Long Range Drone Market

Long Range Drone Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The long range drone market was valued at USD 8,187 Million in 2024 and has been forecasted to expand at a noteworthy CAGR of 18.3% to end up at USD 53,020 Million by 2035. Long-Range drones also commonly known as advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are known for their fuel-efficient engines, high-capacity batteries, and advanced navigation systems.

Demand from long-range applications is promoting the global market for long-range drones. Long-range drones significantly getting traction for their durability and versatility in various industries. Government across the world are investing significantly in long range drones which will further improve the market for long range drones during the forecast period.

For instance, on June 2024, China successfully tests new high-payload, low-cost commercial cargo drone HH100 prototype. Operating out of Xian, the prototype was launched from Lantian General Aviation Airport by the aerospace giant Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

According to reports, the unmanned freight aircraft has a full-weight range of 520 km (323 miles), a cargo capacity of 700 kg, and a designed maximum take-off weight of 2,000 kg. It can function at heights of up to 5,000 meters and cruise at a maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour.

Report Attributes	Details
Long range drone Market Size (2024A)	USD 8,187 Million
Estimated Market Value (2025E)	USD 9,876 Million
Forecasted Market Value (2035F)	USD 53,020 Million
Global Market Growth Rate (2025 to 2035)	18.3% CAGR
North America Market Share (2025)	27.8%
China Market Growth Rate (2025 to 2035)	15.7% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	AeroVironment; AgEagle Aerial Systems; Airbus; Boeing; CybAero; DJI; Embention; FLIR; Flyability; General Aeronautics; Israel Aerospace Industries; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Nileworks Inc; Northrop Grumman; Paras Aerospace; Parrot Drones SAS; Percept; PowerVision3D Robotics.

Historic Analysis (2020 to 2024) and Future (2025 to 2035) Pathway Analysis for the Long Range Drone Market.

The market for long range drone grew at a growth rate of 17.1% from 2020 to 2024, and by the end of 2024, it was valued at USD 8,187 million. Increasing demand from various sectors such as defense, agriculture, transportation and product delivery are major factor for increase of market during the forecast period.

Historical Report Attributes	Details
Market Size (2020A)	USD 3,867 million
Market Size (2024A)	USD 8,187 million
Historical CAGR (2020 to 2024)	17.1%
Forecasted CAGR (2025 to 2035)	18.3%

• Short Term (2025 to 2028): Increased demand in various sector such as agriculture for crop monitoring, spraying fertilizers and pesticides, and even for irrigation management is expected to drive the market for long range drones during this period. The multifunctionality of drones makes them important in modern agriculture. Geological mapping using LiDAR sensors in the drones are seeking attention due to easy and effective method. For instance, on July 2024 India’s Idea Forge Technology announced partnership with Inertial Labs for integrating LiDAR sensors representing a major step forward in UAV-based LiDAR mapping.
• Medium Term (2028 to 2032): Advancement in technology is a significant aspect affecting the market to grow in this period. Increasing use of long range drones in the field of military and defense is major driving factor in this period. Evolution of kamikaze drones in defense industry will give the boost to long range drone market. For instance, on December 2024, Chinese government placed massive order of USD 1 million lightweight kamikaze drones to Chinese drone manufacturers.
• Long Term (2032 to 2035): Increasing adoption of drones in the field of defense and transportation will impact on the growth of long range drone market. Advancement in technology in this field will lead to further growth of this market in transportation & aviation. It will also have scope in fast service provider sector which provides packages, medicines, foods, postal mails and other light goods in short interval of time. Drone are used for delivering humanitarian aid in developing regions particularly in third world countries. This shows how long range drones are transforming last-mile healthcare and delivery services in underdeveloped regions.

On the back of the aforementioned facts, the long range drone market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 18.3% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035, According to the Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider.

Market Dynamics

What are the Factors Propelling Global Sales of Long Range Drones?

“Multi-use capability and significant improvement in technology is driving factor for growth in long range drone market.”

Long-range drones are used various fields like agriculture, construction, logistics, and the defense sector. Their versatility enables them to perform a variety of operations such as aerial photography, surveying, and monitoring, making them highly resourceful. Long-range drones can easily be modified according to the mission requirements.

Integration of technology such as high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging sensors, improved data collection and analysis capabilities making drones more effective for tasks such as mapping and monitoring. Innovations in battery and power efficiency led to longer time flight durations, so can cover larger area without needing frequent power supply.

Addition of AI and ML algorithms allows for the autonomous performance of complex tasks. For instance, on September 2024, IIT Indore team developed AI-driven drone for identifying structural defects in roads and buildings.

“Increasing demand in the military and defense Industry is Boosting the Revenue Growth of the Long range drone Market”

Huge investments made by various public and private organizations across the globe will boost up their defense systems in aerial vehicles, particularly in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The countries, mainly the U.S., China, and now India, are heavily investing in drone technology.

