
Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By Drone Type (Fixed Wing, Multi-Rotor, Hybrid), By Payload Capacity (Lightweight, Medium Weight, Heavy Weight), By End Use (Commercial, Government, Civilian), By Application (Infrastructure Inspection, Agricultural Monitoring, Logistics and Transportation, Surveillance and Security, Emergency Response), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa), Key Companies, Competitive Analysis, Trends, and Projections for 2026-2035
Key Market Insights
Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market is projected to grow from USD 18.7 Billion in 2025 to USD 175.4 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 18.7% from 2026 through 2035. This significant expansion is driven by the increasing demand for advanced, long-range aerial solutions across various sectors. Autonomous BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drones are unmanned aerial vehicles capable of operating without direct human visual contact, relying on sophisticated navigation, communication, and artificial intelligence systems. This market encompasses a wide array of applications, from critical infrastructure inspection to logistics and defense. The burgeoning need for enhanced operational efficiency, reduced human intervention in hazardous environments, and cost savings associated with automated operations are key market drivers. Furthermore, technological advancements in battery life, sensor capabilities, and communication protocols are consistently pushing the boundaries of what these drones can achieve, fostering wider adoption. Strict regulatory frameworks, particularly concerning airspace integration and safety, currently pose a significant restraint. However, ongoing efforts by aviation authorities worldwide to establish clear guidelines and certifications are gradually alleviating these challenges. The market is segmented by Application, End Use, Drone Type, and Payload Capacity, highlighting the diverse landscape of its utility.
Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035

2025 - 2035
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The market is currently experiencing several important trends that are shaping its trajectory. The increasing integration of AI and machine learning for enhanced decision-making and autonomous flight capabilities is a major trend. This allows drones to adapt to dynamic environments and perform complex tasks with greater precision. Another notable trend is the growing emphasis on swarm technology, where multiple drones operate cooperatively to achieve larger objectives, such as wide-area surveillance or rapid delivery networks. The expansion of 5G infrastructure is also playing a crucial role, providing the high-bandwidth, low-latency communication necessary for real-time data transmission and command of BVLOS operations. Opportunities abound in the development of specialized drone services for niche applications, such as remote healthcare delivery in underserved regions, precision agriculture, and disaster response. The market also presents significant potential for new players offering innovative solutions for regulatory compliance and secure data handling. North America currently dominates the market, primarily due to robust investments in research and development, a strong presence of key technology developers, and early adoption across defense and commercial sectors. The region benefits from a supportive regulatory environment that has facilitated testing and deployment of advanced drone systems.
Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, driven by rapid industrialization, increasing defense spending, and a growing emphasis on smart city initiatives. Countries within this region are actively investing in drone technology for infrastructure development, public safety, and logistics, with governments often implementing supportive policies to foster innovation. The Surveillance and Security segment leads the market, attributable to the critical need for monitoring large areas, border patrol, and reconnaissance in both military and civil applications. Key players such as Skydio, Northrop Grumman, Zipline, General Atomics, and DJI are employing diverse strategies to solidify their market positions. These strategies include extensive R&D investments to enhance drone capabilities, strategic partnerships and collaborations to expand market reach, and acquisitions to integrate new technologies and expertise. Focus on developing user-friendly interfaces, ensuring cybersecurity, and offering comprehensive service packages including maintenance and data analysis are also central to their competitive approaches. The market is poised for continued innovation, with ongoing advancements in propulsion systems, autonomous navigation, and payload diversification expected to further accelerate its growth over the forecast period.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 18.7 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 175.4 BillionLeading Segment:
Surveillance and Security (38.5% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
North America (38.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
18.7%
What is Autonomous BVLOS Drone?
An Autonomous BVLOS Drone operates beyond visual line of sight without continuous human piloting. It utilizes preprogrammed missions, AI, and advanced sensors for navigation, obstacle avoidance, and decision making. This independence allows it to execute complex, long-range tasks like infrastructure inspection, delivery, and mapping across vast areas. Significance lies in its ability to automate hazardous or repetitive work, enhance efficiency, and access remote locations, revolutionizing industries by providing persistent, scalable aerial data collection and operational capabilities. This technology reduces human involvement while increasing operational range and duration.
