Military Drones Market Size & Forecast

The Military Drones Market is expected to reach $34.4 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 11.4% from 2024 to 2031. The growth of the military drones market is driven by the growing use of UAVs for cargo delivery in military operations and the rising adoption of military drones for surveillance & reconnaissance. Furthermore, the rise of advanced avionics technologies is expected to generate growth opportunities for the players operating in this market.

Military Drones Market Growth Drivers

Growing Use of UAVs for Cargo Delivery in Military Operation

In recent years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have increasingly been used for cargo delivery in military operations due to their efficient delivery of cargo compared to traditional methods involving manned aircraft or ground transport. UAV drones come in various sizes and configurations that allow flexible payload capacities. Additionally, military forces are increasingly using UAV drones for cargo delivery to mitigate the risks to human lives. In high-risk environments such as combat zones and disaster areas, UAVs can easily deliver supplies without exposing personnel to danger.

With the increasing adoption of UAV drones for cargo delivery in military operations, several companies are launching UAV drones. For instance, in March 2023, Volansi (U.S.) launched its new VOLY 50 line of UAVs built for long-haul delivery of flexible payloads. The corporation stated that the new generation of UAVs is ready to deliver better transport solutions to private, public, and military clients.

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Rising Adoption of Military Drones for Surveillance and Reconnaissance

The growing use of military drones helps to provide persistent surveillance over a target area for an extended period. Additionally, the militaries worldwide are using drones for surveillance and reconnaissance that help to gather intelligence without putting personnel at risk. Additionally, the ongoing advancements in drone technology, such as improvements in endurance, payload capacities, sensor capability, and autonomy, continue to enhance their effectiveness for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

With the increasing adoption of drones for surveillance and reconnaissance, several companies are launching drones that help the military with enhanced capabilities, reduced risk, and greater flexibility for military operations. For instance, in September 2023, Teledyne FLIR LLC (U.S.) launched groundbreaking UAV vehicle reconnaissance technology at DSEI in London. It allows crews to autonomously launch small drones operated from inside a military vehicle, perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA), and then recover the aircraft without ever having to leave the safety of the vehicle.

Military Drones Market Trends

Increasing Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomous Capabilities

The integration of AI and autonomous capabilities in military drones offers unprecedented opportunities for enhancing operational effectiveness. The AI algorithms enable drones to process vast amounts of data collected from sensors and make real-time decisions autonomously. Additionally, AI-powered military drones help to analyze complex environments and identify potential threats more effectively than traditional systems. Thus, the integration of AI helps to process sensor data and detect a pattern that provides situational awareness to the military and helps them to make informed decisions on the battlefield.

Military Drones Market Opportunity

Rise of Advanced Avionics Technologies

The rise of advanced avionics technologies in military drones helps to enhance their capabilities and expand their roles in modern warfare. The growing use of advanced avionics enables military drones to navigate autonomously and adjust their routes based on mission objectives and real-time situational awareness. Additionally, military drones are equipped with various sensors such as electro-optical/infrared cameras, radar, signals intelligence systems, and electronic warfare sensors. These sensors are integrated with avionics technologies that help to provide comprehensive situational awareness and intelligence-gathering capabilities to support a wide range of missions, such as surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and electronic warfare.

Moreover, avionics technologies enable military drones to operate collaboratively with other unmanned or manned platforms, forming networked swarms or distributed sensor networks to achieve shared objectives. Such growing advantages help to increase the demand for avionics technologies in military drones during the forecast period.

Military Drones Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Type: In 2024, the Fixed-wing Drones Segment to Dominate the Military Drones Market

Based on type, the military drones market is segmented into fixed-wing drones, rotor-wing drones, and hybrid drones. In 2024, the fixed-wing drones segment is expected to account for the largest share of above 85.0% of the military drones market. The segment's large market share is attributed to the growing use of UAVs in the military for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities; cost-effectiveness; and reduced instances of fatalities among military personnel involved in reconnaissance & strike missions.

However, the rotor-wing drones segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the growing use of rotor-wing drones to operate in diverse environment such as urban areas and rugged terrain. Rotor-wing drones can fly at low speeds that help conduct close-range surveillance and reconnaissance.

By Range: In 2024, the Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Segment to Dominate the Military Drones Market

Based on range, the global military drones market is segmented into visual line of sight (VLOS), extended visual line of sight (EVLOS), and beyond line of sight (BLOS). In 2024, the visual line of sight (VLOS) segment is expected to account for the largest share of above 35.0% of the global military drones market. The segment's large market share is attributed to the growing need to maintain a direct visual connection with the drone, allowing the operator to assess the surrounding environment in real time. Direct visual contact allows operators to monitor the drone's flight path and surroundings, and the VLOS operations involve shorter communication distances between the operator and the drone, leading to lower latency in command and control.

However, the beyond line of sight (BLOS) segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the BLOS capabilities that enable drones to operate over much greater distances compared to VLOS operations. BLOS operations allow drones to maintain a low profile by operating beyond the adversary's line of sight. The BLOS-capable drones detect and engage targets beyond the operator's line of sight, enabling over-the-horizon targeting capabilities.

