Global UAV Glass Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By End Use (Surveillance, Delivery Services, Photography, Mapping), By Design Type (Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, Hybrid), By Material Type (Polycarbonate, Glass, Acrylic, Metalized Film), By Application (Military, Commercial, Agricultural, Industrial, Research), 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 UAV Glass Market is projected to grow from USD 0.98 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.75 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 14.2% from 2026 through 2035. This market encompasses specialized transparent materials used in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for applications such as cameras, sensors, protective covers, and communication systems. The demand for UAV glass is driven by the increasing deployment of drones across various sectors, including military, commercial, and recreational applications. Key market drivers include the rising adoption of UAVs for surveillance, reconnaissance, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and package delivery. Furthermore, technological advancements in sensor payloads and imaging systems necessitate high-performance, lightweight, and durable glass solutions, propelling market expansion. Important trends shaping the market include the miniaturization of UAV components, the development of smart glass technologies with enhanced optical properties, and the growing focus on sustainable and recyclable glass materials.
Global UAV Glass Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035
2025 - 2035
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Despite the robust growth, the market faces certain restraints. High manufacturing costs associated with specialized glass types, stringent regulatory frameworks governing UAV operations and airspace, and the susceptibility of glass to damage in harsh operating environments present significant challenges. However, the market is rife with opportunities stemming from the continuous innovation in UAV technology, the expansion into new application areas such as urban air mobility and last-mile delivery, and the increasing investment in defense and security infrastructure globally. Opportunities also lie in the development of advanced coatings for improved scratch resistance, anti-glare properties, and electromagnetic interference shielding. The market is segmented by application, material type, design type, and end use, with the Military segment currently holding the largest share, driven by demand for high-performance optics in defense and intelligence operations.
North America leads the global UAV glass market due to significant defense spending, the presence of major aerospace and defense companies, and early adoption of advanced UAV technologies across commercial and industrial sectors. The region benefits from substantial research and development activities and a well-established supply chain for high-tech materials. Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is poised to be the fastest growing region, fueled by rapid industrialization, increasing governmental investments in drone technology for surveillance and infrastructure development, and the burgeoning e-commerce sector driving demand for drone delivery services. Key players like Drones Vision, Lockheed Martin, Teledyne FLIR, AeroVironment, SAAB, Elbit Systems, Thales Group, BAE Systems, SenseFly, and General Dynamics are strategically focusing on product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships to expand their market footprint and offer customized solutions catering to the evolving needs of the UAV industry. These companies are investing in R&D to develop lightweight, high-strength, and optically superior glass materials to maintain their competitive edge.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 0.98 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 2.75 BillionLeading Segment:
Military (42.8% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
North America (38.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
14.2%
What is UAV Glass?
UAV glass refers to specialized optical components designed for unmanned aerial vehicles. It encompasses lenses, protective domes, and windows tailored for aerial imaging, sensing, and navigation systems. Key characteristics include lightweight construction, high optical clarity across various spectra from visible to infrared, and extreme durability against environmental factors like abrasion, impact, and temperature fluctuations. This glass must minimize distortion and maintain optical performance under dynamic flight conditions, ensuring accurate data capture for surveillance, mapping, agriculture, and defense applications, ultimately enhancing the operational effectiveness of drones.
What are the Trends in Global UAV Glass Market
Smart Coatings Driving Vision System Innovation
Enhanced Transparency for AI Powered Navigation
Lightweight Composites Fueling Extended Flight Durations
Damage Resistant Glass for Extreme Environments
Multispectral Imaging Windows for Advanced Sensors
Smart Coatings Driving Vision System Innovation
Smart coatings are revolutionizing UAV glass, demanding sophisticated vision systems. These advanced coatings offer multifunctional properties like self cleaning, anti icing, and electromagnetic shielding. Traditional vision systems struggle to accurately inspect and verify the integrity and precise application of these complex layers during manufacturing. This necessitates the development of cutting edge vision technology capable of microscopic defect detection, layer thickness measurement, and spectral analysis. Innovations include hyperspectral imaging for material composition verification and AI driven algorithms for real time quality control. The drive for enhanced drone performance and longevity, directly linked to the efficacy of smart coatings, is a primary catalyst for this intensified focus on precision and reliability in UAV glass manufacturing inspection. This ensures optimal optical clarity and structural integrity for next generation UAVs.
