Global Military Drone Market size was valued at USD 15.3 billion in 2023. It is likely to grow up to USD 21.8 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.5 % during the forecast period ranging between 2025 and 2030.

Published Date: Aug, 2025

Global Military Drone Market size was valued at USD 15.3 billion in 2023. It is likely to grow up to USD 21.8 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.5 % during the forecast period ranging between 2025 and 2030.

A military drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle used by the military for surveillance, targeting and attacks. It is operated using remote control or artificial intelligence technology. These drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras, sensors, GPS and targeting systems. It helps in carrying out missions without soldiers in dangerous areas. Drones are now being rapidly adopted to strengthen the border security of countries and to combat terrorism. With high-tech capabilities, these drones assist in surveillance, intelligence collection and targeted strikes. The ability to remotely identify terrorist hideouts and carry out precision strikes has helped modernize the army. The need for constant surveillance in border areas has increased their demand globally and pushed the growth of the global military drone market. However, stringent security and privacy rules are hindering the market growth.
 
Browse market data Tables and Figures spread through 140 Pages and in-depth TOC on Global Military Drone Market By Type (Strategic Drones, Tactical Drones, Mini Drones and Micro Drones), By Application (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR), Combat Operations, Battle Damage Management and Delivery Services), By Range (Short Range, Medium Range and Long-Range Drones), By Propulsion (Battery Powered, Fuel Cell Powered and Hybrid Cell Drones) and By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Rest of the World) - Forecast from 2025 to 2030.

Global Military Drone Market Segmentation and Key Players

Segment / Key Players

Categorization

Type

Strategic Drones, Tactical Drones, Mini Drones and Micro Drones

Application

Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR), Combat Operations, Battle Damage Management and Delivery Services

Range

Short Range, Medium Range and Long-Range Drones

Propulsion

Battery Powered, Fuel Cell Powered and Hybrid Cell Drones

Key Players

Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Lockheed Martin Corporation, AeroVironment Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Textron Systems, BAE Systems plc, Thales Group, Shield AI, Baykar, AeroVironment, Boeing, Saab Group

By type, strategic drones dominated the global military drone market. 

Strategic drones rule due to higher demand. The long-range strike capability of strategic drones and the ability to monitor at high altitudes make them indispensable for border security and war strategy.

"North America dominated the global military drone market." 

North America is the largest market due to higher investment by the US invests in the defense sector, innovative drone technology and rising demand for AI-based drones with independent mission capabilities.

Recent Devlopments by the Key Players

The Merlin Pilot will be integrated into Northrop Grumman's BeaconTM next-generation testbed environment, according to a deal announced today by Merlin, a leading provider of guaranteed, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft.

Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have collaborated to develop an Unmanned Airborne Early Warning (UAEW) system. The MQ-9B unmanned aerial system from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems will serve as the foundation for the solution. The partnership combines the industry-leading unmanned aircraft systems technology from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems with Saab's well-known proficiency in AEW&C systems. Saab's AEW sensors will be integrated with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems' unmanned MQ-9B platform. By continuously monitoring certain areas, the new capacity will provide situational awareness and persistent surveillance.

Some of the major players in this market are Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Lockheed Martin Corporation, AeroVironment Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Textron Systems, BAE Systems plc, Thales Group, Shield AI, Baykar, AeroVironment, Boeing, Saab Group

Global Military Drone Marketcoverage (By Value) 

  • Type Insight and Forecast 2025 - 2030
    • Strategic Drones
    • Tactical Drones
    • Mini Drones
    • Micro Drones
  • Application Insight and Forecast 2025 - 2030
    • Intelligence
    • Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)
    • Combat Operations
    • Battle Damage Management
    • Delivery Services
  • Range Insight and Forecast 2025 - 2030
    • Short Range
    • Medium Range
    • Long-Range
  • Propulsion Insight and Forecast 2025 - 2030
    • Battery Powered
    • Fuel Cell Powered
    • Hybrid Cell

Geographical Segmentation

Global Military Drone Market by Region

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia-Pacific (APAC)
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Vietnam
    • Thailand
    • Malaysia
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  • Rest of the World (RoW)
    • Brazil
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • U.A.E.
    • Other Countries