Terra Drone and Saudi Aramco: A Drone Revolution in the Oil and Gas Industry

In the ever-evolving landscape of the oil and gas industry, the integration of drone technology has emerged as a game-changer. Japanese startup Terra Drone, a pioneer in drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology, is stepping up its cooperation with Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company, Aramco, to revolutionize the inspection of oil and gas facilities. This partnership, announced on April 2, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the global drone industry, with implications that extend far beyond the Middle East.

Terra Drone's strategic move to enhance its cooperation with Aramco is a testament to the company's ambition and foresight. The Japanese company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Aramco, under which Terra Drone will conduct test runs to inspect the oil giant's facilities in Saudi Arabia starting later this year and into next. Actual operations are expected to begin in 2027, with the potential to become Terra Drone's largest ever contract for drone inspections of oil and gas facilities. This partnership is not just about technological advancement; it is about redefining the standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the oil and gas industry.

The oil and gas industry has long been plagued by the challenges of inspecting hard-to-reach areas and ensuring the safety of workers. Traditional inspection methods, which often involve setting up scaffolding and manual inspections, are not only time-consuming but also pose significant risks to personnel. Drones, with their ability to access hard-to-reach areas and provide real-time data, offer a safer and more efficient alternative. Terra Drone's drones are equipped with advanced cameras and sensors that can perform comprehensive checks at record speed, reducing the need for manual inspections and minimizing downtime.



The partnership between Terra Drone and Aramco is a win-win situation for both companies. For Terra Drone, it provides an opportunity to demonstrate its technological prowess on a global stage and validate its drone inspection capabilities. For Aramco, it offers a chance to leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance the safety and efficiency of its operations. The memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies includes test runs starting later this year and into next, with actual operations expected to begin in 2027. This long-term engagement provides Terra Drone with a platform to innovate and adapt its services to meet the specific needs of the oil and gas industry.

The strategic advantages gained from this partnership are manifold. Firstly, the cooperation with Aramco, one of the world's largest oil companies, provides Terra Drone with a high-profile client and a substantial opportunity to demonstrate its drone inspection capabilities on a large scale. This not only validates Terra Drone's technology but also enhances its credibility and visibility in the industry. Secondly, the partnership allows Terra Drone to test and refine its drone inspection services in a real-world setting, which can lead to technological advancements and improvements. Thirdly, the cooperation with Aramco could open doors to other opportunities in the Middle East and beyond. Terra Drone has already set up a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia in 2023 and raised $14 million from Wa'ed Ventures, the venture capital arm of Aramco. This local presence and financial backing can help Terra Drone expand its operations and establish a stronger foothold in the region.

Moreover, the partnership with Aramco aligns with Terra Drone's mission to "Unlock ‘X’ Dimensions" by integrating diverse fields to foster innovation. The partnership allows Terra Drone to leverage its expertise in drone technology and Aramco's extensive knowledge of the oil and gas industry to develop cutting-edge solutions that can benefit both companies and the industry as a whole. As Terra Drone CEO and founder Toru Tokushige stated, "We're aiming for billions of yen in sales over the medium to long term, three to five years," indicating the company's confidence in the potential of this partnership to drive growth and success.

The global market for drones in the oil and gas industry is expected to reach $16.72 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.24% from 2019 to 2025. This exponential growth is driven by the ability of drones to digitize and optimize oil platform operations, making them a valuable tool for oil and gas companies. The introduction of drones in the oil and gas industry has been a game-changer, allowing for safer and faster inspections, better leak detection capabilities, reduced asset maintenance costs, emergency response, and more accurate data collection.

In conclusion, the partnership between Terra Drone and Saudi Aramco is a significant development in the global drone industry. It represents a strategic move by Terra Drone to enhance its market position and drive growth, while also providing Aramco with a cutting-edge solution to its inspection challenges. As the oil and gas industry continues to evolve, the integration of drone technology is set to play an increasingly important role, and Terra Drone is well-positioned to lead the way. The partnership between Terra Drone and Aramco is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in driving progress and success in the global drone industry.