Global Military Drone Market was valued at US $ 14.14 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US $ 35.60 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 14.10% during the forecast period 2024 – 2032.
The ‘military drone market’ refers to the global demand for UAVs utilized in military activities. Some of the uses include anti-combat operations, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and intelligence collection. This market includes the production, sale and provision of related services like drone operation, support as well as maintenance. Technological advancement, invention of new drones with high-end capabilities, and the growth in the demand for drones in military operations create a market expansion.
Some of the factors driving the market include the fact that these military drones provide the military commanders with real-time situation awareness that is useful in making informed and timely decision-making. Drones equipped with sensors, camera as well as advanced modern technologies give an overall picture of the battlefield. Military drones can help cut down risks to military personnel since some of the military activities take place in distant or dangerous locations that are not conducive for armed forces presence. This is most important in hostile environments with high level of adverse activity or chemical biological pollution risk.
The growth of geopolitical troubles across many parts of the world has led to an increase in demand for unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions. Military drones could potentially prove more economical by consuming lesser amounts of fuel, maintenance and support infrastructure when compared to traditional manned aircraft. Subsequently, armies would have extra resources that could be channelled to other issues in their operations thus saving money. More sophisticated drones whose production was made possible by high technology innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced sensors continue to drive the military drone segment further. These are designed with enhanced power that can last for hours, cover long ranges, and carry more cargo.
However, the markets are forecasted to face challenges such as technological barriers, regulation issues, security vulnerabilities, and public opinions. Some legal problems involving use of military drones include restrictions on airspace usage, privacy issues, and moral problems concerning autonomy. The above-mentioned obstacle may not allow using military drones for some particular missions or areas. Furthermore, any incidents involving civil deaths would generate even further controversy with regard to drone usage and an overall bad image for the operation. Some of such regulations could limit the usage of drones in the army by making them usable only in a few locales for particular tasks.
Security mechanisms that countries like China adopted months before the COVID outbreak caused supply chain disruptions as well as manufacturing process delays. Consequently, there has been a significant delay in manufacturing and delivery of military drones. This could have affected how military operations worked, thus relying on outdated or inefficient drone systems is possible. The pandemic has also boosted demand for delivery and surveillance drones in areas that require minimal contact with humans. In fact, this has piqued interest for use of military drones specializing in these purposes.
The Military Drone Trend Analysis
Artificial Intelligence in Autonomous Flight Systems will fuel market expansion.
The drone technology has undergone tremendous growth over the years due to continuous research and advancement. Innovations such as those that make UAV’s adoptions technologically advanced can present opportunities for new ways UAV’s use and development. In most advanced drones, there are multi-sensor system like air-to-air missiles, communication intelligence sensors, GSM etc. Today, some of the most advanced drones can carry limited quantity of equipment via big sensors and inner armoury cabinets.
Military high-altitude drones, and with them, commercial autonomous flight systems based on AI. This is because the adoption of autonomy and artificial intelligence may trigger market growth. The upcoming development is expected to foster tremendous growth in the global market for military UAVs. It comprises of guided explosive and missile units.
Segmentation Analysis of the Military Drone Market
By Product Type Analysis
The fixed wing segment will get a major market share as it expands its operations for the long distances.
The market is divided on the basis of product type as, being, fixed wing, hybrid wing, and rotary wing aircraft. During the Forecast Period, it is expected that Fixed Wing will retain its position as the most widely used type in the market for military drones by 2022. To put it differently, fixed wing aircraft are capable of carrying high powered, heavier payloads for longer periods of time on lower power as well as vertical take off, VTOL, and land (UAV). This shows that they are best suited for long distance expedition that requires unparalleled strength such as strategic defence, cartography, surveillance and protection. It has been effectively used by many military leaders around the world for purposes of defence sector. These factors are, therefore, anticipated to propel the market’s growth over the forecast period in this segment.
The future is set to see a huge growth in rotary wing market which follows the advancement in rotary wing technology. Rotor wings carry heavy loads and their market shares include roadways and logistics sectors around the world. These helicopter UAVs are used in tactical missions, such as reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence tasks because they can operate vertically.
By Range Analysis
Electronic warfare and battle management are on the rise; therefore, the Extended Visual Line of Sight segment will exhibit the fastest CAGR.
The markets are categorized in terms of range as VLOS/EVLOS, BLOS.
The EVLOS segment will witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period attributed to the significant adoption of EVLOS UAVs for long distance missions in collecting crucial data, battle management, and electronic war. For instance, General Atomics tested the Advanced Datalink and Avionics Enhancements in the MQ-1C GE- ER Drone from February 2022.
Examples of how drones are applied in VLOS category are aid and disaster management, border security, and fire emergencies. Technology is commercializing so as to become marketable hence, the BLOS segment is expected to grow considerably during the forecast period because of the high recognition as regards technology advancing toward commercialism. These UAVs can transport weapons, cargo, and ammunition to the prescribed destinations.
By Technology Analysis
Remote-controlled UAVs for military purposes will fuel growth in this market.
Based on technology, the market is divided into three categories: semi-autonomous drones, telerobots or remotely operated drones, and autonomous drones.
The remotely operated segment is projected to maintain a notable market share throughout the forecast period. Many contracted Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAV) operate remotely throughout the world because of tough requirements for long range autonomous flight as issued by the government. This technology has been used by UAV in providing radio communications, telemetry systems and C&C.
The autonomous segment is expected to have the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period. To develop economies, it remains imperative to design and manufacture autonomous UAVs offering tactical and strategic support. There will be significant expansion of the semi-autonomous sector by the year 2030 due to increasing requirements for fixed range flight for collection of key data.
By System Analysis
With increasing military UAV adoption, airframes will rule the market.
This market is partitioned based on system component types such as avionics, airframes, load, traction, and software.
The airframe segment held the largest market share in the base year.8 The top in a forecast period will always belong to this segment. This has grown as a result of increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in various military operations such as intelligence gathering, surveillance, watching and fighting.
This aspect is expected to witness a greater CAGR compared to other segments since market demand for long lasting turboprop engines suitable for use in uninhabited combat aerial vehicles is on the rise.
It is expected that the introduction of modern electronics, automated flight management and flight path control will considerably broaden the avionics market. It is projected that in coming years, the payload segment will grow up. More payloads are being integrated into modern UAVs in the form of video cameras, radars, sensors etc.
By Application Analysis
As the consciousness about the importance of strengthening of the defence system is increasing, the ISRT segment will take the lead.
The market is segmented according to application into the following areas: Logistics, transportation, Combat, BDM, ISRT, and others.
The forecast period is expected to see ISRT remain top of their game. UAVs use in the military is non-combatant, therefore it creates segmental expansion compared with combat missions. The military develops aerial devices that collect intelligence about the terrorists base or region of interest,
Regional Analysis of the Military Drone Market
Subsequent regions comprise the market: Asian Pacific, North America, Europe and rest of the world.
As at 2022, North America is the leading region in the military drone market globally with a larger share of the market. The substantial chunk of this number can be attributed to several U.S.-based OEMs such as Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. The development of drones technologies has had significant implications within the US military as well as expanded market due to investments from influential stakeholders in the region. Unmanned aerial vehicles are considered among the products with a high potential for export, and it is expected that the United States’ positioning as one of the largest exporters will promote further development in the region. These companies got contracts throughout history with major defense providers like India, NATO and General Atomics – Lockheed Martin Corporation for MALE and HALE military system. The other corporations should expect to be given some contracts especially for the war unmanned vehicles with a special operation including ISR, ATS and MUM-T platforms.
The expanding European market recognizes the urgent need of enhancing the military, naval, and air force capacities hence necessitates a significant growth in this sector. In the near future, Europe’s smaller states, such as France, Germany, and the UK, will compete on securing small and tactical UAVs for improving their ISR.
RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR IMPACT
Increased military drone adoption in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war will boost market expansion.
The two countries have been fighting since February 2022 when hostilities broke out in Ukraine. Used UAVs on operational missions such as ISR, target acquisition support and more.
In recent times, Russian ground forces have obtained Iranian loitering munitions Shahed-136 that came to be known as Geranium-2. In September 2022, its first use in military operations in the Kharkiv region, eastern Ukraine, was documented. Point Additionally, it was used to erode defense against Mykolaiv, Odessa, and Kiev.
Over 700 Switchblade kamikaze drones have already been delivered to Ukraine which will be used to attack the Sevastyavolok airbase and a ship berth at Krym in the Western Crimea, and airbases at Ryazan and Saratov
Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Russia also signed a USD 12 million contract with China to deliver military unmanned aerial vehicles for the Russian Federation army. These factors are expected to drive the market growth of military drones during this period.
Top Key Players Covered
Key Industry Developments in the Military Drone Market
| Report Components | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Quantitative Units | Revenue in US $ |
| Drivers | Defense Force Procurement of Military Drones Will Expand in Response to Rising Military Expenditures and Demand |
| Segments Covered | By Product Type: Fixed Wing, Hybrid, Rotary Wing By Technology, Remotely Operated Drones, Semi-Autonomous Drones, Autonomous Drones By Range, Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS), Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) By System: Airframe Avionics Propulsion, Electric Propulsion Engine, Turboprop Engine, Turboshaft Engine Payload, Cameras, CBRN Sensors, EOIR Payload, Radar, LiDAR, Others Software Others, By Application: Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISRT), Combat Operations, Battle Damage Management, Logistics & Transportation, Others |
| Countries Covered | U.S. and Canada in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the APAC, Others include Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of South America as part of South America |
| Market Players Covered | General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.), Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel), Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (Israel), AeroVironment, Inc. (U.S.), Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.), Thales Group (France), Boeing (U.S.), BAE Systems (U.K.), SAAB Group (Sweden), Textron Systems (U.S.) |
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