• Cat-intel
  • MedIntelliX
  • Resources
  • About Us
  • Request Free Sample ×

    Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report

    Leading companies partner with us for data-driven Insights

    clients tt-cursor
    Hero Background

    Tactical UAV Market

    ID: MRFR/A&D/22388-HCR
    128 Pages
    Sejal Akre
    October 2025

    Tactical UAV Market Research Report By Platform (Fixed-wing, Rotary-wing, Hybrid), By Range (Short-range (less than 100 km), Medium-range (100-500 km), Long-range (over 500 km)), By Payload (Lightweight (less than 10 kg), Medium-weight (10-50 kg), Heavyweight (over 50 kg)), By Application (Surveillance and reconnaissance, Target acquisition, Electronic warfare, Close air support) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forecast to 2035.

    Share:
    Download PDF ×

    We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails based on your report interest from time to time. You may contact us at any time to opt-out.

    Tactical UAV Market Infographic
    Purchase Options

    Tactical UAV Market Summary

    The Global Tactical UAV Market is projected to grow from 33.57 USD Billion in 2024 to 74.70 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting a robust growth trajectory.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Tactical UAV Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1 percent from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 70.7 USD Billion, indicating substantial expansion.
    • in 2024, the market is valued at 33.57 USD Billion, laying a solid foundation for future growth.
    • Growing adoption of tactical UAVs due to increasing defense budgets is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 33.57 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 74.70 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 7.54%

    Major Players

    AeroVironment, Elbit Systems, General Atomics, L3Harris Technologies, Boeing, Schiebel, Cassidian, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Insitu, Thales, FLIR Systems, ECA Group, Textron Systems, DJI, Leonardo SpA

    Tactical UAV Market Trends

    The  Tactical UAV Market is undergoing remarkable growth due to the rising need for surveillance capabilities, intelligence gathering, and target acquisition in military operations. The proliferation of conflicts ly, together with the development and miniaturization of UAV technology, are also propelling market demand. This is also because there has been an increasing investment in defense modernization programs coupled with a growing acceptance of unmanned aerial systems for border security and homeland defense.

    The market has seen various trends lately. One of these significant trends is the emergence of swarming drones, which have better coordination abilities for performing operations and collecting information. Another driver is the integration of the latest sensors and payloads that enable these UAVs to undertake tactical missions such as precision targeting, electronic warfare and communications relay, among others. Additionally, there are opportunities for developing counter-UAV technologies as armies try to protect themselves against enemy drone operations.

    The increasing demand for tactical UAVs is reshaping military operations, enhancing reconnaissance capabilities, and providing real-time intelligence to ground forces.

    U.S. Department of Defense

    Tactical UAV Market Drivers

    Increased Military Expenditure

    The Global Tactical UAV Market Industry is experiencing growth due to heightened military expenditure across various nations. Governments are investing significantly in advanced technologies to enhance their defense capabilities. For instance, countries like the United States and China are allocating substantial budgets to develop and procure tactical UAVs. In 2024, the market is projected to reach 33.2 USD Billion, reflecting a robust demand for unmanned aerial systems. This trend indicates a shift towards modern warfare strategies, where tactical UAVs play a crucial role in reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat operations.

    Market Segment Insights

    Tactical UAV Market Platform Insights

    Tactical UAV Market Platform Insights

    The Tactical UAV Market is segmented based on platform into fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid. The fixed-wing segment held the largest market share in 2023 and is projected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing adoption of fixed-wing UAVs for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions.

    Rotary-wing UAVs are also gaining popularity, especially for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, making them ideal for urban warfare and disaster relief operations.Hybrid UAVs, which combine the advantages of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, are expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to their enhanced capabilities and versatility. The  Tactical UAV Market is expected to reach USD 33.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2024 to 2032.

    The market growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for tactical UAVs for military and homeland security applications, technological advancements leading to improved capabilities, and rising investments in defense spending.

    Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Tactical UAV Market Range Insights

    Tactical UAV Market Range Insights

    The  Tactical UAV Market is segmented by range into Short-range (less than 100 km), Medium-range (100-500 km), and Long-range (over 500 km). The short-range segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2023 to 2032, owing to the increasing demand for low-cost and easy-to-operate UAVs for short-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

    The medium-range segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period, driven by the rising need for UAVs with extended-range capabilities for border patrol, maritime surveillance, and disaster response operations.The long-range segment is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 9.1% over the next ten years, attributed to the growing demand for high-altitude, long-endurance UAVs for intelligence gathering, target acquisition, and strike missions. Overall, the  Tactical UAV Market is expected to reach a valuation of USD 55.8 billion by 2032, driven by the increasing adoption of UAVs for military and commercial applications.

