Military Robots Market - Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

Military Robots Market - Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

The military robots market is projected to witness a CAGR of over 7% during the forecast period (2022 - 2031).

Since the demand for military robots is a direct proponent of the ongoing procurement and upgrade of the fielded armada of aerial, terrestrial, and naval platforms, it is significantly affected by the sanctioned annual defense budget of the nations. The COVID-19 pandemic had a moderate impact on the market in focus due to disruption in the defense supply chains and production outputs in 2020. However, the market has improved since then due to the streamlining of the supply chain activities, helping the growth of the military robots market.

The changing texture of warfare and the price placed on war casualties have favored robot deployments in modern wars. Casualties in the past wars have raised concern and resulted in most governments investing in new unmanned systems to maintain a fleet of UAVs, UUVs, and UGVs for critical missions.

Countries are collaborating on advanced technologies in robotics to develop new vehicles that can overcome the challenges and support the ground troops for future warfare. Additionally, the major players in the industry are supported by government bodies that make substantial investments, which enables them to spend more on R&D, allowing the companies to innovate continuously and introduce more efficient and advanced technologies.

The land segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The land forces are deploying sophisticated military robots in situations and areas deemed too dangerous and can easily result in the death or capability restriction of the deployed troops. Several countries are either testing the current feasibility of robotics in their land-based armed forces or envisioning to deploy them on a large scale in the future. Under the Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II), the US Army is acquiring unmanned ground vehicles to support engineers, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) soldiers, and special operations forces. The new UGVs are replacing the aging non-standard fleet of robots for locating, identifying, and clearing landmines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices, which may enhance the maneuverability and survivability of the military personnel.

Similarly, Russia created its first unit of strike robots, and it has plans to integrate a variety of robots and exoskeletons. In April 2021, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the creation of a separate unit of military robots comprising five Uran-9 robotic systems. Manufactured by Kalashnikov Concern, the Uran-9 is a tracked unmanned combat ground vehicle designed to assist combat, reconnaissance, counter-terrorism units, and fire support. The 12-ton robot is integrated with Ataka guided weapons, anti-tank missiles, Shmel-M rocket launchers, 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon, and a 7.62mm machine gun. Such countries' plans to adopt robots are expected to drive the growth prospects of the land segment of the market studied.

The major countries in the region like China, India, and Japan, among others, have been rapidly increasing their defense spending in the past few years. Out of the total defense spending, the countries have significantly invested in developing and deploying unmanned systems into the armed forces that can enhance their combat and surveillance capabilities. For instance, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced the successful completion of the exploratory development phase for the 6×6 Unmanned Surveillance Vehicle in April 2021. After completing the exploratory development phase, the agency is expected to begin the full-scale development of the strike-capable platform in the coming years. On the other hand, in 2021, the Indian Army carried out a drone swarm technology demonstration with 75 locally designed and developed drones buzzing in the skies and simulating a raft of missions, including offensive operations. A similar trend of local manufacturing is observed in other countries of the Asia-Pacific region. In January 2022, China introduced a quadruped robot to assist the military in logistics and reconnaissance missions. The country claims that it is the world’s largest electrically-powered robot. The four-legged robot can reportedly carry up to 352 pounds (160 kilograms) of payload and run at six miles (10 kilometers) per hour. The escalating border tensions between various neighboring countries of the Asia-Pacific region are anticipated to accelerate the growth of the military robotics market during the forecast period.

The market for military robots is fragmented due to the presence of multiple established military OEMs and technology firms. Some prominent players in the military robots market include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales Group, Elbit Systems Ltd, and BAE Systems PLC. There are many local players in the market, such as Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Baykar, and Milrem AS, among others. The small players funded by the government are expected to play a key role in developing and maturing the robotics technology over the next decade, while the military forces test and experience the technology’s challenges, risks, and benefits and settle on key expectations and technological necessities for their equipment. Next-generation military equipment and platforms being developed by players are being observed keenly on their progress and technology development. They are expected to gain popularity and customer interest in the years to come.

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