BEIJING -- China's robust drone industry is likely to see its market value swell to 75 billion yuan ($11.54 billion) by 2025, the consultancy iResearch estimated in a research paper.

At the end of 2025, the unmanned aerial vehicles will be applied largely in aerial photo shooting, farm chemical spraying and forest protection, as well as security service, according to the research paper.

The report calculated the nation's civilian drone market had grown by more than 50 percent over the past years, with its product portfolio becoming increasingly diversified.

The Shenzhen-based technology firm DJI, a leading manufacturer of commercial and recreational drones for aerial photography and videography, accounts for almost 70 percent of the market share worldwide, with Europe and North America its biggest customers.

The paper also outlined several uncertainties and challenges facing the industry such as inadequate regulations of low-altitude flying zones in China and narrow applications of drones. Technologies need to be updated to make drone products more durable and reliable.