    Tactical UAV Market Payload Insights

    Tactical UAV Market Payload Insights

    The  Tactical UAV Market is segmented based on payload into lightweight (less than 10 kg), medium-weight (10-50 kg), and heavyweight (over 50 kg). The medium-weight segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2023 and is projected to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. This can be attributed to the growing demand for medium-weight tactical UAVs for surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition missions.

    The lightweight segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of these UAVs for close-range operations and urban warfare.The heavyweight segment is expected to account for a significant share of the market due to the growing need for long-range and high-payload capacity UAVs for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Overall, the increasing demand for tactical UAVs for various military applications is expected to drive the growth of the market in the coming years.

    Tactical UAV Market Application Insights

    Surveillance and reconnaissance, target acquisition, electronic warfare, and close air support are the four main applications for tactical UAVs. In 2023, the surveillance and reconnaissance segment held the largest market share of 67.5%, and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for realtime situational awareness and intelligence gathering in military operations.

    The target acquisition segment is expected to witness a significant growth rate of 9.7% during the forecast period, owing to the rising need for accurate targeting and precision strikes.The electronic warfare segment is also projected to grow at a healthy CAGR of 8.5% from 2024 to 2032, driven by the increasing adoption of electronic warfare systems to disrupt enemy communications and sensors. The close air support segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period, primarily due to the growing need for close air support in urban warfare and counter-insurgency operations.

    Get more detailed insights about Tactical UAV Market Research Report — Global Forecast till 2034

    Regional Insights

    Due to the rising need for surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in military operations, the regional market for tactical UAVs is anticipated to experience significant growth. In 2023, North America held the largest market share due to the presence of major defense contractors and high military spending. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, driven by increasing defense budgets and territorial disputes.

    Europe holds a significant market share owing to the presence of several leading defense companies and ongoing military modernization programs.South America and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are expected to contribute to the market growth due to increasing investments in defense capabilities and counterterrorism operations.

    Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    Major players in the Tactical UAV Market are focusing on developing advanced technologies to gain a competitive edge. Leading Tactical UAV Market players are investing heavily in research and development to create innovative products that meet the evolving needs of customers. The Tactical UAV Market industry is characterized by intense competition, with key players vying for market share through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and product differentiation. Strategic partnerships between industry leaders and technology providers are becoming increasingly common as companies seek to leverage each other's strengths and gain access to new markets.

    The competitive landscape of the Tactical UAV Market is expected to remain dynamic, with new entrants and disruptive technologies constantly emerging.A prominent player in the Tactical UAV Market, AeroVironment, is known for its expertise in unmanned aircraft systems and has a strong presence in the defense and security sectors. The company offers a range of tactical UAVs, including the Raven, Puma, and Wasp, which are used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. AeroVironment has a  presence and has established partnerships with key players in the defense industry.

    Another leading player in the Tactical UAV Market, Elbit Systems, is an Israel-based defense and technology company that offers a wide range of UAV solutions. Elbit Systems' tactical UAVs include the Skylark, Hermes, and Watchkeeper, which are designed for various missions, including border surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition. The company has a strong customer base in the Middle East and Europe and is expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.In addition to AeroVironment and Elbit Systems, other notable players in the Tactical UAV Market include General Atomics, L3Harris Technologies, and Boeing.

    These companies offer a diverse range of tactical UAVs to meet the varying needs of military and civilian customers. The competitive landscape of the Tactical UAV Market is expected to remain competitive, with ongoing technological advancements and strategic partnerships shaping the market dynamics.

    Key Companies in the Tactical UAV Market market include

    Industry Developments

    The  tactical UAV market is projected to reach USD 55.8 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.54% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Increasing demand for enhanced situational awareness, precision targeting, and realtime intelligence gathering is driving market growth. Technological advancements such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous capabilities are fueling innovation and enhancing the capabilities of tactical UAVs. Recent news developments include the successful deployment of tactical UAVs in conflict zones, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting their critical role in modern warfare.

    Growing investments in defense spending and the modernization of military forces worldwide are expected to provide significant growth opportunities for the tactical UAV market in the coming years.

