Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Ground Control Stations (GCS) Market Size, Share, Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis, By Operating Environment (Fixed-Site Installations, Platform-Mounted, and Mobile), By Component (Processing Unit, Wireless Datalink, Graphic User Interface, Command and Control System, Navigation and Position System, Software Suite, and Others), By Application (Perimeter Security & Border Management, Combat and Combat Support Missions, Emergency Management Services, Surveying, Mapping, Inspection & Monitoring, Precision Agriculture), By End-user, and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Ground Control Stations (GCS) market size was valued at USD 5.85 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 6.39 billion in 2023 to USD 26.56 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 22.6% during the forecast period. North America dominated the unmanned aerial vehicle ground control stations market with a market share of 34.87% in 2022.

A ground control station (GCS) is the central command and control hub for remotely operated drones and is also called the brain of all drones. GCS plays an essential role in operating drones, making it possible for operators to monitor and operate their vehicles safely from a distance. These sophisticated systems shall aim to collect, interpret, and disseminate operational data to provide an integrated user interface for operators.

The function of the ground control station includes mission planning, communication with the platform, and control of the payload or effective load, using communication systems and datalink to access the platform and the embedded systems. Every drone needs one ground control station to operate. The growing demand for commercial drones and unmanned aerial vehicles for defense platforms is expected to drive the growth of the global UAV Ground Control Stations market from 2023 to 2030.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Increased Demand for UAVs for Package Delivery and Surveillance Amid Global Shutdown Catalyzed Market Growth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that held the world in its grip for over six months starting in early 2020, the unmanned aerial vehicle industry managed to endure. Despite restrictions such as social distancing, autonomous drones proved invaluable, facilitating door-to-door delivery of crucial supplies such as medications and groceries. Approximately 18 nations, including the Chile, China, Ghana, Singapore, the U.K., U.S., and more, embraced drone technology for these deliveries. This surge prompted numerous UAV and drone control centers to expand their operations into previously untapped regions.

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) also proved to be of paramount importance while carrying out humanitarian operations. UAVs were used for detecting severely affected areas and were handy in distributing aids quickly. UAVs were also used for monitoring situations involving natural disasters, such as floods. Drones could identify the affected areas and guide rescuers to the affected people while communicating with the base control station via datalink, images, and videos.

• For instance, in July 2020, drones started helping in search and rescue operations for the first time in the U.K. These drones, named Baby Shark, earlier used in trials at Gwynedd, supported the HM Coast Guard support operations over North Wales with the help of fixed and platform-mounted Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Ground Control Stations (GCS).

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

Ongoing Skirmishes between Russia-Ukraine Created Lucrative Opportunities for Drones and Control Stations Market

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which commenced in early 2022, has persisted for over a year. Notably, significant military investments have been made by both sides, prioritizing electronic equipment over traditional firepower. This technological focus has led to a substantial presence of mobile-controlled drones and UAVs on the battlefield. Drones play a pivotal role in offering heightened situational awareness through Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, facilitated by control stations stationed at fixed bases for communication. Both nations involved have escalated their drone utilization to bolster their offensive capabilities while ensuring the safety of their personnel.

• For instance, in March 2023, a third-party data provider disclosed official Russian customs information, revealing that the Chinese government had supplied drones and ground control stations valued at over USD 12 million to Russia since the conflict's onset. These shipments comprised a variety of DJI drones along with products from several smaller companies.

LATEST TRENDS

Development of Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles is Latest Trend in Market

The Drone-in-a-box (DiaB) technology includes a drone with the capability of a ground control station to fly and return from a point and start self-charging upon return from the mission. This has many uses in a wide range of industries, as it minimizes the need for human intervention to control drones. The technology has various applications in industries such as telecom, maritime, space, surveillance, and others. In the telecom industry, drone-in-a-box technology can be used to provide a faster and more efficient network of communication.

For instance, in May 2023, Nokia signed a deal with Belgium-based telecom operator Citymesh for the supply of 70 drone-in-a-box units. These units will be used to cover Belgium with a 5G automated drone grid, which will help speed up resource mobilizations in emergency events. These units are self-propelled and work with the automation flights with program installation in their ground controls.

The market for ground control station equipment will also rise as more UAVs fly in the air. Requiring complementary technologies, such as power management and communication, rugged enclosures, miniaturization, light-weighting, and software security aid the industry growth.

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DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Procurement of Drones in Military and Commercial Sectors to Boost Market Growth

From the conventional view that improved firepower gives an edge on the battlefield to one side's superior intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, this is changing in today's warfare. The military industry is keen on using UAVs as part of this phase in Electronic Warfare (EW). UAVs do not require a crew to operate on board. They can function autonomously or remotely controlled by humans from far away with fixed, mobile, and platform-mounted GCS. In addition to ISRs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are also used for criminal activities. UAVs as big as small aircraft can carry missiles into the battlefield, while autonomous UAVs, also called drones, which can be the size of a wingspan of a bird, are used for kamikaze warfare. For any army, this capability makes drones indispensable.

• For instance, in April 2023, to buy 18 Turkish Bayraktar B2 drones, Romania entered into an agreement with Turkey for a value of USD 321 million. Intelligence and offensive capabilities are enhanced thanks to these drones.

Growing adoption of small UAVs for different commercial applications, such as filmmaking, relief & rescue operations, precision, agriculture, law & enforcement, wildlife monitoring, disaster management, research & development, aerial photography, entertainment, logistics & transportation, and construction is expected to fuel the UAV Ground Control Stations (GCS) market growth.

• For instance, in December 2022, Zipline announced that it is partnering with the Government of Rwanda to add new fixed-site drone delivery installations throughout the country. The Government of Rwanda plans to complete close to 2 million deliveries via drone and to fly more than 200 million kilometers (over 124 million miles) in Rwanda by the year 2029.

Growing Partnerships, Mergers & Acquisitions, and New Product Launches Catalyze Market Growth

Key players in the market are focusing on partnerships and mergers & acquisitions to increase their market share. For instance, in May 2020, the General Services Administration (GSA) awarded a new prime contract to Leidos, a scientific and technological business. The contract is for Leidos to create and update software as well as improve capabilities for the Army’s Unmanned Aircraft System Ground Control Station – Version 4 (UASGCS-V4). Leidos will provide engineering services for technical and logistical support, as well as software development, under this contract. In addition, Leidos shall assist in the integration of that design solution into the Universal Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Ground Control Stations and also system qualification, certification, or operational testing for a number of different UASGCS platforms.

Similarly, in July 2019, to help future space exploration and operation, a satellite ground control station was purchased by the U.K.'s Department of Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. DSTL will be testing the operating software for satellites and training civilians and soldiers before ground control systems are equipped to launch a task force of satellites at the end of 2019.

Such developments enhance the product development process and reduce the supply chain disruptions. Hence, partnerships and mergers & acquisitions catalyze market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Lack of Technical Expertise and High Installation and Integration Costs Hamper Market Growth

A significant constraint on its market growth is the high cost of installation and integration in the global solution market for ground control stations. Costs associated with the installation and integration of a system may be high, which can make it more difficult for companies to enter the market. In addition, small enterprises may find that it is expensive to maintain and upgrade equipment.

Further, another obstacle to the development of this market is the lack of technically competent technicians in the global ground control station solutions market. Companies likely do not have the technical know-how necessary to plan and operate their systems properly and effectively, which may lead to expensive mistakes and delays. Moreover, lack of expertise also limits product offers as companies are not in a position to develop new products and technologies that meet customer needs.

Furthermore, low product differentiation, low awareness of the product offerings, and regulatory and legal restrictions are hampering market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Operating Environment Analysis

Mobile Segment Dominates Owing to Growing Demand for Handheld and Easy Carrying Systems for Various Platforms and Operations

By operating environment, the market segmentation is categorized into fixed-site installations, platform-mounted, and mobile.

