Military Drone Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2024 – 2032
The Global Military Drone Market was valued at USD 14.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2024 to 2032. The increasing global defense budgets are significantly driving the expansion of the military drone sector. Nations are heavily investing in the modernization of their armed forces, with a particular emphasis on unmanned systems. This trend is especially prominent in regions experiencing heightened geopolitical tensions, including Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. The surge in defense spending enables governments to allocate resources toward advanced drone technologies, essential for various military operations.
The military drone market can be categorized based on platform types, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid drones. In 2023, the rotary-wing segment held the largest market share, accounting for over 56%. This segment, which encompasses helicopters and rotary-wing drones, is witnessing significant growth due to its expanding applications in both military and civilian domains. Rotary-wing platforms are crucial for troop transport, reconnaissance missions, and combat support, demonstrating their versatility across different terrains.
Additionally, technological advancements such as improved avionics and propulsion systems are enhancing the operational capabilities of these platforms, allowing for longer flight times and increased payload capacities, thereby cementing their role as vital assets in modern warfare. The military drone market is also segmented by motor types, which include brushless and brushed drone motors. In 2023, the brushed motor segment emerged as the fastest-growing category, with a CAGR exceeding 14%. Brushed motors are appreciated for their simplicity and affordability, making them a popular choice for entry-level and hobbyist drones.
Their ease of use and low maintenance requirements make them ideal for beginners and budget-conscious consumers. However, compared to brushless motors, they tend to have shorter lifespans and lower efficiency, which can result in reduced flight durations. Despite these limitations, their cost-effectiveness and widespread availability continue to drive demand in the consumer drone market. North America, particularly the United States, remains a leader in the drone market due to substantial investments in defense, commercial applications, and technological innovations.
The U.S. military extensively utilizes drones for various purposes, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations, influencing trends globally. Furthermore, drones are becoming increasingly essential for industries such as logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure inspections in the commercial sector. As regulations evolve to accommodate the growing use of drones, they foster a supportive environment for research and development, positioning the U.S. as a key player in the global drone industry.
The military drone market can be categorized based on platform types, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid drones. In 2023, the rotary-wing segment held the largest market share, accounting for over 56%. This segment, which encompasses helicopters and rotary-wing drones, is witnessing significant growth due to its expanding applications in both military and civilian domains. Rotary-wing platforms are crucial for troop transport, reconnaissance missions, and combat support, demonstrating their versatility across different terrains.
Additionally, technological advancements such as improved avionics and propulsion systems are enhancing the operational capabilities of these platforms, allowing for longer flight times and increased payload capacities, thereby cementing their role as vital assets in modern warfare. The military drone market is also segmented by motor types, which include brushless and brushed drone motors. In 2023, the brushed motor segment emerged as the fastest-growing category, with a CAGR exceeding 14%. Brushed motors are appreciated for their simplicity and affordability, making them a popular choice for entry-level and hobbyist drones.
Their ease of use and low maintenance requirements make them ideal for beginners and budget-conscious consumers. However, compared to brushless motors, they tend to have shorter lifespans and lower efficiency, which can result in reduced flight durations. Despite these limitations, their cost-effectiveness and widespread availability continue to drive demand in the consumer drone market. North America, particularly the United States, remains a leader in the drone market due to substantial investments in defense, commercial applications, and technological innovations.
The U.S. military extensively utilizes drones for various purposes, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations, influencing trends globally. Furthermore, drones are becoming increasingly essential for industries such as logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure inspections in the commercial sector. As regulations evolve to accommodate the growing use of drones, they foster a supportive environment for research and development, positioning the U.S. as a key player in the global drone industry.
