TARGET DRONE MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025 - 2032)

Global Target Drone Market and Forecast – 2025-2032

The global target drone market is estimated to be valued at USD 6.50 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 18 Bn by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways of the Target Drone Market

• The aerial segment is expected to account for 54% of the target drone market share in 2025.
• The piloted segment is projected to capture 57% of the market share in 2025.
• The less than 15 kg segment is expected to command 39% share in 2025.
• North America will dominate the target drone market in 2025 with an estimated 35%
• Asia Pacific will hold 24% share in 2025 and record the fastest growth.

Current Events and Its Impact

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Segmental Insights

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Why Does Aerial Dominate the Global Target Drone Market in 2025?

The aerial segment is expected to hold 54.0% of the global target drone market share in 2025. The increase comes from its wide range of uses combined with quick response in different settings. Drones in the air provide key benefits - like fast launch times, better movement, along with clearer views - making them more favorable than land or sea options. Their function in multiple conditions - not just restricted zones but also isolated areas - allows flexibility for military drills as well as business tasks like monitoring, scouting, or aiming simulations.

Owing to upgrades in navigation tech, better sensors, or self-guided flight modes, drones now perform more complex airborne tasks like mimicking targets accurately or creating lifelike danger situations. Because of this, armed forces often choose them; they deliver reliable simulations needed when preparing troops or checking weapons’ performance. Also, their small size combined with low weight simplifies transport plus setup, enabling quicker reuse while cutting down expenses during missions. Being able to operate across various heights together with fast coverage over wide zones boosts their popularity too, particularly within extensive drills.

Piloted Segment Dominates the Target Drone Market

The piloted segment is predicted to dominate the market with a 57% share in 2025. The rise stems mainly from human supervision, since it improves how reliably things run. Even as more automated options emerge, crewed drones are still chosen when hands-on control matters most during shifting or tough missions. Because pilots act instantly, choices happen faster, helping adapt quickly to surprises while allowing precise handling in delicate drills or field operations.

Piloted drones work well in military drills; skilled users mimic battlefield conditions with shifting dangers, adjusting tasks on the fly. As humans stay in charge, goals are followed precisely and this also keeps operations safe by avoiding mistakes from automation glitches. On top of that, intuitive controls let operators handle complex moves smoothly, helping replicate realistic targets through precise flying techniques.

Why is Less than 15 Kg the Most Preferred Payload in the Target Drone Market?

The less than 15 kg segment is projected to dominate the market with a 39% share in 2025. The expansion stems mainly from better agility, broader usability, or lower operating costs. Lighter drones allow quicker setup, simpler handling, yet smoother movement, boosting use in areas like military drills, police simulations, also private-sector tasks such as accurate shooting practice or overhead mapping.

The lighter payload allows space for small but smart sensors and comms gear without adding much mass - so these drones mimic real target behaviors well. Lighter loads lead to quicker speed changes, sharper turns, and extended airtime; because of this, they’re suited for simulating unpredictable or fast-changing threats under supervision. Such responsiveness supports effective crew training during active tracking exercises.

Regional Defense Procurement Cycle Mapping

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Regional Insights

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North America Target Drone Market Analysis and Trends

The North America region is projected to lead the market with a 35% share in 2025. The market grows because of a powerful defense industry, modern tech networks, or direct backing from authorities for UAV progress. Leading firms like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman help strengthen control over target drones here. The U.S. Department of Defense puts funds into drone tools for drills, boosting need for high-end target models.

Also, an organized supply system along with tight trade rules supports local makers is driving steady upgrades and use. The use of AI and self-operating technology, led by firms such as General Atomics, strengthens the area's edge. Meanwhile, partnerships between civilian companies and defense bodies help shape a robust, advanced market environment.

Asia Pacific Target Drone Market Analysis and Trends

Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the fastest growth in the market contributing 24% share in 2025. The rise is due to stronger military upgrades, higher defense spending, or new production skills. Nations such as China or India are boosting drone capacities to improve drills and combat preparedness, pushing quick market growth.

