Global Combat Drone Industry Analysis Report 2023-2028: Integration of Disruptive Technologies Drives Demand for Specialized and Strategic Drones in Modern Warfare

DUBLIN, Aug. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "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" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The combat drone market is projected to grow from USD 7.2 billion in 2023 to USD 10.8 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2023 to 2028

The global combat drone market is experiencing significant growth driven by the surging demand for unmanned systems within the defense sector. The integration of disruptive technologies into modern warfare has fueled the need for specialized and strategic drones in military operations.

Countries across the world are actively engaging in research and development initiatives to explore and expand the applications of combat drones. With a focus on efficiency and versatility, combat drones are proving their worth in low-altitude flights, finding utility in various military tasks even in hostile environments.

Serving both in times of conflict and peace, these drones are adept at reducing pilot risks and enhancing aeronautical capabilities for defense forces. Embraced by defense sectors globally, combat drones present advantages such as lower operational costs compared to manned aircraft, making them a preferred choice for defense applications.

The increasing budgetary constraints, coupled with a decline in the recruitment of defense personnel and equipment by the US and European countries, have led to the requirement for developing cost-effective defense equipment to carry out several military missions.

Continuously changing modern warfare techniques require conducting critical missions in populated areas using combat drones. Moreover, the availability of advanced navigation as well as satellite communication technologies has led to highly viable remote operations being conducted by these drones.

Combat drones can reduce collateral damage while hovering, searching, and identifying targets, which makes them an invaluable asset to the military sector. Besides, companies operating in the combat drone market are focusing on improving the technological capabilities of these drones.

Based on the platform, the strategic segment is to grow at a higher market share during the forecast period.

Based on the platform, the combat drone market has been classified into small, tactical, and strategic drones. The strategic drone segment is to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period. The strategic segment held the majority share of the market in 2022 and is estimated to hold its dominance during the forecast period owing to the high price of HALE and MALE drone platforms.

Based on application, the lethal segment is to grow at the highest market share 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 hold the highest market share.

North America is projected to lead the combat drone market in 2023. The US is the largest market for combat drone market in North America. North America is a politically stable region owing to the stable governments of countries in the region. The US and Canada have good business relations and are home to some key players operating in the combat drone market.

North America has been at the forefront of the technological revolution taking place globally. Canada and the US are pioneers in science and technology. Drones have been used for a long time in defense and commercial sectors worldwide. Since the beginning, the region has been a leader in technological advancements.

Though North America faced competition from some other developed and developing regions, it continues to retain its supremacy in the technological field.

Competitive landscape

The major players in the Combat Drone market mainly resorted to contracts to drive their growth. They also entered new markets by launching technologically advanced and cost-effective products. An increase in the demand for advanced Public Safety Drone products and the growth of emerging markets have encouraged companies to enter new regions.

Northrop Grumman (US), General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (US), Raytheon Technologies (US), Israel Aerospace Industries Inc. (Israel), and Airbus (Netherlands) are some of the leading players in the market. 

Key Attributes:

Premium Insights

• Increased Funding by Government to Drive Market
• Hybrid Segment Estimated to Lead Combat Drone Market in 2023
• Loitering Munition Projected to Grow at Highest CAGR During Forecast Period
• Asia-Pacific Region to Register High CAGR Market During Forecast Period

Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Growing Adoption of Combat Drones
• Deployment of Combat Drones
• Surge in Intensified Military Training
• Cost-Effectiveness in Terms of Operation and Maintenance
• Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security Applications
• Decreasing Prices of Components

Restraints

• Limited Trained Personnel
• Limited Bandwidth, Payload Capacity, and Autonomy

Opportunities

• Advancements in AI and Autonomy
• Increased International Cooperation
• Technological Advancements in Drone Payloads
• Full-Scale Conversion for War Scenario Simulation

Challenges

• Safety and Security of UAVs
• Electronic Jamming to Limit Communication and Control

Combat Drone Market Ecosystem

• Prominent Companies
• Private and Small Enterprises
• Startups
• End-users

Industry Trends

Technology Trends

• Drone Swarms
• Stealth and Low Observable Technologies
• Electronic Warfare Using Combat Drones
• Synthetic Aperture Radars
• Sigint by Drones
• Manned-Unmanned Teaming (Mum-T)
• Endurance
• Hypersonic Armed Drones

Technology Analysis

• AI in Combat Drones
• Mid-Air Refueling of Drones
• Spy Drones
• Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles
• Anti-UAV Defense Systems
• Dipole Drive for Combat Drones

Use Cases

• Persistent Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering in Hostile Environments
• Battlefield Damage Assessment and Post-Strike Analysis

Maturity Mapping of Drone Technologies

• Innovation and Patent Registrations, 2020-2023
• Evolution of Combat Drone: Roadmap from 2010 to 2030

Company Profiles

Key Players

• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
• General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
• Aerovironment, Inc.
• The Boeing Company
• Airbus
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Leonardo Spa
• Qinteiq Group PLC
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Griffon Aerospace
• Scr (Sistemas De Control Remoto)
• Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc.

Other Players

• Dynetics, Inc.
• Robotican Ltd.
• Volansi, Inc.
• Aerotargets International, LLC
• Platform Aerospace
• Shield AI
• Instanteye Robotics
• Athlon Avia
• Silvertone UAV
• Bluebird Aero Systems Ltd.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/r1o0bo

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