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Introduction:
In recent years, military drones have transformed modern warfare, offering unparalleled surveillance capabilities, precision strikes, and intelligence gathering. As technology continues to evolve, the military drones market is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and communication systems. In this article, we’ll explore the latest trends shaping the military drones market and the technological innovations driving these developments.
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ( commonly known as a drone) is an aircraft without a human pilot on board. UAVs are a component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS); which include a UAV, a ground-based controller, and a system of communications between the two. The flight of UAVs may operate with various degrees of autonomy: either under remote control by a human operator or autonomously by onboard computers referred to as an autopilot.
Expanding Role of UAVs:
Originally deployed for missions deemed too risky or tedious for human pilots, UAVs have become indispensable assets across all branches of the military. Their roles have expanded beyond intelligence gathering to encompass electronic warfare, aerial combat, and logistical support. Military drones, categorized into fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid types, have become essential components of modern defense strategies, offering versatility and efficiency in various operational scenarios. Their roles have expanded to areas including electronic attack, suppression or destruction of enemy air defense, network node or communications relay, combat search and rescue, and many others.
Rising Demand for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):
The global military drones market is witnessing robust growth, fueled by increasing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across various defense applications. Military drones are being extensively utilized for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and aerial combat missions. Additionally, the rising need for border security, counter-terrorism operations, and disaster response efforts has further bolstered the demand for military drones worldwide.
Technological Advancements Driving Innovation:
This surge in demand has prompted various countries to invest in the development & deployment of these systems, further driving the market growth. The inclusion of features such as air-to-air missiles, Communication Intelligence Sensors, and Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications has become standard on advanced drones. Additionally, modern unmanned aerial vehicles can carry a variety of equipment, including large sensors & internal weapon compartments.
Several key technological trends are shaping the evolution of military drones:
- Autonomous Capabilities: Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are enabling drones to operate autonomously, performing complex tasks with minimal human intervention. Autonomous drones can navigate terrain, identify targets, and execute missions independently, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing human error.
- Enhanced Sensors and Payloads: Modern military drones are equipped with advanced sensor payloads, including high-resolution cameras, infrared sensors, and radar systems. These sensors provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, allowing military forces to gather critical data and maintain situational awareness in challenging environments.
- Long-Endurance and Range: Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on extending the endurance and range of military drones. Technological innovations in battery technology, propulsion systems, and aerodynamics are enabling drones to operate for extended durations and cover longer distances, thereby expanding their operational reach and effectiveness.
- Swarm Technology: The concept of drone swarms, where multiple drones operate collaboratively as a cohesive unit, is gaining traction in military applications. Swarm technology offers several advantages, including increased mission flexibility, redundancy, and scalability. Swarm-enabled drones can perform coordinated maneuvers, distribute tasks, and overwhelm adversary defenses, making them a formidable asset on the battlefield.
Market Outlook and Future Prospects:
The Global Military Drone Market size was valued at around USD 20.21 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 12.21% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30, cites MarkNtel Advisors in the recent research report. Military drones, equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and cutting-edge technologies, play a vital role in providing a comprehensive battlefield view. Their deployment aids military personnel in minimizing risks by enabling remote operations, particularly in hazardous environments with high enemy activity or exposure to chemical or biological threats.
The military drones market is poised for continued growth and innovation in the coming years.
Key factors driving market expansion include:
The increasing global geopolitical tensions & conflicts have led to a heightened demand for drones in military applications, covering surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations. This growing demand contributes to enhancing the Military Drone Market share, with defense modernization initiatives offering growth opportunities in the future years.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts in regions such as the Middle East and Asia-Pacific are driving demand for military drones as nations seek to enhance their defense capabilities and maintain strategic superiority.
- Technological Convergence: The convergence of emerging technologies such as AI, 5G connectivity, and quantum computing is expected to further revolutionize the capabilities of military drones. Future drones will be smarter, faster, and more versatile, offering unprecedented levels of performance and operational flexibility.
- Regulatory Landscape: While technological advancements present exciting opportunities for the military drones market, regulatory challenges related to airspace integration, safety, and privacy concerns remain key considerations. Addressing these regulatory hurdles will be crucial for the widespread adoption and deployment of military drones in civilian airspace.
RESTRAINING FACTORS
High Cost of Advanced Electronics and Modern Systems to Hinder Market Growth
UAVs are fully equipped with high-tech propulsion systems, avionics systems, advanced flight management technology, modern sensors, and payloads. These parameters are associated with sophisticated software and high-quality hardware systems depending upon the severity of the operations. The deployment of military UAVs has a different product portfolio for the army, air force, and navy, owing to different applications also varying the overall cost of products.
These factors increase the final price of military drones across the globe. The huge product as well as maintenance cost is expected to restrain future growth. Restrictions on the deployment of UAVs in several countries and limited use in aerial spaces are also expected to restrict future demand.
Global Military Drone Market Segmentation Analysis
By Product Type Analysis
Fixed-Wing Segment to Hold Major Share Owing to its Increasing Use for Long Distance Operations. In terms of product type, the market is divided into fixed wing, hybrid wing, and rotary wing.
