According to research from SNS Insider, The global military robots market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing investments in unmanned technologies and higher defense budgets worldwide. The market was valued at approximatelyUSD 20.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11%, reaching USD 42.6 billion by 2030. Market Research Future has forecasted a higher CAGR of 18.8% for robotics for Military and Defence end users in 2024-2032. This expansion is fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the demand for unmanned systems that perform high-risk tasks, reducing human casualties on the battlefield .
Military robots are primarily categorized by their platforms: land, marine, and airborne. The airborne segment currently dominates, largely due to the extensive use of drones for surveillance and combat missions. Land-based robots, such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), are expected to grow at the highest rate due to their applications in combat support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). Autonomous robots, which minimize human intervention, are particularly valuable for ISR and logistics, allowing militaries to maintain operational efficiency in high-risk environments .
The global military robot industry is experiencing significant growth, with North America and the Asia-Pacific region emerging as key markets due to substantial investments and technological advancements in unmanned systems.
North America currently holds the largest market share in the military robot industry, accounting for 40% and valued at USD 7.362 billion in 2022. This figure is projected to reach USD 16.871 billion by 2030. The region’s dominance is primarily attributed to the strong presence of major defense contractors and the U.S. military’s growing adoption of unmanned systems. The U.S. Department of Defense has made substantial investments to enhance the capabilities of its armed forces and mitigate combat risks through the deployment of unmanned systems.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are extensively utilized by the U.S. military for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) missions, border security, search and rescue operations, and targeted attacks. Prominent UAV models include the Boeing ScanEagle, AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven, RQ-21 Blackjack, Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout, and Lockheed Martin’s MQ-9 Reaper and Desert Hawk.
The U.S. Air Force is actively integrating cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, digital engineering, open-mission systems, onboard edge processing, and autonomy to develop next-generation multi-role unmanned aerial systems. The continued dominance of the North American market is expected due to increasing investments from both government and private sectors, advancements in AI and robotics technologies, and sustained demand for sophisticated unmanned systems. The presence of numerous suppliers and electronic component providers, along with significant government interest in research and development activities, is projected to drive substantial growth in the region during the forecast period.
The Asia-Pacific region is projected to experience the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.21%, reaching a staggering USD 8.6 billion in revenue by 2030. China has made significant strides in unmanned aerial systems over the past decade, introducing a wide range of innovative aircraft for its armed forces. Notable examples include the Yunying, Caihong CH-4 and CH-5, and Yilong (Wing Loong) models. Additionally, China has developed advanced low-observability flying-wing vehicles like the CH-7, Tianying, and Yaoying III.
The National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) in China has designed the Desert Wolf series of autonomous ground vehicles capable of transporting supplies and injured soldiers. These vehicles are equipped with caterpillar tracks and feature remotely controlled weapon stations.
The remarkable growth in the Asia-Pacific region is primarily driven by China’s substantial investments in military programs encompassing air, land, and sea defense. Both China and India are heavily investing in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and nanotechnology, which are expected to revolutionize the capabilities of military robots. This strategic focus on advanced technologies is set to shape the future landscape of military operations in the region.
The dual-use concept involves repurposing civilian robots for military purposes, offering a new dimension of market opportunities. Many robots initially designed for civilian tasks, such as logistics, agriculture, and inspection, are now being adapted for defense roles due to their advanced capabilities and adaptability.
Civilian drones, widely used in sectors like agriculture and logistics, are being increasingly deployed for military surveillance and combat missions. The popular Predator drone, for instance, was initially developed for intelligence gathering but has since been adapted for targeted strikes. This trend highlights the potential for further repurposing civilian drone technologies for complex military operations .
Civilian ground robots, including those used in warehouses and manufacturing, are being adapted for military purposes such as supply chain management, explosive ordnance disposal, and battlefield support. The cost-effectiveness and flexibility of modifying existing technologies make this an attractive option for military forces seeking rapid deployment capabilities.
