The global military drones market size was exhibited at USD 13.45 billion in 2022 and is projected to hit around USD 28.93 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.96% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.
Key Pointers:
Military Drones Market Report Scope
Report Coverage |
Details |
Market Size in 2023 |
USD 14.52 Billion |
Market Size by 2032 |
USD 28.93 Billion |
Growth Rate From 2023 to 2032 |
CAGR of 7.96% |
Base Year |
2022 |
Forecast Period |
2023 to 2032 |
Segments Covered |
By Type, By Range, By Technology, and By Application |
Market Analysis (Terms Used) |
Value (US$ Million/Billion) or (Volume/Units) |
Regional Scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Central and South America; the Middle East and Africa |
Key Companies Profiled |
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Anduril Industries, Inc., Shield AI Inc., Animal Dynamics Ltd, Elbit Systems Ltd., Asteria Aerospace Limited, Teal Drones, Inc., Aeronautics Group, Aeryon Labs Inc, Israel Aerospace Industries, Thales Group, The Boeing Company, Saab AB, AeroVironment, Inc., and Others. |
Military drones equipped with sensors, transmitters, and weapons can be guided autonomously, by remote control, or both. They are used for strategic and combat zone reconnaissance, and can also designate targets for precision-guided munitions or directly deploy them. This report offers insights into market trends, drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the military drone industry.
The earliest UAVs were known as remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) or drones. They were small radio-controlled aircraft first used during World War II for target training for fighters and antiaircraft guns. Today, all major military powers and even some militia groups employ battlefield surveillance UAVs to extend the view of the ground and naval forces and to enhance the reach and accuracy of their supporting fire.
Military drone market Dynamics:
Driver: Increasing government funding for military drones
The government funding for military drones is increasing to enhance the efficiency of military operations. This will boost demand and increase the production of military drones. According to a report published by the Bard College Center for the Study of the Drone, in 2019, the US Navy’s funding for unmanned systems increased by USD 1 billion (38%) and the US Army’s funding increased by USD 719 million (73%) when compared to 2018. The US Department of Defense (DOD) also requested approximately USD 9.39 billion for drones and associated technologies in the fiscal year 2019, representing a significant expansion of 26% in drone spending over the 2018 budget, which was USD 7.5 billion. The DOD has been allocated about USD 7.5 billion in the fiscal year 2021 for a variety of robotic platforms and related technologies, according to a recent study by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. Most of the global defense spending is attributed to the development and procurement of drones.
Restraint: Lack of trained personnel top operate drone
Unlike conventional aircraft, military drones need to ensure the reliability of the entire unmanned aerial system, which includes UAVs, ground control stations, and communication equipment. Drones can fly at different altitudes and require skilled pilots to control and operate them. The number of pilots available for high precision operations is comparatively low. An increase in drone adoption in the military drone verticals adds to the growing need for skilled drone pilots. Presently, to reduce the number of accidents caused due to the poor control skills of drone operators, efforts are underway to improve the autonomy of these systems.
Opportunity: Use of UAVs for cargo delivery in military operation
Various new military applications are being uncovered wherein UAVs can be used. One of these applications involves the use of UAVs for the delivery of military cargo. Drones can be used to resupply soldiers on the battlefield. The idea of using UAVs for cargo delivery in the military sector came from the commercial sector, where drones are being used to deliver products to customers by companies such as Amazon. Currently, a major portion of military supplies is transported through road convoys, making the convoys vulnerable to enemy attacks. UAVs, on the other hand, take aerial routes, which can be changed so that the risks of enemy attacks on convoys can be reduced. The use of UAVs for military cargo delivery also eliminates high-risk situations for soldiers in convoys. Deliveries using UAVs will be faster and safer as compared to traditional road convoys.
