Military Drone Market
Military Drone Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Type (Fixed-Wing, Rotary-Wing and Hybrid/Transitional), Range (Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS)), MTOW, Speed, Propulsion, Payload, Technology, Application, End User and By Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Military Drone Market is accounted for $14.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $23.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intended for combat and a defense purpose is known as a military drone. Without the need for onboard pilots, these drones carry out a variety of missions, such as airstrikes, target acquisition, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Armed with cutting-edge sensors, communication systems, and occasionally weapons, military drones provide long-range reconnaissance, accurate targeting, and real-time battlefield data. They are extremely useful for jobs like border patrol, search and rescue, and logistics in contemporary warfare due to their versatility.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending reached $2.443 trillion in 2023, representing a 6.8% increase from 2022.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Rising demand for advanced surveillance
Governments and defense agencies are investing heavily in drones equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technologies to enhance their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. These drones provide real-time data, improve situational awareness, and enable more effective decision-making in military operations. The ability to conduct long-endurance missions over vast areas without risking human lives has made drones an indispensable asset for modern military forces, fueling market growth.
Restraint:
High costs and maintenance
Developing, manufacturing, and operating sophisticated drone systems require substantial investments in technology, training, and infrastructure. Additionally, the complex nature of these systems demands regular maintenance and upgrades, further increasing operational costs. For many countries with limited defense budgets, these high costs can be prohibitive, limiting their ability to adopt and deploy advanced military drone technologies. This factor may slow down market expansion, particularly in developing regions.
Opportunity:
Integration of AI and autonomous systems
AI-powered drones can perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk to human operators. Autonomous capabilities enable drones to navigate, identify targets, and make decisions in real-time, improving their effectiveness in various military applications. As AI and autonomous technologies continue to advance, they are expected to drive innovation in drone design and functionality, opening up new market opportunities and applications for military drones.
Threat:
Counter-drone technologies
Drones are becoming more prevalent in military operations, and adversaries are investing in systems designed to detect, track, and neutralize them. These counter-drone technologies include electronic warfare systems, directed energy weapons, and kinetic interceptors. The increasing effectiveness of these countermeasures could potentially limit the operational effectiveness of military drones in certain scenarios. This threat may drive the need for continuous innovation in drone technologies to maintain their strategic advantage, potentially increasing development costs and complexity.
Covid-19 Impact:
The COVID-19 pandemic initially disrupted the military drone market due to supply chain interruptions and reduced defense spending. However, the crisis also highlighted the importance of unmanned systems in maintaining military readiness while minimizing human contact. As a result, many countries accelerated their drone programs, leading to increased demand and investment in autonomous technologies. The pandemic ultimately served as a catalyst for innovation and adoption of military drones.
The fixed wing segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
Over the forecasted timeframe, the fixed wing segment is anticipated to dominate the market share. Fixed-wing drones offer superior endurance, range, and payload capacity compared to other types, making them ideal for long-duration surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Their ability to cover vast areas efficiently and operate at high altitudes makes them crucial for military operations. Additionally, fixed-wing drones are often more cost-effective for large-scale deployments and can be equipped with a wide range of sensors and weapons systems, further enhancing their versatility and appeal to military forces worldwide.
The 25-150 kg segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The 25-150 kg segment is expected to register lucrative growth during the estimation period. This weight class offers an optimal balance between payload capacity, endurance, and operational flexibility, making it highly attractive for various military applications. Drones in this category can carry advanced sensor packages and light armaments while maintaining relatively long flight times. Their size allows for easier deployment and recovery compared to larger systems, yet they offer significantly enhanced capabilities over smaller drones. The growing demand for tactical and medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones is driving rapid innovation and adoption in this segment.
