Military Drone Market Size, Share & Industry Growth Analysis Report by Platform, Type (Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, & Hybrid), Application, MTOW, Propulsion (Fuel Powered & Battery Powered), Operation Mode, Launching Mode & Region - Global Forecast to 2028

Military Drone Market Size, Share & Industry Growth Analysis Report by Platform, Type (Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, & Hybrid), Application, MTOW, Propulsion (Fuel Powered & Battery Powered), Operation Mode, Launching Mode & Region - Global Forecast to 2028

The military drone market is anticipated to experience substantial growth, increasing from USD 13.0 billion in 2023 to USD 18.2 billion by 2028, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.0% during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to a heightened emphasis on advanced Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. C4ISR solutions play a crucial role in reinforcing command and control strategies within military and intelligence frameworks, significantly impacting the success of air, naval, and military operations.

The military sector witness’s continuous developments in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, with a notable example being the Fifth Generation C4ISR, a joint battle management system utilizing machine learning for data gathering, understanding, and seamless communication across its components. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in C4ISR enhances vehicle identification, image feeds, and provides driving assistance by issuing early warnings on obstacles and changing ground conditions. Governments worldwide are swiftly adopting these technologies to enhance their defense arsenals.

Based on Launching mode, The segment expected to demonstrate the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the forecast period in the military drone market is the catapult launcher. The launching modes in this market are categorized into Vertical Take-off, Automatic Take-off and Landing, Catapult Launcher, and Hand Launched logistics and transportation. The catapult launcher, which utilizes bungee cords for launching drones from confined spaces, is particularly well-suited for carrier ships with limited space. This launching mode is commonly used for drones with a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of 150 kilograms. Prominent companies such as Elbit Systems (US), Lockheed Martin (US), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), Textron Systems (US), and Thales (France) manufacture drones that employ catapult launching for various military applications. Noteworthy drones in this category include BirdEye 650D, Scout, Orbiter family, Ranger, Stalker XE UAS, Silver Fox, and Aerosonde.

Based on platform, the tactical segment witness strong growth in market during the forecast period

Based on platform, the military drone market is divided into small, tactical, and strategic drones. Notably, the tactical segment is poised for robust growth throughout the forecast period. Tactical drones, operating at altitudes between 3,000 meters and 8,000 meters, are predominantly utilized in military applications. Bridging the gap between small and strategic drones, they combine the flexibility of small platforms with the capabilities of high-end ones. The increasing demand for hand-launched tactical drones with a 2-hour endurance and suitable payload capacities for effective surveillance is driving the growth of this segment in the global military drone market, particularly in defense and government applications. Examples of tactical drones include the Sperwer Mk II by Safran Electronics and Defence (France) and the Thunder B UAV by Blue Bird Aero Systems (Israel).

The Asia Pacific regions are projected to be high growth potential markets for military drones during the forecast period.

Based on region, The Asia Pacific region is expected to emerge as a high-growth potential market for military drones during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the substantial military budget allocations by thriving economies such as China and India, contributing to the overall market expansion in the region. China, a major global manufacturer and consumer of military drones, boasts more than 500 drone manufacturers, with 400 based within its borders. Notably, the Chinese military is prioritizing the development of advanced weaponry to secure its borders, employing drones extensively for naval operations. In 2021, China ranked second in the list of countries with the highest defense budgets, investing USD 293.0 billion in the defense sector. The focus is particularly on the procurement of tactical drones due to their increased applications in both civil and defense sectors. Chinese UAV manufacturers are experiencing heightened demand for drones from various countries in the Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

The break-up of the profiles of primary participants in the military drone market is as follows:

By Company Type: Tier 1–35%; Tier 2–45%; and Tier 3–20%

By Designation: C Level Executives–35%; Directors–25%; and Others–40%

By Region: North America–43.9%; Europe–21.3%; Asia Pacific–25.0%; Middle East–9.3%; Latin America–0.3%; and Africa–0.2%

Major players in the military drone market are Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (Israel), General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) (US), and Teledyne FLIR LLC (US). These companies have strong distribution networks in the logistics business across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and other regions in turn driving the demand for last mile deliveries and drone package deliveries.

Research Coverage

This research report categorizes the military drone market on the basis of solution (system, software, and infrastructure), platform (freight drone, passenger drone, and air ambulance drone), application (logistics, and transportation), range (close range (<50 Kilometer), (short range (50-150 kilometers), mid-range (150-650 kilometers), long range (>650 Kilometer)), user (defense and commercial). These segments have been mapped across major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.

The scope of the report covers detailed information regarding the major factors, such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities, influencing the growth of the military drone market. A detailed analysis of the key industry players has been done to provide insights into their business overviews; solutions and services; key strategies; contracts, joint ventures, partnerships & agreements, acquisitions, and new product launches associated with the military drone market. Competitive analysis of upcoming startups in the military drone market ecosystem is covered in this report.

Reasons to Buy this Report

This report is expected to help market leaders/new entrants with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall Military drone market and its segments. This study is also expected to provide region wise information about the end-use industrial sectors, wherein Military drone is used. This report aims at helping the stakeholders understand the competitive landscape of the market, gain insights to improve the position of their businesses, and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. This report is also expected to help them understand the pulse of the market and provide them with information on key drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities influencing the growth of the market.

The report provides insights on the following pointers:

Analysis of the key driver (Fueling Military Advances in Response to Shifting Warfare Dynamics, The Rise of Advanced Avionics Technologies in Military Drones, Increasing government funding on military drones, Growing prominence of intensified military training, Increasing use of UAVs for marine border patrolling, Decreasing price of drone components, Growing focus on advanced C4ISR capabilities), restraint (Limited flight time of military drones due to battery life, Lack of skilled & trained personnel to operate drones, Concern and call to ban fully autonomous drones) opportunities (State policies aimed at boosting domestic manufacturers, Use of UAVs for cargo delivery in military operations, Technological advancements in drone payloads, Full-scale conversion of drones for simulation of war scenario) and challenges (Defining secure Identification for Safety, Issues with hijacking and security of UAVs, Lack of sustainable power sources to improve endurance of drones) there are several factors that could contribute to an increase in the Military Drone market.

Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on military drone offered by the top players in the market.

Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product launches in the military drone market

Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets – the report analyzes the military drone market across varied regions

Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the military drone market

Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of leading players in the military drone market