By Operation Mode: In 2024, the Remote Segment to Dominate the Military Drones Market

Based on operation mode, the global military drones market is segmented into remote, semi-autonomous, and autonomous. In 2024, the remote segment is expected to account for the largest share of above 80.0% of the global military drones market. The segment's large market share is attributed to the growing adoption of remote-based drones to control drones from a safe location such as a military base or command center. The remote operation mode facilitates continuous, round-the-clock operations to detect and respond to threats. There is a growing use of remote operations of drones for rapidly repositioning and redeploying in response to changing mission requirements.

However, the autonomous segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The autonomous operation of military drones reduces the risk of errors caused by fatigue, stress, or cognitive overload. Autonomous drones execute missions with greater efficiency, optimizing flight paths, energy usage, and operational parameters. Additionally, autonomous drones operate with minimal reliance on external communication links, making them less vulnerable to jamming, interference, or loss of connectivity.

By Drone Weight: In 2024, the 151-1200 Kg Segment to Dominate the Military Drones Market

Based on drone weight, the global military drones market is segmented into < 150 Kg, 151-1200 Kg, and > 1200 Kg. In 2024, the 151-1200 Kg segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global military drones market. The segment's large market share is attributed to the growing use of these drones due to their capability to be equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, radar, and signal intelligence. Additionally, these drones play a crucial role in border and maritime security operations, where they monitor coastlines, maritime traffic, and border areas.

Also, this segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2024–2031.

By Propulsion Type: In 2024, the ICE Propulsion Segment to Dominate the Military Drones Market

Based on propulsion type, the global military drones market is segmented into ICE propulsion and electric propulsion. In 2024, the ICE propulsion segment is expected to account for the larger share of above 65.0% of the global military drones market. ICE-powered military drones can carry heavier payloads compared to electrically powered drones. These drones can achieve higher speeds and greater flexibility. Additionally, refueling ICE-powered drones is faster and more convenient than recharging electrically powered drones. Also, this segment is expected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period.

Also, this segment is expected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period of 2024–2031.

By Payload Capacity: In 2024, the 0-5 Kg Segment to Dominate the Military Drones Market

Based on payload capacity, the global military drones market is segmented into 0-5 Kg, 5-15 Kg, and > 15 Kg. In 2024, the 0-5 Kg segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global military drones market. The segment's large market share is attributed to the increasing use of 0-5 Kg payload capacity military drones equipped with lightweight cameras, thermal sensors, and other reconnaissance equipment. These military drones help in reconnaissance and surveillance, force protection, target acquisition, communication relay, and battle damage assessment.

However, the > 15 Kg segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the growing use of these drones to transport heavy payloads such as supplies, equipment, ammunition, and medical supplies to remote or inaccessible areas. Additionally, they help transport large cargo containers, vehicles, or engineering equipment to support military logistics, infrastructure development, and disaster relief efforts.

By Application: In 2024, the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISRT) Segment to Dominate the Military Drones Market

Based on application, the global military drones market is segmented into intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISRT), combat operations, logistics & transportation, battle damage management, and other applications. In 2024, the intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISRT) segment is expected to account for the largest share of above 75.0% of the global military drones market. The segment's large market share is attributed to the growing adoption of drones for real-time data and situational awareness, facilitating rapid decision-making and greater accuracy in targeting. Military drones allow for comprehensive coverage of a target area to detect subtle changes or patterns over time and the growing adoption of military drones to identify and track targets using advanced sensors and targeting systems.

However, the logistics & transportation segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the growing adoption of drones to transport critical supplies, equipment, and medical aid to frontline troops or remote locations rapidly. Drones reduce the risk to military personnel involved in logistics operations by eliminating the need for manned transportation.

Geographical Analysis

In 2024, North America Region to Dominate the Military Drones Market

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of above 40.0% of the global military drones market. North America’s significant market share can be attributed to the presence of major military drone manufacturers and their focus on developing advanced UAV technology and increasing funding by the government for advancements in military drones. Additionally, there is a rising adoption of military drones for surveillance and reconnaissance in the region.

However, the Asia-Pacific market is expected to register the highest CAGR of above 14.0% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by the increasing adoption of automation and advanced technologies for military drones and the growing use of military drones for cargo operations in the region. Additionally, the increasing government spending in the defense and military sector helps to increase the demand for military drones in the region.

Military Drones Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the military drones market are AeroVironment, Inc. (U.S.), Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), Teledyne FLIR LLC (A Subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated) (U.S.), Teal Drones, Inc. (A Subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, Inc.) (U.S.), The Boeing Company (U.S.), Anduril Industries, Inc. (U.S.), Thales Group (France), RTX Corporation (U.S.), Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel), Saab AB (Sweden), Asteria Aerospace Limited (A Subsidiary of Jio Platforms Ltd) (India), Shield AI (U.S.), Quantum3D, Inc. (U.S.), and Aeronautics Ltd. (Israel).

Military Drones Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In April 2024, Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel) signed an agreement with Aerotor Unmanned Systems Ltd. (Israel) to develop advanced drone systems for a variety of tactical military missions for users on land, sea, and air. The agreement includes the engineering development and marketing of Aerotor’s Apus multicopter, which is based on a unique configuration that uses a central heavy-fuel propulsion system piloted through a variable-pitch mechanism.
• In March 2022, Teledyne FLIR LLC (U.S.) launched a new Lightweight Vehicle Surveillance System (LVSS) with revolutionary air domain awareness (ADA) and advanced counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities.

Military Drones Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the military drones market report: