Middle East Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Growth Opportunities, 2024-2027

Accelerating Demand Will Transform the Regions Defense Space

This analysis examines the military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry in the Middle East in light of the rapid evolution of drone technology and the dynamic nature of modern warfare. As UAV proliferation intensifies among GCC members and prime regional adversary Iran, budget allocations continue to increase.

Efforts to localize UAV manufacturing will continue in a way that could reshape the regional competitive landscape, threatening to challenge the US and Israeli hegemony.

UAV technology is becoming more pervasive, ranging from mini and micro tactical aerial solutions for asymmetric urban warfare and infantry corps aerial support to strategic MALE and HALE platforms for long-range and high-altitude missions. Traditional defense companies, along with emerging UAV vendors from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Israel are expected to win large contracts in the Middle East to develop, test, and manufacture multimission UAV systems, including commercial-oriented technologies that address specific operational needs. This analysis identifies industry trends and includes a broad discussion of the factors driving and restraining growth in this space. It also provides an overview of the competitive landscape, main domain programs, leading contracts in the region, and growth opportunities.