Combat Drone Market by Platform (Small, Tactical, and Strategic) Application (Lethal, Stealth, Loitering munition and Target), Type, Launching Mode (Air Launched Effect, Vertical Take-Off, Automatic Take Off) and Region - Forecast to 2028
The Combat Drone Market is valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 10.8 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 8.6%. As technology advances and regulations continue to evolve, the demand for combat drones is expected to grow further, enabling more efficient and effective responses to critical incidents. The flexibility and maneuverability of drones enable them to access hard-to-reach areas, providing critical support to first responders. As a result, combat agencies are increasingly adopting drones as essential tools for improving their operations and ensuring the safety of communities. Equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, they can detect hazards, locate missing persons, and assist in the management of critical incidents.
The Combat Drone Industry has experienced remarkable technological advancements, revolutionizing the way emergency response and public safety operations are conducted. These advancements have propelled drones to the forefront of critical missions, equipping public safety personnel with powerful tools to enhance situational awareness, response capabilities, and overall operational efficiency. With improved flight performance, extended flight times, and increased payload capacities, drones can navigate challenging environments, remain airborne for longer durations, and carry sophisticated equipment and sensors. Advanced imaging technologies, real-time video streaming, and data transmission capabilities enable real-time situational assessment, while intelligent flight modes and autonomy features streamline operations. The integration of data analytics and seamless data integration empowers public safety agencies to leverage valuable insights for incident management and post-incident analysis. The continuous evolution of technology in the combat drone market promises to unlock new possibilities and revolutionize emergency response efforts, ensuring safer communities and more effective crisis management.
Combat Drone Market Forecast to 2028
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Combat Drone Market Dynamics
Driver: Growing adoption of combat drones due to their high precision and accuracy capabilities.
Combat drones possess cutting-edge technology that enables superior precision and accuracy in pinpointing and engaging enemy positions and objectives. Equipped with advanced targeting systems and guided munitions, these drones execute precise strikes with utmost efficiency, thereby minimizing collateral damage and optimizing mission success rates.
The drone's targeting systems integrate state-of-the-art sensors, cameras, and radar systems, enabling real-time data acquisition and intelligence gathering from the drone's operational environment, including the target area. The high-resolution imagery and video provided by the onboard cameras offer detailed insights into the target and its surroundings. Additionally, advanced radar systems proficiently detect and track moving targets, such as enemy vehicles or aircraft, even in adverse weather conditions.
Restraints Limited trained personnel to operate drones.
Unlike conventional aircraft, combat drones need to ensure the reliability of the entire unmanned aerial system, which includes UAVs, ground control stations, and communication equipment. Drones can fly at different altitudes and require skilled pilots to control and operate them. The number of pilots available for high-precision operations is comparatively low. An increase in drone adoption in the combat drone verticals adds to the growing need for skilled drone pilots. Presently, to reduce the number of accidents caused due to the poor control skills of drone operators, efforts are underway to improve the autonomy of these systems. Drones should be equipped with systems that offer them autonomous sense and the capability to avoid collisions during operations. The accident rate for UAVs is higher than that of manned aircraft. According to Calhoun: The NPS Institutional Archive, nearly 32% of accidents involving UAVs are due to human error, while 45% occur due to material failure, along with other factors.
UAVs flying at low altitudes require pilots to control and operate them. This requires skilled personnel for the remote piloting of UAVs. Several UAV accidents are attributed to poor control by operators. Efforts are being made to reduce such accidents by improving the autonomy of these systems, thereby reducing the involvement of human operators. Various programs are being undertaken to train pilots to carry out precise operations of UAVs. Efforts are also being made to design systems that offer improved control over UAVs.
Opportunity: Advancements in AI and Autonomy
Continued advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy will unlock new opportunities for combat drones. AI-powered drones can conduct complex operations with reduced human intervention, enabling autonomous decision-making and adaptability in dynamic environments. These capabilities open up possibilities for swarming tactics, collaborative missions, and more sophisticated target identification and engagement. As AI technology matures, combat drones' market size is expected to grow as they become more intelligent and capable of handling complex missions with increased efficiency.
Challenge Issues with the safety and security of UAVs
The security of UAVs during military operations is a major concern for militaries. UAVs operate remotely or autonomously. In both cases, there is a possibility of hacking the flight control systems of UAVs and taking control of their operations. For instance, in July 2012, a team from Texas University was able to take control of a UAV using GPS spoofing devices that cost only USD 1,000, thereby disrupting the operations of the UAV and sending it off course. The US also wants to avoid incidents like the 2011 Iranian capture and eventual reverse engineering of the classified Lockheed Martin RQ-170. Manufacturers of military UAVs have to ensure that the control systems of UAVs cannot be hacked easily to make them more secure to use.
Combat drone Market Ecosystem
The key stakeholders in the combat drone market ecosystem are platform manufacturers, subsystem manufacturers, service providers, software providers, and miscellaneous (insurance companies). The following figure lists some global platform manufacturers, subsystem providers, service providers, and software providers.
The market for Hybrid in the type segment is projected to grow with higher CAGR.
Based on type, the Hybrid segment is projected to record high growth during the forecast period. Hybrid drones offer one significant advantage with their extended flight time and endurance. The increased flight time enables public safety agencies to cover larger areas. Hybrid unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) possess the capability to seamlessly transition between vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and horizontal flight, effectively amalgamating the agility of rotary-wing UAVs with the efficiency of fixed-wing UAVs. This inherent adaptability empowers them to flexibly accommodate evolving operational demands and adeptly navigate heterogeneous environments. The incorporation of fixed-wing characteristics in hybrid drones confers upon them the capacity to efficiently cover extensive geographical areas. These drones are proficient in performing aerial surveys, conducting border or coastline monitoring operations, and providing comprehensive surveillance capabilities for law enforcement agencies. The extended flight range inherent in hybrid drones enables them to effectively carry out patrol and monitoring activities across vast regions.
The market for the lethal segment in the application segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Based on the application segment, the combat drone market has been classified into lethal, stealth, loitering munition, and target drone. The loitering segment is to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Lethal drones or lethal autonomous weapons are autonomous military systems that can individually search for targets and destroy them based on programmed limitations and descriptions. A loitering munition drone can be described as an advanced, autonomous drone equipped with explosive payloads designed to loiter or hover over a designated area for an extended period. The loitering munition segment is further sub-segmented into recoverable and expendables.
North America is expected to lead the market during the forecast period.
North America is projected to lead the Combat drone market during the forecast period. The US is the largest market for Combat drones in North America. Collaboration between public safety agencies and private drone service providers has accelerated the adoption of combat drones in North America. Public-private partnerships have facilitated access to advanced drone technologies, expertise, and operational support for public safety agencies. The combination of a strong focus on public safety, supportive regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, diverse landscapes, and collaboration between sectors has contributed to the significant demand for combat drones in North America.
Combat Drone Market by Region
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Key Players
Operating in the Combat Drone Companies are Northrop Grumman Corporation(US), Raytheon Technologies Corporation(US), Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.(Israel), General Atomics Aeronautical Systems(US), And Teledyne FLIR LLC. (US). They have an established portfolio of reputable products and services, a robust market presence, strong business strategies, a significant market share, products with wider applications, broader geographical use cases, and a larger product footprint.
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Report Metric |
Details |
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Growth Rate |
8.6% |
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Estimated Market Size in 2023 |
USD 7.2 billion |
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Projected Market Size in 2028 |
USD 10.8 Billion |
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Market size available for years |
2020-2028 |
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Base year considered |
2022 |
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Forecast period |
2023-2028 |
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Forecast units |
Value (USD) |
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Segments Covered |
By platform, by application, by type, and by launching mode |
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Geographies covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America |
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Companies covered |
Northrop Grumman (US), General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (US), Raytheon Technologies (US), Israel Aerospace Industries, Inc. (Israel), Airbus (France), and a few others. (Total 25 Players) |
Combat Drone Market Highlights
This research report categorizes the Combat Drone market based on platform, application, type, and launching mode.
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Segment |
Subsegment |
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By Platform |
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By Application |
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By Type |
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By Launching Mode. |
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By Region |
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Recent Developments
- In Aug 2022, Northrop Grumman Corporation modernized B-2 Spirit Bomber with Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM-ER). During the flight test in the month of December, B-2 successfully released a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range (JASSM-ER). Also, the integration of the Radar Aided Targeting System (RATS) allows the B-2 to fully employ the B-61 mod 12 nuclear bombs, and various high-frequency transmission has improved by Crypto modernization.
- In Jan 2022, Raytheon conducted live firing tests with the Coyote Block 2+ equipped with a KRFS (Ku-band Radio Frequency System) radar mounted on an M-ATV 4x4 armored vehicle as part of the Fixed Site and Mobile LIDS (Mobile-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Integrated Defeat System) for counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial System).
- In March 2022, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a Raytheon Technologies firm, demonstrated that it’s High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) could work in pair with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) to counter unmanned aircraft threats.
- In December 2022, the Wingman drone is a next-generation semi-autonomous combat drone designed to act as a force multiplier. Airbus has dropped Wingman drone out of cargo plane A400M for a mid-air launch. These stealth drones will be fitted with mission-specific payloads and armaments for air-to-ground, air-to-air, recon, intelligence, and electronic warfare scenarios.
- In Jan 2023, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. launched Point Blank for the US Department of Defense. The ‘Point Blank’ is a small electro-optic guided missile that fits within a soldier’s bag pack. It is a new compact hand-launched loitering missile. A prototype version called ‘ROC-X’ will be produced first by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
- In March 2023, AeroVironment, Inc. launched Switchblade 300 Block 20 with system upgradation with improved endurance and data link range from 15 minutes to 20 plus, which would give operators roughly 33 percent more time to observe and pick targets with less a time crunch. Also, the system has a cruising speed of 63 miles per hour and can reach 100 miles per hour if needed.
- In February 2023, Autel Robotics' Drone assisted a scientific team of foreign academics in documenting activities on Costa Rica's Iraz Volcano. The scientists chose the Autel EVO Lite+ drone for its high-quality sensor and durability. The EVO Lite+ flew safely through 17-knot winds and can be utilized in situations up to 37 knots, making it ideal for high-altitude projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is the current size of the Combat drone market?
The Combat drone market is valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 10.6 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 8.3%. North America is estimated to account for the largest share of the Combat drone market in 2023.
Who are the winners in the Combat drone market?
Some of the key players in the Combat drone market are Northrop Grumman Corporation(US), Raytheon Technologies Corporation(US), Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.(Israel), General Atomics Aeronautical Systems(US), And Teledyne FLIR LLC. (US).
What are some of the technological advancements in the market?
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Drone swarm technologies, Network functions virtualization (NFV), Software Defined Networking (SDN) are some of the technological advancements in the market. The drone industry has witnessed significant growth during the past decade due to increasing use in the commercial and military sectors. Major applications include the use of drones in law enforcement and SWAT, agriculture & conservation, product delivery, construction, mining, news gathering, search & rescue, combat, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Due to their unique ability to hover and access areas considered unsafe and hazardous for humans, they are used in a wide range of applications. Accidents due to power failure or losing control of drones could result in injury or damage to private or public property. This could result in high costs, medical expenses, or personal injury. Hence, ensuring drones is one of the best ways to promote the growth of the combat drone market.
What are the factors driving the growth of the market?
The Increasing use of combat drones for marine border patrolling, Increasing use of drones for border management, Enhanced situational awareness, Increasing demand for hybrid drones, and reduction in the price of drone components like ICs (controllers, GPS). The costs of drones are falling as the costs of various ICs (controllers, GPS), IoT sensors, MEMS sensors, and batteries are going down, whereas their performance is rising, like the GPS accuracy. The drone’s hardware is mostly made of fiber composites, whose cost is decreasing due to advancements in technology and investment in drone hardware worldwide. New drone technology will improve drone manufacturing efficiency, which should make manufacturing drones cheaper, and as new competitors will enter the market, drone companies will have to reduce prices in order to capture a larger market share.
Which region is expected to grow most in the Forecast years?
The market in Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2030, showcasing strong demand for combat drones in the region. The growth of the combat drone market in the Asia Pacific can be attributed to the rise in internal conflicts within the countries in the region. Moreover, political tensions in countries of Asia Pacific have led to the deployment of drones to ensure the security of their borders. This serves to be one of the most significant factors driving the growth of the combat drone market in the region.
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This research study on the combat drone market involved the extensive use of secondary sources, directories, and databases, such as Hoovers, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and Factiva, to identify and collect information relevant to the market. The primary sources considered experts from the core and related industries and preferred suppliers, manufacturers, solution providers, technology developers, alliances, and organizations related to all segments of the value chain of this industry. In-depth interviews with various primary respondents, including key industry participants, subject-matter experts (SME), industry consultants, and C-level executives, were conducted to obtain and verify critical qualitative and quantitative information pertaining to the market, as well as to assess its growth prospects.
