Top Defence drone companies | Leaders and Market Insights 2025

Top Defence drone companies

Defence drone market is projected to reach approximately USD 29 billion, expanding to over USD 43 billion by 2031, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 14%. Some major emerging trends contributing to this growth include rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI), allowing for more autonomous decision making and a need to consider drone swarming.

An increase in miniaturized tactical drone usage by squads to conduct small battles with minimal equipment, and the use of drone logistics systems for resupply of battle drones and modalities of advanced drone loitering munitions. A principal driver accelerating this expansion is the rise in geopolitical tensions, prompting higher defence budgets and urgent demand for unmanned capabilities to conduct ISR and border surveillance without risking human lives. 

1. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

General Atomics is the maker of the Predator and MQ-9 Reaper drones, widely used by the U.S. and allied forces for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and combat missions.

2. Elbit Systems Ltd.

Elbit Systems develops a wide array of unmanned aerial systems for military applications, including tactical drones like Skylark and Hermes used globally for defense and border security.

3. Israel Aerospace Industries

IAI is a leading global developer of military drones, including the Heron, Searcher, and Harop UAVs, used by armed forces in dozens of countries for strategic and tactical operations.

4. Northrop Grumman Corporation

Northrop Grumman produces high-endurance drones like the RQ-4 Global Hawk for surveillance and reconnaissance, supporting military operations with advanced autonomous flight systems.

5. BAE Systems plc

BAE Systems is involved in the development of unmanned combat and surveillance aircraft, including its Taranis UAV and partnerships on European drone programs.

6. Turkish Aerospace Industries

TAI is the developer of ANKA and AKSUNGUR MALE UAVs, used by the Turkish Armed Forces and several other nations for defense, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

7. Baykar

Baykar gained international prominence with its TB2 and Akıncı drones, which have been widely used in conflict zones and exported to numerous countries for military applications.

8. AeroVironment, Inc.

AeroVironment is a key supplier of small tactical drones like the Puma and Switchblade, extensively used by the U.S. military and NATO forces in battle environments.

9. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

Kratos focuses on high-performance, affordable drones like the XQ-58A Valkyrie, used in loyal wingman roles and target drone applications by the U.S. military.

10. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

HAL develops unmanned aerial platforms for the Indian military, including collaborative projects like the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) designed for future air warfare scenarios.

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