Combat Drone Global Market Report 2024

The combat drone market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $8.03 billion in 2023 to $8.81 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The expansion observed in the historical period can be attributed to military modernization efforts, commercial innovations, evolution in doctrine and strategy, and the emergence of asymmetric warfare tactics.

The combat drone market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $12.59 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy, the miniaturization of sensors and payloads, the integration of swarming technology, and the development of stealth and low observable technologies. Major trends expected in this period include the proliferation of swarming technology, increased integration with manned platforms, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, and the emphasis on multi-domain operations.

The expanding defense sector is anticipated to drive the growth of the combat drone market in the foreseeable future. The defense sector encompasses industries involved in the development, manufacturing, procurement, and maintenance of military equipment, technologies, and systems crucial for national defense and security. Increased investments in the defense sector are expected to spur advancements and proliferation in combat drone technology, fostering innovation, stimulating market demand, and enhancing the capabilities of unmanned systems in military operations. For instance, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's April 2022 report, global military spending reached a record high of $2.1 trillion in 2021, with total global military expenditure increasing by 0.7% in real terms to USD 2.11 trillion. Notably, Russia increased its military spending by 2.9% in 2021, reaching $65.9 billion, while China allocated approximately $293 billion to its military, marking a 4.7% increase from 2020. Consequently, the rise in defense expenditure is propelling the expansion of the combat drone market.

Key players in the combat drone market are focusing on autonomous unmanned aircraft systems to address the growing demand for combat drones. Autonomous uncrewed aircraft systems, or drones, represent advanced technologies utilized in various applications such as surveillance, security, and force protection. For example, in September 2023, Anduril Industries, a US-based defense technology company, introduced the Ghost-X system, an enhanced version of its Ghost autonomous uncrewed aircraft system. The Ghost-X system boasts capabilities for carrying heavier payloads and extended flight durations. With an upgraded propulsion system enabling the accommodation of two batteries, the Ghost-X system can extend its flight time to 75 minutes while doubling its payload capacity to 9 kilograms (20 pounds). Moreover, it offers an optional long-range communications kit and can be configured to accommodate a variety of sensors and payloads, including electro-optical gimbals and a vision-based navigation module facilitating satellite-independent flight capabilities.

In July 2023, Anduril, a US-based defense technology company, successfully acquired Blue Force Technologies for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition is geared towards expanding Anduril's suite of autonomous capabilities, with a specific focus on Group 5 autonomous aircraft. Blue Force Technologies, based in the US, is an aerospace design and manufacturing company that specializes in drones. The acquisition aligns with Anduril's mission to enhance its autonomous technologies, particularly in the domain of unmanned aerial systems, to address various defense and security challenges.

Major companies operating in the combat drone market are Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems plc, Boeing Defense Space & Security, Textron Inc., Leonardo S.p.A., Rheinmetall AG, Elbit Systems Ltd., Saab AB, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Baykar Defense, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Denel Dynamics, Yuneec International, AeroVironment Inc., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Aurora Flight Sciences, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, BlueBird Aero Systems, Icarus Aerospace Industries.

North America was the largest region in the combat drone market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the combat drone market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the combat drone market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

A combat drone, also referred to as an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) or armed drone, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) specifically designed and equipped for military operations. These drones can be remotely controlled or operate autonomously, undertaking various combat missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and airstrikes. Equipped with sensors, cameras, weapons systems, and communication devices, they execute missions while minimizing risks to human personnel.

The primary types of combat drones include fixed-wing, rotary wing, and hybrid configurations. Fixed-wing drones feature rigid wings and rely on aerodynamic lift for flight. They can be launched via various methods such as air-launched effects, vertical take-off, automatic take-off and landing, catapult launchers, and hand-launched platforms. These drones span across different sizes including small, nano, micro, mini, tactical, close-range, short-range, medium-range, long-range, and strategic, with applications encompassing lethal, stealth, loitering munitions, reversible, expendable, and target-focused operations.

The combat drone market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides combat drone market statistics, including combat drone industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with combat drone market share, detailed combat drone market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the combat drone industry. This combat drone market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The combat drone market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as reconnaissance and surveillance, target acquisition, and aerial strikes. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The combat drone market also includes sales of unmanned aerial vehicles, sensors, and payloads, weapons systems. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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