Military Cargo Drone Market Analysis | 2024-2035

“The Military Cargo Drone Market size was valued at US$ 3 million in 2023 and is likely to grow at an impressive CAGR of 90.7% in the long run to reach US$ 7,304 million in 2035”.

Market Dynamics

Introduction

The military cargo drone market refers to a segment of the aerospace industry focused on developing, producing, and deploying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) specifically designed for transporting various types of cargo for military purposes. These drones are equipped with advanced navigation systems and payload capacity and feature autonomous or remotely controlled operation.

While there is growing interest and investment in military cargo drones, their adoption and deployment are still limited compared to traditional manned aircraft and ground transportation methods for logistics and supply missions. The introduction phase involves educating potential military customers about the advantages of cargo drones through demonstrations and pilot programs.

Market Drivers

The major drivers of the market are the army’s autonomous aerial resupply vision, rising global military expenditure, and the significant advantages of cargo drones over traditional methods. Joint Tactical Autonomous Aerial Resupply System (JTAARS) is an Unmanned Logistics System (ULS) that provides rapid, responsive, and flexible transportation options in support of dispersed and semi-independent infantry operations. Organic to maneuver units and their sustainment elements, JTAARS lightens soldier loads and allows commanders to control the timing of delivery of mission-critical, time-sensitive supplies and equipment. JTAARS is the ULS-Aerial Medium effort between the Army and Marines.

Recent Strategic Alliances

Companies are forming strategic partnerships to strengthen their geographic footprint and develop the capability to secure military contracts.

• BAE Systems completed the acquisition of Malloy Aeronautics, a leading player in heavy-lift drones and aerospace innovation. They have a joint plan to research an all-electric, heavy-lift unmanned air system (UAS). The UAS will feature a maximum payload of 300 kg, an 80 km range without payload, a 30 km range with a full payload, and a maximum speed of 140 km/h.
• Malloy Aeronautics collaborated with Survice Engineering to introduce their drone technology to the US military. This partnership represents a major step in bringing award-winning VTOL technology to US warfighters. In 2023, the company was granted a production contract by the US Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-263) to manufacture approximately 200 Tactical Resupply Vehicle (TRV) aircraft.

Target Areas of Product Development

Leading players in cargo drone development prioritize lightweight design, payload capacity, cost-effectiveness, and range & endurance during product development.

• Lighter weight is paramount in designing and manufacturing cargo drones for players like Kaman, Elroy Air, Aergility, and Moog.
• Under the JTAARS program, companies like Kaman, Moog, Elroy Air, and Aergility are directing their efforts towards M-ULS, with payload capacities ranging from 100 to 350 kg.
• Cost-effective drones reduce operational expenses associated with military logistics, including fuel, maintenance, and personnel costs, leading to overall cost savings.

Segments Analysis

By Propulsion Type

“Hybrid propulsion drones are poised to lead the military cargo drone market by 2035.”

• Continued advancements in hybrid propulsion technology, including battery energy density, electric motor efficiency, and power management systems, will further enhance performance and reliability to reduce range anxiety during missions.
• With the benefits of both traditional fuel engines and electric propulsion, hybrid propulsion offers extended range and endurance.

By Payload Capacity Type

“>50 kg of payload capacities hold the largest share of the market.”

• Military operations often involve transporting heavy payloads, such as equipment or supplies. Cargo drones with higher payload capacities are better suited to meet these demanding requirements.
• Larger payload capacities result in more efficient transportation of goods, reducing the number of trips needed to transport the same amount of cargo.
• Regulatory agencies are increasingly recognizing the potential benefits of larger cargo drones for various applications, leading to the development of regulations and guidelines that facilitate their safe and legal operation in airspace.

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Regional Analysis

“North America is expected to maintain its reign over the forecast period.”

• The dominance of North America is underpinned by several factors, including robust technological infrastructure, substantial defense spending, and a strong regulatory framework.
• North America boasts advanced technological infrastructure and research capabilities, fostering innovation and development.
• The US, in particular, allocates substantial budgets for defense and military modernization programs to drive innovation and advancement in technology, increasing payload capacity and range.

The report includes a brief study on composite parts and current suppliers for drone manufacturers, highlighting growth opportunities for new composite suppliers entering the market.

Key Players

Numerous players are striving to make a significant impact by meeting stringent military standards. Securing military contracts remains the primary focus for all companies. Partnerships and collaborations are crucial for success in the market. Companies are joining forces to create the supply chain and pool knowledge, to reinforce their position in the industry. The current military cargo drone market lacks a distinct supply chain and is poised to leverage the supply chain of the aerospace & defense industry.

The following are the key players in the Military Cargo Drone Market (Based on Dominance)

• Malloy Aeronautics
• Kaman Corporation
• Elroy Air
• MightyFly
• Airspace Experience Technologies
• Aergility Corporation
• Leidos and Phenix Solution
• Phoenix Wings
• Moog

Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.

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Report Features

This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market.

What Deliverables Will You Get in this Report?

Research Methodology

• This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s military cargo drone realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period. 
• The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner to provide a panoramic view of the market.
• The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants as well as investors in the identification of the low-hanging fruits available in the market as well as to formulate growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
• This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools.
• More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.
• We conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain qualitative and quantitative insights.

Customization Options

With this detailed report, Stratview Research offers one of the following free customization options to our respectable clients:

Company Profiling

• Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players)
• SWOT analysis of key players (up to three players)

Competitive Benchmarking

• Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Product portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances

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