The first military cargo delivery using drones was carried out by the US Marine Corps in 2012: it successfully used an unmanned K-MAX helicopter to deliver a cumulative of 2 million kilograms (4.4 million lbs.) of supplies to soldiers in Afghanistan. Though the delivery was successful, the use of UAVs for cargo delivery in the defense sector is not widespread. Researchers are trying to develop drones that can deliver supplies to soldiers in any location. For instance, the US military is developing a drone—the Joint Tactical Aerial Resupply Vehicle (JTARV)—capable of resupplying soldiers on the battlefield. The DeltaQuad Pro by Vertical Technologies—designed to carry industrial cargo over a 150 km range—is a military drone featuring a payload drop mechanism and advanced long-range communication systems.
Challenge: Issue with safety and security of UAVs
The security of UAVs during military operations is a major concern for militaries. UAVs operate remotely or autonomously. In both cases, there is a possibility of hacking flight control systems of UAVs and taking control of their operations. For instance, in July 2012, a team from Texas University was able to take control of a UAV using GPS spoofing devices that cost only USD 1,000, thereby disrupting operations of the UAV, and sending it off course. The US also wants to avoid incidents like the 2011 Iranian capture and eventual reverse engineering of the classified Lockheed Martin RQ-170. Manufacturers of military UAVs have to ensure that the control systems of UAVs cannot be hacked easily to make them more secure to use.
Some of the prominent players in the Military Drones Market include:
Segments Covered in the Report
This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2032. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the global Military Drones market.
By Type
By Range
By Technology
By Application
By Region
Chapter 1. Introduction
1.1. Research Objective
1.2. Scope of the Study
1.3. Definition
Chapter 2. Research Methodology (Premium Insights)
2.1. Research Approach
2.2. Data Sources
2.3. Assumptions & Limitations
Chapter 3. Executive Summary
3.1. Market Snapshot
Chapter 4. Market Variables and Scope
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Market Classification and Scope
4.3. Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.3.1. Raw Material Procurement Analysis
4.3.2. Sales and Distribution Channel Analysis
4.3.3. Downstream Buyer Analysis
Chapter 5. COVID 19 Impact on Military Drones Market
5.1. COVID-19 Landscape: Military Drones Industry Impact
5.2. COVID 19 - Impact Assessment for the Industry
5.3. COVID 19 Impact: Global Major Government Policy
5.4. Market Trends and Opportunities in the COVID-19 Landscape
Chapter 6. Market Dynamics Analysis and Trends
6.1. Market Dynamics
6.1.1. Market Drivers
6.1.2. Market Restraints
6.1.3. Market Opportunities
6.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
6.2.1. Bargaining power of suppliers
6.2.2. Bargaining power of buyers
6.2.3. Threat of substitute
6.2.4. Threat of new entrants
6.2.5. Degree of competition
Chapter 7. Competitive Landscape
7.1.1. Company Market Share/Positioning Analysis
7.1.2. Key Strategies Adopted by Players
7.1.3. Vendor Landscape
7.1.3.1. List of Suppliers
7.1.3.2. List of Buyers
Chapter 8. Global Military Drones Market, By Type
8.1. Military Drones Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type, 2023-2032
8.1.1. Fixed Wing
8.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
8.1.2. Rotary Wing
8.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
8.1.3. Hybrid
8.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
Chapter 9. Global Military Drones Market, By Range
9.1. Military Drones Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range, 2023-2032
9.1.1. Visual Line of Sight
9.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
9.1.2. Extended Visual Line of Sight
9.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
9.1.3. Beyond Line of Sight
9.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
Chapter 10. Global Military Drones Market, By Technology
10.1. Military Drones Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology, 2023-2032
10.1.1. Remotely operated
10.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
10.1.2. Semi-autonomous
10.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
10.1.3. Autonomous
10.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
Chapter 11. Global Military Drones Market, By Application
11.1. Military Drones Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application, 2023-2032
11.1.1. Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Target Acquisition
11.1.1.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
11.1.2. Combat Operations
11.1.2.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
11.1.3. Delivery and Transportation
11.1.3.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
11.1.4. Others
11.1.4.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast (2020-2032)
Chapter 12. Global Military Drones Market, Regional Estimates and Trend Forecast
12.1. North America
12.1.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.1.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.1.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.1.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.1.5. U.S.
