Military Drone Market Drivers and Opportunities by 2031
The Military Drone Market size is projected to reach US$ 27.63 billion by 2031 from US$ 12.93 billion in 2023. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 10.0% in 2023–2031. Technological advancement in military drones is their capability to refuel manned vehicles in the air. This is considered as a major achievement in the era of manned-unmanned teaming operations. For instance, in September 2021, Boeing’s MQ-25 Stingray drone refueled an F-35 joint strike fighter, as a part of the testing performed by the US Navy. With this, US Navy allocated a budget of US$ 16.8 billion for the MQ-25 Stingray drones to utilize their ability to refuel F-35Cs, F/A-18s, and other carrier-operated air platforms. In addition to their popular use in ISR and warfare applications, using military drones for refueling would increase their demand in the coming years.
Military Drone Market Analysis
The procurement and deployment of technologically advanced military drones play a vital role in boosting the security of any country. A bird’s-eye view provided by drones helps in real-time monitoring and detects unwanted activities across national borders. It also helps detect or destroy the enemy or harmful incomings within the borders. Although drones may capture images, recognizing people in crowded spaces becomes challenging. Therefore, researchers and security agencies are engaged in developing an effective technology for the facial recognition of people in crowded places. According to an article published by Mantra Softech (India) Pvt. Ltd. in October 2021, the US military is working on facial recognition solutions through the “Advanced Tactical Facial Recognition at a Distance Technology” project at US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and the “Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) Biometric Recognition and Identification” as a part of the Altitude and Range initiative. In addition, the US is engaged in bringing facial recognition technology into action to boost the efficiency of its military operations. In February 2023, RealNetworks, Inc., a provider of AI and computer vision-based products, signed a US$ 729,056 contract with US Air Force to deploy its facial recognition technology, SAFR, on small drones for special operations. Thus, the growing trend of using military drones integrated with facial recognition technology would trigger their demand in the coming years.
Military Drone Market Overview
The key stakeholders in the military drones market are raw material suppliers, component suppliers, military drones manufacturers & software integrators, and end users. Raw material suppliers play a major role in the military drones market. As the material sourcing and operations of the raw material suppliers were affected, the demand and supply gap increased among the raw material suppliers and component manufacturers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the raw material suppliers have faced several supply chain challenges in procuring transportation services, difficulties in internal production operations due to several factors such as lack of manpower and other resources, along with several remote operational challenges. All these factors have increased the demand and supply gap between raw material suppliers and battery manufacturers across the globe.
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Military Drone Market: Strategic Insights
Market Size Value in US$ 12,186.42 million in 2022 Market Size Value by US$ 19,559.50 million by 2028 Growth rate CAGR of 8.6% from 2023 to 2028 Forecast Period 2023-2028 Base Year 2022
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Military Drone Market: Strategic Insights
| Market Size Value in | US$ 12,186.42 million in 2022 |
| Market Size Value by | US$ 19,559.50 million by 2028 |
| Growth rate | CAGR of 8.6% from 2023 to 2028 |
| Forecast Period | 2023-2028 |
| Base Year | 2022 |
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Military Drone Market Drivers and Opportunities
Surge in Global Defense Sector
According to the European Union (EU) data published in December 2022, defense sector spending in the EU reached US$ 242 billion (EUR 214 billion) in 2021, recording an increase of 6% compared to 2020. Such a rise in the defense sector contributes to the adoption of many technologies and weapons to strengthen the country’s defense and security. According to January 2023 updates from Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, the country is planning to invest US$ 550 million in the procurement of drones in 2023. The government has signed 16 supply deals with Ukrainian drone manufacturers. Such factors have been pushing the growth of military drone market.
Use of Drones in Military Cargo Operations
A cargo air vehicle (CAV), used to carry different materials, is one of the latest drone technologies. Transportation of goods through drones has proven benefits compared to traditional ways of transportation, such as helicopters and airplanes. Cargo drones are cheaper and more versatile than the abovementioned air carriers, and they require less maintenance. They have elevated carrying power and need no direct human involvement. Cargo drones are used to carry lifesaving supplies at dangerous locations reducing risk to human life. Owing to such benefits, governments have started considering the procurement of such drones in several operations. In December 2022, the Indian Ministry of Defense issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the list of potential vendors to procure 570 Logistic Drones (LD) for the Indian Army (IA). The vendors will be finalized on the two versions of drones based on altitude standards—up to 12,000 feet and above 12,000 feet.
