Drone Sensors Market Size, Share and Competitive Analysis, 2021–2028
According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global drone sensors market was valued at USD 394.7 million in 2020 and is projected to expand to USD 2,342.1 million by 2028, registering an impressive CAGR of 25.08% during the forecast period (2021–2028). This rapid growth is primarily fueled by the increasing integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) across both defense and commercial sectors worldwide.
Market Overview
The drone sensors market is experiencing strong momentum, driven by rising adoption of UAVs across industries such as agriculture, logistics, aerial imaging, public safety, and defense. UAVs rely heavily on advanced sensors—including image, inertial, pressure, and distance sensors—for accurate navigation, flight stability, and real-time data capture.
As industries seek more autonomous and intelligent operations, the demand for advanced sensors has surged. High-quality sensor systems enable drones to conduct long-range flights, perform precise imaging, and provide enhanced surveillance, all of which are essential in modern commercial and defense applications.
Key Market Growth Drivers
Expanding Commercial Applications
Drone technology is revolutionizing industries by offering automated, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. From precision agriculture and logistics to wildlife monitoring and aerial photography, drones are increasingly equipped with advanced sensors that enable real-time imaging, navigation, and data analytics.
Military Adoption of UAVs
Defense organizations are significantly increasing investments in unmanned aerial systems for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and target acquisition. Advanced sensors—such as infrared, LiDAR, gyroscopes, and barometric systems—enhance drone efficiency in complex and hostile environments.
Information Source:
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/drone-sensor-market-102596
Market Segmentation Insights
By Sensor Type
Image Sensors (thermal, infrared, multispectral) are expected to witness the fastest CAGR due to rising demand in aerial imaging for agriculture and construction.
Inertial Sensors remain crucial for navigation and motion detection, with the segment projected to reach USD 312.5 million by 2025 .
Other categories include position sensors, pressure sensors, altimeters, and speed & distance sensors .
By Platform
Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drones dominated in 2020 and are set to grow fastest, given their suitability for urban logistics, medical supply delivery, and surveillance.
Fixed-wing drones continue to hold significant share, particularly in long-range defense and reconnaissance missions.
By Application
The navigation segment held the largest market share in 2020 and is projected to account for nearly 29% of the market by 2025 . Reliable navigation is vital for applications such as disaster response, autonomous mapping, and emergency operations .
Restraining Factors
Despite strong prospects, the market faces challenges such as:
High costs of advanced drone sensor systems, limiting adoption by SMEs.
Environmental vulnerability , as sensors may be affected by extreme weather conditions.
High maintenance needs , which can restrict adoption in developing markets.
Emerging Trends
Integration of AI, IoT, and Smart Sensors
The next wave of growth in drone sensors is driven by the adoption of AI, machine learning, and IoT technologies. Smart multi-parameter sensors capable of simultaneously tracking temperature, humidity, and pressure are gaining traction, enabling drones to perform complex operations in smart farming, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.
Key Players
Leading companies are investing heavily in smart sensor innovation and AI-driven solutions. Prominent players include:
- Trimble (US)
- Bosch Sensortec (Germany)
- TDK InvenSense (U.S.)
- Sparton NavEx (US)
- Raytheon (US)
- AMS AG (Austria)
- Flir System (U.S.)
- KVH Industries (U.S.)
- TE connectivity (Switzerland)
- Lord MicroStrain (U.S.)
- Other Players
Raytheon, Trimble, and KVH Industries currently hold dominant positions in the global market. However, with growing demand across commercial and defense sectors, competition is intensifying, leading to a highly fragmented market structure by 2028.
Regional Insights
North America : Valued at USD 143.2 million in 2020, driven by strong U.S. military adoption and agricultural applications.
Europe : Expected to grow at a 24.57% CAGR, led by demand in Germany, France, and Russia.
Asia Pacific : Projected to expand rapidly, supported by rising defense budgets in China, India, and Japan. China is forecast to grow at 25.33% CAGR, while Japan’s market is expected to hit USD 48.79 million by 2025.
Rest of the World : Growth is moderate but improving due to increasing defense modernization in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Recent Industry Developments
November 2020 – The U.S. Department of Defense awarded a USD 93.3 million contract to General Atomics for the development of advanced sensors for the MQ-9 Reaper. The initiative falls under the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center’s Smart Sensor Project, aimed at integrating artificial intelligence-driven object recognition algorithms to enhance autonomous control of aircraft sensors.