What are the Trends in Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market
AI Driven Decision Making for Uncrewed Flights
Edge Computing Fuels Realtime BVLOS Operations
Urban Air Mobility Integrates Autonomous BVLOS
Swarm Intelligence Enhances BVLOS Efficiency
AI Driven Decision Making for Uncrewed Flights
AI increasingly pilots uncrewed flights, enhancing autonomy beyond visual line of sight. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast data streams real time, optimizing flight paths, sensor deployment, and payload management. This enables drones to adapt to dynamic environments, predict failures, and make complex operational decisions independently, crucial for critical missions and safer, more efficient autonomous operations across various industries.
Edge Computing Fuels Realtime BVLOS Operations
Edge computing is critical for real time beyond visual line of sight BVLOS drone operations. It processes sensor data locally, minimizing latency. This enables rapid decision making for autonomous flight control, obstacle avoidance, and mission execution. Reduced reliance on distant cloud servers ensures responsiveness and reliability, essential for safely navigating and operating uncrewed aircraft systems where immediate action is paramount.
Urban Air Mobility Integrates Autonomous BVLOS
Urban air mobility increasingly relies on autonomous beyond visual line of sight drones. These systems are crucial for future air taxi services and drone delivery networks within cities. Integrating autonomous BVLOS flight ensures efficient, safe, and scalable operations for passenger transport and cargo logistics, moving beyond manual piloting limitations. This trend highlights the technological advancements in urban airspace management.
Swarm Intelligence Enhances BVLOS Efficiency
Swarm intelligence revolutionizes BVLOS drone operations. Drones collaborate autonomously, sharing data and adapting flight paths collectively. This distributed decision making optimizes aerial inspections, deliveries, and surveillance by improving obstacle avoidance, resource allocation, and real time problem solving. Swarms dynamically reconfigure to maintain mission critical performance, even with individual drone failures, significantly boosting efficiency and reliability for long range, complex tasks.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market
Regulatory Framework Evolution & Harmonization
Advancements in AI, Sensor Fusion, and Navigation Systems
Expanding Commercial Applications & Economic Efficiencies
Infrastructure Development & Public Acceptance of BVLOS Operations
Regulatory Framework Evolution & Harmonization
Evolving regulations, shifting from restrictive to enabling, are crucial. Harmonized international standards across diverse jurisdictions foster innovation and market expansion. This driver streamlines operations, expands permitted flight zones, and accelerates adoption by providing legal clarity and consistent rules for autonomous beyond visual line of sight drone operations globally, building confidence and predictability.
Advancements in AI, Sensor Fusion, and Navigation Systems
AI, sensor fusion, and navigation advancements are propelling autonomous BVLOS drones forward. Improved AI enhances decision-making and object recognition. Sensor fusion integrates data from multiple sensors for a more complete environmental understanding, boosting safety and reliability. Better navigation systems enable precise, long-range flight without human intervention, expanding operational capabilities and market adoption.
Expanding Commercial Applications & Economic Efficiencies
Businesses increasingly leverage autonomous BVLOS drones for diverse tasks like surveying, inspections, and last-mile delivery. Their ability to operate beyond visual line of sight across vast distances autonomously boosts efficiency, reduces labor costs, and enhances safety. This expands commercial use cases significantly, making them a cost-effective and attractive solution across numerous industries, fueling market growth.
Infrastructure Development & Public Acceptance of BVLOS Operations
Expanding physical and digital infrastructure is vital for BVLOS drones. This includes ground control stations, reliable communication networks, and airspace management systems. Public acceptance, stemming from demonstrated safety, privacy protection, and tangible economic benefits, further accelerates the adoption and expansion of these operations globally.
Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Restraints
Regulatory and Airspace Integration Challenges
Regulators face complex challenges in integrating autonomous BVLOS drones into national airspace. Establishing comprehensive frameworks for drone traffic management, collision avoidance, and ensuring safety with manned aviation is crucial. This involves developing new operational procedures, certification standards, and addressing security concerns. Harmonizing these regulations across different jurisdictions is essential for market scalability and preventing fragmented operational environments, hindering wider adoption and commercialization.
Lack of Standardized Infrastructure and Interoperability
A significant hurdle in the global autonomous BVLOS drone market is the absence of consistent infrastructure and seamless interoperability. Diverse regulatory frameworks across regions, varying communication protocols, and incompatible air traffic management systems create a fragmented environment. This lack of standardization complicates widespread adoption and scalability for autonomous beyond visual line of sight operations. Manufacturers and operators face challenges in deploying drones across different geographies, hindering market expansion and technological integration.
Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Opportunities
Autonomous BVLOS for Large-Scale Critical Infrastructure Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance
Autonomous BVLOS drones offer a powerful opportunity to transform critical infrastructure monitoring. They enable efficient, safe, and scalable inspections of vast assets like power grids, pipelines, and transportation networks. Automating data collection beyond visual line of sight facilitates predictive maintenance, preventing costly failures and minimizing downtime. This proactive approach significantly enhances asset integrity and reduces operational expenditures by shifting from manual, reactive methods to continuous, intelligent surveillance.
AI-Driven Autonomous BVLOS Solutions for Hyper-Efficient Remote Logistics and Delivery Networks
The opportunity lies in leveraging AI powered autonomous BVLOS drones to create hyper efficient remote logistics and delivery networks. This enables unparalleled access to geographically challenging or underserved regions, drastically cutting operational costs and transit times. Such intelligent, long range solutions overcome existing infrastructure limitations, providing scalable and reliable supply chains. This innovation promises transformative efficiency and expansion for global commerce, particularly in rapidly developing and vast areas requiring swift, secure autonomous drone transport.
Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Application
- •Infrastructure Inspection
- •Agricultural Monitoring
- •Logistics and Transportation
- •Surveillance and Security
- •Emergency Response
By End Use
- •Commercial
- •Government
- •Civilian
By Drone Type
- •Fixed Wing
- •Multi-Rotor
- •Hybrid
By Payload Capacity
- •Lightweight
- •Medium Weight
- •Heavy Weight
Segment Share By Application
Share, By Application, 2025 (%)
- Infrastructure Inspection
- Agricultural Monitoring
- Logistics and Transportation
- Surveillance and Security
- Emergency Response

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Why is Surveillance and Security dominating the Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market by application?
Surveillance and Security holds the largest share primarily due to the critical need for monitoring vast and often dangerous areas without human intervention. BVLOS capabilities enable drones to cover extensive distances for border patrol, critical infrastructure protection, disaster assessment, and law enforcement operations, offering real time data and enhancing situational awareness over traditional methods. Their ability to operate beyond the visual line of sight significantly boosts their utility and cost effectiveness for these demanding applications.
What factors are driving the significant adoption within the Commercial end use segment in the Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market?
The Commercial end use segment is expanding rapidly as industries increasingly recognize the efficiency and cost saving benefits of autonomous BVLOS drones. Applications like Infrastructure Inspection for pipelines and power lines, and Agricultural Monitoring for large farms, leverage these drones for data collection over vast areas. This shift is driven by the ability to conduct frequent, high precision inspections, optimize resource management, and enhance safety in hazardous environments, ultimately improving operational efficiency and profitability for businesses.
How do diverse Drone Types cater to varied operational demands within the Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market?
The market is served by distinct drone types, each suited for specific tasks. Multi Rotor drones excel in scenarios requiring vertical takeoff and landing, hovering precision, and agile maneuvering, making them ideal for detailed inspections and close range surveillance. Fixed Wing drones are preferred for long endurance missions and covering extensive geographical areas efficiently, crucial for mapping or long linear inspections. Hybrid drones combine these advantages, offering the versatility of vertical takeoff with the endurance of fixed wing flight, catering to complex missions that demand both range and precision.