Military Drone Market Report Segmentation Analysis
Key segments that contributed to the derivation of the Military Drone Market analysis are type, application, range, technology, and geography.
- Based on type, the Military Drone Market has been segmented into group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, and group 5. The group 5 segment held a larger market share in 2023.
- By application, the market has been segmented into ISR, warfare, and others. The ISR segment held the largest share of the market in 2023.
- In terms of range, the market has been segregated into short range, medium range, and long range. The medium range segment dominated the market in 2023.
- By technology, the market has been segmented into fixed-wing and rotary wing. The fixed-wing segment held the largest share of the market in 2023.
Military Drone Market Share Analysis by Geography
The geographic scope of the Military Drone Market report is mainly divided into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
North America has dominated the Military Drone Market in 2023, and it is likely to retain its dominance during the forecast period as well. Many regional drone manufacturers are upgrading their existing kamikaze drones. Kamikaze drones are packed with explosives, and they help destroy the enemy. In March 2023, AeroVironment, Inc. launched the newest version of Switchblade 300 (a kamikaze drone), named Switchblade 300 Block 20, with new operational features such as a new tablet-based Fire Control System. In addition, it is a lightweight and precision-guarded drone that can be deployed in less than 2 minutes via tube launch, improving mission flexibility. These features boost the drone's performance and capability improvements, contributing to its demand.
Military Drone Market Report Scope
Military Drone Market News and Recent Developments
The Military Drone Market is evaluated by gathering qualitative and quantitative data post primary and secondary research, which includes important corporate publications, association data, and databases. The following is a list of developments in the market for military drone market and strategies:
- In 2023, General Atomics and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) jointly announced that turbo-propeller engines, which power GA-ASI’s state-of-art MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), will be supported by the HAL Engine Division at Bengaluru for the Indian market. (Source: General Atomics, Press Release/Company Website/Newsletter)
- On February 2023, Aerovironment announced it was selected by the United States Army on Feb. 28, 2023, to move forward in the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System FTUAS program. (Source: Aerovironment, Press Release/Company Website/Newsletter)
Military Drone Market Report Coverage and Deliverables
The “Military Drone Market Size and Forecast (2021–2031)” report provides a detailed analysis of the market covering below areas:
- Market size and forecast at global, regional, and country levels for all the key market segments covered under the scope
- Market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and key opportunities
- Key future trends
- Detailed Porter’s Five Forces analysis
- Global and regional market analysis covering key market trends, major players, regulations, and recent market developments
- Industry landscape and competition analysis covering market concentration, heat map analysis, prominent players, and recent developments
- Detailed company profiles with SWOT analysis
Report Coverage
Revenue forecast, Company Analysis, Industry landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
Segment Covered
Type, Application, Range, and Technology
Regional Scope
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South & Central America
Country Scope
Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Middle East & Africa, Russian Federation, South America, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States
The Insight Partners performs research in 4 major stages: Data Collection & Secondary Research, Primary Research, Data Analysis and Data Triangulation & Final Review.
- Data Collection and Secondary Research:
As a market research and consulting firm operating from a decade, we have published many reports and advised several clients across the globe. First step for any study will start with an assessment of currently available data and insights from existing reports. Further, historical and current market information is collected from Investor Presentations, Annual Reports, SEC Filings, etc., and other information related to company’s performance and market positioning are gathered from Paid Databases (Factiva, Hoovers, and Reuters) and various other publications available in public domain.
Several associations trade associates, technical forums, institutes, societies and organizations are accessed to gain technical as well as market related insights through their publications such as research papers, blogs and press releases related to the studies are referred to get cues about the market. Further, white papers, journals, magazines, and other news articles published in the last 3 years are scrutinized and analyzed to understand the current market trends.
- Primary Research:
The primarily interview analysis comprise of data obtained from industry participants interview and answers to survey questions gathered by in-house primary team.
