India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Overview, 2029

India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Overview, 2029


The Indian UAV market's dynamism stems from its varied nature. While the defense and homeland security sectors continue to be key stakeholders, driven by strategic investments and border monitoring requirements, the commercial market is experiencing exponential growth. Drones are increasingly being used in agriculture, forestry, mining, power, railways, construction, highways, and even e-commerce. The government's proactive strategy accelerates this growth. The Digital India effort, combined with the removal of legislative barriers, is paving the way for widespread drone use. Initiatives such as Drone Regulations 1.0 and 2.0 have simplified licensing requirements and set aside particular airspace for drone operations. This encourages innovation and draws domestic and foreign players, resulting in a thriving ecosystem. UAVs play an important part in disaster management and search and rescue operations in India. Drones are used in natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones to assess the level of damage, find trapped people, and give essential information to aid response efforts. UAVs are widely utilized for surveying and mapping in India. Drones improve the efficiency of surveying large regions for urban planning, land development, and infrastructure projects. High-resolution images and 3D mapping capabilities help to generate accurate and detailed survey data. The Indian government recognizes the potential of UAV technology and has taken steps to control its use. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented regulations to oversee the use of UAVs, ensuring safety and responsible use. Government initiatives aim to foster the growth of the UAV industry while addressing concerns related to security and privacy.

According to the research report ""India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Overview, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market is predicted to grow with more than 15% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. In June 2021, India's Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued a new set of drone laws and regulations for anyone operating an unmanned aerial vehicle in India. According to the new regulations, operating a UAV will necessitate applying for and acquiring a unique identification number, unless an exemption is granted. To get this identification number, UAV operators must submit information to the Digital Sky platform, which is a MoCA-led initiative to govern UAV operations and traffic in India. Some Indian state governments have also developed special UAV policies to encourage investment in this area. In India, law enforcement authorities use UAVs to protect the public and conduct surveillance. Drones with cameras help to monitor public events, manage crowds, and improve situational awareness during police enforcement operations. India's aerospace sector works with UAV makers and technology developers to improve capabilities and test novel applications. Such collaborations help to expand and advance the UAV ecosystem. India has testing grounds and facilities where UAV manufacturers and developers can perform trials and tests. These testing grounds are critical in determining the performance, safety, and dependability of UAV systems.

Based on class segment market is categorised into small UAVs, tactical UAVs, strategic UAVs, combat UAV. Combat UAVs are gaining significant traction in India UAV market. Combat UAVs considerably increase a country's defensive capability. These unmanned systems can be used for a variety of military missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and direct engagement in combat circumstances. Combat UAVs play an important role in counterterrorism operations. Their capacity to work in diverse and frequently hostile areas makes them useful for tracking and targeting terrorist groups, interrupting their activities, and bolstering overall counterterrorism operations. Combat UAVs have short response times and excellent agility, allowing them to deploy to many places as needed. This agility is critical in dynamic operational circumstances when the capacity to gather intelligence or engage targets quickly is required. Based on type segment market is segmented into fixed wing, rotary wing and hybrid. Hybrid type segment is projected to grow at rapid pace in India UAV market. Hybrid UAVs combine electric propulsion with conventional combustion engines. In comparison to fully electric UAVs, this hybridization provides for greater flight endurance and range. In India, where long-range capabilities are required for a variety of applications such as agriculture, surveillance, and infrastructure inspection, hybrid UAVs are becoming increasingly popular. Hybrid UAVs provide versatility in terms of applications. They can be used for a variety of applications, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, surveying, and surveillance. As of their adaptability, they are ideal for meeting the unique needs of India's various industries.

