Target drone market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. The increasing military and defense expenditure that focuses on military training in emerging economies is one of the key factors driving the growth of the global market. The rising number of patent and innovation registrations in various developing countries is further contributing to the growth of the target drone market. In June 2022, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar announced that it is set to see a series of drones deployed around stadiums to protect the event from terrorism and provide additional security to venues. The unmanned remotely controlled UAVs will target “rogue” drones using technology provided by Fortem Technologies, following an agreement to deploy the equipment between the company and the Ministry of Interior of Qatar. Deploying such technology reflects the current fears that hostile drones could be used in a terrorist attack, with commercially available drones easily adapted to carry explosives or other harmful substances.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Target Drone Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has not made a significant impact on the growth of the global target drone market. As these drones find their use in the defense sector and no country in this world will or is ready to compromise with its external security so special permissions were given by the government to the manufacturers and operators of these drones to continue their work from their offices. So, this industry is working at its normal pace as it was working before the pandemic situation. 

Segmental Outlook 

The global target drone market is segmented by target, mode of operation, and end-user. The market segmentation based on the target includes aerial target, ground target, and marine target. Based on the mode of operation, the market is segmented into autonomous target drones and remotely operated target drone. Based on end-user, the market is segmented into defense and commercial.

Defense Holds Considerable Share in the Global Target Drone Market

Based on end-user, the defense segment held a considerable share in the target drone market in 2021. The rising adoption of target drones by the defense forces across the globe for simulating real combat enemy air-to-air or air-to-ground missiles is a key factor driving the growth of this market segment. Additionally, many defense forces are purchasing target drones to increase the safety of their people and for weapons training. For instance, in January 2022, India signed a $12.9 million contract with defense firm Anadrone Systems for 125 manoeuvrable expendable aerial targets (MEAT) and associated equipment for the country’s armed forces. The aerial targets to be purchased by the Indian military are expected to provide more realistic training for soldiers, particularly in weapons platforms such as missiles and gun systems.

Regional Outlook

The global target drone market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Others), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Others), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa and Latin America). The market can be analyzed for a particular region or country level as per the requirement. North America held a considerable share in the global target drone market in 2021. The growing military & defense expenditure, high investment in new technology, and presence of key market players across the US are some key factors contributing to the largest share of the regional market.

Global Target Drone Market Growth, by Region 2022-2028

Asia-Pacific to Exhibit Significant Growth in the Global Target Drone Market

Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit significant growth in the target drone market during the forecast period. The increasing popularity of target drones, especially across China, Japan, and India, increased spending on defense systems and technologies across these countries, and the presence of companies producing target drones across the region are key factors contributing to the regional market growth. In June 2022, India successfully flight-tested the indigenously-developed High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT), ABHYAS from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur off the Odisha coast. 

The performance of the aircraft at low altitude, including sustained level and high manoeuvrability, was demonstrated during the test flight. The target aircraft was flown from a ground-based controller in a pre-designated low-altitude flight path, which was monitored by various tracking sensors deployed by ITR, including radar and an electro-optical targeting system. Such developments are anticipated to drive regional market growth.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the global target drone market include QinetiQ Group plc, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., Airbus Group, Northrop Grumman Corp., and Boeing Co. The companies are focusing on technology advancements, geographical expansions, mergers and acquisitions, and finding a new market or innovation in their core competency to expand individual market share. For instance, in July 2022, British multinational defense technology company QinetiQ received a contract from the Royal Navy to trial the military effect of Banshee Jet80+ air vehicle off Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. Banshee is the target drone of the company that will deliver rapid visual identification of radar contacts to allow the classification of threats.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2021 and forecast to 2028.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global target drone market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.