    Future Outlook

    Tactical UAV Market Future Outlook

    The Tactical UAV Market is projected to grow at a 7.54% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by advancements in technology, increasing defense budgets, and rising demand for surveillance.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Develop hybrid UAV systems integrating AI for enhanced operational efficiency.
    • Expand into emerging markets with tailored UAV solutions for local defense needs.
    • Invest in R&D for next-gen UAVs focusing on stealth and endurance capabilities.

    By 2035, the Tactical UAV Market is expected to achieve substantial growth, reflecting evolving defense strategies and technological advancements.

    Market Segmentation

    Tactical UAV Market Range Outlook

    • Short-range (less than 100 km)
    • Medium-range (100-500 km)
    • Long-range (over 500 km)

    Tactical UAV Market Payload Outlook

    • Lightweight (less than 10 kg)
    • Medium-weight (10-50 kg)
    • Heavyweight (over 50 kg)

    Tactical UAV Market Platform Outlook

    • Fixed-wing
    • Rotary-wing
    • Hybrid

    Tactical UAV Market Application Outlook

    • Surveillance and reconnaissance
    • Target acquisition
    • Electronic warfare
    • Close air support
    •  
    • North America
    • Europe
    • South America
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East and Africa

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2024 33.57(USD Billion)
    Market Size 2025 36.10(USD Billion)
    Market Size 2035 74.70 (USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 7.54% (2025 - 2035)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year 2024
    Market Forecast Period 2025 - 2035
    Historical Data 2021 - 2024
    Market Forecast Units USD Billion
    Key Companies Profiled Schiebel, Cassidian, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Insitu, Thales, FLIR Systems, ECA Group, Textron Systems, DJI, AeroVironment, Leonardo SpA, Elbit Systems
    Segments Covered Platform, Range, Payload, Application, Regional
    Key Market Opportunities 1 Increasing demand for ISR capabilities2 Growing adoption of multidomain operations3 Rapid technological advancements4 Expanding use in urban warfare scenarios5 Rising demand for miniaturization and affordability
    Key Market Dynamics Increased demand for ISR and surveillance Tactical UAVs provide realtime situational awareness and intelligence-gathering capabilities Advancements in technology Miniaturization improved sensors and AIdriven capabilities enhance performance and affordability. Growing need for border security and counterterrorism UAVs enable effective surveillance and precision strike capabilities Defense spending increases Governments worldwide are investing in defense modernization including tactical UAV systems Expansion into commercial applications UAVs find applications in industries such as infrastructure inspection agriculture and environmental monitoring
    Countries Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA

    FAQs

    What is the projected market size of the Tactical UAV Market in 2025?

    The Tactical UAV Market is expected to reach an overall valuation of 36.10 billion USD in 2025.

    What is the projected CAGR of the Tactical UAV Market from 2025 to 2034?

    The Tactical UAV Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2025 to 2034.

    What are the key factors driving the growth of the Tactical UAV Market?

    The growth of the Tactical UAV Market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, advancements in technology, and rising geopolitical tensions.

    Which region is expected to hold the largest market share in the Tactical UAV Market in 2024?

    North America is expected to hold the largest market share in the Tactical UAV Market in 2024 due to the presence of major defense contractors and high adoption of advanced technologies.

    Which application segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Tactical UAV Market in 2023?

    The surveillance and reconnaissance segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Tactical UAV Market in 2023 due to the increasing demand for realtime situational awareness.

    Who are the key competitors in the Tactical UAV Market?

    The key competitors in the Tactical UAV Market include Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, Israel Aerospace Industries, and AeroVironment, among others.

    What are the major trends shaping the tactical UAV Market?

    The major trends shaping the Tactical UAV Market include the adoption of artificial intelligence, the integration of advanced sensors, and the development of autonomous systems.

    What are the challenges faced by the Tactical UAV Market?

    The challenges faced by the Tactical UAV Market include regulatory restrictions, concerns over privacy and security, and the high cost of development and deployment.

    What are the opportunities for growth in the Tactical UAV Market?

    The opportunities for growth in the Tactical UAV Market include the increasing demand for unmanned systems, the development of new applications, and the expansion into emerging markets.

    What is the expected impact of COVID-19 on the Tactical UAV Market?

    The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a positive impact on the Tactical UAV Market as governments and defense organizations seek to enhance their surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

    Download Free Sample

    Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report

    Case Study
    Chemicals and Materials