Military Drone Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Rotary Blade, Hybrid), By Operation Mode (Remotely Piloted, Fully Autonomous), By Range, By Application, By Maximum Take-off Weight, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2

Military Drone Market Summary

The global military drone market size was estimated at USD 40.53 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 87.63 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13.9% from 2025 to 2030. The market growth is driven by increasing defense budgets, rising adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and combat operations, advancements in drone technology, and growing demand for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across various military applications.

The adoption of military drones is also being propelled by technological innovations that enhance operational capabilities, such as improved sensor systems, high-resolution cameras, advanced avionics, and seamless integration with real-time data networks such as 5G. These technological advancements enable drones to perform a variety of critical missions, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), target acquisition, and precision strikes with increased accuracy and efficiency, thereby driving the military drone industry.

Additionally, the strategic importance of drones in modern warfare, with their ability to conduct multi-domain operations and swarm tactics, is leading to increased military procurement and modernization programs. Governments worldwide are recognizing the cost-effectiveness of unmanned systems compared to traditional manned aircraft, which motivates substantial investments to expand military drone fleets. The Asia-Pacific region, especially countries such as India and China, is witnessing rapid growth due to ongoing defense modernization initiatives and rising regional security concerns, making it one of the fastest-growing markets for military drones in the coming years. These combined factors create a dynamic and expanding market landscape for military drone industry.

Furthermore, the growing focus on advanced C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities is a critical driver reshaping modern military operations. The rapid advancement of C4ISR capabilities is transforming modern military operations by enabling seamless manned-unmanned teaming, greater situational awareness, and mission adaptability. A leading example is the U.S. Department of Defense’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Program, launched in 2024, which focuses on developing semi-autonomous, jet-powered drones to serve as loyal wingmen alongside manned fighters. Such factors are expected to drive the military drone industry in the coming years.

Moreover, the escalating geopolitical tensions are enhancing defense budgets by prompting nations to prioritize investments in advanced military technologies, particularly in the development and deployment of sophisticated unmanned aerial systems. Countries are allocating greater portions of their GDP to defense in response to emerging threats, contested borders, and the need for technologically advanced armed forces. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending reached a record high in 2024, driven largely by major powers such as the U.S., China, Russia, and Germany, among others. These rising expenditures reflect traditional security challenges and the urgency to modernize militaries with cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven C4ISR systems, autonomous drones, and hypersonic weapons.

Global Military Drone Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub - segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global military drone market report based on type, operation mode, range, application, maximum take - off weight, end - use, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Fixed - Wing
• Rotary Blade
• Hybrid
• Operation Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Remotely Piloted
• Partially Autonomous
• Fully Autonomous
• Range Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
• Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS)
• Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
• Logistics & Supply
• Others
• Maximum Take - off Weight Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• <150 Kg
• 150 - 1000 Kg
• >1000 Kg
• End - use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• Air Force
• Army
• Navy
• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• Germany
• UK
• France
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Australia
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

Please note The report will be delivered in 4-8 business days upon order notification. Show more