What Regulatory and Policy Factors Shape the Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market
Global autonomous BVLOS drone deployment navigates a complex and fragmented regulatory environment. National aviation authorities like FAA and EASA are formulating performance based frameworks emphasizing safety, airworthiness, and operational approvals. Certification for autonomous systems and robust safety cases are paramount. Unmanned Traffic Management UTM and Remote Identification systems are critical enablers gaining regulatory traction. International harmonization efforts exist through ICAO but progress is slow, leading to varied standards across jurisdictions. Policy development often lags behind technological advancements, creating market uncertainty. Regulators balance innovation with public safety, privacy, and security concerns, demanding collaborative industry government efforts to standardize and scale operations.
What New Technologies are Shaping Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market?
Innovations in autonomous BVLOS drone technology are rapidly advancing. AI powered navigation and decision making, coupled with sophisticated sensor fusion, are pivotal. Emerging technologies include advanced power systems like hydrogen fuel cells extending flight times significantly. Swarm intelligence for coordinated missions is gaining traction, boosting efficiency. Enhanced cybersecurity protocols are crucial for protecting sensitive data and preventing malicious interference. Ultra reliable communication links, including satellite integration, enable true global operation. Miniaturization of powerful onboard processing units supports complex computations at the edge. Advanced obstacle avoidance systems and detect and avoid capabilities are continuously improving. These developments underpin the substantial market expansion, enabling new applications in logistics, inspection, and security across vast distances.
Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Regional Analysis
Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market
Trends, by Region

North America Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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North America dominates the global autonomous BVLOS drone market with a substantial 38.2% share. This leadership is driven by significant R&D investments, advanced technological infrastructure, and a robust regulatory framework that, while evolving, generally supports innovation and commercialization. The region benefits from strong government backing for drone integration, particularly in defense, public safety, and critical infrastructure inspection. Key players leverage established aerospace expertise and access to venture capital, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for drone development and deployment across diverse sectors like logistics, agriculture, and energy.
Europe is a key region in the autonomous BVLOS drone market, driven by progressive regulations like EASA U-space and a strong focus on industrial applications. Northern Europe, particularly the UK and Scandinavia, leads in drone delivery and inspection, leveraging robust infrastructure and early adoption. Germany and France are investing heavily in drone logistics and public safety, supported by significant R&D. Southern Europe, while catching up, shows promise in agriculture and surveillance, with Greece and Spain exploring innovative use cases. Overall, Europe's regulatory harmony and technological advancements position it as a major growth hub, with strong governmental and private sector backing.
The Asia Pacific region is rapidly emerging as a dominant force in the global autonomous BVLOS drone market, demonstrating the fastest growth with an impressive CAGR of 28.5%. This surge is fueled by several key factors, including increasing government support for drone technology across diverse sectors like logistics, agriculture, and surveillance. Rapid infrastructure development, particularly in countries like China, India, and Australia, is creating fertile ground for drone deployment. Furthermore, the region's strong technological innovation hub and growing investment in AI and robotics are accelerating the development and adoption of advanced autonomous BVLOS solutions.
Latin America presents a burgeoning market for autonomous BVLOS drones, driven by its vast geography and diverse industrial needs. Brazil and Mexico lead the region, investing in drones for infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, and security. Chile and Colombia are emerging players, focused on mining and environmental monitoring respectively. The region faces challenges in regulatory frameworks and public acceptance but offers significant opportunities for specialized applications in remote areas, resource management, and last-mile logistics. Growing demand for efficiency and safety across key sectors like energy, agriculture, and public safety will propel market expansion, particularly with local partnerships and adapted solutions.
The Middle East & Africa (MEA) autonomous BVLOS drone market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by diverse applications and strategic governmental initiatives. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the charge, heavily investing in smart city infrastructure, oil & gas pipeline inspections, and surveillance for border security, necessitating long-range autonomous capabilities. South Africa is emerging as a key player, particularly in mining, agriculture, and wildlife conservation. Regulatory frameworks are progressively evolving to accommodate BVLOS operations, though challenges in airspace integration and local content requirements persist. Overall, the MEA region presents significant untapped potential, with increasing adoption across commercial, industrial, and defense sectors.
