Comprehensive Military Robots Market Growth, Size, Trends, Share, and Forecast, 2020–2027
- Rishika Chavan
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global military robots market size was valued at USD 13.87 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow from USD 13.03 billion in 2020 to USD 64.13 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the market in 2019, accounting for 33.74% of the global share, driven by technological superiority and the presence of established robotics manufacturing firms.
The increasing adoption of advanced aerial, land, and naval robots for tactical military operations—including surveillance, combat support, and search and rescue—is significantly accelerating market growth. Major global powers such as the U.S., China, and Russia are prioritizing AI-enabled unmanned systems to enhance battlefield decision-making and reduce human risk.
Technological advancements in modern warfare are driving the demand for autonomous machines to minimize personnel risk and optimize operational efficiency. Leading defense companies are leveraging strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, product launches, and collaborations to expand globally. For instance, in February 2019, FLIR Systems, Inc. acquired Endeavor Robotics for approximately USD 382 million, strengthening its position in ground-based and aerial robotics platforms.
Key Market Drivers
Integration of Advanced Technologies: The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI), real-time data monitoring, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in military robots has revolutionized modern warfare. AI-integrated robots can track, monitor, and perform counter-attacks on targets remotely, supporting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Small robots capable of transmitting real-time images and video enable battlefield decision-making, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.
Restraining Factors
High Initial Costs and Technological Limitations: Military robots involve substantial procurement, programming, and maintenance costs, which may limit adoption by smaller defense organizations. Additionally, pre-programmed patterns can make some robots predictable and vulnerable to enemy countermeasures, posing challenges to sustained operational efficiency.
Information Source:
Market Segmentation
By Platform: The market is divided into airborne, land, and naval robots. The land segment is expected to grow substantially due to higher adoption across countries, increased R&D, and rising border security concerns in Asia. Airborne and naval robots are also expected to expand due to modernization programs and government investments. In 2019, the airborne segment held 26.3% of the market.
By Mode of Operation: The market is classified into autonomous and semi-autonomous (human-operated) robots. The autonomous segment is expected to see significant growth due to advanced aerial robots equipped with reconnaissance capabilities and weapons, leveraging technologies like LiDAR, fiber optics, and 3D imaging. The semi-autonomous segment is growing due to government initiatives in conventional military robotics and border surveillance.
By Mode of Propulsion: Segmentation includes manual, electric, and hybrid propulsion. Manual robots, widely used for ground-based operations, accounted for the largest market share in 2019. The electric propulsion segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR due to aerial and naval applications powered by batteries and electric motors. Hybrid robots combine manual and electric propulsion, sometimes incorporating solar panels for extended operations.
By Application: Military robots are deployed across intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue, combat support, transportation, and other applications. ISR is the largest segment in 2019 and is expected to grow the fastest, driven by UAVs, UGVs, USVs, AUVs, and ROVs used for monitoring enemy movements. Transportation robots support the movement of weapons, ammunition, and personnel, while combat support and search and rescue applications enhance real-time situational awareness and operational safety.
Regional Insights
Europe led the market in 2019 with USD 4.68 billion, driven by over 300 service robot manufacturers excelling in navigation, haptics, and motion planning technologies.
Asia-Pacific is projected to grow rapidly due to investments by China and India in defense modernization programs and autonomous systems.
North America is expected to witness strong growth, supported by government-backed R&D, robust supplier networks, and advanced robotics technologies.
Middle East & Africa and Latin America are anticipated to grow steadily, fueled by defense modernization and adoption of unmanned systems.
Key Industry Players
Leading manufacturers are focusing on technologically advanced military robots and integrating AI, IoT, and big data to enhance capabilities. The top players include:
Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)
Thales Group (France)
FLIR Systems, Inc. (U.S.)
Clearpath Robotics Inc. (Canada)
Cobham Limited (U.K.)
QinetiQ (U.K.)
AeroVironment, Inc. (U.S.)
BAE Systems (U.K.)
Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel)
Raytheon Technologies (U.S.)
Recent Industry Developments
November 2020 – Tyndall Air Force Base, USA, deployed semi-autonomous robotic dogs for patrolling, enhancing situational awareness and reducing manpower risk.
September 2020 – AeroVironment, Inc. partnered with Robotic Skies to provide maintenance and repair support for military robots, improving after-sales performance and reliability.
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