Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Report is Segmented by Type (Fixed-Wing and VTOL), Application (Combat and Non-Combat), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa). The Report Offers Market Size and Forecast for all the Above Segments in Value (USD).

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Size

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Summary
Study Period 2020 - 2030
Market Size (2025) USD 9.77 Billion
Market Size (2030) USD 17.64 Billion
CAGR (2025 - 2030) 12.24 %
Fastest Growing Market Asia-Pacific
Largest Market North America
Market Concentration Medium

Major Players

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Compare market size and growth of Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market with other markets in Aerospace & Defense Industry

Defense

Airport Operations

Aviation

Aerospace & Defense Technology

Air Taxi

Aircraft Parts

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Analysis

The Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size is estimated at USD 9.77 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 17.64 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 12.24% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The past decade has seen a significant surge in the adoption of military UAVs. End-users now deploy various models for tasks ranging from combat operations to surveillance, border patrolling, and inspections. Notably, advancements in next-gen military UAVs show no signs of slowing down. They are poised for accelerated growth. Real-time information is increasingly becoming the cornerstone of success in critical military missions. It equips warfighters, commanders, and troops with the necessary intelligence to safeguard themselves. As a result, there is a rising emphasis on superior tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, driving global armed forces to ramp up their UAV acquisitions.

While the drone market is growing, it faces significant hurdles. Safety concerns, airspace congestion, and stringent manufacturing standards set by many nations are key challenges. These standards not only impact local operations but also affect the global export of UAVs and their components. Despite these challenges, the drone industry is witnessing consolidation and attracting substantial investments. Industrial conglomerates, IT consultancies, and prominent industrialists are increasingly recognizing the potential of UAVs in defense. These factors and a growing awareness of UAV capabilities are set to propel the market studied during the forecast period.

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Industry Overview

The military UAV market is semi-consolidated due to the presence of many local players funded by the governments of the respective countries for the indigenous developments of UAVs for the military sector. Some prominent market players are Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, General Atomics, Northrop Grumman Corporation, AeroVironment Inc., and Teledyne FLIR LLC.

Players in the UAV sector are bolstering their market shares through strategic investments and market expansions. The focus is on enhancing drone capabilities, with a notable emphasis on developing advanced payloads. These next-gen military UAVs are tailored for various missions, spanning combat and non-combat scenarios. Collaborations between industry players are on the rise, fostering technology exchange and streamlining development timelines.

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Leaders

  1. Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.

  2. General Atomics

  3. AeroVironment, Inc.

  4. Northrop Grumman Corporation

  5. Teledyne FLIR LLC

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Concentration
Need More Details on Market Players and Competiters?
Download PDF

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market News

  • October 2024: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated's division, Teledyne FLIR Defense, clinched a contract potentially worth USD 91 million to provide the US Army with its Black Hornet 4 nano-unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Spanning five years, this contract aligns with Phase II of the Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program. The initial order, backed by a USD 25 million allocation, encompasses the first batch of Black Hornet 4 drones, controllers, spare parts, and training for the Army. Deliveries commenced in September 2024.
  • October 2024: Red Cat Holdings, Inc., a drone technology specialist, clinched a USD 1 million contract with the US Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) for its Edge 130 Blue drones. This deal signifies a pivotal moment for Red Cat, heralding a deeper partnership with the US Army.
  • October 2023: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. delivered more than twelve Protector RG Mk1 Combat UAVs to the Royal Air Force. These UAVs, a variant of GA-ASI’s MQ-9B, boast an impressive wingspan of nearly 80 feet and carry a payload of up to 500 pounds. This payload includes advanced weaponry like Paveway IV laser-guided bombs and Brimstone 3 missiles. The Royal Air Force plans to deploy these long-endurance UAVs for operational use in 2024.
  • October 2023: Germany inked a USD 210 million deal with Rheinmetall for real-time reconnaissance UAVs. As part of this agreement, Rheinmetall is gearing up to supply the German Army with 13 Luna NG reconnaissance UAV systems, with deliveries scheduled to kick off in the second quarter of 2025.

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Report - Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
  • 4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION

  • 5.1 By Type
    • 5.1.1 Fixed-wing
    • 5.1.2 VTOL
  • 5.2 By Application
    • 5.2.1 Combat
    • 5.2.2 Non-combat
  • 5.3 By Geography
    • 5.3.1 North America
    • 5.3.1.1 United States
    • 5.3.1.2 Canada
    • 5.3.2 Europe
    • 5.3.2.1 United Kingdom
    • 5.3.2.2 France
    • 5.3.2.3 Germany
    • 5.3.2.4 Russia
    • 5.3.2.5 Rest of Europe
    • 5.3.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.3.3.1 China
    • 5.3.3.2 Japan
    • 5.3.3.3 India
    • 5.3.3.4 South Korea
    • 5.3.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.3.4 Latin America
    • 5.3.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.3.4.2 Rest of Latin America
    • 5.3.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.3.5.1 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.3.5.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.3.5.3 Turkey
    • 5.3.5.4 Rest of Middle East and Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Vendor Market Share
  • 6.2 Company Profiles
    • 6.2.1 China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
    • 6.2.2 Aeronautics Ltd.
    • 6.2.3 General Atomics
    • 6.2.4 BAYKAR MAKİNA SANAYİ VE TİCARET A.Ş.
    • 6.2.5 Elbit Systems Ltd.
    • 6.2.6 AeroVironment Inc.
    • 6.2.7 Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
    • 6.2.8 The Boeing Company
    • 6.2.9 Safran SA
    • 6.2.10 Leonardo S.p.A
    • 6.2.11 Textron Inc.
    • 6.2.12 Lockheed Martin Corporation
    • 6.2.13 Northrop Grumman Corporation
    • 6.2.14 Saab AB
  • *List Not Exhaustive

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

You Can Purchase Parts Of This Report. Check Out Prices For Specific Sections
Get Price Break-up Now

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Industry Segmentation

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, is a military aircraft that can operate autonomously, remotely, or via a blend of both methods. Outfitted with sensors, target designators, offensive ordnance, and electronic transmitters, these drones are designed primarily for engaging and neutralizing enemy targets.

The military unmanned aerial vehicles market is segmented by type, application, and geography. By type, the market is segmented into fixed-wing and VTOL. By application, the market is classified as combat and non-combat. The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the military unmanned aerial vehicles market in major countries across different regions. For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).

By Type Fixed-wing
VTOL
By Application Combat
Non-combat
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Europe United Kingdom
France
Germany
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
Japan
India
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America Brazil
Rest of Latin America
Middle East and Africa United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Turkey
Rest of Middle East and Africa
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market Research FAQs

How big is the Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market?

The Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size is expected to reach USD 9.77 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 12.24% to reach USD 17.64 billion by 2030.

What is the current Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size?

In 2025, the Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size is expected to reach USD 9.77 billion.

Who are the key players in Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market?

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., General Atomics, AeroVironment, Inc., Northrop Grumman Corporation and Teledyne FLIR LLC are the major companies operating in the Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market.

Which is the fastest growing region in Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market?

Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).

Which region has the biggest share in Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market?

In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market.

What years does this Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?

In 2024, the Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size was estimated at USD 8.57 billion. The report covers the Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Industry Report

Statistics for the 2025 Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.