Chinese civil drone maker Aerospace Times Feipeng is accelerating its push into overseas markets, targeting Southeast Asia and the Middle East as fierce competition at home squeezes margins and limits growth opportunities. A company executive said the expansion is essential for navigating China’s increasingly crowded drone industry.
“The domestic Chinese market is too competitive. Going overseas is a step we must take,” Harry Kang, president of Feipeng’s international business, told Reuters on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow, where the unlisted company is exhibiting for the second time.
Background: China’s Crowded Drone Industry
China is the world’s largest drone producer, with manufacturers racing to develop platforms capable of carrying heavier payloads while transport firms explore air taxi services, both crewed and uncrewed. These developments are being driven by Beijing’s push to build a “low-altitude economy” through looser airspace controls and policy incentives.
The result has been intense competition among domestic players, pushing companies such as Feipeng to seek growth beyond China’s borders.
New Products on Display
At the Singapore Airshow, Feipeng unveiled two new models aimed at professional and emergency-use markets. One is an inspection drone priced between $180,000 and $200,000, while the other is a specialised platform designed for forest fire control and maritime rescue, priced between $40,000 and $50,000.
The company has also continued to promote its FP-981C Sagittarius cargo drone, which it first introduced internationally in 2024. The model is priced between $400,000 and $420,000. Feipeng names its drones after the 12 zodiac signs, a branding strategy intended to make them more accessible to international customers.
Expansion Strategy and Target Markets
Feipeng began its international expansion in 2024 and is now aiming to raise overseas sales from the current 10%–15% of total revenue to 50% within three years. Kang cautioned that the pace of growth would depend on regulatory approvals and market confidence in different regions.
Southeast Asia and the Middle East are the company’s primary focus, with growing demand observed in both regions. Feipeng is expanding its presence in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, while also exploring opportunities in Saudi Arabia, which Kang described as the Middle East’s largest and most promising market.
Indonesia, with its more than 17,000 islands, has emerged as a particularly important market. Feipeng has already partnered with Indonesian government agencies responsible for emergency and disaster response, and Indonesian customers generated the highest number of inquiries at the company’s booth during the airshow.
Cost Advantage and Performance
Kang said Feipeng has posted annual revenues exceeding 100 million yuan ($14.4 million) for two consecutive years. He added that the company maintains a pricing advantage over international competitors because of its fully domestic supply chain, allowing it to offer lower-cost drones without sacrificing performance.
Analysis: Export Push Reflects Industry Pressures
Feipeng’s global expansion reflects broader pressures facing China’s drone manufacturers as the domestic market becomes increasingly saturated. While government support has fuelled rapid technological development, it has also intensified competition, leaving many firms with limited room for growth at home.
By targeting regions with clear logistical challenges and strong demand for aerial solutions, Feipeng is positioning itself to capitalise on markets where drones offer immediate practical value. Its emphasis on competitive pricing and specialised applications may help it gain traction internationally, though regulatory hurdles and geopolitical sensitivities around Chinese technology remain key risks to its global ambitions.
With information from Reuters.
