Product Code: GVR-4-68040-584-2
Loitering Munition Market Growth and Trends:
The global loitering munition market size is anticipated to reach USD 6.26 billion by 2030 and is anticipated to expand grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.Fueled by the shift in modern warfare strategies and the growing demand for precision strike solutions, loitering munitions have gained significant traction. These systems uniquely integrate surveillance and strike capabilities, enabling forces to detect, monitor, and eliminate targets with high accuracy and minimal collateral damage. Their affordability, rapid deployability, and proven effectiveness in urban and asymmetric combat environments make them especially valuable. As military conflicts evolve to become more complex and technology-focused, countries are ramping up investments in loitering munitions to boost operational agility and uphold strategic dominance in combat situations.
One major reason for the increasing demand for loitering munitions is the rising focus on unmanned and autonomous systems in military operations. As protecting soldiers becomes more important, and conflicts take place in more dangerous or unpredictable areas, armies prefer weapons that can be operated remotely. Loitering munitions can stay in the air over a target zone and strike only when the right moment arrives, reducing risk and increasing precision. Their ability to work even in areas where GPS or communication is blocked makes them especially useful during electronic warfare. Moreover, rising global tensions and unconventional warfare have pushed countries to invest in compact, mobile, and affordable strike systems making loitering munitions an ideal choice.
Rapid advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and miniaturization have made loitering munitions more efficient and flexible. Today's systems can recognize targets automatically, operate in groups or swarms, stay airborne for longer periods, and hit with greater accuracy. These improvements allow for a wider range of missions, from destroying enemy vehicles to supporting infantry in difficult terrain. Some munitions are now specifically built for tasks like taking out tanks or disabling enemy radar systems, increasing their usefulness on the battlefield.
The evolving technology and flexibility of loitering munitions have broadened their user base. While traditionally used by regular military forces, these systems are now being adopted by special forces and paramilitary units as well. Their small size, ease of use, and precision strike ability make them suitable for quick missions where speed and stealth are important. As countries continue to update their defense strategies, loitering munitions are becoming a preferred tool for both tactical support and strategic operations.
Loitering Munition Market Report Highlights:
- Based on operational type, the expendable loitering munitions segment led the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 87.7% in 2024, driven by their cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and proven utility in real combat scenarios.
- Based on end use, the army segment dominated the market. It accounted for the largest revenue share of 73.1% in 2024, driven by its extensive involvement in ground-based operations, where these weapons provide critical tactical advantages.
- Based on region, Asia Pacific dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of about 31.9% in 2024, driven by increasing military expenditures, regional security tensions, and a strong push for indigenous defense capabilities.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope
- 1.1. Research Methodology
- 1.2. Research Scope & Assumption
- 1.3. Information Procurement
- 1.3.1. Purchased Database
- 1.3.2. GVR's Internal Database
- 1.3.3. Secondary Sources & Third-Party Perspectives
- 1.3.4. Primary Research
- 1.4. Information Analysis
- 1.4.1. Data Analysis Models
- 1.5. Market Formulation & Data Visualization
- 1.6. List of Data Sources
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Market Outlook, 2024 (USD Billion)
- 2.2. Segmental Outlook
- 2.3. Competitive Insights
Chapter 3. Loitering Munition Market Variables, Trends & Scope
- 3.1. Market Lineage/Ancillary Market Outlook
- 3.2. Industry Value Chain Analysis
- 3.2.1. Sales Channel Analysis
- 3.3. Regulatory Framework
- 3.3.1. Analyst Perspective
- 3.3.2. Regulations & Standards
- 3.4. Market Dynamics
- 3.4.1. Market Driver Analysis
- 3.4.2. Market Restraint Analysis
- 3.4.3. Industry Opportunities
- 3.4.4. Industry Challenges
- 3.5. Business Environmental Tools Analysis: Loitering Munition Market
- 3.5.1. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 3.5.1.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 3.5.1.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 3.5.1.3. Threat of Substitution
- 3.5.1.4. Threat of New Entrants
- 3.5.1.5. Competitive Rivalry
- 3.5.2. PESTLE Analysis
- 3.5.2.1. Political Landscape
- 3.5.2.2. Economic Landscape
- 3.5.2.3. Social Landscape
- 3.5.2.4. Technology Landscape
- 3.5.2.5. Environmental Landscape
- 3.5.2.6. Legal Landscape
- 3.6. Market Disruption Analysis
Chapter 4. Loitering Munition Market: Operational Type Estimates & Trend Analysis
- 4.1. Key Takeaways
- 4.2. Operational Type Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 2030
- 4.3. Global Loitering Munition Market By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 4.4. Expendable Loitering Munitions
- 4.4.1. Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, by Expendable Loitering Munitions 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 4.5. Recoverable Loitering Munitions
- 4.5.1. Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, by Recoverable Loitering Munitions, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
Chapter 5. Loitering Munition Market: End Use Estimates & Trend Analysis
- 5.1. Key Takeaways
- 5.2. End Use Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2024 & 2030
- 5.3. Global Loitering Munition Market By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 5.4. Army
- 5.4.1. Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, by Army, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 5.5. Navy
- 5.5.1. Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, by Navy, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 5.6. Airforce
- 5.6.1. Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, by Airforce, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
Chapter 6. Loitering Munition Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis
- 6.1. Key Takeaways
- 6.2. Regional Market Share Analysis, 2024 & 2030
- 6.3. North America
- 6.3.1. North America Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.3.2. North America Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.3.3. North America Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.3.4. U.S.