Report Content
CHAPTER 1 METHODOLOGY & SCOPE
1.1 Market scope & definition
1.2 Base estimates & calculations
1.3 Forecast calculations
1.4 Data sources
1.4.1 Primary
1.4.2 Secondary
1.4.2.1 Paid sources
1.4.2.2 Public sources
CHAPTER 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1 Industry synopsis, 2021-2032
CHAPTER 3 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis
3.1.1 Factor affecting the value chain
3.1.2 Profit margin analysis
3.1.3 Disruptions
3.1.4 Future outlook
3.1.5 Manufacturers
3.1.6 Distributors
3.2 Supplier landscape
3.3 Profit margin analysis
3.4 Key news & initiatives
3.5 Regulatory landscape
3.6 Impact forces
3.6.1 Growth drivers
3.6.1.1 Significant increase in global defense expenditures fuels UAV demand
3.6.1.2 Growing reliance on unmanned aerial systems for ISR operations
3.6.1.3 Increasing growth of military drone fueled by AI and autonomous innovations
3.6.1.4 Increased use of drone in asymmetric warfare and counter-insurgency
3.6.1.5 Emerging focus on drone swarms and counter-drone innovations
3.6.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges
3.6.2.1 Regulatory and ethical hurdles impacting global drone adoption
3.6.2.2 Increasing cybersecurity threats posing risks to drone operations
3.7 Growth potential analysis
3.8 Porter’s analysis
3.9 PESTEL analysis
CHAPTER 4 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE, 2023
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Company market share analysis
4.3 Competitive positioning matrix
4.4 Strategic outlook matrix
CHAPTER 5 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY MOTORS, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
5.1 Key trends
5.2 Brushless drone motors
5.3 Brushed drone motors
CHAPTER 6 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY APPLICATION, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
6.1 Key trends
6.2 ISR
6.3 Combat
6.4 Logistical support
CHAPTER 7 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY PLATFORM TYPE, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
7.1 Key trends
7.2 Fixed-wing
7.3 Rotary-wing
7.3.1 Single rotor
7.3.2 Multi rotor
7.4 Hybrid drone
CHAPTER 8 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY RANGE, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
8.1 Key trends
8.2 Close range (up to 50 km)
8.3 Short range (tactical drones) (up to 150 km)
8.4 Medium range (up to 600 km)
8.5 Long range/high endurance (over 600 km)
CHAPTER 9 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY PROPULSION, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
9.1 Key trends
9.2 Fuel
9.3 Battery
9.4 Solar
CHAPTER 10 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY SIZE/WEIGHT CLASS, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
10.1 Key trends
10.2 Micro drones (below 2 kg)
10.3 Mini drones (2 to 20 kg)
10.4 Medium drones (20 to 150 kg)
10.5 Heavy drones (above 150 kg)
CHAPTER 11 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY MODE OF OPERATION, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
11.1 Key trends
11.2 Remotely piloted
11.3 Autonomous drone
11.4 Semi-autonomous drone
CHAPTER 12 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY END USE, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
12.1 Key trends
12.2 Army
12.3 Navy
12.4 Air forces
CHAPTER 13 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY TAKE-OFF, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
13.1 Key trends
13.2 Conventional
13.3 Vertical
CHAPTER 14 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY REGION, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