Public efforts to back homegrown arms output through drives like “Make in India” or “Made in China 2025” encourage invention and domestic assembly. A broadening aerospace sector, along with better facilities or involvement from firms like DJI (China), Bharat Electronics Limited (India), and Korean Air (South Korea), lifts demand. Shifts in trade, such as favoring local suppliers or joint regional security plans, help speed up use and progress of target drones here.

Global Target Drone Market Outlook for Key Countries

Why is U.S. Emerging as a Major Producer of Target Drones?

The market in the U.S. sets the standard worldwide in target drone technology, boosted by high defense spending and strong research efforts. Companies such as Lockheed Martin along with Raytheon Technologies lead through advanced system designs meant for realistic training scenarios. Automation plus versatility in missions pushes progress within military programs. Partnerships involving startups or digital companies expand technical strengths steadily over time. Clear regulations combined with export rules help maintain edge while allowing international presence.

Is China the Next Growth Engine for the Target Drone Market?

The market in China is growing fast in the field of target drones, driven by strong funding from military sources like the PLA alongside public aerospace firms. Firms including DJI and CASC lead the way - offering adaptable models used domestically or sold abroad. A push for local innovation boosts tech progress; meanwhile, broad manufacturing networks help keep prices low. Improved test zones plus upgraded facilities contribute to quicker design improvements and real-world use.

India Target Drone Market Analysis and Trends

India is advancing fast in using target drones across South Asia, driven by rising military purchases linked to upgrades. While Bharat Electronics Limited and DRDO build homegrown systems for training and field use, they support diverse operational needs. Instead of relying on imports, national initiatives boost domestic production through collaborations. At the same time, heightened attention to borders and anti-rebel missions increases requirements - spurring new developments and larger output.

U.K. Target Drone Market Analysis and Trends

The U.K. hosts robust defense research centers, while prioritizing UAV use in military drills. Companies like BAE Systems or QinetiQ design and deliver target drones for national forces. Government strategy focuses on upgrading equipment plus compatibility with NATO members, boosting need for high-tech drones. Funding flows into autonomy and simulation tech to improve drone performance; overseas sales aim at allied nations. A well-established aerospace network supports steady progress alongside reliable production chains.

Japan Target Drone Market Analysis and Trends

Japan's target drone sector grows through advanced tech backed by state defense funds along with collaboration among agencies and firms. Firms such as Mitsubishi Electric and NEC use national strengths in electronics plus aviation know-how to build high-performance drones. A priority on sea and aerial defenses drives need, favoring affordable, durable models suited for demanding missions. Rules are tight, however, support for new ideas keeps the industry active, broadening uses in armed forces drills and safety operations.

Market Players, Key Development, and Competitive Intelligence

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Key Developments

• In June 2024, Safran Electronics & Defense launched its Skyjacker counter-drone system, designed to counter the growing threat of drones in battlespace and at sensitive installations. Skyjacker uses a unique spoofing capability to alter the trajectory of drones by simulating GNSS signals, ensuring guidance towards its target.
• In July 2023, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. secured a USD 95 million contract to supply unmanned target systems to the U.S. Army. The target drones must be fixed-wing, subscale, and jet-propelled. Kratos produces the BQM-167A and BQM-177A target drones, which provide realistic training for air-to-air engagements.

Top Strategies Followed by Global Target Drone Market Players

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Market Report Scope

Target Drone Market Report Coverage

Global Target Drone Market Dynamics

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Global Target Drone Market Driver - The Increasing Military and Defense Expenditures

The push to upgrade defense technology, while boosting combat readiness, fuels global interest in target drones. Across nations, funding flows into high-tech weapons and training setups featuring drone-based threat simulations for real-world drills. Such spending helps sharpen missile precision, air defenses, also pilot performance and these highlight the role of these drones in effective preparation.

