Global Target Drone Market - 2024-2031

Overview

The Global Target Drone Market reached US$ 4.47 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 7.69 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.02% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Target drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used as practice targets for training purposes in both defense and civilian sectors. The target drone market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased demand in military training, defense applications and research and development activities. The market is expected to grow as militaries and defense contractors invest in more advanced training and simulation technologies.

Furthermore, the increasing use of AI and autonomous systems in target drones will enhance their capabilities, making them more effective in simulating real-world threats. For instance, Boeing's Insitu is leveraging AI and edge processing for advanced ISR capabilities, while Boeing's Airpower Teaming System (ATS) and US Air Force's Skyborg initiative exemplify manned-unmanned teaming with semi-autonomous drones like Kratos' Valkyrie.

Asia-Pacific is experiencing strong growth for target drones due to heavy investment in defense system technology & economic movement by the key players of the market. Furthermore, nations such as China, India and Japan fueled the demand for advanced training systems by using target drones. For instance, in 2023 the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that the Chinese government has spent over US$ 290 billion on their defense sector including the advancement of drones. Similarly, the Indian government initiatives such as

Dynamics

Rising Application of Target Drones in Civilian Safety

The rising application of target drones in civilian sectors such as testing and calibration of air defense systems. With increased defense expenditure in emerging economies like China and India, these regions are becoming lucrative markets for target drones. India, for example, allocated US$ 67 billion to its defense budget in 2023, with a significant portion aimed at upgrading its drone capabilities, including target drones for training purposes.

Similarly, Russia is significantly investing in drone technology, particularly in collaboration with Uzbekistan. The total volume of joint investment projects between Russia and Uzbekistan amounts to approximately US$ 60 billion, with plans to establish the production of civilian drones in Uzbekistan, which reflects Russia's strategic focus on enhancing its drone capabilities.

Increasing Trend of Joint Military Exercises

The growing trend of joint military exercises between nations is also boosting demand. The exercises rely heavily on target drones to simulate aerial combat, which improves the preparedness of participating forces. For instance, US has proposed to provide consultancy services to India for developing advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of the US$ 3.1 billion deal for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones.

The market's growth is also supported by government investments in drone technology, such as the European Defence Fund, which allocated EUR 8 billion for defense research and innovation, including drone development programs.

High Cost of Advanced Target Drones

The high cost associated with the development and manufacturing of advanced target drones. These costs encompass not only the initial production but also the maintenance and operation, making it difficult for smaller economies and defense organizations to adopt these technologies.

A PTA-11 Target Drone's average cost is approximately around US$ 290,000 per unit. However, costs can escalate to about US$ 500,000 per unit due to production delays and additional features. Similarly, the Kratos Target Drone acquisition costs US$ 3 million for a single unit and US$ 2 million or less for 100-or-greater units quantity purchases.

Segment Analysis

The global target drone market is segmented based on type, propulsion, platform, payload, operation mode, application and region.

Growing Demand for Autonomous Drone Driven by Energy Efficiency, Cost-Effectiveness and Longevity

The demand for automatically operated drones in the global target drone market is rising, driven by advancements in automation technology and the increasing need for efficient military training and target simulations. The defense sector's focus is on improving combat preparedness. Automatically operated target drones, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), can simulate enemy aircraft or missiles, allowing forces to practice interception and other strategic maneuvers.

Countries such as US China and Russia are increasing their investments in these drones, with US accounting for a significant portion of the market due to its large-scale defense projects. Furthermore, advancements in AI and sensor technology are enabling better obstacle avoidance, route planning and real-time decision-making, driving the preference for automatically operated drones.

Geographical Penetration

Military Training and Testing Applications in North America

In the North American region, the demand for target drones is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in military training and testing applications. US and Canada are the primary contributors to this surge, leveraging target drones to enhance the effectiveness of their defense systems and training exercises. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in US has streamlined regulations for the use of drones in both military and civilian applications, further fueling the growth of the target drone market.

