NANJING - China Eagle, a Beijing-based unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) developer, will build the country's largest production base for industrial drones.

The production base in Jingjiang economic and technological development zone in east China's Jiangsu province is expected to produce its first UAV in May.

Drones for industrial use have huge prospects in the civilian market. Their use ranges from mapping and aerial inspection to unmanned cargo transport.

With an investment of 510 million yuan ($74 million), China Eagle's new production base is designed with an annual production capacity of 5,000 units. Its total output value is estimated at 3 billion yuan a year.

China Eagle has independently developed a series of UAV products. The firm works with the State Oceanic Administration to produce drones for shore patrols.

The civil UAV industry is ready to take off in China. There is high demand and the general aviation sector is unable to meet the needs of all customers.