The fixed-wing segment is estimated to hold the highest military drone market share in 2021 and continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. Fixed wing aerial vehicles can typically carry greater payloads for longer distances and flying times while using less power than VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) UAVs. This makes them ideal for long-distance missions like mapping, surveillance, and defense, in which lengthy endurance is critical and hence are significantly used in the defense sector by various armed forces worldwide. These factors are predicted to propel the segment growth through the projection period.
The rotary-wing segment is anticipated to showcase significant growth worldwide in the coming years, owing to increasing development of quad-copters. Quad-copters are heavy load carriers widely used for transportation and logistics applications across the globe.
Rotary wing drones are also used in tactical operations for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Based on platform, the military drone market has been segmented into small, tactical, and strategic drones. The tactical segment witnessed strong growth in the market during the forecast period. Tactical drones fly at altitudes ranging between 3,000 meters and 8,000 meters and are principally used in military applications. They fill the gap between small drones and strategic drones by combining the flexibility of small platforms with high-end platforms. The increasing demand for tactical drones that can be hand-launched and have an endurance of about 2 hours with suitable payload capacities to provide the required surveillance information has led to the growth of the tactical drone segment of the military drone market for defense & government applications globally. Some examples of tactical drones are Sperwer Mk II by Safran Electronics and Defence (France) and Thunder B UAV by Blue Bird Aero Systems (Israel).
By Range Analysis
On the basis of range, the market is divided into the Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS), Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS).
The EVLOS segment is predicted to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period owing to wide adoption of EVLOS UAVs in proper battle management, electronic warfare, and long-range missions to collect important information.
The VLOS range of drones commonly is used in applications such as fire emergency, border patrol, and disaster relief & management. The BLOS segment is expected to grow substantially through the forecast period owing to the growing awareness regarding the technology is progressing toward advancement and commercialization. These types of UAVs can transport weapons, ammunition, and cargo to the targeted locations.
Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) Segment to Grow at the Fastest Pace
In the dynamic landscape of the military drone market, segmentation analysis provides valuable insights into the key trends and growth drivers shaping the industry. One segment that stands out for its rapid expansion is the Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) category. Within the spectrum of range classifications, which also includes Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS), EVLOS emerges as the frontrunner poised for significant growth. Projections indicate that the EVLOS segment will command a predominant share of the Military Drone Market throughout the forecast period.
The accelerated growth of the EVLOS segment is propelled by several factors. Chief among them is the increasing adoption of EVLOS Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for long-range missions. These missions encompass critical functions such as data collection, battle management, and electronic warfare, necessitating drones capable of extended operational ranges. To meet these demands, EVLOS UAVs are equipped with advanced sensor technologies, satellite-based navigation systems, and robust communication and control infrastructure. As a result, the EVLOS segment emerges as a pivotal driver of innovation and capability enhancement within the military drone market.
Growing Adoption of Remotely Operated UAVs for Military Operation to Drive Segment Growth
Based on end-user, the market is classified into semi-autonomous drones, remotely operated drones, and autonomous drones. The remotely operated drone segment is projected to have the highest share in the market. during the forecast period. The majority of commissioned UAVs are operated remotely around the world due to rigorous government requirements for long-range autonomous flying.
For Command & control (C&C) and other telemetry systems, as well as radio communications, this technology is employed in military type of drones. The autonomous segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Several growing economies are focused on the innovation and development of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles to provide tactical and strategic services. The semi-autonomous segment will witness significant growth during 2022-2029. This growth is due to the rising preference on fixed range flight operations to gather vital
information.
Based on launching mode, the catapult launcher segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Based on launching mode, the military drone market has been segmented into Vertical Take-off, Automatic Take-off and Landing, Catapult Launcher, and Hand Launched logistics and transportation. Among these, the catapult launcher segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The catapult launcher segment includes drones that are launched using a catapult launcher, which uses bungee cords to launch drones from confined spaces. This type of launching mode is ideal for a setup on a carrier ship where the space is limited. Usually, drones having MTOW < 150-kilogram capacity use this launching mode. Companies such as Elbit Systems (US), Lockheed Martin (US), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), Textron Systems (US), and Thales (France) manufacture drones that use the catapult launching mode for various military applications. BirdEye 650D, Scout, Orbiter family, Ranger, Stalker XE UAS, Silver Fox, and Aerosonde are some of the drones in this category
Drone swarm technology involves the production of several small cheap drones than one large expensive drone, therefore offering military drone manufacturers and end-users efficiency in terms of cost and time. With the use of advanced swarm technologies, military and armed forces can effectively carry out lethal drone strikes in multiple places at once.
North America to Account for Potential Market Share
Asia Pacific was the largest region in military drones market in 2021. Western Europe is expected to be the fastest growing region in the forecast period.
In the competitive landscape of regional markets, North America emerges as a frontrunner poised to dominate the Military Drone Market. Throughout the forecast period, North America is expected to maintain its dominant position, boasting the highest market share. This dominance is underpinned by significant advancements in drone technology, particularly within the US military and other nations in the region. The United States, in particular, has been at the forefront of military drone development, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance its defense capabilities.