On top of this, increasing political conflicts combined with shifting battle methods drive militaries toward new solutions to stay ahead. With older training techniques losing impact, armed forces now lean more on target drones during firing drills and this lets teams prepare for fast-changing battle conditions while keeping risks and expenses low. Because of this shift, growing defense budgets are driving demand worldwide, as countries aim to upgrade their systems through advanced simulated tools.

For instance, in February 2025, the Indian Ministry of Defense announced a 9.5% increase in the 2025-2026 defense budget, raising the total allocation to USD 78 billion.

(Source- pib.gov.in)

Global Target Drone Market Opportunity - Incorporation of AI, Autonomous Swarming and Machine Learning

The use of artificial intelligence, swarm operations, or machine learning opens strong growth prospects in the worldwide target drone sector. Owing to these innovations, drones now perform better, offering sharper awareness, faster choices during missions, or flexible task handling. With AI on board, unmanned systems assess dynamic conditions alone, detect risks quickly, then respond accurately with little operator input, making combat drills more realistic for armed forces.

Machine learning allows drones to adapt using past missions, gradually refining navigation plus recognition in diverse conditions. Together, these advances cut manual input alongside expenses, meanwhile broadening applications in air, sea, and land units, which boosts uptake across military communications. With global defense sectors focusing on upgrades and edge technologies, need for smart unmanned targets should rise sharply, pushing faster progress and distinct offerings among providers.

For instance, on December 3, 2025, the French military set a clear schedule for using drone swarms, marking a major change in strategy. During the latest Forum Innovation Défense in Paris, it emerged that the army along with Thales aims to deploy working models by 2027.

(Source: defenseworld.net)

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The global target drone market is shifting into stronger structural growth - fueled by rising defense budgets, changing aerial risks, or demands for lifelike training setups. Modern air defenses have to adapt to fast-moving, hard-to-detect, or coordinated swarm threats; this drives interest in sophisticated drones that simulate cruise missiles, groups of unmanned aircraft, even jamming scenarios.
• Going forward, the market should move beyond basic target platforms - instead adopting self-governing, connected systems powered by artificial intelligence capable of working together while adjusting instantly in drills. As target drones merge with team-based combat aircraft tech, distinctions fade between training tools and active drone units.

Market Segmentation

• Target Insights (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020 - 2032)
  • Aerial
  • Ground
  • Marine
• Operation Mode Insights (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020 - 2032)
  • Piloted
  • Autonomous
• Payload Insights (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020 - 2032)
  • Less than 15 Kg
  • 15-30 Kg
  • More than 30 Kg
• Application Insights (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020 - 2032)
  • Training
  • Target and Decoy
  • Reconnaissance
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020 - 2032)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • North Africa
    • Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • The Boeing Company
  • Airbus SE
  • BAE Systems plc
  • Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
  • QinetiQ Group plc
  • Griffon Aerospace
  • Leonardo S.p.A.
  • Safran Electronics & Defense

Sources

Primary Research Interviews

• Defense contractors and target drone manufacturers
• Military procurement officials and defense planners
• Training facility operators and simulation specialists
• Aerospace technology suppliers and component manufacturers

Databases

• Jane's Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis
• IHS Markit Aerospace, Defense & Security Database
• Frost & Sullivan Defense Technology Database
• Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN)

Magazines

• Defense Technology International
• Unmanned Systems Technology Magazine
• Military & Aerospace Electronics
• Defense News Magazine
• Aviation Week & Space Technology

Journals

• Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation
• International Journal of Aerospace Engineering
• Defense & Security Analysis

Newspapers

• Defense Daily
• Jane's Defence Weekly
• Breaking Defense
• Military Times
• Aviation International News

Associations

• Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
• International Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems (IAUVS)
• Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
• National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
• European Defence Agency (EDA)

Public Domain Sources

• U.S. Department of Defense procurement databases
• NATO standardization agreements and publications
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulatory documents
• Congressional Budget Office defense spending reports
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool
• Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for last 8 years