Similarly, Canada has been actively enhancing its Arctic monitoring capabilities as part of a comprehensive five-year, US$ 133 million upgrade to bolster its military's air, maritime and subsurface awareness in the region. In its quest for advanced drone systems, the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND) aimed to award contracts for these systems in 2022 or 2023, to have the drones operational by 2025.

However, in December 2020, Canada shifted its strategy and awarded Elbit Systems a US$ 36.16 million contract for the Hermes 900 StarLiner drone. North American market benefits from favorable regulatory environments and government incentives that encourage the adoption of advanced drone technologies.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Lockheed Martin Corporation, HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, Northrop Grumman Corporation, The Boeing Company, Airbus SE, Leonardo S.p.A. Safran Electronics & Defense, QinetiQ Group plc, Griffon Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

Sustainability Analysis

The global target drone market is undergoing rapid transformation, with sustainability becoming a key consideration for manufacturers and governments. The increased demand for these drones in military and defense applications, especially for training and testing purposes, raises concerns about their environmental impact. For instance, companies like Kratos Defense & Security Solutions are investing in drone designs that minimize environmental impact without compromising performance.

Energy efficiency is another area where sustainability improvements are emerging. Battery-powered target drones are gaining popularity as they reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Similarly, governments are introducing stringent regulations to limit environmental damage in defense operations. Programs like the European Union's Green Deal emphasize the need for sustainable defense technologies, encouraging the adoption of greener practices in drone manufacturing.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

The Russia-Ukraine war has significantly reshaped the global target drone market, demonstrating the growing reliance on unmanned systems in modern warfare. The conflict has underscored the critical role that drones play on the battlefield, with Ukraine deploying an array of both military and commercial drones. These drones have not only facilitated tactical advantages but have also driven global demand for similar capabilities.

Ukraine's use of First Person Viewer (FPV) drones, for example, has highlighted the utility of smaller, cheaper drones, with the country reportedly fielding over 62 different types of FPVs. The Ukrainian government's projection to produce two million drones by 2024 further showcases the rapid growth and demand within the drone market. The Ukrainian drone industry has had to ramp up domestic production due to supply shortages from China, indicating a shift toward self-reliance in this space.

Globally, this conflict has spurred other nations to increase their drone procurement and development efforts. US military, for instance, requested US$ 25 million to acquire commercial drones, a direct influence of Ukraine's drone warfare tactics. Additionally, counter-drone systems have become critical, with US investing US$ 177 million in Coyote interceptors to combat enemy drones. The rise in demand for drones, coupled with counter-drone measures, is expected to expand the global target drone market, both in terms of size and technological sophistication.

By Type

• Fixed Wing
• Rotary Wing

By Propulsion

• Electric Propulsion
• Fuel Propulsion
• Hybrid Propulsion

By Platform

• Aerial
• Ground
• Marine

By Payload

• Less than 10 Kg
• 10-30 kg
• More than 30 Kg

By Operation Mode

• Remotely Controlled
• Autonomous

By Application

• Training
• Target and Decoy
• Reconnaissance
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In August 2023, the Australian Department of Defence selected Lockheed Martin Corporation as its strategic partner to oversee AIR6500 Phase 1 (AIR6500-1), a project that will integrate advanced air and missile defense capabilities. This partnership reflects the growing demand for unmanned systems and target drones in defense applications, highlighting how these technologies are becoming crucial to military preparedness and battlefield management.
• In February 2023, Northrop Grumman secured a contract from the U.S. Marine Corps to develop the Next Generation Handheld Targeting System (NGHTS), showcasing the need for precision in target identification and engagement. This is part of a broader trend where armed forces seek to enhance their capabilities in GPS-denied environments, making target drones indispensable in testing and training scenarios.
• In July 2023, Airbus was awarded a contract by the Canadian government to deliver aircraft that could also serve in continental defense missions, signaling a broader interest in integrating unmanned systems into national security strategies.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global target drone market is segmented based on type, propulsion, platform, payload, operation mode, application and region.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel spreadsheet containing a comprehensive dataset of the target drone market, covering all levels of segmentation.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global target drone market report would provide approximately 86 tables, 81 figures and 210 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies