Loitering Munition (Kamikaze and Suicide drones) Market Size, Share and Growth
Loitering Munition Market by Type (Recoverable and Expendable), Launch Mode (Air Launched Effect, Vertical Take-Off, Catapult Launched, Canister Launched, Hand Launched), End User, Range and Region - Global Forecast to 2029
OVERVIEW
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
The loitering munitions market, often referred to as kamikaze drones or suicide drones, is projected to reach USD 0.82 billion by 2029 from USD 0.53 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 9.0% from 2024 to 2029. Market growth is driven by rising demand for precision-strike capabilities, increasing cross-border conflicts, and the growing adoption of AI-enabled autonomous targeting systems.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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BY TYPEThe loitering munitions market comprises recoverable and expendable systems, with expendable types leading due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of deployment, and suitability for one-time precision strike missions across tactical operations.
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BY END USERKey end users include the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the Army dominating the market owing to increased use of loitering munitions for reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision attack missions in high-threat environments.
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BY LAUNCH MODELaunch modes include canister, catapult, vertical take-off, hand, and air-launched systems, with canister-launched munitions holding the largest share because of their compact structure, rapid deployment capability, and platform adaptability.
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BY RANGEThe market is divided into short-, medium-, and long-range systems, with short-range munitions driving demand because of their high maneuverability and effectiveness in close-range and urban combat situations.
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BY REGIONThe loitering munitions market encompasses North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the Rest of the World, with North America expected to lead due to increasing defense modernization efforts and a focus on advanced autonomous strike systems.
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COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPEMajor market players have adopted both organic and inorganic strategies, including partnerships and defense contracts. For example, AeroVironment (US), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), and Teledyne FLIR (US) have entered into multiple agreements and collaborations to meet the increasing global demand for advanced loitering munitions and autonomous precision-strike systems.
The loitering munitions industry is experiencing steady growth, driven by defense modernization and rising demand for precision, cost-effective strike capabilities across multi-domain operations. Advances in miniaturized propulsion, sensors, autonomy, and communications, together with growing asymmetric threats and expanded procurement, are accelerating adoption and reshaping sustainment and procurement models.
TRENDS & DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMERS' CUSTOMERS
Emerging defense trends, such as disruptive technologies and autonomous operations, are reshaping revenue streams across the defense and law enforcement sectors, influencing military branches and agencies. These shifts in end-user demand directly impact clients’ revenues and drive future growth opportunities.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
MARKET DYNAMICS
Level
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Technological advancements as a driver for loitering munitions
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Defense modernization
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High upfront costs of loitering munition systems
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Operational limitations
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Revolutionizing border security and counter-insurgency operations
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Enhancing naval warfare and maritime surveillance
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Technical limitations and reliability concerns
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Potential threats to safety and violation of privacy
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Driver: Technological advancements as a driver for loitering munitions
Technological innovations such as AI-based guidance, enhanced sensors, and extended endurance systems are significantly improving the accuracy, autonomy, and operational flexibility of loitering munitions, including kamikaze drones, across diverse combat scenarios.
Restraint: High upfront costs of loitering munition systems
The high development and acquisition costs associated with advanced components, including precision navigation systems and data links, make loitering munitions such as suicide drones less accessible to smaller or budget-constrained defense forces.
Opportunity: Revolutionizing border security and counter-insurgency operations
Loitering munitions offer real-time surveillance and precision strike capabilities, thereby enhancing situational awareness and effectiveness in border protection and counter-insurgency operations.
Challenge: Technical limitations and reliability concerns
Loitering munitions face challenges such as limited endurance, vulnerability to electronic interference, and system malfunctions, which can affect mission reliability and overall combat performance.
Loitering Munition Market: COMMERCIAL USE CASES ACROSS INDUSTRIES
| COMPANY | USE CASE DESCRIPTION | BENEFITS |
|---|---|---|
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Ukrainian forces employed AeroVironment’s Switchblade (including 600) in 2024 to strike Russian air-defense assets—one documented attack hit a Buk launcher after >30 km transit; the weapon is also the first public buy under the U.S. DoD’s Replicator push to field swarms at scale. | Company-backed, man-portable precision strike systems with rapid fielding and scale (Replicator) enable deep standoff attacks on high-value targets with reduced collateral risk and minimal logistics, demonstrating the combat role of suicide drones. |
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Russia’s ZALA Aero (Kalashnikov) “Lancet” loitering munitions were mass-employed in 2024, with reports indicating several hundred strikes in peak months, supporting offensive operations (e.g., the Kharkiv axis). | High-volume, industry-scaled production of loitering munitions, particularly kamikaze drones, enables persistent suppression of artillery and air-defense systems, extending reach beyond the FEBA and disrupting logistics at comparatively low cost. |
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MARKET ECOSYSTEM
The loitering munitions ecosystem comprises manufacturers (ZALA, UVision, Teledyne FLIR, Rheinmetall, IAI, Thales), research bodies (DARPA, VNIITF, ADD), and end-users, including NATO and national defense forces. Manufacturers focus on precision and autonomy, while research institutions drive innovation to meet the evolving needs of the military and security sector.
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET SEGMENTS
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Loitering Munitions Market, By Type
Expendable loitering munitions dominate the market due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of deployment, and suitability for one-time precision strike missions without recovery logistics, commonly referred to as kamikaze drones.
Loitering Munitions Market, By End-User
The Army segment leads the market as land forces increasingly deploy loitering munitions for tactical surveillance, SEAD missions, and precision strikes in high-threat zones. These systems, commonly referred to as kamikaze or suicide drones, are often used for point-target strikes and battlefield suppression.
Loitering Munitions Market, By Launch Mode
Canister-launched systems hold the largest share owing to their compact design, rapid deployment capability, and compatibility with multiple platforms, including vehicles and ships. Many kamikaze drones are deployed through these launch modes.
Loitering Munitions Market, By Range
Short-range loitering munitions dominate due to their suitability for close combat and urban operations, offering enhanced maneuverability and quick strike capabilities. These are widely seen in the form of suicide drones used in dense conflict zones.
REGION
North America to be fastest-growing region in global loitering munitions market during forecast period
The North American loitering munitions market is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the US's heavy investments in next-generation precision and autonomous strike systems, as well as Canada’s growing focus on strengthening border surveillance and modernizing defense initiatives.
Loitering Munition Market: COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX
In the loitering munitions market matrix, AeroVironment (Star) leads with a strong market share and broad product portfolio, driven by its advanced Switchblade systems and AI-based strike capabilities. RTX (Emerging Leader) is expanding its presence through precision-guided technologies and defense integrations, showing strong potential to move toward the leaders’ quadrant as demand for smart loitering munitions grows.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
KEY MARKET PLAYERS
MARKET SCOPE
| REPORT METRIC | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2023 (Value) | USD 0.51 Billion |
| Market Forecast in 2029 (value) | USD 0.82 Billion |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 9.0% from 2024-2029 |
| Years Considered | 2020-2029 |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2029 |
| Units Considered | Value (USD Million), Volume (Units) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends. |
| Segments Covered |
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| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Rest of the World |
WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU: Loitering Munition Market REPORT CONTENT GUIDE
DELIVERED CUSTOMIZATIONS
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| CLIENT REQUEST | CUSTOMIZATION DELIVERED | VALUE ADDS |
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
- September 2024 : Artemon Aerospace partnered with Munitions India Limited (MIL) to develop advanced loitering munitions for the Indian Armed Forces under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming to enhance indigenous defense capabilities through modern, self-reliant manufacturing.
- April 2024 : Teledyne FLIR won a USD 12 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps to supply 127 OPF-L loitering munitions, strengthening small-unit lethality and operational flexibility through advanced precision-strike systems.
- November 2023 : Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) signed USD 145 million in contracts to deliver Harpy NG and Harop loitering munitions to two nations, underscoring rising global demand for long-range precision systems and IAI’s strategic role in battlefield success.
Table of Contents
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Methodology
This research study involved the extensive use of secondary sources, directories, and databases, such as D&B Hoovers, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Factiva, to identify and collect information relevant to the Loitering Munition market. Primary sources included industry experts from the core and related industries, as well as preferred suppliers, manufacturers, solution providers, technology developers, alliances, and organizations related to all the segments of this industry’s value chain. All primary sources were interviewed to obtain and verify critical qualitative and quantitative information and assess prospects for market growth during the forecast period.
Secondary Research
The ranking analysis of companies in the loitering munition market was determined using secondary data from paid and unpaid sources and by analyzing major companies’ product portfolios and service offerings. These companies were rated based on the performance and quality of their products. These data points were further validated by primary sources.
Secondary sources referred for this research study on the loitering munition market included financial statements of companies offering loitering munition, along with various trade, business, and professional associations, among others. The secondary data was collected and analyzed to arrive at the overall size of the loitering munition market, which was validated by primary respondents.
In addition, the secondary research was used to obtain key information about the industry’s value chain and supply chain to identify key players operating in the market, market classifications and segmentation according to offerings of major players; and industry trends related to type, end user, launch mode, range and regions as well as key developments in the market.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted after obtaining information about the current scenario of the loitering munition 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, and Africa. This primary data was collected through questionnaires, emails, and telephonic interviews.
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. It also helped analyze the type, end user, launch mode, and range segments of the market for five key regions.
Note: C-level Executives include the CEO, COO, and CTO, among others.
Others include Sales Managers, Marketing Managers, and Product Managers. The tiers of the companies have been defined based on their total revenue as of 2022. Tier 1 = > USD 1 billion, Tier 2 = USD 100 million to USD 1 billion, and Tier 3 = < USD 100 million
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Market Size Estimation
Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the Loitering Munition market. The research methodology used to estimate the market size includes the following details:
- Key players were identified through secondary research, and their market ranking was determined through primary and secondary research. This included a study of annual and financial reports of the top market players and extensive interviews of leaders, including CEOs, 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.
Loitering Munition Market : Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach
Data Triangulation
After arriving at the overall size of the loitering munition market from the market size estimation process explained above, the total market was split into several segments and subsegments. To complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the exact statistics for various market segments and subsegments, data triangulation and market breakdown procedures explained below were implemented, wherever applicable. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides. Along with this, the market size was validated using both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Market Definition
Loitering Munition Market refers to advanced aerial weapons, also known as suicide drones, kamikaze drones, or exploding drones. The purpose of these munitions is intended for precise and responsive engagement. Munitions, built with warheads, can spend a long time in a target area until they identify an enemy presence, and then directly impacting it. The loitering munition market encompasses a variety of application, end user, launch mode and range tailored for specific operational needs. Range includes short-range, medium- range, long- range, which can determine mission requirements. Type as recoverable and expendable for mission flexibility. The market is segmented by end user, including army, navy, and air force, and by launching mode, such as air-launched, vertical take-off, catapult, canister and hand-launched mechanisms.
Kamikaze drones, also referred to as suicide drones or loitering munitions, are designed to circle over a chosen area until a target is identified, after which they dive into it carrying an explosive payload. Unlike conventional missiles, they can linger in the air, providing surveillance and target information before being directed to strike. In some cases, operators can call off an attack and redirect the drone if circumstances change. These systems have become an important part of warfare today, with countries such as Russia, Ukraine, India, and Pakistan actively using or developing models like the Shahed-136, the Switchblade 300 and 600, and homegrown Indian variants.
Key Stakeholders
Various stakeholders of the market are listed below:
- Loitering Munition System Component Suppliers
- Loitering Munition System Manufacturers
- Loitering Munition System Pilot Training Institutes
- Technology Support Providers for Loitering Munition Systems
- Loitering Munition Software/Hardware/Service and Solution Providers
- Government and Defense Regulatory Bodies
- Loitering Munition System Consultants
- Defense Forces (Army, Navy, Airforce)
- Research and Development Institutions, Testing and Certification Agencies
- Integrated Defense Systems Providers for Loitering Munition Systems
Report Objectives
- To define, describe, segment, and forecast the size of the Loitering munition market based on type, launch mode, end-user, range, and region
- To forecast the size of market segments based on five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Rest of the World, along with key countries in each region
- To identify and analyze key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
- To identify industry trends, market trends, and technology trends prevailing in the market
- To analyze micromarkets1 with respect to individual technological trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market
- To strategically profile key market players and comprehensively analyze their market ranking and core competencies2
- To provide a detailed competitive landscape of the market and analyze competitive growth strategies, such as product developments, contracts, partnerships, MOU’s, agreements, and collaborations adopted by key players in the market
- To identify the detailed financial position, key products, unique selling points, and key developments of leading companies in the market
1 Micromarkets are referred to as the segments and subsegments of the Loitering munition market included in 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.
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