The particular areas where geopolitical tensions are rising and areas of ongoing conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Iran are major market for long range defense drones. For instance, on November 2024, Germany agreed to send 4,000 drone to Ukraine. Which shows importance of drone in conflict zones.

Military drones have started getting exceptionally important in modern warfare as these can be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and even battlefield operations. Long range drones are war proven which increase confidence of global defense sector on them. For instance, on December 2024, Ukraine hit city of Kazan in Russia 1,000 km away from frontline. Which shows capabilities of long range drone in real warfare.

What are the Challenges Encountered by Manufacturers of Long Range Drones?

“Availability of key components is a Significant Challenge in the Market”

Long range drones are very complex structures and need various components to build. Most of the long range drones are powered by battery. Key raw material used for manufacturing of battery is Lithium. Which is rare earth metal, and most of the rare earth metal is controlled by china. This monopoly of rare earth metal may lead to difficulties for unfriendly countries.

Long range drones are equipped with many advanced technologies, which are integrated using advanced motherboards and semiconductor chips. Now Semiconductor is used in almost every field. For instance, on June 2024, semiconductor industry is expected to face a shortage of 250,000 - 300,000 professionals by 2027 in verticals such as design, and manufacturing.

Country-wise Insights

Why is Adoption of Long Range Drone High in the United States?

“Large Aerospace and Defense Industry is a major Source of Revenue for Long Range Drone”

The market in the United States is estimated at USD 2,691 million in 2025 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 15.1% through 2035. This market is projected to generate a USD 8,253 million absolute opportunity from 2025 to 2035.

The U.S. have the largest aerospace industry both commercial & military sectors. The country is home to many large manufacturers. Defense industry is one of the largest user of Long range drones.

Government initiative to help U.S. drone manufacturers will also boost the market for Long range drones during the projected period. For example, in October 2024, AeroVironment has received a USD 54.9 million contract to produce Switchblade kamikaze drones for the U.S. Army.

Why Israel is a Lucrative Market for Long Range Drones?

“Agriculture and emerging geopolitical tensions in Middle East are driving factor”

The market in the Israel is estimated to reach USD 3,221 million in 2035 at a CAGR of 18.7%. This market is projected to generate a USD 2,643 million absolute opportunity from 2025 to 2035.

Israel has witnessed many conflicts along the years and still facing the constant conflicts on the border. Changing geopolitics and world order always force Israel to be ready for any situation. Which lead to increase manufacturing of long range drones for defense purpose.

Long range drones are also effective in other field such as agriculture, Israel is known for its agriculture and advanced farming. This field is also growing factor for long range drone market. On December 2024 Israel’s tech company integrated Artificial intelligence and big data in drones to farm effectively.

Category-wise Insights

Which Drone Type is widely used in the Long Range Drone Market?

“Military & Defense type Dominate the Long Range Drone Market Due to its extensive demand”

Demand for military drones is projected to increase at a CAGR of 16.7% from 2025 to 2035. Increasing conflicts and changing world order made countries to increase their military budget. Developing nations like India are also investing in drone technology for military purpose. For instance, on February 2024 India has planned to acquire 31 MQ-9B armed drones from USA to fulfill India’s surveillance ability and security.

Growing demand for real-time intelligence in complex military environments has increased the demand for drones which are capable of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance).

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the long range drones market are AeroVironment, AgEagle Aerial Systems, Airbus, Boeing, CybAero, DJI, Embention, FLIR, Flyability, General Aeronautics, Israel Aerospace Industries, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Nileworks Inc, Northrop Grumman, Paras Aerospace, Parrot DronesSAS, Percept, PowerVision3D Robotics and Other Prominent Players.

Companies devote a significant portion of their revenue to R&D to resolve problems and offer creative solutions to draw in new customers and stay competitive. Companies are developing customized offerings for issues that meet industry-specific needs to compete with other players.

• On October 2024, a South Korean company Hogreen Air has designed new high-speed, long-range hydrogen fuel-cell drone for long-duration surveillance and reconnaissance. Also, the drone flew autonomously in the US 5,618 miles from the drone’s operators in South Korea. Which shows technological advancement in the field of long range drone. This evolution of new technologies will fuel the growth of long range drone market.

Fact.MR has provided detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of Titanium Scrap Recycling positioned across regions, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in the recently published report.

Segmentation of Long Range Drones Industry Research

• By Wing Type :

  • Fixed-wing System
  • Rotary-wing System

• By Coverage Area :

  • Below 5 Km
  • 5-10 Km
  • 10-15 Km
  • Above 15 Km

• By Done Type :

  • Commercial
  • Defense

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa