Drone Revenues Rising as Uses Dramatically Increasing; Emergency Responder Market Alone Expected to Reach $12 Billion By 2032

Executive Summary

• FN Media Group published a market commentary on July 30, 2025, highlighting significant growth in the Global Drones for Emergency Responder market, driven by demand for rapid response capabilities and advancements in drone technology.
• The report cites Market Research Future data estimating the market size at $5.68 billion in 2023, growing to $12.5 billion by 2032, with government initiatives and regulatory frameworks playing a pivotal role in adoption.
• The release details specific recent developments and partnerships for several publicly traded drone companies, including Draganfly, Ondas Holdings, Red Cat Holdings, Unusual Machines, and ZenaTech.

Key Details

• Market Data:
  • Market size estimated at $5.68 billion in 2023.
  • Projected growth from $6.8 billion in 2024 to $12.5 billion by 2032.
  • Key drivers include improved battery life, enhanced imaging, AI integration, and government funding/grants.
  • Heavy drones capable of lifting over 15 kg are noted as significant for transporting larger equipment in major disaster responses.
• Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO):
  • Announced the sale of multiple Heavy Lift Drone Systems to a Fortune 50 Telecommunication Company (Infinity Communications).
  • Drones equipped with remote sensors, logistics, and communications payloads for disaster recovery and emergency communication networks.
  • Deployment focus: Transporting essential supplies and restoring communications in inaccessible areas due to storm damage or infrastructure failure.
• Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS):
  • Completed the first buildout of its 802.16 technology operating on the new 900 MHz "A Block" with a large Class I railroad in Chicago.
  • Collaboration with Siemens Mobility to transition from legacy systems to cutting-edge wireless communications networks.
  • Upgrades include core base station infrastructure to serve as a backbone for future wayside infrastructure upgrades.
• Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT):
  • Issued a statement of support for White House executive orders advancing U.S. leadership in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
  • Orders aim to remove regulatory barriers, modernize federal approval processes, prioritize U.S.-manufactured drones, and streamline regulations for federal and commercial deployment.
• Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC):
  • Fat Shark Aura Video Transmitter (VTX) approved by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for inclusion in the Blue UAS Framework.
  • Joins other NDAA-compliant components already listed, including the Fat Shark Aura FPV camera, Rotor Riot Brave F7 flight controller, and Brave 55A electronic speed controller.
• ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA):
  • Announced the formation of Zena AI, Inc., an AI Development Center within its ZenaDrone US subsidiary.
  • Focus: Developing advanced AI software solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense and Homeland Security agencies.
  • Response to the White House’s AI Action Plan and Executive Orders released on July 23rd.
  • Goal: Fast-track R&D development, enhance ISR (Inspection, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) platforms, and expand the team of American AI software and engineering specialists.

Notable Quotes

• Chris Coltrain, National Disaster Recovery Director at Infinity Communications: “Thanks to our work along with Draganfly, our Fortune 50 Customer will be able to benefit from the vital role UAV technology and automation can play in disaster response... By integrating Draganfly’s Heavy Lift drones into our deployment strategy, we demonstrated rapid, reliable delivery of life-saving equipment and swift restoration of communications in the most challenging conditions.”
• Cameron Chell, Chief Executive Officer of Draganfly: “The Draganfly Heavy Lift platform is built for high-stakes missions... Partnering with the incredible team at Infinity Communications to deliver these world-class capabilities is another exciting opportunity to showcase the unparalleled versatility of our modular design and the innovation that comes from more than 25 years of experience in UAV development.”
• Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO: “We believe the AI Action Plan and policy directives are a turning point for American innovation, and we’re answering that call by launching Zena AI Inc., which is solely dedicated to developing cutting-edge autonomous drone systems... This AI initiative will fast-track ZenaDrone’s R&D development and path to revenue while supporting domestic AI infrastructure development and positioning our technology for future-ready defense applications here in the US and around the world.”