| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| CAGR | 8.00 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market Analysis
The Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market is expected to register a CAGR of greater than 8% during the forecast period.
The defense sector has witnessed the mild impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The global defense expenditure showed significant growth even during the pandemic. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the total global military expenditure rose to USD 1,981 billion in 2020, an increase of 2.6 percent from 2019. The growth in defense expenditure continued in 2021 with a total global defense spending surpassing USD 2 trillion.
An unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) is also known as a combat drone used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and target acquisition. The UACV carries aircraft ordnance such as ATGMs, missiles, and bombs in hardpoints for drone strikes. These drones are usually under real-time human control and can be used for both battlefield intelligence and drone strikes. Furthermore, combat drones offer an unprecedented ability by increasing accuracy, reducing the risks to civilians, and protecting military personnel from harm.
The increasing defense budgets and the territorial disputes between many nations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & African regions, are the major reasons for the development of combat UAVs. Growing spending on procurement of next-generation drones due to rising warfare situations, political disputes, and cross-border conflicts among neighbouring countries. With the increasing demand for combat drones, companies and governments are investing in new and innovative UCAVs, with advanced target detection and identification capabilities. Thus, increasing defense spending and procurement of advanced combat drones drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market Trends
Fixed-Wing Segment is Projected to Show Significant Growth During the Forecast Period
The fixed-wing segment of the market has the highest market share and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the increase in investments in the development of delta-wing and complex delta-wing UCAVs, with advanced combat capabilities, that can fly at supersonic speeds. Countries, like the United States, India, China, Iran, Israel, and Russia, among others, have invested in such combat UAVs. China is using stealth technology in unmanned platforms and is unveiling more UCAV variants. Furthermore, rising global expenditure and rising spending in enhancing defense capabilities drive market growth.
For instance, in July 2022, Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in India successfully conducted the first flight test of the autonomous flying wing technology demonstrator at the aeronautical test range in Karnataka. It was the major milestone of DRDO scientists towards developing an unmanned combat aerial vehicle of flying wing type. It was the precursor to an autonomous UCAV being developed by the DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), for the Indian Air Force. Thus, growing expenditure on the design and development of next-generation fixed-wing combat drones drives the growth of the market during the forecast period.
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North America is Expected to Lead the Market During the Forecast Period
North America held the highest market share in the unmanned combat aerial vehicle market and continue its domination during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the highest defense expenditure, growing focus on improving military capabilities, and procurement of next-generation combat drones. The United States is the highest defense spender in the world in 2021. The United States Department of Defense (DoD) allocated about USD 7.5 billion in 2021 for a variety of unmanned systems and related technologies. Furthermore, the United States Department of Defense requested USD 1 billion for the procurement of 3 MQ-4 Triton unmanned aerial vehicles in the fiscal year 2023 defense budget. Thus, rising defense expenditure and increasing adoption of next-generation combat UCAVs for strengthening defense capabilities drive market growth across North America.
For instance, in May 2022, XTEND, an Israeli defense company signed an agreement with the United States Department of Defense to supply hundreds of new Wolverine Gen2 drones to the United States military. The drones will be used to protect ground troops on dangerous missions. The Wolverine drones are lightweight with lower power consumption than other small unmanned systems. Thus, increasing investment in the procurement of advanced combat drones will boost market growth across the region in the coming years.
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Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Industry Overview
The unmanned combat aerial vehicle market is fragmented in nature with the presence of several global and local players holding significant shares in the UCAV market. Some prominent market players are Boeing, General Atomics, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin Corporation.
Several players are involved in designing and developing unmanned combat aerial vehicles due to increased funding by the governments of the respective countries. The development of new UAV payloads that help in increasing the lethality of the drones, with better target-hitting capabilities, will also support the growth of the UCAV market. The strategic investments by the key OEMs for expanding their global presence are expected to increase their market shares in the UCAV market. For instance, in April 2022, Turkey's new unmanned combat aerial vehicle AKINCI, developed by Baykar, engaged a sea target with an MK-82 bomb fitted with a TEBER guidance kit.
Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market Leaders
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General Atomics
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Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd
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Lockheed Martin Corporation
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Boeing
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Northrop Grumman
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market News
In November 2022, Baykar, a Turkish combat drone manufacturer delivered the first batch of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) to Poland. The contract was signed in May 2021 to supply the Polish Armed Forces with four batches of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles.
In April 2022, The German parliamentary defense committee approved the purchase of 140 Heron TP armed drones from Israel. The value of the contract was worth USD 152.6 million. The drones are expected to be delivered in the next two years. Out of the total 140 combat drones, 60 drones will be used for training purposes and 80 will be used for operational deployment.
Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Industry Segmentation
An unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) is a combat drone that usually carries combat payloads, like ATGMs, missiles, and bombs. These combat drones are used for surveillance and reconnaissance with combat payloads.
The unmanned combat aerial vehicle market is segmented based on the altitude of operation, type, and geography. By altitude of operation, the market is segmented into below 30,000 feet and above 30,000 feet. By type, the market is segmented into fixed-wing and rotary-wing. The market sizing and forecasts have been provided in value (USD billion).
| Altitude of Operation | Below 30,000 feet | ||
| Above 30,000 feet | |||
| Type | Fixed-wing | ||
| Rotary-wing | |||
| Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Europe | United Kingdom | ||
| France | |||
| Germany | |||
| Russia | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| India | |||
| Japan | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Latin America | Brazil | ||
| Rest of Latin America | |||
| Middle-East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | ||
| United Arab Emirates | |||
| Israel | |||
| South Africa | |||
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa | |||
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Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market Research FAQs
What is the current Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market size?
The Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market is projected to register a CAGR of greater than 8% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market?
General Atomics, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Boeing and Northrop Grumman are the major companies operating in the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market.
What years does this Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market cover?
The report covers the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle 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.