Enhanced Transparency for AI Powered Navigation
Enhanced transparency for AI powered navigation is a significant trend reshaping the global UAV glass market. As drones integrate more sophisticated artificial intelligence for autonomous flight and complex missions, the demand for specialized glass components increases. This trend emphasizes glass solutions that are not merely durable but also optimize the performance of onboard AI systems. Manufacturers are focusing on developing glass with advanced optical properties, minimal distortion, and high light transmission to ensure unimpeded data acquisition for AI sensors like cameras and lidar. Such transparency is crucial for AI algorithms to accurately perceive environments, avoid obstacles, and execute precise navigation. Furthermore, glass designs are evolving to incorporate features that prevent glare or reflections interfering with AI vision, ensuring reliable operation in diverse lighting conditions. This focus on maximizing AI navigational accuracy and reliability through superior glass quality is a key driver in product innovation.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global UAV Glass Market
Growing Demand for Lightweight & Durable UAV Glass
Advancements in UAV Technology & Applications
Increased Investment in Defense & Commercial UAV Fleets
Stricter Regulations & Safety Standards for UAVs
Expansion of UAV Manufacturing & Assembly Facilities
Growing Demand for Lightweight & Durable UAV Glass
The expanding applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are creating a significant need for specialized glass. As UAVs are increasingly deployed across diverse sectors like defense, logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection, there is a heightened emphasis on their performance and longevity. Traditional glass is often too heavy and fragile for the rigorous demands placed on these aerial platforms.
Manufacturers are actively seeking advanced glass solutions that can drastically reduce the overall weight of UAVs, thereby extending flight duration and improving maneuverability. Concurrently, the glass must possess exceptional durability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, resist impact from debris, and provide reliable protection for sensitive onboard equipment such as cameras and sensors. This pursuit of lighter and stronger glass is a primary factor fueling innovation and expansion in the global UAV glass market.
Advancements in UAV Technology & Applications
The rapid evolution of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle technology significantly propels the global UAV glass market. Innovations in drone capabilities, such as enhanced battery life, greater payload capacity, and more sophisticated navigation systems, expand their operational reach and utility across various sectors. The miniaturization of components and improvements in flight stability allow for more diverse and demanding applications. Simultaneously, the proliferation of UAVs into new industries like package delivery, infrastructure inspection, agriculture precision, and disaster response creates a surging demand for specialized glass components. This includes lightweight, durable optical glass for advanced imaging sensors and high strength windshields to protect internal electronics, all essential for fulfilling the growing versatility and performance requirements of modern UAVs.
Increased Investment in Defense & Commercial UAV Fleets
The global UAV glass market is significantly driven by the expansion of both military and commercial unmanned aerial vehicle fleets. Defense organizations worldwide are procuring more advanced UAVs for surveillance reconnaissance and combat operations each requiring specialized lightweight and durable glass for optics sensors and cockpit displays. Simultaneously the commercial sector is witnessing a boom in UAV adoption across various industries such as agriculture logistics infrastructure inspection and cinematography. These commercial drones also rely on high performance glass solutions for camera lenses sensor protection and payload integration ensuring clarity resilience and optimal operational performance. This dual growth in defense and commercial applications fuels the demand for innovative UAV glass.
Global UAV Glass Market Restraints
Supply Chain Disruptions in Specialty Glass Production
Supply chain disruptions significantly impede specialty glass production for the global UAV market. This restraint manifests through several critical pathways. Obtaining essential raw materials, such as high purity silica, boron, and rare earth elements, becomes challenging due to geopolitical events, natural disasters, or unexpected factory closures at mining or processing sites. Furthermore, the specialized manufacturing equipment required for precision glass fabrication, including specialized furnaces and polishing machinery, often has long lead times and limited global suppliers. Transportation bottlenecks, whether sea, air, or land based, exacerbate these issues, causing delays and increased costs for both raw materials and finished glass components. Quality control and the availability of skilled labor for highly technical glass processing also contribute to production bottlenecks. These collective disruptions directly impact manufacturers' ability to meet the escalating demand for advanced UAV glass, hindering market growth.