For primary research, interviews are conducted with industry experts/CEOs/Marketing Managers/Sales Managers/VPs/Subject Matter Experts from both demand and supply side to get a 360-degree view of the market. The primary team conducts several interviews based on the complexity of the markets to understand the various market trends and dynamics which makes research more credible and precise.
A typical research interview fulfils the following functions:
- Provides first-hand information on the market size, market trends, growth trends, competitive landscape, and outlook
- Validates and strengthens in-house secondary research findings
- Develops the analysis team’s expertise and market understanding
Primary research involves email interactions and telephone interviews for each market, category, segment, and sub-segment across geographies. The participants who typically take part in such a process include, but are not limited to:
- Industry participants: VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers and national sales managers
- Outside experts: Valuation experts, research analysts and key opinion leaders specializing in the electronics and semiconductor industry.
Below is the breakup of our primary respondents by company, designation, and region:
Once we receive the confirmation from primary research sources or primary respondents, we finalize the base year market estimation and forecast the data as per the macroeconomic and microeconomic factors assessed during data collection.
- Data Analysis:
Once data is validated through both secondary as well as primary respondents, we finalize the market estimations by hypothesis formulation and factor analysis at regional and country level.
- 3.1 Macro-Economic Factor Analysis:
We analyse macroeconomic indicators such the gross domestic product (GDP), increase in the demand for goods and services across industries, technological advancement, regional economic growth, governmental policies, the influence of COVID-19, PEST analysis, and other aspects. This analysis aids in setting benchmarks for various nations/regions and approximating market splits. Additionally, the general trend of the aforementioned components aid in determining the market's development possibilities.
- 3.2 Country Level Data:
Various factors that are especially aligned to the country are taken into account to determine the market size for a certain area and country, including the presence of vendors, such as headquarters and offices, the country's GDP, demand patterns, and industry growth. To comprehend the market dynamics for the nation, a number of growth variables, inhibitors, application areas, and current market trends are researched. The aforementioned elements aid in determining the country's overall market's growth potential.
- 3.3 Company Profile:
The “Table of Contents” is formulated by listing and analyzing more than 25 - 30 companies operating in the market ecosystem across geographies. However, we profile only 10 companies as a standard practice in our syndicate reports. These 10 companies comprise leading, emerging, and regional players. Nonetheless, our analysis is not restricted to the 10 listed companies, we also analyze other companies present in the market to develop a holistic view and understand the prevailing trends. The “Company Profiles” section in the report covers key facts, business description, products & services, financial information, SWOT analysis, and key developments. The financial information presented is extracted from the annual reports and official documents of the publicly listed companies. Upon collecting the information for the sections of respective companies, we verify them via various primary sources and then compile the data in respective company profiles. The company level information helps us in deriving the base number as well as in forecasting the market size.
- 3.4 Developing Base Number:
Aggregation of sales statistics (2020-2022) and macro-economic factor, and other secondary and primary research insights are utilized to arrive at base number and related market shares for 2022. The data gaps are identified in this step and relevant market data is analyzed, collected from paid primary interviews or databases. On finalizing the base year market size, forecasts are developed on the basis of macro-economic, industry and market growth factors and company level analysis.
- Data Triangulation and Final Review:
The market findings and base year market size calculations are validated from supply as well as demand side. Demand side validations are based on macro-economic factor analysis and benchmarks for respective regions and countries. In case of supply side validations, revenues of major companies are estimated (in case not available) based on industry benchmark, approximate number of employees, product portfolio, and primary interviews revenues are gathered. Further revenue from target product/service segment is assessed to avoid overshooting of market statistics. In case of heavy deviations between supply and demand side values, all thes steps are repeated to achieve synchronization.
We follow an iterative model, wherein we share our research findings with Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) until consensus view of the market is not formulated – this model negates any drastic deviation in the opinions of experts. Only validated and universally acceptable research findings are quoted in our reports.
We have important check points that we use to validate our research findings – which we call – data triangulation, where we validate the information, we generate from secondary sources with primary interviews and then we re-validate with our internal data bases and Subject matter experts. This comprehensive model enables us to deliver high quality, reliable data in shortest possible time.
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