Military Drones Market to be Worth $34.4 Billion by 2032
Meticulous Research®—leading
global market research company, published a research report titled, ‘Military
Drones Market by Type (Fixed-wing, Rotor-wing), Range, Operation Mode, Drone
Weight, Propulsion Type (ICE, Electric), Payload Capacity, Application (ISRT,
Logistics & Transportation), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2032.’
According to this
latest publication from Meticulous Research®, the military drones
market is projected to reach $34.4
billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 11.4% from 2025–2032. 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. However, the high cost associated with advanced military drones
restrains the growth of this market. Furthermore, the rise of advanced avionics
technologies is expected to generate growth opportunities for the players
operating in this market. However, the lack of highly skilled drone operators
is a major challenge impacting market growth. Additionally, the increasing
integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous capabilities is a
prominent trend in this market.
The military drones
market is segmented by type (fixed-wing drones, rotor-wing drones, and hybrid
drones), range (visual line of sight (VLOS), extended visual line of sight
(EVLOS), and beyond line of sight (BLOS)), operation mode (remote,
semi-autonomous, and autonomous), drone weight (< 150 Kg, 151-1200 Kg, and
> 1200 Kg), propulsion type (ICE propulsion and electric propulsion
[battery-powered and fuel cell-powered]), payload capacity (0-5 Kg, 5-15 Kg,
and > 15 Kg), application (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and
targeting (ISRT), combat operations, logistics & transportation, battle
damage management, and other applications), and geography. The study also
evaluates industry competitors and analyses the market at the country and
regional levels.
Based on
type, the military drones
market is segmented into fixed-wing drones, rotor-wing drones, and hybrid
drones. In 2025, 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.
Based on
range, the military
drones market is segmented into visual line of sight (VLOS), extended visual
line of sight (EVLOS), and beyond line of sight (BLOS). In 2025, the visual
line of sight (VLOS) segment is expected to account for the largest share of
above 35.0% of the 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 enable drones to operate over much greater distances compared to
VLOS operations; the BLOS operations allow drones to maintain a low profile by
operating beyond the adversary's line of sight; and the BLOS-capable drones
detect & engage targets beyond the operator's line of sight, enabling
over-the-horizon targeting capabilities.
Based on operation
mode, the military drones
market is segmented into remote, semi-autonomous, and autonomous. In 2025, the
remote segment is expected to account for the largest share of above 80.0% of
the 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; and the growing use of remote operation of drones for rapidly
repositioned and redeployed in response to changing mission requirements.
However, the
autonomous segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast
period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the autonomous operation of
military drones to reduce the risk of errors caused by fatigue, stress, or
cognitive overload; the 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.
Based on drone
weight, the military
drones market is segmented into < 150 Kg, 151-1200 Kg, and > 1200 Kg. In
2025, the 151-1200 Kg segment is expected to account for the largest share of
the 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.
Based on propulsion
type, the military drones
market is segmented into ICE propulsion and electric propulsion. In 2025, the
ICE propulsion segment is expected to account for the larger share of
above 65.0% of the 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.
Based on payload
capacity, the military drones
market is segmented into 0-5 Kg, 5-15 Kg, and > 15 Kg. In 2025, the 0-5 Kg
segment is expected to account for the largest share of the 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.
Based on
application, the military
drones market is segmented into intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and
targeting (ISRT), combat operations, logistics & transportation, battle
damage management, and other applications. In 2025, the intelligence,
surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISRT) segment is expected to
account for the largest share of above 75.0% of the 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.
Based on geography, the military drones market is segmented into
North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East &
Africa. In 2025, North America is expected to account for the largest share of
above 40.0% of the 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 defense and military sector
helps to increase the demand for military drones in the region.
Key Players
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).
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Report Here @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5876
Key Questions
Answered in the Report:
- Which are the high-growth market segments
in terms of type, range, operation mode, drone weight, propulsion type,
payload capacity, and application?
- What is the historical market size for
military drones?
- What are the market forecasts and
estimates for 2025–2032?
- What are the major drivers, restraints,
opportunities, challenges, and trends in the military drones market?
- Who are the major players in the military
drones market, and what are their market shares?
- What is the competitive landscape like?
- What are the recent developments in the
military drones market?
- What are the different strategies adopted
by major market players?
- What are the trends and high-growth
countries?
- Who are the local emerging players in the
military drones market, and how do they compete with other players?
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