Key factors contributing to North America’s market leadership include increased investments in research and development by key industry players and government agencies. These investments fuel innovation and drive the adoption of advanced drone systems across military applications. Moreover, the region benefits from a robust ecosystem of defense contractors, technology firms, and research institutions, facilitating collaboration and accelerating technological advancements. As global demand for military drones continues to rise, North America remains poised to capitalize on its technological prowess and strategic partnerships, solidifying its position as a key player in the Military Drone Market.
Leading Companies include Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, AeroVironment, General Atomics, Textron, Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries, Thales, China Aerospace Science And Technology Corporation, Aeronautics, BAE Systems, Ball Corporation, Airbus, IAI, AVIC, CASC, Raytheon, Saab, Leonardo S.P.A, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Orbital ATK Inc., Planet Labs Inc., VTOL Technologies
Recent Industry News
Johnnette Technologies, an Indian Unmanned Systems manufacturer, has secured a contract from the Indian Army to supply its flagship tactical fixed-wing UAV, the Johnnette JF-2, for border surveillance. This drone, touted as India’s first crash-resistant UAV, represents a significant achievement in the nation’s drive towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Founded by retired Indian Navy officer Lt Cdr John Livingstone in 2014, the company’s commitment aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to bolster indigenous defense production.
The Johnnette JF-2, designed for surveillance and reconnaissance operations, features a hand-launched fixed-wing design and is equipped with high-definition day and thermal imaging cameras for day and night missions. Its crash-proof avionics bay and anti-jamming capabilities make it suitable for varied terrains, marking the first deployment of a fixed-wing UAV of its class by the Indian Army for border surveillance. Established in 2014, Johnnette Technologies has been a pioneer in Unmanned Systems Technology in India, catering to defense, commercial, and aerospace sectors. With plans to expand its portfolio to include Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), the company continues to innovate in the field of unmanned systems technology.
Conclusion:
As military drones continue to evolve and become increasingly integral to modern warfare, the market is witnessing rapid innovation and expansion. From autonomous capabilities to swarm technology, advancements in drone technology are reshaping the future of defense operations. With ongoing investment in research and development, coupled with growing demand from defense agencies worldwide, the military drones market is poised for sustained growth and technological advancement in the years to come.
The main types of military drones are fixed-wing, rotary-wing and hybrid. A fixed-wing drone is a plane that doesn’t have a human pilot on platform. Fixed-wing UAVs can be commanded remotely by a human or autonomously by onboard systems. The different types of drones include MALE, HALE, TUAV, UCAV, SUAV and involves various technologies such as remotely operated, semi-autonomous, autonomous.
Drones are used by the military, for everything from surveillance to lethal intervention and transport. Hundreds of companies are currently working on drone technology on both a small and large scale, and state and non-state actors are looking to integrate drones into their military programmes.
Now, the Ukraine conflict has become a showroom and test bed for the latest drone technology from different countries. Russia is believed to be employing Iranian drones, including the Shahed series, which can carry small missiles. Also called the Geranium-2 by Russia, it has explosives in a warhead on its nose and is designed to loiter over a target until it is instructed to attack. The Shahed-136 has a wingspan of about 2.5m (8.2ft) and can be hard to detect on radar.
Ukraine’s main military drone is the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2. It is about the size of a small plane, has cameras on board, and can be armed with laser-guided bombs. At the outset of the war, Ukraine had a fleet of “fewer than 50” of these, says Dr Jack Watling of the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) think-tank. The US said it is sending Ukraine 700 Switchblade drones, which are also kamikaze drones.
NATO distinguishes between several types of military drones. The most significant sector, both tactically and in terms of the market, is that of MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drones. Initially dominated by the Americans, with the General Atomics Predator, the first examples were delivered in 1995 and were armed in the early 2000s. For a long time, they had a monopoly with 360 units delivered (mainly to the US armed forces), but were gradually replaced by the Reaper, of which more than 300 units were delivered to the US armed forces. Allies of the United States – mainly but not exclusively within NATO – have acquired several dozen models.
Military drones market
The global military drones market is expected grow from $ 13.31 billion in 2021 to $ 14.19 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The market is expected to reach $ 18.30 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 6.6%.
Increasing focus on advanced C4ISR capabilities to drive the military drone market growth during the forecast period. Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) solutions are used to reinforce, boost, or implement command and control strategies and directives within military and intelligence frameworks. The success of any air, naval, or military operation hugely depends on the ISR capabilities. So, there are regular developments and advancements in the ISR field. For instance, the Fifth Generation C4ISR is a joint battle management system that can gather data, understand it, and communicate freely with all its components. C4ISR powered by AI uses machine learning to identify and classify tanks and other vehicles, improve the image feeds, and also provide driving assistance by giving early warnings on obstacles and changing ground conditions. Governments are also rapidly adopting these technologies to improve their defense arsenal.
Drone swarm technology is growing its popularity in the military drones market due to its cost efficiency and high fire-power. Drone swarms are a large group of small drones that coordinate with each other to perform actions such as a survey of enemy territories, search and rescue and attacks on hostile objects.
References and Resources also include:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/military-drones-global-market-reach-100300167.html