Region with largest share:
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to hold the largest market share. This dominance is attributed to substantial defense budgets, particularly in the United States, which invests heavily in advanced military technologies. The presence of leading drone manufacturers and ongoing military modernization efforts further solidify North America's position. The region's focus on maintaining technological superiority in defense capabilities, coupled with its involvement in global military operations, drives continuous innovation and adoption of military drones across various applications.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecasted timeframe, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. This rapid growth is fueled by increasing defense budgets in countries like China and India, rising geopolitical tensions in the region, and a growing focus on military modernization. The need for enhanced surveillance capabilities along borders and in maritime domains is driving demand for military drones. Additionally, several countries in the region are investing in developing their domestic drone manufacturing capabilities, further accelerating market growth.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Military Drone Market include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Boeing, BAE Systems plc, Elbit Systems Ltd., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Thales Group, Textron Inc., AeroVironment, Inc., Saab AB, Raytheon Company, Leonardo S.p.A., Turkish Aerospace Industries, Insitu Inc., and Shield AI Inc.
Key Developments:
In June 2024, BAE Systems introduced a modified version of its Bofors 40mm gun, named the Tridon Mk2, as a new anti-aircraft system.
In February 2024, Elbit Systems unveiled the new Hermes 650 Spark tactical drone at the Singapore Airshow 2024.
In December 2023, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems was awarded a $389 million contract to deliver MQ-1C-25M Gray Eagle Modernized Extended Range systems to the U.S. Army.
Types Covered:
• Fixed-Wing
• Rotary-Wing
• Hybrid/Transitional
Ranges Covered:
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
• Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS)
• Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS)
MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight) Covered:
• Less than 25 kg
• 25-150 kg
• 150-600 kg
• Above 600 kg
Speeds Covered:
• Subsonic
• Supersonic
Propulsions Covered:
• Battery-Powered
• Solar-Powered
• Fuel-Powered
• Hybrid-Powered
Payload Covered:
• Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
• Electronic Warfare Systems
• Communication Systems
• Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs)
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Sensors
• Other Payload
Technologies Covered:
• Remotely Operated
• Semi-Autonomous
• Autonomous
Applications Covered:
• Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
• Precision Strike
• Electronic Warfare
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Border Patrol and Security
• Search and Rescue
• Counter-Terrorism Operations
• Training and Simulation
• Other Applications
End Users Covered:
• Army
• Navy
• Air Force
• Special Forces
• Other Defense Agencies
Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan
o China
o India
o Australia
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Free Customization Offerings:
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Preface
2.1 Abstract
2.2 Stake Holders
2.3 Research Scope
2.4 Research Methodology
2.4.1 Data Mining
2.4.2 Data Analysis
2.4.3 Data Validation
2.4.4 Research Approach
2.5 Research Sources
2.5.1 Primary Research Sources
2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources
2.5.3 Assumptions
3 Market Trend Analysis
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Drivers
3.3 Restraints
3.4 Opportunities
3.5 Threats
3.6 Technology Analysis
3.7 Application Analysis
3.8 End User Analysis
3.9 Emerging Markets
3.10 Impact of Covid-19
4 Porters Five Force Analysis
4.1 Bargaining power of suppliers
4.2 Bargaining power of buyers
4.3 Threat of substitutes
4.4 Threat of new entrants
4.5 Competitive rivalry
5 Global Military Drone Market, By Type
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Fixed-Wing
5.3 Rotary-Wing
5.4 Hybrid/Transitional
6 Global Military Drone Market, By Range
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
6.3 Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS)
6.4 Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS)
7 Global Military Drone Market, By MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight)
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Less than 25 kg
7.3 25-150 kg
7.4 150-600 kg
7.5 Above 600 kg
8 Global Military Drone Market, By Speed
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Subsonic
8.2.1 100 Km/hr
8.2.2 100-300 Km/hr
8.2.3 300 Km/hr
8.3 Supersonic
9 Global Military Drone Market, By Propulsion
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Battery-Powered
9.3 Solar-Powered
9.4 Fuel-Powered
9.5 Hybrid-Powered
10 Global Military Drone Market, By Payload
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors
10.3 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
10.4 Electronic Warfare Systems
10.5 Communication Systems
10.6 Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs)
10.7 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Sensors
10.8 Other Payload
11 Global Military Drone Market, By Technology
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Remotely Operated
11.3 Semi-Autonomous
11.4 Autonomous
12 Global Military Drone Market, By Application
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
12.3 Precision Strike
12.4 Electronic Warfare
12.5 Logistics and Supply Chain Management
12.6 Border Patrol and Security
12.7 Search and Rescue
12.8 Counter-Terrorism Operations
12.9 Training and Simulation
12.10 Other Applications
13 Global Military Drone Market, By End User
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Army
13.3 Navy
13.4 Air Force
13.5 Special Forces
13.6 Other Defense Agencies
14 Global Military Drone Market, By Geography
14.1 Introduction
14.2 North America
14.2.1 US
14.2.2 Canada
14.2.3 Mexico
14.3 Europe
14.3.1 Germany
14.3.2 UK
14.3.3 Italy
14.3.4 France
14.3.5 Spain
14.3.6 Rest of Europe
14.4 Asia Pacific
14.4.1 Japan
14.4.2 China
14.4.3 India
14.4.4 Australia
14.4.5 New Zealand
14.4.6 South Korea
14.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
14.5 South America
14.5.1 Argentina
14.5.2 Brazil
14.5.3 Chile
14.5.4 Rest of South America
14.6 Middle East & Africa
14.6.1 Saudi Arabia
14.6.2 UAE
14.6.3 Qatar
14.6.4 South Africa
14.6.5 Rest of Middle East & Africa
15 Key Developments
15.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures
15.2 Acquisitions & Mergers
15.3 New Product Launch
15.4 Expansions
15.5 Other Key Strategies
16 Company Profiling
16.1 Lockheed Martin Corporation
16.2 Northrop Grumman Corporation
16.3 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
16.4 Boeing
16.5 BAE Systems plc
16.6 Elbit Systems Ltd.
16.7 Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
16.8 Thales Group
16.9 Textron Inc.
16.10 AeroVironment, Inc.
16.11 Saab AB
16.12 Raytheon Company
16.13 Leonardo S.p.A.
16.14 Turkish Aerospace Industries
16.15 Insitu Inc.
16.16 Shield AI Inc.
List of Tables
1 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Region (2022-2030) ($MN)
2 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Type (2022-2030) ($MN)
3 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Fixed-Wing (2022-2030) ($MN)
4 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Rotary-Wing (2022-2030) ($MN)
5 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Hybrid/Transitional (2022-2030) ($MN)
6 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Range (2022-2030) ($MN)
7 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) (2022-2030) ($MN)
8 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) (2022-2030) ($MN)
9 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) (2022-2030) ($MN)
10 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight) (2022-2030) ($MN)
11 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Less than 25 kg (2022-2030) ($MN)
12 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By 25-150 kg (2022-2030) ($MN)
13 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By 150-600 kg (2022-2030) ($MN)
14 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Above 600 kg (2022-2030) ($MN)
15 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Speed (2022-2030) ($MN)
16 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Subsonic (2022-2030) ($MN)
17 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By 100 Km/hr (2022-2030) ($MN)
18 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By 100-300 Km/hr (2022-2030) ($MN)
19 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By 300 Km/hr (2022-2030) ($MN)
20 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Supersonic (2022-2030) ($MN)
21 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Propulsion (2022-2030) ($MN)
22 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Battery-Powered (2022-2030) ($MN)
23 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Solar-Powered (2022-2030) ($MN)
24 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Fuel-Powered (2022-2030) ($MN)
25 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Hybrid-Powered (2022-2030) ($MN)
26 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Payload (2022-2030) ($MN)
27 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors (2022-2030) ($MN)
28 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) (2022-2030) ($MN)
29 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Electronic Warfare Systems (2022-2030) ($MN)
30 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Communication Systems (2022-2030) ($MN)
31 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs) (2022-2030) ($MN)
32 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Sensors (2022-2030) ($MN)
33 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Other Payload (2022-2030) ($MN)
34 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Technology (2022-2030) ($MN)
35 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Remotely Operated (2022-2030) ($MN)
36 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Semi-Autonomous (2022-2030) ($MN)