Robots like Boston Dynamics’ Spot, originally designed for industrial inspections, have found military applications in reconnaissance and surveillance. These robots can navigate challenging terrains autonomously, making them valuable assets in military operations. AI-enhanced civilian robots, which are used for navigation and decision-making in commercial sectors, can also be repurposed for autonomous combat support and target identification tasks .
The dual-use of civilian robots for military purposes also presents challenges, including security risks, ethical concerns, and regulatory issues. Civilian robots are often not designed with the same security standards as military equipment, making them vulnerable to hacking. There are also legal and ethical implications, particularly regarding the use of autonomous systems in combat scenarios, where accountability and compliance with international law are critical considerations .
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) is a leading aerospace and defense company in Israel. They specialize in developing advanced systems for air, space, sea, land, cyber, and homeland security. IAI offers a range of robotic and autonomous systems, including the RoBattle autonomous combat system, Rex MK II, and RobARC autonomous route clearance system. The company has a strong focus on research and development, aiming to deliver cutting-edge systems to their customers worldwide.
Rheinmetall AG is a German defense contractor that provides various military solutions. They offer military training systems, weapon systems for the navy, and aviation training technologies. Rheinmetall has a particular focus on metalworking and complex manufacturing processes, applying multi-stage procedures for producing mechanical parts and composite materials at a consistently high level.
General Dynamics Corporation is a major U.S. defense contractor. The company develops technologies for space and air applications, as well as providing combat systems, marine systems, and aerospace solutions. Their space division has worked on projects such as S-Band Transponders and emergency radios for the Orion spacecraft.
SAAB AB is a Swedish aerospace and defense company. They offer a range of products including fighter systems, ground combat equipment, and submarines. SAAB focuses on securing airspace and fulfilling missions against complex threats, with their modern fighters designed to operate within a broad spectrum of different scenarios.
BAE Systems PLC is a British multinational defense and aerospace company. They produce various systems including radar, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, and helmet-mounted displays. BAE Systems also develops adaptable deck launching systems and ordnance systems.
Thales Group is a French multinational company specializing in aerospace, defense, transportation, and security markets. They offer various unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, including the Spy'Ranger series of drones and loitering munitions. Thales has a strong focus on providing multi-mission, multi-payload UAV systems for intelligence and reconnaissance purposes.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is an American global aerospace and defense technology company. They produce robotic systems such as the Remotec Andros series, which are designed for hazardous duty operations. Northrop Grumman focuses on developing autonomous systems for various military applications.
Elbit Systems is an Israeli defense electronics company. They develop autonomous networked combat solutions, including the Legion-X system. Elbit offers a wide range of unmanned aerial and ground vehicles for military applications, designed for combat, ISR, medical evacuations, special operations, and logistics missions.
Lockheed Martin Corporation is an American aerospace, arms, defense, information security, and technology corporation. They develop advanced technologies for defense and aerospace industries. While the PDF doesn't provide specific details about their military robotics, it mentions that Lockheed Martin offers firefighting intelligence solutions using advanced technologies.
The military robotics market presents significant opportunities for growth, driven by technological advancements and the expanding role of dual-use technologies. By adapting civilian robotics for defense applications, military forces can enhance operational efficiency and reduce risks. However, stakeholders must navigate the ethical, security, and regulatory challenges associated with the repurposing of civilian technologies in military contexts.
Sources:
Military Robots Market Size, with Global Forecast 2023-2030 - SNSInsider, World - Robotics Market Research Report - Industry Forecast to 2032 - Market Research Future, Global - Military Robots & Unmanned Vehicles Report - Apollo Research Reports,
Military Robots Market, World Forecast 2023-2030 - SNSInsider, Stopping Killer Robots - Human Rights Watch, Autonomous weapon systems technical, military, legal and humanitarian aspects - ICRC, Military Support and Rescue Robot - ResearchGate, The Dual-Use Technology Conundrum: The Role of Dual-Use Goods in the Modernisation of the EU Armed Forces and Export Control Initiatives - Finabel