Secondary Research
In the secondary research process, various secondary sources were referred to for identifying and collecting information pertinent to this study on the combat drone market. Secondary sources included annual reports; press releases; investor presentations; white papers; journals and certified publications; articles by recognized authors; directories; and databases. Secondary research was conducted to obtain key information about the supply chain of the industry, the value chain of the market, the total pool of key players, market segmentation according to the industry trends (to the bottommost level), geographic markets, and key developments from both, market- and technology-oriented perspectives.
After the complete market engineering (which includes calculations for market statistics, market breakdown, data triangulation, market size estimations, and market forecasting), extensive primary research was carried out to gather information as well as to verify and validate the critical numbers that were obtained.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted after obtaining information about the current scenario of the combat drone market through secondary research. Several primary interviews were conducted with market experts from both the demand and supply sides across five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. This primary data was collected through questionnaires, emails, and telephonic interviews. In the primary research process, various sources were interviewed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information on the market. Sources from the supply side included various industry experts, such as chief X officers (CXOs); vice presidents (VPs); and directors from business development, marketing, and product development/innovation teams; and related key executives from the market participants, such as independent consultants, manufacturers, parts manufacturers of combat drones, and key opinion leaders. These interviews were conducted to gather insights such as market statistics, data on revenue collected from the products and services, market breakdowns, market size estimations, market size forecasting, and data triangulation. The expert insights also helped analyze the platform, application, type, and launching mode market segments.
Stakeholders from the demand side, such as CXOs, production managers, and maintenance engineers, were interviewed to understand the perspective of buyers on product suppliers and service providers, along with their current usage. The primary interviews also helped in understanding the future outlook of their businesses, which will affect the overall combat drone market.
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Market Size Estimation
- The top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the combat drone market. The research methodology used to estimate the market size also included the following details.
- The key players were identified through secondary research, and their market ranking was determined through primary and secondary research. This included a study of the annual and financial reports of the top market players and extensive interviews of leaders, including chief executive officers (CEO), directors, and marketing executives.
- All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources. All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data. This data was consolidated, enhanced with detailed inputs, analyzed by MarketsandMarkets, and presented in this report.
Market size estimation methodology: Bottom-up Approach
Market size estimation methodology: Top-Down Approach
Data triangulation
After arriving at the overall size of the combat drone market from the market size estimation process explained above, the total market was split into several segments and subsegments. The market breakdown & data triangulation procedures explained below were implemented, wherever applicable, to complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the exact statistics for various market segments and subsegments. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both demand- and supply-side. Along with this, the market size was validated using both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Market Definition
Combat drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are specifically designed and equipped for military or combat operations. These drones are remotely piloted by human operators from a ground control station, and they serve a variety of roles in modern warfare. These drones are outfitted with cutting-edge technology and capabilities for a wide range of military tasks, including surveillance, reconnaissance, target identification, tracking, and engagement. They can carry various types of payloads, such as high-resolution cameras, infrared sensors, radar systems, and even weapons.
Market Stakeholders
- Hardware suppliers
- Component manufacturers
- Software providers
- Regulatory bodies
- Combat drone consultants
- Combat drone research centers
- Combat drone distributors
Report Objectives
- To define, describe, segment, and forecast the size of the combat drone market based on platform, application, type, and launching mode.
- To forecast the size of different segments of the market with respect to five key regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, along with their key countries
- To identify and analyze key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market.
- To identify technology trends currently prevailing in the combat drone market
- To provide an overview of the tariff and regulatory landscape with respect to the combat drone market across different regions
- To analyze micro-markets {1} with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market
- To analyze opportunities in the market for the stakeholders by identifying key market trends
- To analyze the impact of the recession on the combat drone market and its stakeholders
- To profile the leading market players and comprehensively analyze their market share and core competencies {2}
- To analyze the degree of competition in the market by identifying key growth strategies, such as acquisitions, new product launches, contracts, and partnerships, adopted by the leading market players.
- To identify detailed financial positions, key products, and unique selling points of leading companies in the market
- To provide a detailed competitive landscape of the combat drone market, along with a ranking analysis, market share analysis, and revenue analysis of key players
1 Micromarkets are referred to as the segments and subsegments of the Combat Drone market considered in the scope of the report.
2 Core competencies of companies were captured in terms of their key developments and key strategies adopted to sustain their positions in the market.
Available Customizations
Along with the market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations as per the specific needs of companies. The following customization options are available for the report:
Product Analysis
- Product matrix, which gives a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of each company.
Regional Analysis
- Further breakdown of the market segments at country-level
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to 5)
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Combat Drone Market