Global Drone Market Expected to Hit $163 Billion by 2030 Driven by Technological Advancements
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 13 2025
0mins
Source: Globenewswire
Drones as a Service (DaaS) Growth: The DaaS industry is experiencing rapid growth, with projections estimating the global drone market to reach USD 163.60 billion by 2030, driven by advancements in technology, increased adoption across various sectors, and the cost-effectiveness of outsourced drone services.
ZenaTech's Revenue and Expansion: ZenaTech, specializing in AI and DaaS, reported that 82% of its Q3 2025 revenue came from its DaaS segment, as the company aims to acquire 25 new companies by mid-2026 to enhance its service offerings in surveying, mapping, and agriculture.
Technological Innovations in Drones: Key advancements such as AI integration, improved battery efficiency, and the development of fully autonomous drones are expanding the capabilities of drones, making them suitable for complex tasks in industries like agriculture, logistics, and construction.
Regulatory and Market Trends: The North American drone industry dominated the market in 2024, with a significant share attributed to the adoption of drones for commercial uses, supported by favorable regulatory frameworks that enhance drone technology integration across various industries.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy ZENA?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on ZENA
Wall Street analysts forecast ZENA stock price to rise
1 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 1.240
Low
7.00
Averages
7.00
High
7.00
Current: 1.240
Low
7.00
Averages
7.00
High
7.00
About ZENA
ZenaTech, Inc. is a technology company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions for mission-critical business applications. It operates in software development technology, sales, and distribution, and drone manufacturing, sales, and distribution. Its software products are operated through ZenaTech, PacePlus, SystemView, ZigVoice, WorkAware, TillerStack and PsPortals while it pursues its drone business through ZenaDrone. Its drone technology solutions include ZenaDrone 1000, IQ Nano and IQ Square. The ZenaDrone 1000 is a drone that combines software technology and custom hardware components. ZenaDrone 1000 is used for video surveillance and inspections within industries, such as utilities, pipelines, construction, agriculture, wildlife management and large structure maintenance. The ZenaDrone IQ series is designed for indoor hovering with autonomous inspection and monitoring capabilities.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Drone-as-a-Service Market Experiences Rapid Growth and Strategic Expansion
- Market Growth Potential: The drone services market is projected to reach $100 billion to $200 billion by the 2030s, indicating strong growth potential driven by widespread adoption among enterprise and government users, which is accelerating industry digitization.
- Strategic Acquisition Plan: ZenaTech's proposed acquisition of an Alberta-based land surveying company aims to penetrate the oil and gas sector, which is expected to grow at over 28% annually, providing new revenue streams and market share opportunities for the company.
- Technology Integration Advantage: With approximately 80% of the target acquisition's projects utilizing drone workflows, ZenaTech has a highly efficient pathway for technology integration that can enhance service efficiency and precision, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the market.
- Demand for Continuous Monitoring: Enterprises are increasingly relying on drones for continuous monitoring and data capture to support infrastructure asset management and predictive maintenance, a trend that will drive long-term growth and structural changes in the DaaS market.
See More
Drone-as-a-Service Market Experiences Rapid Growth
- Market Growth Potential: The drone services market is projected to reach $100 billion to $200 billion by the 2030s, indicating strong growth potential driven by widespread adoption among enterprise and government users, which is accelerating the industry's digital transformation.
- Strategic Acquisition Plan: ZenaTech has signed an offer to acquire an Alberta-based land surveying company, marking its first entry into the oil and gas sector, which is expected to expand its Drone-as-a-Service business in a rapidly growing market with an annual growth rate exceeding 28%.
- Technological Integration Advantage: Approximately 80% of the target acquisition company's projects utilize drone workflows, providing an efficient pathway for ZenaTech's technology integration and operational scaling, thereby enhancing service efficiency and precision.
- Recurring Revenue Model: ZenaTech's Drone-as-a-Service platform offers clients on-demand or subscription-based services, eliminating capital costs associated with traditional ownership models, and is expected to enhance customer loyalty and market share through continuous monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
See More
ZenaTech to Acquire Alberta-Based Surveying Company
- Strategic Expansion: ZenaTech has signed an agreement to acquire an Alberta-based surveying company, marking its first surveying acquisition in Canada and establishing a 'Drone as a Service' presence in the rapidly growing oil and gas sector.
- Market Potential: This acquisition will allow ZenaTech to enter the Canadian oil and gas market, which is projected to grow at over 28% annually, providing significant market opportunities and business growth potential.
- Technology Integration: Approximately 80% of the target company's projects already utilize drone-based workflows for surveying and geospatial data collection, enhancing ZenaTech's service efficiency and competitive edge in the market.
- CEO Outlook: ZenaTech's CEO Shaun Passley stated that this acquisition represents an important strategic expansion into North America's energy market, reflecting confidence in the growth of their drone service business.
See More
Rapid Growth in the Drone Market Driven by Defense Budgets
- Surging Market Demand: The global military drone market is projected to grow from $15.8 billion in 2025 to $22.8 billion by 2030, reflecting an increasing reliance on drones by nations, which is driving significant increases in defense spending.
- Accelerated Technological Innovation: ZenaTech's ZenaDrone 2000 heavy-lift interceptor drone has completed fuselage manufacturing and is set to begin initial flight testing in Q3 2026, aiming to meet urgent demands for counter-drone systems and solidify its position in the projected $20 billion market.
- Increased Defense Budgets: The Trump administration is seeking approximately $55 billion for drone and autonomous warfare programs in the fiscal 2027 budget, a substantial increase from $225 million the previous year, marking a strategic shift in U.S. drone technology priorities.
- International Collaboration and Investment: Quantum Cyber has signed an IP licensing agreement with BP United to secure exclusive rights to innovative drone technology, highlighting the rapid development of global drone ecosystems and nations' investment intentions in defense sectors.
See More
Rapid Growth in the Drone Market Driven by Defense Budgets
- Surging Market Demand: The military drone market is projected to grow from $15.8 billion in 2025 to $22.8 billion by 2030, reflecting a strong global demand for drone technology, particularly amid increasing defense budgets.
- Accelerated Technological Innovation: ZenaTech's ZenaDrone 2000 heavy-lift interceptor drone has completed fuselage manufacturing and entered the systems integration phase, with initial flight testing planned for Q3 2026 to meet the rising demand in the counter-drone market.
- Rise of Counter-Drone Systems: As drones become more integrated into military operations, countries are racing to develop counter-drone technologies, with the counter-drone market expected to exceed $20 billion by 2030, highlighting the importance of drones as essential military infrastructure.
- Increased Global Investment: Governments across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are ramping up investments in domestic drone production and next-generation autonomous technologies to address geopolitical tensions and enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
See More
ZenaTech's Acquisition Fuels Global DaaS Network Expansion
- Acquisition Strategy Strengthened: ZenaTech's announcement of acquiring a Brisbane-based land surveying and spatial services firm marks its 22nd Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) acquisition and its first major entry into the Asia-Pacific region, which is expected to significantly enhance its customer base in infrastructure and public works sectors.
- Global Network Expansion: With 25 international DaaS locations, ZenaTech plans to further expand into new U.S. states and international markets, thereby enhancing its service portfolio and competitive edge, particularly in sectors poised for drone disruption.
- Technology Platform Development: This acquisition will support ZenaTech in constructing a scalable AI autonomy platform, digitizing and improving legacy services through drone technology, which is anticipated to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, furthering the company's long-term vision.
- 2026 Outlook: ZenaTech expects a revenue boost in 2026 as its 2025 acquisitions will contribute full-year results, and the company plans to target non-digitized sectors for drone innovation to improve efficiency and cut costs, thereby solidifying its market position.
See More
Drone-as-a-Service Market Experiences Rapid Growth and Strategic Expansion
- Market Growth Potential: The drone services market is projected to reach $100 billion to $200 billion by the 2030s, indicating strong growth potential driven by widespread adoption among enterprise and government users, which is accelerating industry digitization.
- Strategic Acquisition Plan: ZenaTech's proposed acquisition of an Alberta-based land surveying company aims to penetrate the oil and gas sector, which is expected to grow at over 28% annually, providing new revenue streams and market share opportunities for the company.
- Technology Integration Advantage: With approximately 80% of the target acquisition's projects utilizing drone workflows, ZenaTech has a highly efficient pathway for technology integration that can enhance service efficiency and precision, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the market.
- Demand for Continuous Monitoring: Enterprises are increasingly relying on drones for continuous monitoring and data capture to support infrastructure asset management and predictive maintenance, a trend that will drive long-term growth and structural changes in the DaaS market.
See More
Drone-as-a-Service Market Experiences Rapid Growth
- Market Growth Potential: The drone services market is projected to reach $100 billion to $200 billion by the 2030s, indicating strong growth potential driven by widespread adoption among enterprise and government users, which is accelerating the industry's digital transformation.
