Drones in 2025: what to expect, challenges and opportunities for the industry ahead

As 2025 approaches, the drone industry is gearing up for a transformative year. From regulatory advancements to technological innovations, here’s a look at the key trends shaping the skies.

1. More BVLOS flights (and more useful drone flights, including drone deliveries)

The drone industry has long been constrained by the dominance of Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights are critical for scaling applications like drone delivery and long-distance inspections, yet regulatory hurdles have limited their widespread adoption. However, change is on the horizon (particularly in the U.S.), as evidenced by instances of Federal Aviation Administration approvals.

For example, in September 2024, the FAA granted the NYPD permission to fly drones BVLOS across much of New York City, without needing visual observers or specialized equipment to detect other aircraft.

Over on the drone delivery front, Wing has been on a tear with BVLOS approvals and successful operations (as evidenced by my visit to try an actual Walmart drone delivery myself earlier this year). Wing continues to expand, such as recent news that it would offer drone deliveries out of a couple Dallas malls. Expect news like that to be more commonplace for drones in 2025.

Though Wing dominates, there is some competition. For example, drone delivery companies like Matternet are pushing boundaries through innovations like Matternet’s Landing Station. It also recently launched drone deliveries in Silicon Valley, with plans to operate BVLOS drone deliveries under FAA Part 135 certifications in a few suburbs just south of San Francisco by early 2025.

Expect BVLOS to unlock new use cases and significantly expand drone capabilities like not just delivery drones, but better search and rescue operations, inspections and more.

2. More drone light shows

Drone light shows have taken the entertainment world by storm, and 2025 is set to build on this momentum.

While 2024 ended with some setbacks — notably a tragic incident in Orlando involving an injured child where drones flew out of control — the year also set records for the size and duration of drone shows. Iconic appearances on shows like “America’s Got Talent” and successful integrations into events such as Disney’s nighttime spectacles have cemented their popularity.

Personally, I witnessed the stunning displays on a Princess Cruise and at Disneyland Paris, and both were mesmerizing. With an increasing number of companies specializing in this technology, it’s highly likely you’ll catch a drone light show in 2025, whether at a local event or a major venue.

3. Trade impacts under Trump’s administration

If former President Donald Trump’s policies return with his anticipated presidency, the drone industry could face significant shifts in trade dynamics. Reports suggest that Trump’s administration plans to impose a 20% blanket levy on all U.S. imports. Chinese products potentially face tariffs as high as 100%.

Given that Chinese manufacturers like DJI and Autel currently dominate 74% of the U.S. drone market, such measures could disrupt supply chains. Companies may be forced to diversify their manufacturing bases to mitigate risks, potentially leading to increased costs for consumers and delays in innovation.

Yes, that means DJI drones could soon get more expensive — which means now might be the best time to buy a new DJI drone.

4. Increased pushes to ban Chinese drones

While the Countering CCP Drones Act was excluded from the final FY25 NDAA — creating a huge relief for pilots who rely on DJI drones — efforts to restrict Chinese drones in the U.S. are far from over.

For example, the American Security Drone Act of 2023 (which is integrated into the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act) already prevents federal agencies from using drones from countries deemed national security threats. That measure hints at a broader trend toward banning or severely limiting the use of Chinese drones in the U.S.

For manufacturers and operators, the effects of a Chinese drone ban would be profound. With that would come the need for massive shifts in procurement strategies and a push toward domestic alternatives. That said, such a ban could be good news for American drone companies. That’s because they would no longer have to compete for market share amongst U.S. customers.

5. New DJI consumer drones

Calls for bans aside, DJI continues to dominate the consumer drone market, and 2025 is poised to bring even more groundbreaking products from the tech giant.

Following the success of the DJI Neo and the DJI Air 3S (the former of which in particular set a new standard for accessibility and ease of use), DJI is expected to release consumer drones with enhanced autonomous capabilities and intuitive controls. These advancements make drone operation simpler than ever, broadening their appeal to casual users and professionals alike. As DJI integrates advanced obstacle avoidance, improved camera systems and longer battery life, their drones will likely remain the go-to choice for hobbyists and creators in the coming year.

And of course, what DJI launches is whatever the competitors copy. So, expect more options beyond just DJI.

Many tech companies use the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) as a launching point to showcase their new products for the year. CES is one of the biggest drone events, period, and this year’s version is set for Jan. 7-10, 2025. We’ll be watching.

6. Expanding Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

But whereas it seems as though Trump and his allies generally want to ban Chinese drones, the administration certainly doesn’t want to limit tech innovation. In fact, quite the opposite.

One focal point of the Trump Administration is a broader set of what the drone industry falls under: the concept of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). With this, the future of drones isn’t limited to small quadcopters. This broader future entails electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Some of those would be flown by human operators, while others (much like tiny quadcopters) would be autonomous.

Either way, AAM promises to revolutionize transportation by connecting urban centers and rural areas. With that, Trump and his allies want more.

In a 2023 Agenda47 speech, Trump highlighted the importance of America leading the global air mobility revolution. He positioned it as a critical element of national competitiveness.

“Dozens of companies in the USA and China are paving the way to develop electric take-off and landing vehicles for families and individuals,” according to a 2023 Donald Trump Agenda47 speech. “Just as the United States led the automobile revolution in the last century, I want to ensure that America, not China, leads the revolution in air mobility.”

The push for AAM could see increased investment in infrastructure, regulations, and innovation throughout 2025.

What are you looking forward to most from the drone industry in 2025? Tell me in the comments!

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