Lack of Standardized Certification for UAV Glass
The absence of a universal standard for certifying unmanned aerial vehicle glass creates significant hurdles in the global market. Manufacturers struggle to produce glass that meets diverse international regulatory requirements. This lack of uniformity forces companies to develop multiple product variations, increasing production costs and complexity. For customers, it translates to difficulty in verifying the quality and safety of UAV glass across different regions. This inconsistency can lead to concerns about reliability and performance, potentially hindering market expansion and adoption. Without a common benchmark, the industry faces fragmentation, making it challenging to achieve economies of scale and streamline global supply chains, ultimately impeding innovation and growth.
Global UAV Glass Market Opportunities
Advanced Optical & Protective Glass for High-Performance UAV Applications
The global surge in sophisticated UAV applications creates a compelling demand for advanced optical and protective glass. High-performance unmanned aerial vehicles are increasingly deployed across defense, commercial, and industrial sectors for critical missions like precision surveillance, detailed mapping, LiDAR scanning, and complex logistics. These demanding operations necessitate specialized glass components that significantly outperform standard materials.
The opportunity lies in developing glass offering unparalleled optical clarity for distortion-free imaging and accurate data acquisition. Simultaneously, robust protective properties are essential. This includes superior impact resistance, scratch proofing, and resilience against extreme environmental conditions such as UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and chemical degradation. As UAV technology advances and applications become more critical, the market for lightweight, durable, and highly functional glass solutions protecting valuable sensor payloads and enhancing operational reliability continues to expand globally, with significant growth in regions like Asia Pacific.
Lightweight & Damage-Resistant Glass for Next-Gen Commercial Drones
The rapidly expanding commercial drone sector, especially in Asia Pacific, presents a significant opportunity for advanced UAV glass. Next generation drones demand materials that are both exceptionally lightweight and highly damage resistant. Lightweight glass is crucial for extending flight times, improving energy efficiency, and increasing payload capacity, enabling more effective use in applications like delivery, inspection, and agriculture. Simultaneously, damage resistance is vital for protecting sensitive cameras and sensors from environmental hazards, impacts, and extreme weather, ensuring operational reliability and reducing maintenance costs. This dual requirement for superior performance glass directly addresses the critical needs of commercial drone operators seeking greater efficiency, durability, and safety. Companies innovating in this specialized high performance glass segment will find substantial demand from drone manufacturers aiming to enhance their platforms competitive edge and meet rigorous demands globally.
Global UAV Glass Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Application
- •Military
- •Commercial
- •Agricultural
- •Industrial
- •Research
By Material Type
- •Polycarbonate
- •Glass
- •Acrylic
- •Metalized Film
By Design Type
- •Fixed Wing
- •Rotary Wing
- •Hybrid
By End Use
- •Surveillance
- •Delivery Services
- •Photography
- •Mapping
Segment Share By Application
Share, By Application, 2025 (%)
- Military
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Agricultural
- Research
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Why is Military application dominating the Global UAV Glass Market?
The military sector significantly drives demand for UAV glass due to stringent requirements for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations. These applications necessitate highly durable, optically precise, and resilient glass solutions capable of withstanding extreme conditions, maintaining visual clarity for critical missions, and often incorporating stealth or anti reflective properties. Investments in advanced defense technologies and the continuous upgrading of military drone fleets worldwide underpin its substantial market share.
How do material types influence the evolution of UAV glass solutions?
The choice of material greatly impacts UAV glass performance. While polycarbonate offers impact resistance and light weight, traditional glass and specialized acrylic variants are crucial for applications demanding superior optical clarity, scratch resistance, and environmental stability. Innovations in material science focus on developing ultra strong, lightweight, and thin glass compositions that can integrate advanced coatings for anti glare, UV protection, and even self cleaning properties, essential for enhancing operational efficiency and longevity across diverse UAV platforms.
What role does end use play in shaping demand for specific UAV glass features?
