Drones for Emergency Responders Market size was estimated at USD 3.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to surpass USD 18.7 billion by the end of 2037, rising at a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of drones for emergency responders is assessed at USD 4.1 billion.
In high-pressure situations such as fire, natural disaster, or large-scale accidents responders need comprehensive and real-time information to evaluate the situation precisely. Drones equipped with high-definition cameras, thermal imagining devices, and many other progressive technologies provide emergency teams with a bird’s-eye view of affected areas. This allows responders to quickly gather data on the scope of the emergency, recognize potential hazards, and locate survivors, even in challenging situations that are tough or impossible for individuals to access. Its ability to operate effectively in inclement conditions corroborates readiness around the clock and proactive responses in challenging terrains.
Drones used by public safety agencies differ from the ones used by hobbyists and commercial entities. Public safety drones must be durable enough to withstand harsh environments and strenuous situations, including long flight times. Modern drones have transformed how first responders operate and companies are strategically utilizing automation and AI to help on-ground teams make informed and better decisions. For example, in March 2024, DJI, a global leader in civil drones and creative camera technology, launched DJI Dock 2 designed to support automatic drone operations. The Dock 2 is compatible with the new DJI Matrice 3D/3TD drones, which feature progressive obstacle sensing, thermal imaging, and long flight periods.
AI in drones has further boosted their capabilities, enabling them to analyze massive amounts of data separately, identify patterns such as human movements, and forecast potential dangers, all while reducing human error. For instance, in 2023, AI-powered drones were utilized during the wildfires in Canada. They were able to detect fire hotspots and track the progression of fires, providing critical data to firefighting teams.
Furthermore, the global trading landscape has positively influenced the drones for emergency responders market. China’s supremacy in battery manufacturing for EVs and drones has positioned the country as the biggest economy in the sector and gives fierce competition to Germany-based giants. Centre for Prospective Studies and International Information (Cepii) has studied the value chain of the USD 630 billion low-carbon technologies market to understand the strategic aspect of battery production. It revealed that the sector's manufacturing capacity is highly concentrated in China and Australia, with the former representing 77% of graphite and 18% of lithium production. China held the highest revenue share in 2023 for extracting minerals used in li-ion batteries including bauxite, graphite, and lithium, thus, positioning itself as a top contender in the drone batteries segment.
In 2022, the OEC measured the concentration using Shannon Entropy, which was 2.77. This meant that most of the exports of Drones are typically dominated by 6 countries. Drones were the 733rd most traded product out of 1228 products, worldwide, with China being the top exporter and it accounted for USD 1.48 billion in trade, followed by The U.S. (USD 171 million), Netherlands (USD 140 million), Hong Kong (USD 123 million), and Malaysia (USD 99.9 million). Based on HS6 level, drone trade has been classified as small drones (250g-7kg), remote-controlled (RC) flight only (USD 1.09 billion), Mini drones (weighing <25g), RC Only (USD 872 million), Large drones (25-150kg), RC Only (USD 171 million), Heavy drones (weighing>150kg), RC Only (USD 112 million), and medium-sized drones (7-25kg), RC Only (USD 93.3 million).
A large number of emergency UAVs are being launched with a drone payload of 2-9kg range, while some are in the dispensable payload range and can handle a weight of upto 40 kg. Additionally, the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over People final rule rolled out in April 2021, has removed mandates for part 107 certificate of waivers compliance. The rule has eliminated the need for typical operations to receive individual part 107 certificate of waivers from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), thus, becoming an incremental step towards UA integration in the National Airspace System. This has further penetrated the small UAVs as emergency responders.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
13.5% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 3.6 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 18.7 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Drone Type (Fixed-wing drones, Vertical take-off and loading (VTOL) drones, Multirotor drones)
Vertical take-off and loading (VTOL) drones segment is projected to hold over 50.3% drones for emergency responders market share by the end of 2037. VTOL drones can take off and land in imperfect areas while continuing the long-range capabilities of fixed-wing models. VTOL technology has enhanced payload capacities and longer flight strength. For example, in 2023, Quantum Systems launched Trinity F90+, an advanced VTOL drone specifically designed for emergency responders, boasting a flight time of over 90 minutes and the ability to cover over 100 km in a single flight. This hybrid capability makes VTOL drones ideal for operations in distant or rough ground, such as mountainous or disaster-hit areas where traditional ground transport is restricted.
Level of Autonomy (Fully autonomous drones, Semi-autonomous drones, Remotely piloted drones)
By 2037, semi-autonomous drones segment is expected to dominate over 45.3% drones for emergency responders market share. These drones are evolving as the most widely adopted, providing a balance between manual control and automated functionality. These drones can be programmed for precise tasks, such as search and rescue tasks or damage assessment, while still permitting manual involvement, making them ideal for random emergency environments.
As demand for advanced solutions in emergency response rises, development in drone technology continues to progress operational efficiency. For example, in May 2024, BRINC Drones Inc. launched a new drone precisely designed for 911 response which is proficient in handling up to 25% of emergency calls autonomously. This drone arrives at the site ahead of human responders and provides vital information to operators, which leads to quicker and more informed decision-making during disasters.
Our in-depth analysis of the drones for emergency responders market includes the following segments
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Drone Type |
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Application |
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Level of Autonomy |
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End user |
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Asia Pacific Market Analysis
Asia Pacific drones for emergency responders market is expected to account for revenue share of more than 49.5% by the end of 2037. This dominance is due to the well-developed infrastructure for drone technology, which includes training programs, established manufacturers, and an airspace management system. This enables faster adoption of drones by emergency response teams. Also, frequent natural disasters led to growing government funding and technological development.
China is developing drone technology for large-scale disaster management. During the floods in 2023, the government deployed drones logistical support, and aerial surveillance which enhanced response times and operational efficiency. This rapid growth across the Asia Pacific is fueled by strong government support and a high focus on disaster precautions.
India is exploring drone applications for rescue missions, and flood monitoring which is reflecting an increasing commitment to integrating unmanned aerial systems into emergency response frameworks. For example, in October 2024, ideaForge launched the Drone as a Service (DaaS) model in India which is known as Flyght Franchise. ideaForge aims to provide this on-demand UAV model to large enterprises and organizations.
North America Market Analysis
North America drones for emergency responders market is expected to experience a stable CAGR during the forecast period due to substantial government support and technological advancement. Governments also gradually recognized the value of drones in emergency response and came up with some initiatives such as training initiatives, drone procurement, and pilot programs which led to the growth of drones for emergency responders market.
The United States has invested in drones for disaster management with organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) operating drones for search and rescue, wildfire management, and damage assessment.
Canada is also growing its use of drones mainly in the healthcare sector. Drone delivery Canada has been working on medical delivery drones to reach inaccessible regions this move highlights the partnership with healthcare agencies to enable fast supply delivery in hard-to-reach zones.
Companies such as DJI, AeroVironment, and Parrot are developing drones with innovative capabilities such as real-time data, transmission, thermal imaging, and high endurance which is critical in disaster response, search and rescue operations, and firefighting. These companies are also working together with emergency response agencies to modify drones for precise needs such as assessing hazardous areas, enhancing situation awareness, and deploying medical supplies. Advancements such as AI-powered autonomous drones, payload flexibility, and integration with communication systems are helping responders to work faster and more carefully in emergencies.
Here are some leading players in the drones for emergency responders market:
Author Credits: Abhishek Verma
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