North America’s UAV (drone) market is undergoing a rapid transformation, fuelled by breakthroughs in AI, autonomous flight, and regulatory shifts aimed at reducing dependence on Chinese technology.
In a bold move to rebuild the domestic drone sector, the US government is crafting an ambitious industrial policy—echoing the intent of the CHIPS Act—to boost homegrown production, protect national security, and regain control of the skies.
Drones manufactured by Chinese drone giant DJI (Da Jiang Innovations) already face increasing regulatory and legislative pressure that puts its future in the US market at risk.
This overall policy momentum has caught the attention of investors. Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund has poured over $1 billion into Anduril Industries, a US defence tech firm specialising in AI-enabled drones.
The US drone market is expected to generate $1.39 billion in revenue in 2025, with a projected annual growth rate of 2% through 2030.
The scale still remains modest: around 500 companies manufacture fewer than 100,000 drones a year, according to the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International.
However, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is also emerging as a major driver of domestic drone innovation and manufacturing growth.
“AI is a rapidly evolving tool, and many companies have already begun integrating AI programs into UAVs,” Bill Irby, CEO of AgEagle Aerial Systems (Nasdaq: UAVS), a US-based global provider of full-stack drone solutions in the energy, construction, agriculture, and government verticals, tells Invezz in an interview.
Irby also talks about promising emerging markets for the company, key milestones for investors to watch out for in the second half of the year, and consolidation in the drone industry.
Excerpts:
Bill Irby, CEO, AgEagle Aerial Systems
On integrating AI in UAVs and managing related risks
Invezz: You recently partnered with an Israeli firm to advance AI-powered autonomous drone teaming, which you said can be used for border security, surveillance, and other applications. What’s your view on integrating AI in UAVs, and how do you minimise related risks?
AI is a rapidly evolving tool, and many companies have already begun integrating AI programs into UAVs.
We believe that in order to integrate AI successfully and without risk, you need to introduce a mature algorithm that has been tested in a variety of scenarios.
It is also important to be strategic about what tasks you deploy AI programs to achieve.
For example, any action that typically involves “man-in-the-loop” decision making, control, or processing can benefit from AI.
Take UAS direct control as an example: being a pilot involves the monitoring of a number of inputs, visual and auditory, including airspace awareness, instrument readings, weather, etc., then processing all this information to make decisions and act.
These observations and actions can be made much more quickly and reliably with AI acting in place of the pilot.
India and Thailand emerge as promising markets
Invezz: You recently announced your 100th drone sale in South Korea, bolstering your presence in the Asia Pacific market. What other markets seem promising from an export perspective?
The single most promising market that AgEagle is newly entering is India, particularly in the agricultural market.
We are engaging in an agreement there and also building similar opportunities in Thailand.
Invezz: How do you anticipate the FAA’s upcoming Part 108 (BVLOS) rule will change the operational landscape for drone companies in the US?
The FAA’s upcoming Part 108 (BVLOS) rule is expected to significantly expand opportunities for drone companies in the US by streamlining operations.
Rather than requiring individual waivers for each beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight, operators will be able to obtain certification under Part 108, allowing for more consistent and scalable deployment.
The rule will also define clear operational corridors and flight parameters, such as altitude limits, helping to establish a standardised regulatory framework that enhances both safety and efficiency across the industry.
We believe it will have a significant impact on the market overall.
On the US’ attempts to reduce reliance on Chinese drones
Invezz: The US government is pushing to reduce reliance on Chinese drone manufacturers and ramp up the US drone manufacturing industry. How do you view this, and what opportunities does this open up for AgEagle?
This opens the door for more production in the US and more competition in the industry.
We see this as a market accelerator and will put pressure on companies, like AgEagle, to produce state-of-the-art products.
Invezz: Experts say US drone manufacturers’ heavy reliance on Chinese components means it would take years for the country to build manufacturing infrastructure that could rival China’s. Your comments?
The US government’s commitment to investing in the drone industry will catalyse the growth of the industry here in the US.
It has put a number of grants and benefits in place in order to accelerate the development of this industry, and I do believe that we will see companies respond with urgency.
Gov policy, not tech incapability, behind the failure to catch up with China, Russia in drone making
Invezz: Why do you think the US, despite its technological prowess, has lagged behind Russia and China in a critical sector like drone manufacturing?
The US has lagged behind China and Russia in drone manufacturing largely due to differences in government policy and market dynamics, not a lack of technological capability.
China’s dominance is driven by heavy government subsidies, enabling manufacturers to offer drones at significantly lower prices, often by reverse-engineering Western technology.
Russia’s advancements, meanwhile, have been accelerated by wartime urgency and national defence priorities.
In contrast, the US has only recently begun offering grants and revising procurement policies, particularly within the Department of Defense, to support domestic drone innovation.
With these changes and increased private sector investment in R&D, the US drone industry is now poised for rapid growth.
H2 outlook: US production plans, new launches, orders fromthe French Army to build momentum
Invezz: Can you share updates on AgEagle’s financial health and any growth milestones investors should watch for in the second half of 2025?
AgEagle is making solid progress in 2025, and we’re optimistic about the momentum building in the second half of the year.
While growth is never as fast as we’d like, we’re hitting meaningful milestones, including achieving Blue UAS certification and moving forward with
plans to establish US-based production.
We’re preparing to launch a second domestic manufacturing line, which will enhance our ability to meet growing demand.
We’re also excited about the upcoming release of a new version of our high-performance multispectral cameras coming out, expected in Q3.
Additionally, following our largest order to date from the French Army last year, we’re encouraged by signals of a potential follow-on order.
While not yet finalised, it’s a strong indicator of continued international interest.
Overall, we’re confident in our direction and energised by the opportunities ahead.
On consolidation in the drone industry
Invezz: What are your views on the consolidation taking place in the drone industry, especially as defence and tech firms look to shore up domestic production?
Consolidation in the drone industry is both expected and healthy, especially as defence and tech firms ramp up efforts to strengthen domestic production.
I’ve been predicting this shift for some time, and we’re already seeing it take shape, with several drone company acquisitions announced in just the past few months.
As demand accelerates, particularly from government and defence customers, not all companies will have the resources to scale manufacturing or meet evolving requirements.
This will naturally lead to mergers and acquisitions, much like we saw in a previous wave about eight years ago, when there was a wave of drone startups emerging at the same time.
At AgEagle, we view this as a positive trend that will help strengthen the overall ecosystem, drive innovation, and ensure that the most capable, well-positioned companies thrive.
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