The mobile segment dominated the global market, with the largest share in 2022, and it is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period of 2023-2030. It is estimated that demand for mobile control systems is expected to increase during this forecast period due to the development of efficient, compact, economical drone control systems that can easily be carried anywhere to aid market growth.

• For instance, in April 2022, The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) took delivery of three MQ-9A Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and two Mobile Ground Control Stations from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The RNLAF is to start the operation of MQ-9 from Curacao this month with a view to providing long-term and continuous surveillance for missions supporting the interests of the Netherlands.

The fixed-site installations segment accounted for the second-largest market share in the year 2022. The growth is attributed to increasing use in the defense industry to carry out various mission operations.

• For instance, in February 2023, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. received a modification of the contract with the U.S. Navy to supply MQ9 Reaper Unmanned Air Vehicles. They include the acquisition of 8 fixed-site GSCs for ground control.

By Component Analysis

Command and Control System Segment Dominates Owing to Rising Demand for Precision Control Systems

By component, the market is segmented into the processing unit, wireless datalink, graphic user interface, command and control system, navigation and position system, software suite, and others.

The command and control system segment accounted for the largest UAV Ground Control Stations (GCS) market share in 2022. The segmental growth is significantly increasing due to its critical role in meeting drone controls and commanding various applications.

• For instance, in December 2020, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awarded Boeing a contract to supply cost-plus-incentive-fee modification for the GCS that provides command and control capabilities. The total cost of the agreement was around USD 19.8 million.

The software suite segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period of 2023-2030. The growth is attributed to its highly precise and advanced software for controlling unmanned aircraft and drones.

• For instance, in May 2022, a new contract was awarded to Leidos, a scientific and technology firm, by the GSA. The contract directs Leidos to develop and refresh software as well as upgrade capabilities for the Army's Unmanned Aircraft System Ground Control Station.

By Application Analysis

Increased Demand for Combat UAVs for Performing Drone Strikes to Boost Combat and Combat Support Missions Segment Growth

By application, the market is categorized into perimeter security & border management, combat and combat support missions, emergency management services, surveying, mapping, inspection & monitoring, precision agriculture, forestry & wildlife management, power station management, asset & operations management, and others.

The combat and combat support missions segment was the dominant segment in 2022. Combat UAVs carry aircraft artillery (e.g., missiles, Antitank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), or bombs) in hardpoints to carry out drone strikes. Combat UAVs are typically operated in real-time under human control via using different types of GCS and have varying degrees of autonomy.

• For instance, in April 2023, the Romanian Defense Ministry awarded a TB2 drone and control systems contract worth USD 321 million to Turkish firm Baykar.


• For instance, in June 2023, Barfield and Skydrone Robotics signed an agreement allowing Barfield to sell and support Skydrone Robotics Unmanned Autonomous Systems (UAS) and their controllers in the U.S., Canada, and LATAM.

The emergency management services segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment from 2023 to 2030. One of the most promising applications of drone technology is in emergency service, where a quick response is essential to improve or tackle different situations. For instance, medical drones have become increasingly popular around the world during the pandemic. Drones are used to deliver PPE (personal protective equipment), COVID-19 (compound immunodeficiency virus) tests, laboratory specimens, and vaccines, where direct human-to-human contact is discouraged for infection control purposes. These drones are operated by using fixed-site ground control stations from hospitals, medical emergency services, and others.

• For instance, in January 2022, Wingcopter and Spright, German drone delivery market leaders, announced a new commercial arrangement valued at over USD 16 million. As part of the agreement, Spright will purchase a large fleet of the new Wingcopter flagship delivery drone Wingcopter 198 to meet the growing demand for medical drone solutions across the country.

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By End-user Analysis

Growing Demand for Military UAVs to Aid increasing Demand for GCS Anticipated the Government & Defense Segment Growth

The end-user segment is classified into government & defense, energy, power, oil & gas, construction & mining, agriculture, forestry & wild life conservation, public infrastructure & homeland security, hospitals & emergency medical services, transportation & logistics, media, entertainment, & event management, and others.

