Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) are technologically advanced aerial platforms used for surveillance and navigation. Stratospheric UAV payload technology provide similar potential of a satellite at lower costs. Mainly, Stratospheric UAVs are used in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Additionally, UAV adoption is done by defense agencies around the world to reduce troop fatalities and counter-terrorism. Moreover, use of solar energy as power source provides huge opportunity for the growth of stratospheric UAV payload market.

Market scope and structure analysis:

COVID-19 scenario analysis: 

Globally drones are being utilized in improvement of surveillance and communication systems to monitor and ensure the lockdown implementation owing to the COVID-19 scenario which increases the demand for UAV market.

COVID-19 lockdowns created obstacles in cash liquidity and cash flow and as the stratospheric UAV payload market is hugely dependent on cash the market is expected to face short-term difficulties in demand and supply patterns.

Stratospheric UAV payload manufacturers observed challenge in operation of manufacturing units throughout the world because of the lockdowns implemented in several countries to prevent the spread of COVID-19 spread as the number of workers are regulated.

Owing to the COVID-19 outbreak several trade barriers and restrictions were implemented by various countries which disrupted the existing supply chain and therefore the operating costs went up for the aviation industry.

Top impacting factors: market scenario analysis, trends, drivers and impact analysis

Cost effectiveness of drones, increase in counter-insurgency operations, and rise in adoption of technology for communication are the factors that drive the stratospheric UAV payload market. However, high infrastructure cost and airspace restrictions in US & Europe hinders the market growth. Contrarily, technological innovation, increasing global defense budget and rise in adoption of electronic warfare present new opportunities for the industry.

The stratospheric UAV payload market trends are as follows:

Increase in counter-insurgency operations 

Stratospheric UAVs play a vital role in counter insurgency as they gather actionable intelligence of the conflict area and the footage taken from the UAVs helps to track the exact locations of the insurgent groups and avoid civilian casualties. UAVs have high resolution payloads with multiple zoom-in capabilities and provide strategic support for counter-insurgency. For instance, in 2018, Airbus defense successfully completed test flight campaign of a High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) powered by solar energy Zephyr S. The flights demonstrated the capability of Zephyr S to operate at an average altitude of 70,000 feets above air-traffic and weather. Adaptability and versatility of Stratospheric UAVs provide great opportunities for the stratospheric UAV payload market’s prosperity.

Rise in adoption of technology for communication

Stratospheric UAVs have the capability to remain above the Jet Stream carrying payload for months or even years which makes them high endurance and persistent alternative to satellite. Moreover, higher line of sight link and flexible deployment ability for the ground users makes stratospheric UAVs an excellent choice for smooth and swift communications payload carrier. For instance, In Sept 2018, stratospheric balloon demonstration for the 4G/5G telecom applications was done by Thales Alenia Space (joint venture between the Thales Group and the Leonardo SpA) with the Hispasat (Spanish satellite communications operator) to test 4G/5G applications by direct communications between the HAPS (high-altitude pseudo-satellite) and smartphones with communication payloads. Hence, advancement in technology of the drones makes the stratospheric UAV payload market more appealable for business.

Key segments covered:

Key benefits of the report:

• This study presents the analytical depiction of the stratospheric UAV payload industry along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the imminent investment pockets.
• The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with detailed analysis of the stratospheric UAV payload market share.
• The current market is quantitatively analyzed from 2020 to 2027 to highlight the stratospheric UAV payload market growth scenario.
• Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers & suppliers in the market. 
• The report provides a detailed stratospheric UAV payload market analysis based on competitive intensity and how the competition will take shape in coming years. 

Questions answered in the stratospheric UAV payload market research report:

• Which are the leading market players active in the stratospheric UAV payload market?
• What are the current trends that will influence the market in the next few years?
• What are the driving factors, restraints, and opportunities in the market?
• What are the projections for the future that would help in taking further strategic steps?