Global Military Drone Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, By Product Type, By Range, By Technology, By System, By Application, By Region Forecasts, 2024-2032

Global Military Drone Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, By Product Type, By Range, By Technology, By System, By Application, By Region Forecasts, 2024-2032

Military drone market size is projected to grow from US $ 14.14 billion in 2023 to US $ 35.60 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 14.10% during the forecast period 2024-2032.

Military drones provide the military commanders with real-time situation awareness that is useful in making informed and timely decision-making, is one of the factors propelling the market. Drones with cameras, sensors, and other cutting-edge modern technology provide a comprehensive view of the battlefield. Drones used for military purposes can reduce hazards to troops because some military operations take place in remote or hazardous areas that are unsuitable for the presence of armed forces. In hostile surroundings with high levels of adverse activity or chemical biological pollution risk, this is especially crucial. The need for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for warfare, reconnaissance, and surveillance operations has surged due to the escalation of geopolitical issues in various regions of the world. When compared to typical manned aircraft, military drones may prove more cheap because they require less fuel, maintenance, and support infrastructure. As a result, armies would have surplus resources that they might use to address other operational concerns and save money. The military drone market is still growing thanks to increasingly capable drones, whose manufacture was made feasible by cutting-edge technological advancements like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sophisticated sensors. These have been developed with more power so they can cover large distances, operate for hours, and hold more goods.

On the other hand, obstacles including public opinion, regulations, technological impediments, and security vulnerabilities are predicted to pose difficulties for the markets. Legal challenges pertaining to the use of military drones include limitations on the utilisation of airspace, privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas with autonomy. The aforementioned barrier might make it impossible to use military drones for some missions or locations. In addition, any occurrences involving civilian fatalities will fuel even greater debate over the use of drones and damage their reputation as a whole. Certain rules may restrict the army's use of drones by limiting their use to specific activities and locations.

“Fixed wing segment, by product type, to be dominating market from 2023 to 2030.”

Fixed Wing is anticipated to continue to be the most popular form of military drone on the market during the Forecast Period. The fixed wing aircraft can perform vertical takeoff, vertical landing, and landing (VTOL) and can carry heavier, higher powered payloads over longer periods of time on lesser power (UAV). This demonstrates that they are most suited for long-distance expeditions requiring unmatched strength in areas like protection, mapping, strategic defence, and monitoring. Numerous military leaders worldwide have employed it with great success in the defence sector. Therefore, it is expected that these factors will fuel market growth in this sector over the course of the projection year.

“EVLOS segment, by range, to be fastest growing market from 2023 to 2030.”

Due to the widespread use of EVLOS UAVs for long-distance missions in electronic warfare, battle management, and data collection, the EVLOS segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate throughout the projection period. For example, in February 2022, General Atomics tested the MQ-1C GE-ER Drone's Advanced Datalink and Avionics Enhancements.

“Remotely operated segment, by technology, to be dominating market from 2023 to 2030.”

It is anticipated that the remotely operated sector will continue to hold a significant market share throughout the duration of the forecast. A large number of contracted Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAV) operate remotely all over the world due to stringent government requirements for long range autonomous flying. UAVs have utilised this technology to provide C&C, telemetry systems, and radio communications.

“Airframe segment, by system, to be dominating market from 2023 to 2030.”

In the base year, the airframe segment had the biggest market share. This category will always be at the top during the projected period. The employment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a variety of military missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, observation, and combat, has led to an increase in this.

“ISRT segment, by application, to be dominating market from 2023 to 2030.”

During the projection period, ISRT is anticipated to continue to be at the top of segment. Because UAV use in the military is non-combatant, compared to combat operations, it creates segmental expansion. The military creates aerial sensors to gather information about the terrorists' base or target area.

“North America to be largest and fastest growing region in military drone market.”

With a highest market share, North America is the world's top region for military drone sales. A significant portion of this figure can be ascribed to a number of American OEMs, including General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corporation. Due to investments from key players in the area, the development of drone technology has had a substantial impact on the US military and enlarged the industry. Unmanned aerial vehicles are regarded as one of the goods with the greatest export potential, and it is anticipated that the US's position as one of the major exporters will encourage additional development in the area. These companies have historically received contracts from significant defence suppliers like India, NATO, and General Atomics, which is responsible for the MALE and HALE military systems. The other companies should anticipate receiving some contracts, particularly for the special operations of the war unmanned vehicles, which include the ISR, ATS, and MUM-T platforms.

Military drone Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the Military drone market involves assessing the competitive landscape to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the industry. Key industry players have recognized that the adoption of Military drone technology holds the potential for further growth. The growing desire among producers to optimize their production costs has spurred collaborative efforts among companies to scale up their production capacity. This strategic collaboration not only aims to increase revenue but also seeks to establish dominance in the market.

The Military drone market is highly competitive, with numerous companies vying for market share. Prominent companies in the Military drone Market include:

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel), AeroVironment, Inc. (U.S.), Thales Group (France), BAE Systems (U.K.), Textron Systems (U.S.), Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.), Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (Israel), Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.), Boeing (U.S.), SAAB Group (Sweden) and others.

Recent Developments:

The Indian Army announced plans to purchase 850 microdrones in February 2023 to be used in specific military activities like counterterrorism and reconnaissance flights.

The U.S. Air Force finished developing face recognition technology for unmanned aerial vehicles in February 2023. These could possibly be self-governing drones that are capable of locating and eliminating their own target. Additionally, it is anticipated that the drones will support the special operations forces by conducting surveillance and gathering data and intelligence for military uses.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) contracted Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt., a drone company, in February 2023 to supply 10 multicopter (VTOL) drones. As a part of the Make in India initiative, ICG released a request for proposals in an effort to expand its capabilities and marine surveillance.