The government & defense segment was dominant in 2022. Military UAVs will continue to be in high demand in the years ahead due to the increasing use of UAVs by the defense and security community for a variety of purposes, including surveying, mapping, transporting, combating, and monitoring.

Ø  For instance, in January 2022, The U.S. Navy and Boeing launched the first Unmanned Aerial Refueling (UAV) Test Asset (TAU) for the U.S. Marine Corps (MQ-25). The first test of the UAV was successful, paving the way for future integration of UAVs for refueling in military operations.

The hospitals & emergency medical services segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period. The pandemic also prompted governments and OEMs to adopt and initiate adaptable regulations, approvals, experiments, and test flights for medical applications. Hence, many countries started experimenting and testing the efficiency of UAVs.

Ø  For instance, in 2021, the FAA registered about 900,000 drones that may be deployed for various applications of drones. For example, in May 2021, India started expanded drone testing for the delivery of vaccines and medicinal products to BVLOS destinations.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

In terms of geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

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North America is expected to hold the largest market share, as most of the developers are based in the region. This growth is due to an increase in the Air Force defense budget, which has increased the demand for UAVs in the U.S. In addition, increasing Canadian exports and economic development are expected to drive the growth of the market. For instance, in May 2022, Walmart announced plans to expand its drone delivery service to 4 million prospective customers. In making the announcement, Walmart said it will expand its current drone delivery service with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Ground Control Stations (GCS) to 34 locations across Arizona, Arkansas, FL, TX, Utah, and VA, which will enable it to transport over a million orders annually. The drone service will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and costs USD 3.99 per package (up to 10lbs).

According to the market forecast, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to China, which is expected to lead the Asia Pacific market due to the growing demand for advanced control stations in the commercial and defense sectors, including combat, cargo, and other applications. Increased UAV activities in India are expected to boost market growth. For instance, in December 2022, India demonstrated a new drone hunting capability with high-resolution cameras and a highly trained black kite. The new capability is intended to enhance surveillance along India’s border with China and is anticipating the growth of the market share in the region.

The market in Europe is highly segmented, with a number of players dominating the market. Drone manufacturers are investing heavily in improving technology and bringing new features to drones and their remote systems to support different commercial applications.  For instance, in June 2021, Parrot, a European drone manufacturer, launched its drone, ANAFI Ai. This is the first drone that uses 4G as the primary data link between the drone and the control system. The drone uses the 4G connectivity of ANAFI Ai to provide accurate control at any distance.

The Middle East's market is characterized by fragmentation, involving players such as BlueBird Aero Systems Ltd, Parrot SA, Terra Drone Corporation, AeroVironment Inc., and SZ DJI Technology Company Co. Ltd. Technological advancements primarily stem from collaborations between GCS solution companies and UAV manufacturers. To bolster revenue, UAV service providers are tailoring their solutions to meet specific regional end-user needs in security, infrastructure management, surveillance, and construction. As an example, in February 2022, UVL Robotics in the Middle East introduced the first parcel delivery drone operated via mobile remote for daily drone-based parcel services, capable of carrying up to 6.6 pounds and covering over 25 miles.

In Africa, both military forces and governments are increasingly employing UAVs across various regions, notably for applications in agriculture and postal delivery. Agriculture, particularly, showcases high demand for soil-scanning UAVs for tasks such as crop surveillance, electrical conductivity monitoring, fish population monitoring, nitrogen content monitoring, pest control, and pesticide spraying. For instance, in January 2022, Morocco and Israel announced plans to construct two UAV factories in the Al-Aouana area of North Africa.

