On October 26, the China News Service reported that the 2023-2024 “Report on the Development of Civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in China” was released, highlighting China’s position as the world’s largest exporter of civil drones for several consecutive years. The country accounts for around 70% of global patent applications in the drone sector, making it the leading source of technology in the world.
This report was unveiled during the second CATA (China Air Transport Association) Aviation Conference held in Beijing, specifically at a forum focused on the development of general aviation and the low-altitude economy.
According to the report, from January to August of this year, civil drones in China logged a total flight time of 19.461 million hours, marking a 15.6% increase year-on-year. The growth rate of China’s drone industry has outpaced that of traditional aviation by 10 percentage points annually in recent years, solidifying its role as a key driver in the low-altitude economy.
The report further indicates that fueled by market demand, the scale of China’s drone industry continues to grow. Statistics reveal that by the end of 2023, there were over 2,300 companies engaged in the development of civil drones, with more than 1,000 different models in mass production. In 2023 alone, China delivered over 3.17 million civil drones, with the industry’s total value reaching 117.43 billion yuan, representing a 32% annual growth.
Amidst the development of smart cities and the digital economy, the application scenarios for drones are continually expanding. The report suggests that as drone technology evolves—particularly with advancements in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles—applications like urban air mobility and short-distance logistics are nearing commercial viability.
However, the report also identifies several key challenges currently hindering the drone industry’s growth, particularly in areas such as battery life, application of new materials, and integration of terrestrial and aerial networks. Looking ahead, there are promising opportunities in the development of high-performance batteries, the use of new energy sources, and drone identification technologies.
About the author