Top Countries Overview
US leads global autonomous BVLOS drone market. Regulations are evolving, driving innovation in diverse sectors like logistics, security, and agriculture. Significant investment fuels research and development, aiming for safer and more efficient aerial operations. Competition is intense among domestic and international players.
China leads in developing BVLOS drone tech for autonomous operations. Its firms are significant players in manufacturing and AI development for drones, aiming to capture a large share of the global market, particularly for commercial applications.
India is emerging as a key player in the global autonomous BVLOS drone market. Its regulatory reforms and focus on indigenous manufacturing are attracting investment and fostering innovation. This positions India to capture significant market share in defense infrastructure and commercial applications worldwide.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitical tensions fuel defense spending, boosting military drone adoption. Regulatory frameworks for airspace integration and international export controls significantly impact market growth, with some nations restricting advanced drone technology transfer. Ethical considerations surrounding surveillance and autonomous weapon systems influence public perception and government policy.
Macroeconomic trends like inflation affect manufacturing costs and consumer discretionary spending for commercial drones. Supply chain disruptions for critical components like sensors and AI chips present challenges. Infrastructure development for charging stations and data networks will be crucial for broader adoption, impacting market expansion.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
Skydio announced a strategic partnership with a major logistics provider to expand BVLOS drone delivery services in urban environments. This collaboration aims to leverage Skydio's AI-powered autonomy for faster and more efficient last-mile deliveries.
- February 2025
General Atomics unveiled a new long-endurance BVLOS drone designed for advanced persistent surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The drone incorporates cutting-edge power systems and sophisticated sensor packages to extend operational range and duration.
- April 2025
Zipline successfully completed a significant funding round, indicating strong investor confidence in its BVLOS medical delivery network expansion. The capital will be used to scale operations into new regions and further develop its autonomous logistics platform.
- January 2025
Northrop Grumman acquired a specialized software company focused on BVLOS air traffic management and regulatory compliance for drones. This acquisition strengthens Northrop Grumman's capabilities in integrated drone operations and airspace integration solutions.
- May 2025
DJI launched a new enterprise-grade BVLOS-ready drone series tailored for critical infrastructure inspection and surveying. These drones feature enhanced safety protocols, advanced obstacle avoidance, and robust communication systems for challenging industrial applications.
Key Players Analysis
The Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market sees fierce competition among key players. Skydio leads in AI powered autonomy and computer vision for defense and enterprise. Northrop Grumman and General Atomics are stalwarts, leveraging extensive defense contracts and advanced surveillance technology. Zipline and Matternet are frontrunners in drone logistics and medical delivery, employing sophisticated autonomous flight systems. DJI and Parrot dominate the prosumer and professional mapping segments with user friendly drones and robust software. Aston Martin Lagonda, a surprising entrant, hints at high end autonomous aerial vehicles, potentially redefining luxury air mobility. SenseFly specializes in fixed wing mapping drones. Textron has a broad defense and commercial drone portfolio. Strategic initiatives include enhancing AI capabilities, expanding delivery networks, and securing government contracts, all driving significant market growth.
List of Key Companies:
- Skydio
- Northrop Grumman
- Aston Martin Lagonda
- Zipline
- General Atomics
- SenseFly
- DJI
- Parrot
- Matternet
- Textron
- AeroVironment
- Raytheon
- Delair
- Wingcopter
- DroneDeploy
- Boeing
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 18.7 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 175.4 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 18.7% |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Regional Analysis |
|
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Drone Type, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Payload Capacity, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Drone Type, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Payload Capacity, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Drone Type, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Payload Capacity, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Drone Type, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Payload Capacity, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Drone Type, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Payload Capacity, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Drone Type, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Payload Capacity, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa Autonomous BVLOS Drone Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
