Agency
Industrial
Others
By End-userDefense agencies
Law Enforcement
Emergency Services
By RegionNorth America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
UK
Germany
France
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of Latin America
Middle East and Africa
UAE
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
Key Market Players
Schiebel Group
Yamaha Motor Company
MD Helicopters
CybAero
Elbit Systems
Northrop Grumman
Leonardo
AVIC Helicopter Company
Airbus Helicopters
Lockheed Martin