China was the largest exporter with 40% of the world total, and Ukraine was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Unmanned aircraft that scout fires, carry thermal cameras or drop extinguishing agents on hard to reach spots. Buyers are fire services, forestry agencies and industrial safety teams.
Typical segments
- Thermal scouting drones
- Water and agent dropping drones
- Tethered high rise drones
- Wildfire monitoring drones
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 158% from 2022 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- Germany is gaining ground: its exports rose 1091% from 2022 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of unmanned aircraft, for remote-controlled flight only, with maximum take-off weight > 25 (HS 880624), the trade category that includes firefighting drone, were worth $438.0 million in 2024. | 438.0 USD million | 2024 | |
| World exports were 158% higher in 2024 than in 2022 ($170.0 million), calculated from the annual totals. | +158 % since 2022 | 2024 | |
| China was the largest exporter in 2024, with 40% of world exports ($173.6 million). | 40 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, China, Germany and the United States, shipped 62% of world exports in 2024. | 62 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Ukraine was the largest importer in 2024, buying $125.7 million, or 29% of world imports. | 29 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 20 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 20 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $286.29 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 286.29 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 1.5 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 1.5 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, Germany grew fastest, with exports up 1091% from 2022 to 2024. | +1091 % since 2022 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Fire departments
- Forestry agencies
- Industrial safety teams
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global firefighting drone market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 880624 reached $438.0 million in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most firefighting drone?
China led world exports in 2024 with 40% of the total, followed by Germany, the United States and the Czech Republic.
Which countries import the most firefighting drone?
Ukraine was the largest importer in 2024, followed by the United States, Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Is world trade in firefighting drone growing?
World exports were 158% higher in 2024 than in 2022.
What is the average export price of firefighting drone?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $286.29 per kilogram in 2024.
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