Global drone market expected to surpass $22B by 2022

WASHINGTON — The global market for drones is expected to reach $22.15 billion by 2022, according to a new report from Statistics MRC. 

While the military market for drones is only a subcategory of that market, military usage is also expected to grow. The report highlights the public sector applications for drone technologies, analysis on why the market is growing and other commercial applications. 

The drone market was valued at $5.93 billion in 2015, making for a 20.7 percent compound annual growth rate for the predicted $22.15 billion market value in 2022. 

Drone usage is expected to continue to grow for public safety use, in addition to military applications. In terms of public safety uses, drones can be used for law enforcement, firefighting, medical services, search and rescue operations, and emergency management. For military applications, drone technology can be used for border security, combat missions, intelligence gathering and surveillance.

The report highlights challenges facing military drone usage, including privacy concerns, government regulations, controlling drones accidents and the lack of professional pilots.

Drone technologies are expected to grow as a European export product, while Asia and the Pacific are expected to see the most regional growth in the global drone market. 

More In Air Warfare

New US Space Force jammers aim to disrupt China’s SATCOM signals

The Remote Modular Terminals, which disrupt adversary satellites by "yelling in their ear," as one official put it, are cleared for initial fielding,

Space Force must grow to counter China and Russia, lawmaker says

House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the service is not sized to meet increasing threats from China and Russia.

SpaceX launches rapid response GPS mission

The effort, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer, was meant to demonstrate the ability to quickly plan and launch a mission in around six months.

Space Command strategy aims to boost commercial role in operations

The updated strategy, approved in November, focuses on SPACECOM’s core tasks and how commercial space capabilities fit within those areas.

ULA eyes annual mods to turn rocket stage into space interceptor

The fast-moving vehicle would be highly maneuverable and could be used to tow satellites or for counterspace missions, ULA CEO Tory Bruno told reporters.