14.1 Key trends
14.2 North America
14.2.1 U.S.
14.2.2 Canada
14.3 Europe
14.3.1 UK
14.3.2 Germany
14.3.3 France
14.3.4 Italy
14.3.5 Spain
14.3.6 Russia
14.4 Asia Pacific
14.4.1 China
14.4.2 India
14.4.3 Japan
14.4.4 South Korea
14.4.5 Australia
14.5 Latin America
14.5.1 Brazil
14.5.2 Mexico
14.6 MEA
14.6.1 South Africa
14.6.2 Saudi Arabia
14.6.3 UAE
CHAPTER 15 COMPANY PROFILES
15.1 AeroVironment, Inc.
15.2 Airbus
15.3 BAE Systems
15.4 Boeing
15.5 Dassault Aviation
15.6 Elbit Systems Ltd.
15.7 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
15.8 Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
15.9 Leonardo S.p.A.
15.10 Lockheed Martin Corporation
15.11 Northrop Grumman Corporation
15.12 Raytheon Technologies Corporation
15.13 Robotican Corporation
15.14 Shield AI
CHAPTER 1 METHODOLOGY & SCOPE
1.1 Market scope & definition
1.2 Base estimates & calculations
1.3 Forecast calculations
1.4 Data sources
1.4.1 Primary
1.4.2 Secondary
1.4.2.1 Paid sources
1.4.2.2 Public sources
CHAPTER 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1 Industry synopsis, 2021-2032
CHAPTER 3 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis
3.1.1 Factor affecting the value chain
3.1.2 Profit margin analysis
3.1.3 Disruptions
3.1.4 Future outlook
3.1.5 Manufacturers
3.1.6 Distributors
3.2 Supplier landscape
3.3 Profit margin analysis
3.4 Key news & initiatives
3.5 Regulatory landscape
3.6 Impact forces
3.6.1 Growth drivers
3.6.1.1 Significant increase in global defense expenditures fuels UAV demand
3.6.1.2 Growing reliance on unmanned aerial systems for ISR operations
3.6.1.3 Increasing growth of military drone fueled by AI and autonomous innovations
3.6.1.4 Increased use of drone in asymmetric warfare and counter-insurgency
3.6.1.5 Emerging focus on drone swarms and counter-drone innovations
3.6.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges
3.6.2.1 Regulatory and ethical hurdles impacting global drone adoption
3.6.2.2 Increasing cybersecurity threats posing risks to drone operations
3.7 Growth potential analysis
3.8 Porter’s analysis
3.9 PESTEL analysis
CHAPTER 4 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE, 2023
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Company market share analysis
4.3 Competitive positioning matrix
4.4 Strategic outlook matrix
CHAPTER 5 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY MOTORS, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
5.1 Key trends
5.2 Brushless drone motors
5.3 Brushed drone motors
CHAPTER 6 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY APPLICATION, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
6.1 Key trends
6.2 ISR
6.3 Combat
6.4 Logistical support
CHAPTER 7 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY PLATFORM TYPE, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
7.1 Key trends
7.2 Fixed-wing
7.3 Rotary-wing
7.3.1 Single rotor
7.3.2 Multi rotor
7.4 Hybrid drone
CHAPTER 8 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY RANGE, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
8.1 Key trends
8.2 Close range (up to 50 km)
8.3 Short range (tactical drones) (up to 150 km)
8.4 Medium range (up to 600 km)
8.5 Long range/high endurance (over 600 km)
CHAPTER 9 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY PROPULSION, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
9.1 Key trends
9.2 Fuel
9.3 Battery
9.4 Solar
CHAPTER 10 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY SIZE/WEIGHT CLASS, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
10.1 Key trends
10.2 Micro drones (below 2 kg)
10.3 Mini drones (2 to 20 kg)
10.4 Medium drones (20 to 150 kg)
10.5 Heavy drones (above 150 kg)
CHAPTER 11 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY MODE OF OPERATION, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
11.1 Key trends
11.2 Remotely piloted
11.3 Autonomous drone
11.4 Semi-autonomous drone
CHAPTER 12 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY END USE, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
12.1 Key trends
12.2 Army
12.3 Navy
12.4 Air forces
CHAPTER 13 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY TAKE-OFF, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
13.1 Key trends
13.2 Conventional
13.3 Vertical
CHAPTER 14 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY REGION, 2021-2032 (USD MILLION & UNITS)
14.1 Key trends
14.2 North America
14.2.1 U.S.
14.2.2 Canada
14.3 Europe
14.3.1 UK
14.3.2 Germany
14.3.3 France
14.3.4 Italy
14.3.5 Spain
14.3.6 Russia
14.4 Asia Pacific
14.4.1 China
14.4.2 India
14.4.3 Japan
14.4.4 South Korea
14.4.5 Australia
14.5 Latin America
14.5.1 Brazil
14.5.2 Mexico
14.6 MEA
14.6.1 South Africa
14.6.2 Saudi Arabia
14.6.3 UAE
CHAPTER 15 COMPANY PROFILES
15.1 AeroVironment, Inc.
15.2 Airbus
15.3 BAE Systems
15.4 Boeing
15.5 Dassault Aviation
15.6 Elbit Systems Ltd.
15.7 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
15.8 Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
15.9 Leonardo S.p.A.
15.10 Lockheed Martin Corporation
15.11 Northrop Grumman Corporation
15.12 Raytheon Technologies Corporation
15.13 Robotican Corporation
15.14 Shield AI