12.1.5.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.1.5.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.1.5.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.1.5.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.1.6. Rest of North America
12.1.6.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.1.6.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.1.6.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.1.6.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.2. Europe
12.2.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.2.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.2.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.2.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.2.5. UK
12.2.5.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.2.5.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.2.5.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.2.5.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.2.6. Germany
12.2.6.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.2.6.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.2.6.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.2.6.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.2.7. France
12.2.7.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.2.7.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.2.7.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.2.7.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.2.8. Rest of Europe
12.2.8.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.2.8.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.2.8.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.2.8.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.3. APAC
12.3.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.3.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.3.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.3.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.3.5. India
12.3.5.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.3.5.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.3.5.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.3.5.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.3.6. China
12.3.6.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.3.6.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.3.6.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.3.6.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.3.7. Japan
12.3.7.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.3.7.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.3.7.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.3.7.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.3.8. Rest of APAC
12.3.8.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.3.8.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.3.8.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.3.8.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.4. MEA
12.4.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.4.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.4.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.4.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.4.5. GCC
12.4.5.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.4.5.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.4.5.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.4.5.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.4.6. North Africa
12.4.6.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.4.6.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.4.6.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.4.6.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.4.7. South Africa
12.4.7.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.4.7.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.4.7.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.4.7.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.4.8. Rest of MEA
12.4.8.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.4.8.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.4.8.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.4.8.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.5. Latin America
12.5.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.5.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.5.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.5.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.5.5. Brazil
12.5.5.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.5.5.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.5.5.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.5.5.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
12.5.6. Rest of LATAM
12.5.6.1. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Type (2020-2032)
12.5.6.2. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Range (2020-2032)
12.5.6.3. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Technology (2020-2032)
12.5.6.4. Market Revenue and Volume Forecast, by Application (2020-2032)
Chapter 13. Company Profiles
13.1. Northrop Grumman Corporation
13.1.1. Company Overview
13.1.2. Product Offerings
13.1.3. Financial Performance
13.1.4. Recent Initiatives
13.2. Anduril Industries, Inc.
13.2.1. Company Overview
13.2.2. Product Offerings
13.2.3. Financial Performance
13.2.4. Recent Initiatives
13.3. Shield AI Inc.
13.3.1. Company Overview
13.3.2. Product Offerings
13.3.3. Financial Performance
13.3.4. Recent Initiatives
13.4. Animal Dynamics Ltd
13.4.1. Company Overview
13.4.2. Product Offerings
13.4.3. Financial Performance
13.4.4. Recent Initiatives
13.5. Elbit Systems Ltd.
13.5.1. Company Overview
13.5.2. Product Offerings
13.5.3. Financial Performance
13.5.4. Recent Initiatives
13.6. Asteria Aerospace Limited
13.6.1. Company Overview
13.6.2. Product Offerings
13.6.3. Financial Performance
13.6.4. Recent Initiatives
13.7. Teal Drones, Inc.
13.7.1. Company Overview
13.7.2. Product Offerings
13.7.3. Financial Performance
13.7.4. Recent Initiatives
13.8. Aeronautics Group
13.8.1. Company Overview
13.8.2. Product Offerings
13.8.3. Financial Performance
13.8.4. Recent Initiatives
13.9. Aeryon Labs Inc
13.9.1. Company Overview
13.9.2. Product Offerings
13.9.3. Financial Performance
13.9.4. Recent Initiatives
13.10. Israel Aerospace Industries
13.10.1. Company Overview
13.10.2. Product Offerings
13.10.3. Financial Performance
13.10.4. Recent Initiatives
Chapter 14. Research Methodology
14.1. Primary Research
14.2. Secondary Research
14.3. Assumptions
Chapter 15. Appendix
15.1. About Us
15.2. Glossary of Terms