Loitering Munition Market Size to Reach USD 5,900.4 Million in 2032
The loitering munition market size was 2,764 million in 2024 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period
May 30th, 2025 – The increasing use of loitering munitions in counter-terrorism operations is significantly contributing to revenue growth in the loitering munition market. These precision-guided UAV systems are widely used in applications such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), precision strikes, border security, and critical infrastructure protection.
Increased military and defense budgets to strengthen national security and protection of critical infrastructure are further accelerating revenue growth of the market. Loitering munitions are turning into increasingly critical components for various intelligence-led operations. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), in 2024, worldwide military expenditure was USD 2,718 billion.
Furthermore, major military spending countries are significantly deploying loitering munition systems owing to rising geopolitical conflicts. For instance, Russian defense company Kalashnikov Group launched the Lancet-E loitering munition system. In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, drones have played a pivotal role in various operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted strikes against enemy assets such as armored vehicles and air defense systems.
However, supply chain restriction on the import of critical materials is projected to hinder the market’s revenue growth. The manufacturing and development of loitering munitions require several critical components, including data link communication modules, onboard sensors, navigation systems, and other essential components. On 4th April 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce restricted export of seven rare earth elements (REEs) and specialized magnets essential to the defense, other industries.
Key Highlights:
- One-way segment will account for a substantial revenue share in 2024. The rapid incorporation of one-way loitering weapons into military doctrines and combined arms operations is increasing revenue share. One-way attack drones are remotely piloted systems equipped with onboard automated sensors that allow for real-time targeting by ground operators.
- Long-range (>200 km) is expected to register the fastest revenue growth of 14.4% by 2032. Increased demand for deep-strike precision systems capable of attacking high-value targets beyond enemy air defense is anticipated to drive revenue growth in the loitering munition market. Long-range systems provide increased operational reach, payload capacity, and interaction with multi-domain ISR networks by allowing for better target acquisition and mission autonomy.
- Europe contributed a significant revenue share in 2024. The European Union (EU) is investing substantially in the research and development of military uncrewed systems. For instance, the European Defence Fund (EDF) dedicates between 4% and 8% of its yearly budget to emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs), such as drones.
- Moreover, the EU introduced a USD 2.23 billion financial package under the EU Defense Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). This includes around USD 1.63 billion from the European Defence Fund (EDF), USD 100.46 million in co-funding from Member States.
- Some major companies in the global loitering munition market report include AeroVironment, Inc. (U.S.), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel), Thales Group (France), UVision Air Ltd. (Israel), STM Defence International (Turkey), SBG Systems (France), AEVEX Aerospace (U.S.), China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco) Limited (China), EDGE Group PJSC (UAE), BlueBird Aero Systems (Israel), WB GROUP (Poland), Spear Ltd. (Israel), Unmanned X, Inc. (Saudi Arabia), Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.).
- On 28th August 2024, AeroVironment (AV) secured a five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command Aberdeen Proving Ground under the Directed Requirement (DR) initiative for Lethal Unmanned Systems (LUS). The contract is valued at USD 990 million, and this contract will support the supply of Switchblade systems, with initial deliveries anticipated within the next few months.
Unlock the key to transforming your business strategy with our Loitering Munition Market Size Insights –
Navistrat Analytics has segmented the loitering munition market size into the areas of Reusability, Launch Platforms, Range, Payload Capacity, Endurance, Application, Deployment and Region:
- Reusability Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
- One-way
- Reusable
- Launch Platforms Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
- Air-based
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
- Fixed-Wing Aircraft
- Rotary-Wing Aircraft
- Ground-based
- Vehicle-mounted
- Fixed launchers
- Hand-Launched
- Naval-based
- Ships
- Submarines
- Air-based
- Range Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
- Short-range (<40 km)
- Medium-range (40–200 km)
- Long-range (>200 km)
- Payload Capacity Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
- Lightweight (<2 kg)
- Medium (2–10 kg)
- Heavy (>10 kg)
- Endurance Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
- Short (< 1 Hr.)
- Medium (1 – 2 Hr.)
- Long (> 2 Hr.)
- Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Special Operations
- Precision Strikes
- Border Security & Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Counter-UAS
- Others
- Deployment Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
- Defense Forces
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Homeland Security
- Defense Research & Testing Agencies
- Defense Forces
- Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2022-2032)
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- U.K.
- Italy
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic Countries
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Oceania
- ASEAN Countries
- Rest of APAC
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Rest of LATAM
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC Countries
- South Africa
- Israel
- Turkey
- Rest of MEA
- North America