The application segment of the market includes military, commercial, government & law and consumer. Military application of UAV is major in India UAV market. Military UAVs are integral to national security and defense strategies. They provide the Indian armed forces with enhanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence capabilities, contributing to the overall situational awareness and preparedness for potential threats. India shares land and maritime borders with multiple countries, making border surveillance a critical aspect of national security. Military UAVs are deployed for continuous monitoring of borders, detecting and preventing illegal activities, and safeguarding against potential intrusions. Based on range segment market includes visual line of sight (VLOS), extended visual line of sight (EVLOS), and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Visual line of sight (EVLOS) is key range if drone in India UAV market. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India, like many aviation authorities across the world, has regulations governing the operation of drones. These laws frequently require drones to operate within the remote pilot's visual line of sight. Adherence to these restrictions is critical for legally and safely operating drones in India. VLOS and EVLOS criteria aid in collision prevention. When operators can view the drone directly, they may better assess its surroundings and take preventative measures to avoid any threats. This is critical for avoiding mishaps and maintaining the safety of both the UAV and the persons and property in its path. Based on mode of operation segment market is segmented into remotely piloted, optionally piloted and fully autonomous. Among them fully autonomous mode of operation segment is expected to grow at fastest rate in India UAV market.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: India
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report:
• India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Class:
• Small UAVs
• Tactical UAVs
• Strategic UAVs
• Combat UAV

By Type :
• Fixed Wing
• Rotary Wing
• Hybrid

By Application:
• Military
• Commercial
• Government & Law
• Consumer

By Range:
• Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS)
• Extended Visual Line Of Sight (EVLOS)
• Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS)

