North America Tactical UAV Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

North America Tactical UAV Industry Overview

The North American tactical UAV market is semi-consolidated in nature, with few players holding significant shares in the market. Northrop Grumman Corporation, Elbit Systems Ltd., IAI, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and AeroVironment Inc. are some of the major players in the market. 

Manufacturers are constantly striving to improve UAV sensors, including visual cameras, infrared detectors, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), inertial measurement units, gyros, and other sensors that provide more precise information for ISR applications. The focus on producing sensors that are smaller, lighter, faster, cheaper, more reliable, more accurate, and more sensitive is expected to drive innovations in the market during the forecast period. 

Joint development of advanced tactical UAVs will likely facilitate the technology transfer, thereby helping the growth of the players in the years to come. For instance, in July 2022, ARA Robotics partnered with OneSky to deliver a remotely piloted aerial system (RPAS) test range solution for operations carried out at the Qualia Qualification Site. Qualia is one of the first Canadian training, development, and prequalification test sites for RPAS, and it is part of Quebec’s Center for Excellence in Drones (CED) at ALMA.