Global State of Drones 2025: What It Means for Switzerland’s Drone Future
A Global Industry Snapshot
The Global State of Drones 2025 report by Drone Industry Insights (DII) paints a detailed picture of how the commercial drone sector is evolving worldwide.
Based on 768 responses from 87 countries, the report shows that the global drone market remains resilient, despite funding pressures and ongoing regulatory challenges.
While 46% of responses came from Europe, Switzerland again features prominently among the top ten represented countries—showing the continued strength of our national ecosystem in a global context.
Download the full report here:
Global State of Drones 2025 – Drone Industry Insights
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Key Findings at a Glance
- European leadership continues: Europe remains the most active drone region globally, with strong representation from Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and the UK.
- Market optimism holds steady: Despite reduced venture capital activity since the 2021 funding peak, the overall industry outlook remains positive.
- Software is the standout performer: Drone software providers reported the strongest growth (7.2) and the highest future expectations (8.0) of any segment — underlining the digitalisation of the drone economy.
- Top applications: Mapping & surveying (35%) and inspection (26%) continue to dominate, while delivery, spraying, and tracking are gaining ground.
- New adoption drivers: “Saving time” has overtaken “improving safety” as the number one reason for using drones — showing that automation and efficiency are now the primary motivators.
- Regulation remains the #1 barrier to growth, followed by client acquisition and access to funding.
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Trends Shaping the Market
Despite tighter financial conditions, most drone companies are optimising their resource allocation rather than retreating.
- Marketing & sales still attract the largest share of resources (~30%), reflecting the need for stronger customer adoption.
- Funding pressure has increased sharply since 2021, making partnerships, investment readiness, and association support more critical than ever.
- Rule-making authorities remain the most influential market actors (61%), with the pace of regulatory implementation directly shaping business opportunities.
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What This Means for the Swiss Drone Industry
For Switzerland, these global findings reinforce several key takeaways:
- Software-driven innovation: With software emerging as the fastest-growing segment globally, Swiss firms—many already strong in data, AI, and automation—are well positioned to lead in this space.
- Regulation as both challenge and opportunity: Switzerland’s collaboration between FOCA, industry associations, and test sites provides a model for balanced, innovation-friendly regulation that others are still struggling to achieve.
- Funding diversification: As global VC flows tighten, access to Swiss innovation instruments (Innosuisse, Fongit, Tech Fund, etc.) becomes increasingly strategic.
- European coordination: With DIAS now actively contributing to initiatives with organisations such as JEDA, Switzerland can play a leadership role in shaping harmonised European drone frameworks.
- Ecosystem resilience: The Swiss drone sector continues to demonstrate stability and collaboration — qualities that position it to thrive even in a more selective, post-growth market.
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DIAS Perspective
The DII findings validate what we hear daily from our members:
• The pace of regulation is the single biggest factor determining market access.
• The shift from hardware to software and services is accelerating.
• And most importantly, collaboration across industry, government, and finance is vital to turn technological promise into scalable operations.
As an association, DIAS will continue to champion these priorities — from Finance Day 2025 to working groups on regulation, funding, and market access — ensuring that Switzerland’s drone industry remains at the forefront of Europe’s innovation landscape.
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Read the full report and explore more insights:
Download the Global State of Drones 2025 report on DroneII.com