By Mode of Operation:
• Remotely Piloted
• Optionally Piloted
• Fully Autonomous

By Maximum Take-Off Weight:
• <25 KG
• 25-170 KG
• >170 KG

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.
The Indian UAV market's dynamism stems from its varied nature. While the defense and homeland security sectors continue to be key stakeholders, driven by strategic investments and border monitoring requirements, the commercial market is experiencing exponential growth. Drones are increasingly being used in agriculture, forestry, mining, power, railways, construction, highways, and even e-commerce. The government's proactive strategy accelerates this growth. The Digital India effort, combined with the removal of legislative barriers, is paving the way for widespread drone use. Initiatives such as Drone Regulations 1.0 and 2.0 have simplified licensing requirements and set aside particular airspace for drone operations. This encourages innovation and draws domestic and foreign players, resulting in a thriving ecosystem. UAVs play an important part in disaster management and search and rescue operations in India. Drones are used in natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones to assess the level of damage, find trapped people, and give essential information to aid response efforts. UAVs are widely utilized for surveying and mapping in India. Drones improve the efficiency of surveying large regions for urban planning, land development, and infrastructure projects. High-resolution images and 3D mapping capabilities help to generate accurate and detailed survey data. The Indian government recognizes the potential of UAV technology and has taken steps to control its use. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented regulations to oversee the use of UAVs, ensuring safety and responsible use. Government initiatives aim to foster the growth of the UAV industry while addressing concerns related to security and privacy. According to the research report "India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market is predicted to grow with more than 15% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. In June 2021, India's Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued a new set of drone laws and regulations for anyone operating an unmanned aerial vehicle in India. According to the new regulations, operating a UAV will necessitate applying for and acquiring a unique identification number, unless an exemption is granted. To get this identification number, UAV operators must submit information to the Digital Sky platform, which is a MoCA-led initiative to govern UAV operations and traffic in India. Some Indian state governments have also developed special UAV policies to encourage investment in this area. In India, law enforcement authorities use UAVs to protect the public and conduct surveillance. Drones with cameras help to monitor public events, manage crowds, and improve situational awareness during police enforcement operations. India's aerospace sector works with UAV makers and technology developers to improve capabilities and test novel applications. Such collaborations help to expand and advance the UAV ecosystem. India has testing grounds and facilities where UAV manufacturers and developers can perform trials and tests. These testing grounds are critical in determining the performance, safety, and dependability of UAV systems. Based on class segment market is categorised into small UAVs, tactical UAVs, strategic UAVs, combat UAV. Combat UAVs are gaining significant traction in India UAV market. Combat UAVs considerably increase a country's defensive capability. These unmanned systems can be used for a variety of military missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and direct engagement in combat circumstances. Combat UAVs play an important role in counterterrorism operations. Their capacity to work in diverse and frequently hostile areas makes them useful for tracking and targeting terrorist groups, interrupting their activities, and bolstering overall counterterrorism operations. Combat UAVs have short response times and excellent agility, allowing them to deploy to many places as needed. This agility is critical in dynamic operational circumstances when the capacity to gather intelligence or engage targets quickly is required. Based on type segment market is segmented into fixed wing, rotary wing and hybrid. Hybrid type segment is projected to grow at rapid pace in India UAV market. Hybrid UAVs combine electric propulsion with conventional combustion engines. In comparison to fully electric UAVs, this hybridization provides for greater flight endurance and range. In India, where long-range capabilities are required for a variety of applications such as agriculture, surveillance, and infrastructure inspection, hybrid UAVs are becoming increasingly popular. Hybrid UAVs provide versatility in terms of applications. They can be used for a variety of applications, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, surveying, and surveillance. As of their adaptability, they are ideal for meeting the unique needs of India's various industries. The application segment of the market includes military, commercial, government & law and consumer. Military application of UAV is major in India UAV market. Military UAVs are integral to national security and defense strategies. They provide the Indian armed forces with enhanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence capabilities, contributing to the overall situational awareness and preparedness for potential threats. India shares land and maritime borders with multiple countries, making border surveillance a critical aspect of national security. Military UAVs are deployed for continuous monitoring of borders, detecting and preventing illegal activities, and safeguarding against potential intrusions. Based on range segment market includes visual line of sight (VLOS), extended visual line of sight (EVLOS), and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Visual line of sight (EVLOS) is key range if drone in India UAV market. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India, like many aviation authorities across the world, has regulations governing the operation of drones. These laws frequently require drones to operate within the remote pilot's visual line of sight. Adherence to these restrictions is critical for legally and safely operating drones in India. VLOS and EVLOS criteria aid in collision prevention. When operators can view the drone directly, they may better assess its surroundings and take preventative measures to avoid any threats. This is critical for avoiding mishaps and maintaining the safety of both the UAV and the persons and property in its path. Based on mode of operation segment market is segmented into remotely piloted, optionally piloted and fully autonomous. Among them fully autonomous mode of operation segment is expected to grow at fastest rate in India UAV market. Considered in this report: • Geography: India • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029 Aspects covered in this report: • India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Class: • Small UAVs • Tactical UAVs • Strategic UAVs • Combat UAV By Type : • Fixed Wing • Rotary Wing • Hybrid By Application: • Military • Commercial • Government & Law • Consumer By Range: • Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) • Extended Visual Line Of Sight (EVLOS) • Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) By Mode of Operation: • Remotely Piloted • Optionally Piloted • Fully Autonomous By Maximum Take-Off Weight: • <25 KG • 25-170 KG • >170 KG The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience: This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


