Global Autonomous Aircraft Market was valued at US $ 7.20 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US $ 22.71 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 17.8% during the forecast period 2024 – 2032

The next evolutionary step in aircraft design is self-operating aircraft, or autonomous aircraft. Mostly, airplane’s function in automation mode at this point in time. Corporations research and develop self-driven products such as weapons for military and other related uses.

Artificial intelligence, IoT, and reduced incidence of human mistakes in aircraft help achieve more efficient operations and cheaply solve problems associated with market growth. In the last few years, adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) and AI-based systems that offer improved reliability, greater precision, accuracy, speed and provide real time feedback to operators, has increased.

The growth of funding for the production of aircraft of the subsequent generation devoid of human interference is pushing up the market for autonomous planes. Therefore, significant funds expected to be put into the growth and effective application of military as well as commercial fully autonomous aircraft will drive the development of global autonomous aircraft market during the forecast timeframe. This is due to the speedy appearance and proliferating applications of newer technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT, which are fuelling the growth of the market.

Moreover, there are efforts to reduce operational expenses, eliminate human errors, and improve overall system performance through the adoption of AI-driven IoT for autonomous aircraft development on a global scale. Through AI and IoT implementation, operators get real time data, speed, precision, and accuracy, all of which are contributing factors to wider adoption of autonomous aviation. In recent years, the growth rates in e-commerce and the internationalization of business have greatly expanded this pressure on the need for cargo transportation.

The Autonomous Aircraft Trend Analysis

Growing on IoT and AI in Autonomous Aircraft adaption.

Many firms are adopting emerging technologies such as AI and IoT to enhance their planes. For instance, some companies including Airbus SAS, Boeing, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, among others use smart AI driven solutions for airplane designing based on different kinds of sensor data and modern real time systems.

One of these organisations in this initiative was Aurora Flight Sciences which is a Boeing company that performed the first electric fully autonomous passenger aircraft tests. The company will look into the idea of flying taxies within several years when using artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT)-based systems.

Similarly, the concept of more electrical aircraft becomes an important basis for future aircraft’s building. Additionally, US utilizes the UAVs in their defense system as they conduct surveillance as well as pinning out enemies` positions. These are unmanned and use AI for making these choices in the coordination of command functions on a battle field. These technological factors will drive market expansion.

Segmentation Analysis of the Autonomous Aircraft Market

By Aircraft Type Analysis

Rotary wing autonomous aircraft have been characterized as possessing the ability to dominate the market.

The aircraft market segments include a category for fixed wings and another for rotary wings, respectively. Leading in this market is the rotary-wing segment. # It has a vertical takeoff and landing feature that makes it suitable for use in densely populated cities where there is less space. This growth is driven by the increase in rotary-wing usage for both combat as well as surveillance support.

The fixed-wing aircraft would have the highest growth during that period envisaged. Some of the reasons for expansion are increased operation efficiency, increased payload versatility, and improved aerodynamics. Its dual sensor configuration makes it useful for search and rescue as well as life-critical military operations. The same goes for the fixed-wing version with high payload range capabilities as well.

By Component Analysis

This flight management computer segment retains a huge market percentage due to its wide utility for the unmanned crafts.

The markets comprise of flight management computers, radars & transponders, propulsion systems, actuation systems and air data inertial reference units, among others. It is expected that the fastest CAGR during the period of forecast will be witnessed in the flight management computers segment. This is due to the increasing application of flight management computers in order to ensure optimal operation and real time data. Every function of an unmanned vehicle is controlled by the flight management software. Its independent functioning in terms of gathering information and processing it has made people ask for more from the software.

These advancements also include more complex designs such as the rest hardware segment which is characterized by increased sophistications in motors’ stators, windings, advanced cooling apparatuses, and speed controllers, among other parts.

By Technology Analysis

As demand for semi-autonomous UAVs grows, the segment that is gaining autonomy will be on top.

Marketers have segmented the industry in two, such as fully autonomous and increasingly autonomous based on the technologies used. The self-contained segment is expected to post highest CAGR during the forecast period. Aircraft technology is another key element that contributes to increasing use of entirely autonomous aircraft on both military and civilian fronts. Its capabilities advance military operation while reducing need for human interventions; thus, driving sectoral expansion.

