by The Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 148.19 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 16.% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Overview:
Unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), also known as combat drones, are pilotless aerial vehicles meant for combat roles. They are used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions as well as precision strikes against targets. Common applications of UCAVs include intelligence gathering in enemy territory, attacking ground targets, and executing top-secret missions to counter threats. Advanced UCAVs feature next-generation sensors, avionics, communication systems, and high-precision targeting capabilities.
Market Dynamics:
One of the major drivers for the unmanned combat aerial vehicle market is the rising focus on reducing collateral damage and soldier casualties during warfare. UCAVs can carry out dangerous missions like intelligence gathering and bombing in high-risk conflict zones without putting human pilots at risk. This has proven beneficial for modern militaries seeking to minimize human losses while maximizing operational efficiency. Additionally, UCAVs equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems provide strategic capabilities like long-range precision strikes and persistent surveillance of wide areas for extended durations at relatively lower operational and procurement costs compared to manned aerial platforms. These advantages have prompted defense forces globally to increasingly incorporate combat drones into their aerial warfare tactics.
Segment Analysis
The unmanned combat aerial vehicle market can be segmented into high-altitude long endurance (HALE), medium altitude long endurance (MALE) and tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAV) based on platform. The MALE segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to its ability to loiter in the sky for longer durations and undertake various types of missions like intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and communication relay.
PEST Analysis
Political: Increased defense budget allocation globally is encouraging investment in unmanned systems for military missions. However, export regulations imposed by certain countries can impact market growth.
Economic: Rising threat perception is promoting increased spending on military modernization programs by developing nations. Countries are also procuring unmanned systems as they are cost-effective substitutes for manned aircraft.
Social: Unmanned systems help reduce the risk to human life in warfare, while the availability of trained manpower remains a challenge for military operations. However, concerns over AI safety and autonomous weaponry exist.
Technological: Advancements in areas such as computer vision, edge computing, sense and avoid systems, AI and swarm technologies are enabling enhanced autonomy, endurance, capabilities and integration of unmanned systems.
Key Takeaways
The global Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Market Share is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting 16% CAGR over the forecast period, due to increasing defense spending and procurement of advanced unmanned systems by developing nations. The market size for 2023 is estimated to be US$ 148.19 Bn.
North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. This is attributed to the presence of major manufacturers like Northrop Grumman, Boeing and General Atomics in the region. Significant investments in R&D and new product launches are expected to drive regional market growth.
Key players operating in the unmanned combat aerial vehicle market are Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems plc, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., AeroVironment, Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd., Teledyne FLIR LLC, Raytheon Technologies, Insitu, Inc.,The Boeing Company,General Atomics,Airbus SE,Safran S.A.,Thales Group,mdGroup Germany GmbH,Lockheed Martin Corporation,Others. Players are investing heavily in the development of advanced systems with enhanced range, endurance and connectivity for military missions.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
