Drone Onboard Computer Market

By Component;

Hardware and Software

By Application;

Commercial, Military, Consumer, Industrial and Others

By Platform;

Fixed-Wing, Rotary-Wing and Hybrid

By End User;

Agriculture, Construction, Energy, Defense, Logistics and Others

By Geography;

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)
Report ID: Rn077053601 Published Date: September, 2025 Updated Date: October, 2025

Drone Onboard Computer Market Overview

Drone Onboard Computer Market (USD Million)

Drone Onboard Computer Market was valued at USD 337.43 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 793.83 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.0%.


Drone Onboard Computer Market

*Market size in USD million

CAGR 13.0 %


Study Period2025 - 2031
Base Year2024
CAGR (%)13.0 %
Market Size (2024)USD 337.43 Million
Market Size (2031)USD 793.83 Million
Market ConcentrationLow
Report Pages397
337.43
2024
793.83
2031

Major Players

  • Abaco Systems
  • DJI
  • Kontron S&T
  • Mercury Systems
  • UTC (Rockwell Collins)

Market Concentration

Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players

Drone Onboard Computer Market

Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players


The Drone Onboard Computer Market is emerging as a crucial element in modern aerial technologies, driving advancements in navigation, communication, and autonomous operations. These computers integrate powerful processors, sensors, and AI-driven systems, enabling drones to perform complex tasks with high precision. Over 60% of drones now rely on advanced onboard computing to improve efficiency and reliability in commercial and defense applications. The growing demand for real-time data processing and intelligent flight control is a key factor enhancing market expansion.

Technological Advancements
Rapid innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and edge computing have strengthened the role of onboard computers in drones. More than 55% of new drone systems are equipped with AI-enabled processors, enabling faster decision-making and predictive analytics. Enhanced performance in autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, and image recognition has expanded their adoption across industries. This rise in technological integration is reshaping the competitive landscape, with continuous improvements in computing power, thermal efficiency, and miniaturization.

Adoption in Industrial Applications
Industries are increasingly adopting drone onboard computers to enhance operational efficiency. Approximately 50% of drones deployed in logistics, agriculture, and energy sectors now rely on intelligent onboard computing for seamless automation. These computers enable drones to process large datasets during flight, ensuring real-time adjustments and improved safety. With industrial automation rising by over 40%, the reliance on high-performance computing modules in drones continues to expand, fostering significant market opportunities.

Role in Defense and Security
The defense and security sector has been a dominant adopter, with nearly 65% of tactical drones depending on onboard computers for surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting. The ability to process encrypted communications, manage multi-sensor integration, and execute autonomous missions makes onboard computing a critical defense technology. Increased focus on unmanned aerial operations has further strengthened investments in advanced computing systems, creating sustained growth prospects in this segment.

  1. Introduction
    1. Research Objectives and Assumptions
    2. Research Methodology
    3. Abbreviations
  2. Market Definition & Study Scope
  3. Executive Summary
    1. Market Snapshot, By Component
    2. Market Snapshot, By Application
    3. Market Snapshot, By Platform
    4. Market Snapshot, By End User
    5. Market Snapshot, By Region
  4. Drone Onboard Computer Market Dynamics
    1. Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
      1. Drivers
        1. Expansion of precision agriculture practices
        2. Integration of AI and machine learning
        3. Enhanced data processing capabilities
        4. Demand for real-time telemetry and analytics
      2. Restraints
        1. Limited processing power and storage capacity
        2. Dependency on satellite signals for navigation
        3. Regulatory constraints on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights
      3. Opportunities
        1. Integration with 5G networks for enhanced connectivity
        2. Customization of onboard systems for specific applications
        3. Expansion of drone services in disaster response and relief
        4. Integration with smart city infrastructure for urban applications
    2. PEST Analysis
      1. Political Analysis
      2. Economic Analysis
      3. Social Analysis
      4. Technological Analysis
    3. Porter's Analysis
      1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
      2. BaRgaining Power of Buyers
      3. Threat of Substitutes
      4. Threat of New Entrants
      5. Competitive Rivalry
  5. Market Segmentation
    1. Drone Onboard Computer Market, By Component, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Hardware
      2. Software
    2. Drone Onboard Computer Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Commercial
      2. Military
      3. Consumer
      4. Industrial
      5. Others
    3. Drone Onboard Computer Market, By Platform, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Fixed-Wing
      2. Rotary-Wing
      3. Hybrid
    4. Drone Onboard Computer Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Agriculture
      2. Construction
      3. Energy
      4. Defense
      5. Logistics
      6. Others
    5. Drone Onboard Computer Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. North America
        1. United States
        2. Canada
      2. Europe
        1. Germany
        2. United Kingdom
        3. France
        4. Italy
        5. Spain
        6. Nordic
        7. Benelux
        8. Rest of Europe
      3. Asia Pacific
        1. Japan
        2. China
        3. India
        4. Australia & New Zealand
        5. South Korea
        6. ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
        7. Rest of Asia Pacific
      4. Middle East & Africa
        1. GCC
        2. Israel
        3. South Africa
        4. Rest of Middle East & Africa
      5. Latin America
        1. Brazil
        2. Mexico
        3. Argentina
        4. Rest of Latin America
  6. Competitive Landscape Analysis
    1. Company Profiles
      1. Abaco Systems
      2. DJI
      3. Kontron S&T
      4. Mercury Systems
      5. UTC (Rockwell Collins)
  7. Analyst Views
  8. Future Outlook of the Market