Secondly, it includes a growth associated with introducing of a passenger drone and a delivery drones segment. Autonomous Aircraft are ruling the market nowadays and although they are growing slowly, this will change with time as autonomous units are now integrated in various unmanned vehicles.

By End User Analysis

Due to its growing use in surveillance and warfare applications, the defensive segment should retain dominance in this direction.

The market is divided by final user into numerous sectors like defense, cargo & delivery plane, aviation medical services, and common airplane. Among all the above-mentioned sectors, Cargo & Delivery is expected to grow the fastest as they deliver food and other cargo from big companies like Walmart and McDonald’s. However, the greatest fraction of market share pertains to the defense industry, which applies advanced aerial assets for reconnaissance, warfare, as well as other tactical tasks.

For instance, there was a collaboration between US Air force and autopilot machine Xwing in May 2023 that attempted to include self-piloted planes on its defense fleet. The company Xwing, which is based in California, has received a phase II small business innovation research contract awarded by the Air Force.

Regional Analysis of the Autonomous Aircraft Market

North America will continue dominating the market all through the forecast period. The enlargement of the business sector, as well as more money spent on research and development (R&D) in North America, will drive the growth of the North American market. In addition, the growth of market is influenced by major market leaders such as Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation among others.

Increased requirement for combat operations as well as surveillance purposes in the military will significantly boost Europe’s share of the autonomous aircraft market within the next few years. Additionally, the growth of the local market is driven by presence of large organizations such as BAE systems, SAAB AB etc. Most of the European nations are equipped with better and modern air transport technologies compared to other nations.

The most growth would occur as a result of increasing investment in developing next generation products in emerging countries like China, India, etc. The use of these technologies in military activities such as ISR, Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, and battles is referred to as the Asia-Pacific market.

The Middle East and Africa and Latin America see moderate growth as the infrastructure for autonomous aircraft develops. For example, Embraer, a company based in Sao José dos Campos, Brazil, signed an agreement with the Brazilian government in May 2023 to create venues where modern autonomous aviation technologies will be presented.

Top Key Players Covered Autonomous Aircraft Market

• Airbus S.A.S. (Netherlands)
• BAE Systems (U.K.)
• Boeing (U.S.)
• Elbit Systems (Israel)
• AeroVironment, Inc. (U.S.)
• Embraer (Brazil)
• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)
• Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)
• Raytheon Technologies (U.S.)
• Saab AB (Sweden)