End use applications significantly dictate the required characteristics of UAV glass. For instance, surveillance and mapping drones prioritize exceptional optical clarity and distortion free viewing for high resolution imaging. Delivery services might emphasize impact resistance and lighter weight to maximize payload capacity. Photography drones require advanced anti glare and color neutrality features. These varied demands drive specialization in glass coatings, strength, and optical precision to meet the specific operational needs of each segment.
What Regulatory and Policy Factors Shape the Global UAV Glass Market
The global UAV glass market operates within a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. Key regulatory bodies like the FAA in the US, EASA in Europe, and CAAC in China dictate stringent airworthiness standards for unmanned aerial vehicles, directly impacting glass material requirements. Manufacturers must ensure glass components meet specific criteria for durability, optical clarity, lightweight design, and impact resistance to obtain necessary certifications.
A significant challenge arises from the lack of a single harmonized global standard, forcing companies to navigate diverse national and regional frameworks. Regulations governing beyond visual line of sight operations and urban air mobility initiatives are pushing for higher reliability and safety across all UAV components, including advanced glass technologies. Import and export controls, alongside customs regulations, also influence supply chains. The drive for safer and more efficient airspace integration will continue to tighten component specific approvals, making compliance a continuous imperative for the UAV glass sector. International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO guidelines offer recommendations, but national implementation varies widely.
What New Technologies are Shaping Global UAV Glass Market?
The Global UAV Glass Market is experiencing rapid innovation, driven by the imperative for enhanced drone performance and reliability. Emerging technologies center on developing ultra lightweight, high strength glass compositions, significantly reducing drone payload and extending flight durations. Innovations in material science introduce advanced coatings that offer superior scratch, impact, and abrasion resistance, crucial for operations in challenging environments.
Furthermore, optical advancements include anti glare and anti fog treatments, ensuring pristine vision for navigation and sensor integration. Smart glass technologies are also emerging, providing features like dynamic tinting for varying light conditions or integrated heating elements for de icing. Flexible glass solutions cater to complex aerodynamic designs, enabling new form factors. Manufacturing processes are evolving with precision shaping techniques and automated assembly, facilitating the seamless integration of these sophisticated glass components into next generation UAV platforms. These advancements are pivotal for sectors ranging from defense to logistics.
Global UAV Glass Market Regional Analysis
Global UAV Glass Market
Trends, by Region
North America Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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Dominant Region
North America · 38.2% share
North America holds a dominant position in the global UAV glass market, capturing a significant 38.2% market share. This leadership is driven by robust demand from the United States, a key player in defense and commercial drone technologies. Extensive research and development initiatives, coupled with substantial investment in advanced aerospace materials, characterize the region. The presence of major UAV manufacturers and glass innovators further solidifies North America's stronghold. Stringent performance requirements for military and specialized commercial drones, demanding high quality and durable glass components, fuel this regional dominance. Continuous innovation in lightweight and impact resistant glass solutions is expected to sustain North America's leading market position.
Fastest Growing Region
Asia Pacific · 14.2% CAGR
Asia Pacific is poised to become the fastest growing region in the global UAV glass market, projected to achieve a robust CAGR of 14.2% from 2026 to 2035. This significant growth is primarily fueled by escalating defense spending and modernization initiatives across countries like India China and South Korea. The increasing adoption of drones for commercial applications such as agriculture surveying and logistics further contributes to the expanding demand for specialized lightweight and durable UAV glass solutions. Moreover advancements in local manufacturing capabilities coupled with government support for drone technology development are propelling the region's market expansion. The rising disposable incomes and rapid urbanization in several Asia Pacific nations also indirectly boost the commercial drone sector creating a fertile ground for market growth.
Top Countries Overview
The U.S. plays a significant role in the global UAV glass market, driven by robust military and commercial drone sectors. Domestically, there's growing demand for high-performance, lightweight glass for reconnaissance, surveillance, and logistics UAVs. The market is characterized by increasing R&D into advanced materials like strengthened aluminosilicate glass and Gorilla Glass, ensuring durability and optical clarity for diverse applications, positioning the U.S. as a key innovator.