37 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Autonomous (2022-2030) ($MN)
38 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Application (2022-2030) ($MN)
39 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) (2022-2030) ($MN)
40 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Precision Strike (2022-2030) ($MN)
41 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Electronic Warfare (2022-2030) ($MN)
42 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Logistics and Supply Chain Management (2022-2030) ($MN)
43 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Border Patrol and Security (2022-2030) ($MN)
44 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Search and Rescue (2022-2030) ($MN)
45 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Counter-Terrorism Operations (2022-2030) ($MN)
46 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Training and Simulation (2022-2030) ($MN)
47 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Other Applications (2022-2030) ($MN)
48 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By End User (2022-2030) ($MN)
49 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Army (2022-2030) ($MN)
50 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Navy (2022-2030) ($MN)
51 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Air Force (2022-2030) ($MN)
52 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Special Forces (2022-2030) ($MN)
53 Global Military Drone Market Outlook, By Other Defense Agencies (2022-2030) ($MN)
Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.
List of Figures
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
We at ‘Stratistics’ opt for an extensive research approach which involves data mining, data validation, and data analysis. The various research sources include in-house repository, secondary research, competitor’s sources, social media research, client internal data, and primary research.
Our team of analysts prefers the most reliable and authenticated data sources in order to perform the comprehensive literature search. With access to most of the authenticated data bases our team highly considers the best mix of information through various sources to obtain extensive and accurate analysis.
Each report takes an average time of a month and a team of 4 industry analysts. The time may vary depending on the scope and data availability of the desired market report. The various parameters used in the market assessment are standardized in order to enhance the data accuracy.
Data Mining
The data is collected from several authenticated, reliable, paid and unpaid sources and is filtered depending on the scope & objective of the research. Our reports repository acts as an added advantage in this procedure. Data gathering from the raw material suppliers, distributors and the manufacturers is performed on a regular basis, this helps in the comprehensive understanding of the products value chain. Apart from the above mentioned sources the data is also collected from the industry consultants to ensure the objective of the study is in the right direction.
Market trends such as technological advancements, regulatory affairs, market dynamics (Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Challenges) are obtained from scientific journals, market related national & international associations and organizations.
Data Analysis
From the data that is collected depending on the scope & objective of the research the data is subjected for the analysis. The critical steps that we follow for the data analysis include:
- Product Lifecycle Analysis
- Competitor analysis
- Risk analysis
- Porters Analysis
- PESTEL Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
The data engineering is performed by the core industry experts considering both the Marketing Mix Modeling and the Demand Forecasting. The marketing mix modeling makes use of multiple-regression techniques to predict the optimal mix of marketing variables. Regression factor is based on a number of variables and how they relate to an outcome such as sales or profits.
Data Validation
The data validation is performed by the exhaustive primary research from the expert interviews. This includes telephonic interviews, focus groups, face to face interviews, and questionnaires to validate our research from all aspects. The industry experts we approach come from the leading firms, involved in the supply chain ranging from the suppliers, distributors to the manufacturers and consumers so as to ensure an unbiased analysis.
We are in touch with more than 15,000 industry experts with the right mix of consultants, CEO's, presidents, vice presidents, managers, experts from both supply side and demand side, executives and so on.
The data validation involves the primary research from the industry experts belonging to:
- Leading Companies
- Suppliers & Distributors
- Manufacturers
- Consumers
- Industry/Strategic Consultants
Apart from the data validation the primary research also helps in performing the fill gap research, i.e. providing solutions for the unmet needs of the research which helps in enhancing the reports quality.
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