UAV (Drone) Propulsion Market

The UAV (drone) propulsion market is estimated to be valued at USD 7.0 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 11.3 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 10.0% during the forecast period. The market is driven by increasing procurement of UAVs by the military, growing demand for long-endurance UAVs, and technological advancements in propulsion systems. Some of the key market players include DJI (China), RTX (US), Honeywell International Inc. (US), Rolls-Royce plc (UK), and General Electric Company (US). These players have incorporated various organic and inorganic growth strategies, including collaborations, acquisitions, product launches, partnerships, agreements, and expansion, to strengthen their international footprint and capture a greater share of the UAV (drone) propulsion market. These organic and inorganic strategies have allowed these players to expand across geographies by offering various UAV (drone) propulsion modules.

In June 2024, General Electric Company (GE Aerospace) (US) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) (India) partnered to jointly design, develop, and manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in India. This collaboration aligns with India’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, aiming to localize advanced aerospace technologies and reduce reliance on imports. Likewise, in July 2024, GE Aerospace (US) and Kratos Turbine Technologies, a division of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.(US), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner on the development and production of small affordable engines that could potentially power unmanned aerial systems (UASs), collaborative combat aircraft, and similar applications. The partnership would build on a joint development agreement, including full-scale engine production. Similarly, in May 2022, DJI (China) partnered with Taranis (US), bringing together the latest drone components, large-scale operational efficiencies, and disruptive AI technologies to generate precise and actionable insights for agriculture retailers, co-ops, and farmers.

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Major UAV (Drone) Propulsion Companies Include:

• DJI (China)
• RTX (US)
• Honeywell International Inc. (US)
• Rolls-Royce plc (UK)
• General Electric Company (US)

RTX is a leading aerospace and defense company operating through three primary business divisions: Collins Aerospace, RTX, and Raytheon. Collins Aerospace specializes in advanced aerospace and defense solutions, including avionics, aerostructures, interiors, and mission systems. The Raytheon business division of the company provides advanced defense and intelligence solutions, including integrated air and missile defense systems, smart weapons, sensors, and cybersecurity services. With a strong global presence, RTX serves customers across the military and commercial aviation sectors in Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, leveraging its technological capabilities to meet the evolving needs of aerospace interiors. Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, is a leading global aerospace manufacturer specializing in aircraft engines, auxiliary power units (APUs), and related services. RTX plays a critical role in the UAV domain by powering large, long-endurance, and optionally piloted platforms. It focuses on turboshaft and turbofan engines suited for medium- and high-altitude UAVs. It also focuses on designing, manufacturing, and servicing aircraft engines for commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation customers. Its product lineup includes the PW1000G Geared Turbofan engine family, known for its fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC designs, develops, manufactures, and services integrated power systems for use in the air, on land, and at sea. The company operates its business through the following business divisions: Civil Aerospace, Power Systems, Defense, and New Markets. The civil aerospace division of the company offers commercial aero engines and aftermarket services. The power systems business division of the company includes engines, power systems, and nuclear systems for civil power generation. The defense division offers military aero engines, naval engines, submarines, and aftermarket services. The new markets business division deals with developing, manufacturing, and selling small modular reactors (SMRs) and new electrical power solutions. Rolls-Royce has extended its legacy of turbine excellence into the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) sector, offering high-performance propulsion systems for military and advanced commercial unmanned platforms. The company focuses on small turbine engines, hybrid-electric systems, and integrated power solutions for Group 3 to Group 5 UAV classes (medium to large UAVs).

Market Ranking

The UAV (drone) propulsion market is highly competitive, with five main players collectively holding 37.3% of the total market share. DJI (China) stands out in the UAV (drone) propulsion industry, leveraging advanced UAV (drone) propulsion technologies. RTX follows with a competitive share, maintaining a strong position in the market and providing UAV (drone) propulsion technologies globally. Honeywell International Inc. (Japan) contributes significantly to the market share. Rolls-Royce plc (UK) and General Electric Company (UK) have solidified their performance by offering a good amount of UAV (drone) propulsion technology to the market. The remaining 62.7% of the market is shared among other regional and emerging vendors, contributing to extensive fragmentation and offering opportunities for smaller players to establish a footprint. Market competition is driven by increasing technological advancements.

Related Reports:

UAV (Drone) Propulsion Market by Technology (Electric, Thermal, Hybrid), Component (IC Engine (Turbofan, Turboprop, Wankel), Motor, Battery, Fuel Cell, Solar Panel, Propeller, Electronic Speed Controller), Platform, MTOW, Region - Global Forecast to 2030

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