- Strategic Acquisition Plan: ZenaTech has signed an offer to acquire an Alberta-based land surveying company, marking its first entry into the oil and gas sector, which is expected to expand its Drone-as-a-Service business in a rapidly growing market with an annual growth rate exceeding 28%.
- Technological Integration Advantage: Approximately 80% of the target acquisition company's projects utilize drone workflows, providing an efficient pathway for ZenaTech's technology integration and operational scaling, thereby enhancing service efficiency and precision.
- Recurring Revenue Model: ZenaTech's Drone-as-a-Service platform offers clients on-demand or subscription-based services, eliminating capital costs associated with traditional ownership models, and is expected to enhance customer loyalty and market share through continuous monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
See More
ZenaTech to Acquire Alberta-Based Surveying Company
- Strategic Expansion: ZenaTech has signed an agreement to acquire an Alberta-based surveying company, marking its first surveying acquisition in Canada and establishing a 'Drone as a Service' presence in the rapidly growing oil and gas sector.
- Market Potential: This acquisition will allow ZenaTech to enter the Canadian oil and gas market, which is projected to grow at over 28% annually, providing significant market opportunities and business growth potential.
- Technology Integration: Approximately 80% of the target company's projects already utilize drone-based workflows for surveying and geospatial data collection, enhancing ZenaTech's service efficiency and competitive edge in the market.
- CEO Outlook: ZenaTech's CEO Shaun Passley stated that this acquisition represents an important strategic expansion into North America's energy market, reflecting confidence in the growth of their drone service business.
See More
Rapid Growth in the Drone Market Driven by Defense Budgets
- Surging Market Demand: The global military drone market is projected to grow from $15.8 billion in 2025 to $22.8 billion by 2030, reflecting an increasing reliance on drones by nations, which is driving significant increases in defense spending.
- Accelerated Technological Innovation: ZenaTech's ZenaDrone 2000 heavy-lift interceptor drone has completed fuselage manufacturing and is set to begin initial flight testing in Q3 2026, aiming to meet urgent demands for counter-drone systems and solidify its position in the projected $20 billion market.
- Increased Defense Budgets: The Trump administration is seeking approximately $55 billion for drone and autonomous warfare programs in the fiscal 2027 budget, a substantial increase from $225 million the previous year, marking a strategic shift in U.S. drone technology priorities.
- International Collaboration and Investment: Quantum Cyber has signed an IP licensing agreement with BP United to secure exclusive rights to innovative drone technology, highlighting the rapid development of global drone ecosystems and nations' investment intentions in defense sectors.
See More
Rapid Growth in the Drone Market Driven by Defense Budgets
- Surging Market Demand: The military drone market is projected to grow from $15.8 billion in 2025 to $22.8 billion by 2030, reflecting a strong global demand for drone technology, particularly amid increasing defense budgets.
- Accelerated Technological Innovation: ZenaTech's ZenaDrone 2000 heavy-lift interceptor drone has completed fuselage manufacturing and entered the systems integration phase, with initial flight testing planned for Q3 2026 to meet the rising demand in the counter-drone market.
- Rise of Counter-Drone Systems: As drones become more integrated into military operations, countries are racing to develop counter-drone technologies, with the counter-drone market expected to exceed $20 billion by 2030, highlighting the importance of drones as essential military infrastructure.
- Increased Global Investment: Governments across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are ramping up investments in domestic drone production and next-generation autonomous technologies to address geopolitical tensions and enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
See More
ZenaTech's Acquisition Fuels Global DaaS Network Expansion
- Acquisition Strategy Strengthened: ZenaTech's announcement of acquiring a Brisbane-based land surveying and spatial services firm marks its 22nd Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) acquisition and its first major entry into the Asia-Pacific region, which is expected to significantly enhance its customer base in infrastructure and public works sectors.
- Global Network Expansion: With 25 international DaaS locations, ZenaTech plans to further expand into new U.S. states and international markets, thereby enhancing its service portfolio and competitive edge, particularly in sectors poised for drone disruption.
- Technology Platform Development: This acquisition will support ZenaTech in constructing a scalable AI autonomy platform, digitizing and improving legacy services through drone technology, which is anticipated to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, furthering the company's long-term vision.
- 2026 Outlook: ZenaTech expects a revenue boost in 2026 as its 2025 acquisitions will contribute full-year results, and the company plans to target non-digitized sectors for drone innovation to improve efficiency and cut costs, thereby solidifying its market position.
See More