Latin America holds substantial growth opportunities. The U.S. wields influence over military procurement in Mexico and Colombia through various bilateral programs, such as Merida Initiative and Plan Colombia. These efforts are anticipated to draw more contracts toward U.S.-based firms in the Latin American region in the forthcoming years. Local manufacturers, by integrating state-of-the-art technologies into their products, are capable of competing with major international players, thereby expanding their influence in the region. For instance, in April 2022, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) deployed 20 small UAVs and military drones in the Arauca department to safeguard civilian populations, combat armed criminal groups, and military installations.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Adopt Continuous Product Innovation and Strategic Procurement, Acquisitions, and Partnerships to Sustain Market Growth

Key players in the global market are actively investing in product innovation and development, thus ensuring that they remain at the forefront of their respective markets. For instance, in August 2022, Embention developed a new ground control station solution called the Veronte Autopilot system, which is designed to be an effective and secure platform for Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle Operations. Similarly, in January 2023, the UAV Navigation S.L. has developed ground control stations, which will be a comprehensive and intuitive interface to the operations of unmanned aerial vehicles. Furthermore, strategic partnerships and cooperation with other stakeholders are also pursued to enhance product portfolios and increase competitiveness in the market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Asseco Poland S.A. (Poland)


• BATS Inc. (U.S.)


• DESERT ROTOR LLC (U.S.)


• Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel)


• Foxtech FPV (China)


• General Atomic Aeronautical Systems Inc. (U.S.)


• Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (Israel)


• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)


• Raytheon Technologies Corporation (U.S.)


• Shenzhen HEISHA Technology Co., Ltd. (China)


• SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd. (China)


• Textron Inc. (U.S.)


• Trenton Systems Inc. (U.S.)


• UXV Technologies Inc. (Denmark)


• Yuneec International (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• October 2023: Israeli company Aeronautics has been awarded contracts to supply advanced Ground Control Stations (GCS) for its Orbiter UAV systems and to provide essential maintenance services for Aeronautics UAV fleet. Aeronautics is providing end-to-end solutions for UAS missions, from unmanned aerial vehicles to ground control stations. The Orbiter family of Unmanned Air Vehicles systems offers exceptional endurance, unmatched maneuverability, and advanced surveillance capabilities in a way that redefines the gathering of tactical intelligence.


• May 2023: A number of important contracts have been announced by Malaysia. Under this announcement, the deal covered three UAVs, a single ground control station, and two years of support. The Royal Malaysian Air Force is fully responsible for the maintenance of an Anka following this period. In the case of Turkish Aerospace, however, an engineering and design center is established in Selangor that can assist where necessary.


• May 2023: A new and extended partnership with Doodle Labs, a major producer of Industrial Grade WiMAX networking solutions, has been announced by UXV Technologies, the worldwide leader in command and control for unmanned applications as well as Ground Control Station solutions and sensors.


• February 2023: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. received an amendment of the contract with the U.S. Navy for the supply of MQ 9 Reaper Unmanned Air Vehicles. With regard to ground control systems, the acquisition of eight GCSs was included. The International Naval Technology Magazine has published this article.


• April 2022: Honeywell enhanced its HGuide industrial navigation portfolio with three new navigation systems, HGuide o360 global/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Ground Control Stations (GCS) (GNSS/INS) navigator, HGuide g080 GNSS receiver, and HGuide n500 inertial navigator. Those technologically advanced navigational systems exploit the firm's expertise in aeronautics navigation.


• January 2022: The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. task ordered for a previously awarded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to procure the Block 30 Mobile Ground Control Station from France. The Block 30 Ground Control Station (GCS) is a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) cockpit housed in either a customer-furnished building or a mobile shelter and used to control one GA-ASI aircraft. The work will take place in Poway, California, and is expected to be completed by 2023.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The market research report provides a detailed industry analysis. It covers all major aspects, such as R&D capabilities and optimization of the operating services. Moreover, the report offers insights into the global market trend, share, regional analysis, Porter’s five forces analysis, and competitive landscape of various companies profiled with market competition and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, it mainly focuses on several factors that have contributed to the growth of the global market in recent years.

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