Key Industry Developments in the Autonomous Aircraft Market

• Natilus, Inc., the first United States company specializing in the production of the autonomous aircraft intended for cargo transportation on ecological basis, reached another milestone in December 2022 when it signed the agreement with one of the oldest USA based regional operators – Ameriflight – It is clear that Ameriflight enjoys a number of advantages in the cargo operations sector. Delivery commitments on the initial order of 460 aircraft stands at US$ 6,800 million, which encompasses a US$134 million contract given to Ameriflight for 20 Natilus Konas feeders.
• October 2022: To this effect, the air force research laboratory (AFRL) has awarded Reliable Robotics a phase III small business innovation research SBIR contract to further verify the safety and operations in more environmentally-oriented settings of remotedly piloted aircraft systems. To increase the autonomy potential of on-going aircraft projects, the government has issued Reliable SBIR contracts in phases I,I11, and III respectively.
• As part of a multimillion-dollar deal starting June 2022, Guardian Agriculture has entered into an agreement with another agricultural product and chemical distributor Wilbur Ellis. Through this partnership, customers of Wilbur-Ellis enjoy exclusive access to this leading-edge technology.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction Of Global Autonomous Aircraft Market 
   1. Overview of the Market
   2. Scope of Report
   3. Assumptions
2. Executive Summary
3. Research Methodology
   1. Data Mining
   2. Validation
   3. Primary Interviews
   4. List of Data Sources
4. Global Autonomous Aircraft Market Outlook
   1. Overview
   2. Market Dynamics
      1. Drivers
      2. Restraints
      3. Opportunities
   3. Porters Five Force Model
      1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
      2. Threat of New Entrants
      3. Threat of Substitutes
      4. Competitive Rivalry
      5. Bargaining Power among Buyers
   4. Value Chain Analysis
5. Global Autonomous Aircraft Market ,By Aircraft Type
   1. Overview
   2. Fixed-Wing
   3. Rotary-Wing
6. Global Autonomous Aircraft Market , By Technology
   1. Overview
   2. Increasingly Autonomous (IA)
   3. Fully Autonomous
7. Global Autonomous Aircraft Market , By Component
   1. Radars & Transponders
   2. Propulsion Systems
   3. Actuation System
   4. Air Data Inertial Reference Units
   5. Flight Management Computers
   6. Others
8. Global Autonomous Aircraft Market By End User
   1. Overview
   2. Air Medical Service
   3. Commercial Aircraft
   4. Defense
   5. Cargo & Delivery Aircraft
   6. Others
9. Global Autonomous Aircraft Market By Region
   1. North America
      1. U.S.
      2. Canada
   2. Europe
      1. Germany
      2. U.K.
      3. France
      4. Rest of Europe
   3. Asia Pacific
      1. China
      2. Japan
      3. India
      4. South Korea
      5. Singapore
      6. Malaysia
      7. Australia
      8. Thailand
      9. Indonesia
      10. Philippines
      11. Rest of Asia Pacific
   4. Others
      1. Saudi Arabia
      2. U.A.E.
      3. South Africa
      4. Egypt
      5. Israel
      6. Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA)
      7. Brazil
      8. Argentina
      9. Mexico
      10. Rest of South America
10. Company Profiles
    1. Airbus S.A.S. (Netherlands)
       1. Company Overview
       2. Key Executives
       3. Operating Business Segments
       4. Product Portfolio
       5. Financial Performance (As per availability)
       6. Key News
    2. BAE Systems (U.K.)
       1. Company Overview
       2. Key Executives
       3. Operating Business Segments
       4. Product Portfolio
       5. Financial Performance (As per availability)
       6. Key News
    3. Boeing (U.S.)
       1. Company Overview
       2. Key Executives
       3. Operating Business Segments
       4. Product Portfolio
       5. Financial Performance (As per availability)
       6. Key News
    4. Elbit Systems (Israel)
       1. Company Overview
       2. Key Executives
       3. Operating Business Segments
       4. Product Portfolio
       5. Financial Performance (As per availability)
       6. Key News
    5. AeroVironment, Inc. (U.S.)
       1. Company Overview
       2. Key Executives
       3. Operating Business Segments
       4. Product Portfolio
       5. Financial Performance (As per availability)
       6. Key News
    6. Embraer (Brazil)
       1. Company Overview
       2. Key Executives
       3. Operating Business Segments
       4. Product Portfolio
       5. Financial Performance (As per availability)
       6. Key News
    7. Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)
       1. Company Overview
       2. Key Executives
       3. Operating Business Segments
       4. Product Portfolio
       5. Financial Performance (As per availability)
       6. Key News
    8. Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)
       1. Company Overview
       2. Key Executives
       3. Operating Business Segments
       4. Product Portfolio
       5. Financial Performance (As per availability)
       6. Key News
    9. Raytheon Technologies (U.S.)
       1. Company Overview
       2. Key Executives
       3. Operating Business Segments
       4. Product Portfolio
       5. Financial Performance (As per availability)
       6. Key News
    10. Saab AB (Sweden)
        1. Company Overview
        2. Key Executives
        3. Operating Business Segments
        4. Product Portfolio
        5. Financial Performance (As per availability)
        6. Key News

Global Autonomous Aircraft Market Segmentation

Autonomous Aircraft by Aircraft Type: Market Size & Forecast 2024-2032

• Fixed-Wing
• Rotary-Wing

Autonomous Aircraft by Technology: Market Size & Forecast 2024-2032

• Increasingly Autonomous (IA)
• Fully Autonomous

Autonomous Aircraft by Component: Market Size & Forecast 2024-2032

• Radars & Transponders
• Propulsion Systems
• Actuation System
• Air Data Inertial Reference Units
• Flight Management Computers
• Others

Autonomous Aircraft by End-User: Market Size & Forecast 2024-2032

• Air Medical Service
• Commercial Aircraft
• Defense
• Cargo & Delivery Aircraft
• Others

Autonomous Aircraft by Geography: Market Size & Forecast 2024-2032

• North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Rest of South America)
• Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Major Players:

• Airbus S.A.S. (Netherlands)
• BAE Systems (U.K.)
• Boeing (U.S.)
• Elbit Systems (Israel)
• AeroVironment, Inc. (U.S.)
• Embraer (Brazil)
• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)
• Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)
• Raytheon Technologies (U.S.)
• Saab AB (Sweden)