China dominates the global UAV glass market due to its robust manufacturing capabilities and rapidly expanding domestic drone industry. Chinese companies like XI’AN ASEN have emerged as key players, leveraging advanced material science and cost-effective production to supply both domestic and international UAV manufacturers, significantly influencing market trends and technology development in this niche sector.
India's nascent UAV glass market is critical for global players, given its burgeoning drone industry and manufacturing initiatives (Make in India). While import-reliant currently, domestic production is poised for significant growth. India seeks advanced, durable, lightweight glass for diverse applications, including military drones and commercial deliveries, creating substantial opportunities for global UAV glass manufacturers.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitically, the UAV glass market is driven by escalating defense spending and modernization efforts across major powers, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe. Increased surveillance demands by national security agencies globally, coupled with a rising interest in drone warfare capabilities, fuel demand. Export controls and trade tensions between technology blocs could fragment supply chains and lead to regional manufacturing hubs. Furthermore, ethical considerations regarding autonomous weapons systems may impose regulatory hurdles or societal pushback in some regions.
Macroeconomically, the market benefits from sustained R&D investment by defense contractors and aerospace companies. Government subsidies for advanced materials and aerospace innovation further stimulate growth. Economic downturns could impact defense budgets, but the strategic importance of UAVs suggests a degree of resilience. Inflationary pressures on raw materials like specialized silica and advanced polymers could increase production costs, potentially affecting profit margins for manufacturers. Currency fluctuations also play a role in international trade and procurement.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
Product Launch: Drones Vision unveiled their new ultra-lightweight, impact-resistant Gorilla Glass variant specifically designed for long-endurance commercial UAVs. This new glass offers enhanced optical clarity and scratch resistance, crucial for high-resolution aerial imaging applications.
- January 2025
Strategic Initiative: Lockheed Martin announced a significant investment in a new R&D facility focused on advanced materials for aerospace, with a dedicated division for next-generation UAV glass technologies. This initiative aims to develop self-cleaning and anti-fogging glass solutions for military-grade drones operating in extreme environments.
- February 2025
Partnership: Teledyne FLIR entered into a strategic partnership with a leading specialized glass manufacturer to co-develop thermal-imaging optimized glass for their surveillance UAVs. This collaboration seeks to improve infrared transmission and reduce thermal distortion, enhancing the accuracy of their FLIR sensors.
- April 2025
Acquisition: BAE Systems acquired a niche European startup specializing in smart glass technologies for automotive and aerospace applications, signaling a move to integrate advanced electrochromic and augmented reality display glass into their UAV platforms. This acquisition will enable dynamic tinting and in-flight information overlays directly onto UAV windscreens or camera housings.
- May 2025
Product Launch: SenseFly, a leading provider of professional drone solutions, introduced a new line of UAVs featuring a proprietary anti-glare, anti-reflective glass on their camera gimbals. This innovation significantly improves image quality in bright light conditions, a critical factor for precision agriculture and surveying applications.
Key Players Analysis
The Global UAV Glass Market sees key players like Lockheed Martin and AeroVironment as major defense contractors integrating advanced glass into military drones, emphasizing stealth and optical clarity for surveillance. Teledyne FLIR and SenseFly, specializing in sensor technologies and commercial drones respectively, drive demand for specialized glass in thermal imaging and precision agriculture. Elbit Systems and Thales Group contribute with their extensive aerospace and defense portfolios, focusing on robust, lightweight glass solutions for various UAV applications. Strategic initiatives include R&D in materials science for enhanced durability and reduced weight, crucial for extended flight times and diverse operational environments. Market growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for both military and commercial UAVs, expanding applications in logistics, security, and infrastructure inspection, all requiring high performance, customizable glass.
List of Key Companies:
- Drones Vision
- Lockheed Martin
- Teledyne FLIR
- AeroVironment
- SAAB
- Elbit Systems
- Thales Group
- BAE Systems
- SenseFly
- General Dynamics
- Textron
- Raytheon Technologies
- Northrop Grumman
- L3Harris Technologies
- Insitu
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 0.98 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 2.75 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 14.2% |
| 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 UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material Type, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Design Type, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material Type, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Design Type, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material Type, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Design Type, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material Type, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Design Type, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material Type, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Design Type, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material Type, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Design Type, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa UAV Glass Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035