1. Executive Summary
2. Market Structure
2.1. Market Considerate
2.2. Assumptions
2.3. Limitations
2.4. Abbreviations
2.5. Sources
2.6. Definitions
2.7. Geography
3. Research Methodology
3.1. Secondary Research
3.2. Primary Data Collection
3.3. Market Formation & Validation
3.4. Report Writing, Quality Check & Delivery
4. India Macro Economic Indicators
5. Market Dynamics
5.1. Key Findings
5.2. Key Developments - 2021
5.3. Market Drivers & Opportunities
5.4. Market Restraints & Challenges
5.5. Market Trends
5.6. Covid-19 Effect
5.7. Supply chain Analysis
5.8. Policy & Regulatory Framework
5.9. Industry Experts Views
6. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Overview
6.1. Market Size By Value
6.2. Market Size and Forecast By Class
6.3. Market Size and Forecast By Type
6.4. Market Size and Forecast By Application
6.5. Market Size and Forecast By Range
6.6. Market Size and Forecast By Mode of Operation
6.7. Market Size and Forecast By MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight)
7. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Segmentations
7.1. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market, By Class
7.1.1. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Small UAVs, 2018-2029
7.1.2. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Tactical UAVs, 2018-2029
7.1.3. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Strategic UAVs, 2018-2029
7.1.4. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Combat UAVs, 2018-2029
7.2. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market, By Type
7.2.1. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Fixed Wing, 2018-2029
7.2.2. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Rotary Wing, 2018-2029
7.2.3. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Hybrid, 2018-2029
7.3. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market, By Application
7.3.1. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Military, 2018-2029
7.3.2. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Commercial, 2018-2029
7.3.3. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Government & Law, 2018-2029
7.3.4. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Consumer, 2018-2029
7.4. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market, By Range
7.4.1. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS), 2018-2029
7.4.2. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Extended Visual Line Of Sight (EVLOS), 2018-2029
7.4.3. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS), 2018-2029
7.5. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market, By Mode of Operation
7.5.1. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Remotely Piloted, 2018-2029
7.5.2. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Optionally Piloted, 2018-2029
7.5.3. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By Fully Autonomous, 2018-2029
7.6. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market, By MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight)
7.6.1. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By <25 KG, 2018-2029
7.6.2. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By 25-170 KG, 2018-2029
7.6.3. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size, By >170 KG, 2018-2029
8. India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Opportunity Assessment
8.1. By Class, 2024 to 2029
8.2. By Type, 2024 to 2029
8.3. By Application, 2024 to 2029
8.4. By Range, 2024 to 2029
8.5. By Mode of Operation, 2024 to 2029
8.6. By MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight), 2024 to 2029
9. Competitive Landscape
9.1. Porter's Five Forces
9.2. Company Profile
9.2.1. Company 1
9.2.1.1. Company Snapshot
9.2.1.2. Company Overview
9.2.1.3. Financial Highlights
9.2.1.4. Geographic Insights
9.2.1.5. Business Segment & Performance
9.2.1.6. Product Portfolio
9.2.1.7. Key Executives
9.2.1.8. Strategic Moves & Developments
9.2.2. Company 2
9.2.3. Company 3
9.2.4. Company 4
9.2.5. Company 5
9.2.6. Company 6
9.2.7. Company 7
9.2.8. Company 8
10. Strategic Recommendations
11. Disclaimer
List of Figures
Figure 1: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size By Value (2018, 2023 & 2029F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 2: Market Attractiveness Index, By Class
Figure 3: Market Attractiveness Index, By Type
Figure 4: Market Attractiveness Index, By Application
Figure 5: Market Attractiveness Index, By Range
Figure 6: Market Attractiveness Index, By Mode of Operation
Figure 7: Market Attractiveness Index, By MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight)
Figure 8: Porter's Five Forces of India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market
List of Table
Table 1: Influencing Factors for India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market, 2023
Table 2: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size and Forecast By Class (2018, 2023 & 2029F)
Table 3: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size and Forecast By Type (2018, 2023 & 2029F)
Table 4: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size and Forecast By Application (2018, 2023 & 2029F)
Table 5: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size and Forecast By Range (2018, 2023 & 2029F)
Table 6: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size and Forecast By Mode of Operation (2018, 2023 & 2029F)
Table 7: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size and Forecast By MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight) (2018, 2023 & 2029F)
Table 8: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Small UAVs (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 9: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Tactical UAVs (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 10: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Strategic UAVs (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 11: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Combat UAVs (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 12: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Fixed Wing (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 13: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Rotary Wing (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 14: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Hybrid (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 15: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Military (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 16: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Commercial (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 17: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Government & Law (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 18: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Consumer (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 19: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 20: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Extended Visual Line Of Sight (EVLOS) (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 21: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 22: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Remotely Piloted (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 23: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Optionally Piloted (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 24: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of Fully Autonomous (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 25: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of <25 KG (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 26: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of 25-170 KG (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion
Table 27: India Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Size of >170 KG (2018 to 2029) in USD Billion

Download our eBook: How to Succeed Using Market Research

Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.

Download eBook
Cookie Settings