- 6.3.4.1. U.S. Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.3.4.2. U.S. Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.3.4.3. U.S. Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.3.5. Canada
- 6.3.5.1. Canada Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.3.5.2. Canada Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.3.5.3. Canada Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.3.6. Mexico
- 6.3.6.1. Mexico Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.3.6.2. Mexico Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.3.6.3. Mexico Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4. Europe
- 6.4.1. Europe Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.2. Europe Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.3. Europe Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.4. Germany
- 6.4.4.1. Germany Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.4.2. Germany Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.4.3. Germany Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.5. UK
- 6.4.5.1. UK Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.5.2. UK Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.5.3. UK Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.6. France
- 6.4.6.1. France Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.6.2. France Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.6.3. France Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.7. Italy
- 6.4.7.1. Italy Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.7.2. Italy Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.7.3. Italy Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.8. Spain
- 6.4.8.1. Spain Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.8.2. Spain Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.4.8.3. Spain Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5. Asia Pacific
- 6.5.1. Asia Pacific Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.2. Asia Pacific Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.3. Asia Pacific Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.4. China
- 6.5.4.1. China Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.4.2. China Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.4.3. China Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.5. India
- 6.5.5.1. India Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.5.2. India Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.5.3. India Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.6. Japan
- 6.5.6.1. Japan Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.6.2. Japan Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.6.3. Japan Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.7. South Korea
- 6.5.7.1. South Korea Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.7.2. South Korea Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.5.7.3. South Korea Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.6. Central & South America
- 6.6.1. Central & South America Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.6.2. Central & South America Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.6.3. Central & South America Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.7. Middle East & Africa
- 6.7.1. Middle East & Africa Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.7.2. Middle East & Africa Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By Operational Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
- 6.7.3. Middle East & Africa Loitering Munition Market Estimates And Forecasts, By End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)
Chapter 7. Supplier Intelligence
- 7.1. Kraljic Matrix
- 7.2. Engagement Model
- 7.3. Negotiation Strategies
- 7.4. Sourcing Best Practices
- 7.5. Vendor Selection Criteria
Chapter 8. Competitive Landscape
- 8.1. Key Players, their Recent Developments, and their Impact on Industry
- 8.2. Competition Categorization
- 8.3. Company Market Position Analysis
- 8.4. Company Heat Map Analysis
- 8.5. Strategy Mapping, 2024
- 8.6. Company Listing
- 8.6.1. AeroVironment, Inc.
- 8.6.1.1. Company Overview
- 8.6.1.2. Financial Performance
- 8.6.1.3. Application Benchmarking
- 8.6.1.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 8.6.2. Elbit Systems LTD
- 8.6.2.1. Company Overview
- 8.6.2.2. Financial Performance
- 8.6.2.3. Application Benchmarking
- 8.6.2.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 8.6.3. Rheinmetall AG
- 8.6.3.1. Company Overview
- 8.6.3.2. Financial Performance
- 8.6.3.3. Application Benchmarking
- 8.6.3.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 8.6.4. Uvision
- 8.6.4.1. Company Overview
- 8.6.4.2. Financial Performance
- 8.6.4.3. Application Benchmarking
- 8.6.4.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 8.6.5. Israel Aerospace Industries
- 8.6.5.1. Company Overview
- 8.6.5.2. Financial Performance
- 8.6.5.3. Application Benchmarking
- 8.6.5.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 8.6.6. Thales Group
- 8.6.6.1. Company Overview
- 8.6.6.2. Financial Performance
- 8.6.6.3. Application Benchmarking
- 8.6.6.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 8.6.7. Paramount Group
- 8.6.7.1. Company Overview
- 8.6.7.2. Financial Performance
- 8.6.7.3. Application Benchmarking
- 8.6.7.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 8.6.8. Embention
- 8.6.8.1. Company Overview
- 8.6.8.2. Financial Performance
- 8.6.8.3. Application Benchmarking
- 8.6.8.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 8.6.9. WB Group
- 8.6.9.1. Company Overview
- 8.6.9.2. Financial Performance
- 8.6.9.3. Application Benchmarking
- 8.6.9.4. Strategic Initiatives
- 8.6.10. ZALA Aero Group
- 8.6.10.1. Company Overview
- 8.6.10.2. Financial Performance
- 8.6.10.3. Application Benchmarking
- 8.6.10.4. Strategic Initiatives