Australia Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Market Assessment, By Wing Type [Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, Others], By Class [Micro/Mini UAVs, Tactical UAVs, Strategic UAVs, Others], By Application [Commercial, Defense, Civil, Others], By Mode of Operation [Remotely Ope

More than 50 Kg], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F"

Australia unmanned aerial vehicle market is projected to witness a CAGR of 11.12% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 0.57 billion in 2023 to USD 1.19 billion in 2031. The market has grown rapidly due to technological advancement, increasing applications across various industries, and a favorable regulatory environment. unmanned aerial vehicles find use in a wide range of industries, including mining, agriculture, defense, surveillance, and environmental monitoring. In order to guarantee security, safety, and responsible use, UAV activities are governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The public is encouraged to have faith in the integration of UAVs into company operations by this regulatory framework. Furthermore, UAVs are essential to disaster management and emergency response because they give emergency services access to real-time information during natural disasters. Australia's dedication to R&D encourages innovation in the market for unmanned aerial vehicles. Innovations are fueled by partnerships between academic institutions, research teams, and business partners to tackle issues including safety features, battery life, and range. Thanks to this cooperative approach, Australia continues to lead the world in unmanned aerial vehicle technology innovation.

Defense to Dominate the Applications in the Market

The unmanned aerial vehicle market in Australia is driven by expansion in the defense industry. Recently, the Australian Defense Force (ADF) has made increasing its UAV capabilities a priority. Especially, the Ghost Bat is a loyal wingman UAV that was developed in-country and helps manned aircraft during combat. Australia's BAE Systems has introduced the STRIX, a homegrown vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle. This emerging market receives a substantial contribution from Thales Australia and other local businesses. Combat, transport, and surveillance uses for military unmanned aerial vehicles are highly sought after. For its military branches, the Australian government has committed more than USD 67.6 million (AUD $100 million) in tiny UAV systems. The investment highlights Australia's dedication to developing industrial knowledge, strengthening national defense capabilities, and expanding military UAV technology.

In June 2024, The Australian Army intends to use the deadly One-Way Loitering (OWL) drone, which was created by Innovaero and Boeing and is made in Australia. It can carry a devastating payload and travel over 200 kilometers or loiter in the air for 30 minutes. The Owl, which is presently undergoing testing with an army special operations unit, is made to work in unison with other drones that the Australian Defense Force is acquiring. The Army's tactical capabilities are improved by the novel electric-powered UAV, which also highlights Australia's dedication to cutting-edge military technology.

Government Regulations and Partnerships to Boost Market Growth

Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) oversees the licensing and registration of UAVs. In addition to giving permits and registrations to remote pilots, the body sets safety guidelines, regulations, and fines. Innovations in drone technology, their expanding applications, and their possible impact on other people, technology, infrastructure, and application in multiple industries is expanding across Australia.

The Australian Government is launching the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnership Program which will have USD 30.5 million over two grant rounds over four years by June 2026. The program will create jobs in the UAV sector, improve supply chain and market efficiency, connect with regional, remote, and First Nations communities. It will help Australian businesses to go digital and be more efficient by reducing carbon emissions through new technology. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts will administer the program and work with industry partners to deliver pilot projects, including working with government agencies, regulatory guidance, policy development, and funding for project implementation.

Rapid Technological Advancement to Influence Market Growth

Rapid technological advancements are propelling Australia's unmanned aerial vehicle business. Improvements in UAV technology, such as extended battery life, improved artificial intelligence, and heightened autonomy, have expanded the range of industries in which UAVs can be employed, encompassing mining, agricultural, and environmental surveillance.

The Australian government has allocated USD 900 million toward the development of a solar-powered fixed-wing drone, led by V-TOL Aerospace. The drones can harness solar electricity to increase the endurance and sustainability of unmanned aerial vehicles operating in remote and underdeveloped areas. These drones, with their longer flight times and less environmental impact, show how renewable energy has been incorporated into drone technology. Focusing on UAVs for mapping, aerial surveying, and real-time data collecting has increased efficiency and accuracy in a number of sectors. Because of this technological breakthrough, the Australian government is supporting legislation and making significant investments.

Fixed Wings Segment Dominate the Market

Unmanned aerial vehicle fixed-wing sales have grown to be a major factor in Australia. Fixed-wing UAVs are particularly well-suited for mapping and surveying applications because of their longer flight periods and superior coverage capabilities. This success is mostly due to the growing demand for these applications. Future developments in technology and the growing use of drones in a variety of sectors, such as agriculture, real estate, and environmental monitoring, are predicted to cause a significant growth in the fixed-wing UAV industry.

Because of Its longer operational range and higher flight efficiency, fixed-wing UAVs perform better than rotary-wing UAVs. As such, they are the go-to option for tasks requiring the collection of copious amounts of data over a broad region. For example, because these UAVs can efficiently monitor crop health, soil conditions, and irrigation needs, their application in precision agriculture has grown dramatically. Fixed-wing drones' robustness and climate adaptability further increase their appeal to a wide range of industries.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

According to the report developed by Scyne Advisory for Airservices Australia, the Australian UAV market is expected to grow in double digits for the next 20 years. The growth will be in the most populated areas, so an operational unmanned aerial vehicle system will be needed to ensure safe and fair access to the airspace. It is expected that the market constraints and future growth will be driven by policy and regulatory certainty and clarity regarding the ongoing operational environment.

The number of commercial drone flights in Australia is expected to reach 60.4 million by 2043, with around 100,000 patients being transported using them. Goods deliveries will reach 46 million, with a 31% CAGR. Over 1 million passenger transportation flights will be made annually, with over 15 million flying hours. Over 3.5 million drone flights will monitor protected areas, coastline, and wildlife, while farmers will make 500,000 drone flights to support their crops. Over 1.5 million food deliveries will be made, and 310,000 drone flights will be used for frontline policing.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The emergence of significant rivals in Australia's unmanned aerial vehicle market has led to advancements in both military and commercial drone applications. Growing demand for UAVs in the mining, agriculture, and defense sectors is expected to drive significant growth in the market. The prognosis for this industry is being improved by government support in the form of money and favorable laws for drone technology research. Australia is better positioned in the worldwide market because to strategic alliances and cooperation with foreign UAV producers. Upcoming development and market expansion are anticipated to be fueled by the focus on incorporating cutting-edge technology, such AI and IoT, into UAV systems.

In July 2024, the Australian Government will be investing over USD 100 million to upgrade the Australian Defense Force’s drone fleet so military personnel have lethal and non-lethal capabilities. Two Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (SUAS) will be added to the existing drone fleet with multiple payload options. The Quantum-Systems Vector 2-in-1 and Sypaq Systems CorvoX will enhance ADF force protection and potency across land and littoral operations, supporting the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force in confined spaces and urban environments. The partnership with Quantum Systems and Sypaq Systems will create at least 30 highly skilled jobs in Brisbane and Melbourne, which is great to see the government, supporting Australian innovation and the defense industry which employs over 100,000 people across the country.