Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Research Report By Payload (Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) payloads, Radar payloads, Electronic warfare (EW) payloads, Communications payloads), By Endurance (Short-endurance (less than 1 hour), Medium-endurance (1 to 5 hours), Long-endurance (more than 5 hours)), By Max Take-off Weight (Less than 100 kg, 100 to 500 kg, 500 to 1,000 kg, More than 1,000 kg), By Mission Type (Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), Target acquisition, Air-to-ground strike, Electronic warfare) and By Regional (N

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Overview

The Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Size was estimated at 3.03 (USD Billion) in 2022. The Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Industry is expected to grow from 3.5(USD Billion) in 2023 to 12.8 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Fixed Wing Military Drone Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 15.48% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Key Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Trends Highlighted

Key market drivers for the  Fixed Wing Military Drone Market include rising geopolitical tensions, increased territorial disputes, and advancements in technology. Opportunities are being created by the growing demand for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations. Trends in recent times include the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for enhanced autonomous capabilities and situational awareness. Additionally, the development of hybrid electric and hydrogen-powered drones offers the potential for increased endurance and efficiency. To capture these opportunities, market players are investing in research and development to enhance drone capabilities and expand their product offerings.

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Drivers

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning are driving the growth of the  Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Industry. AI and ML capabilities allow drones to complete various tasks with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy. Modern drones can be used for surveillance, target acquisition, and mission planning, among others. The integration of AI and ML algorithms also results in better decision-making. Drones can now modify their flight path and change their mission objectives in response to changing battlefield conditions.Moreover, AI and ML are also involved in the enhancement of computer vision and image processing capabilities of drones. Thus, modern military drones are capable of performing more missions with higher effectiveness and can be used for precision strikes.

Increasing Demand for Persistent Surveillance and Reconnaissance

The World Fixed Wing Military Drones Market is driven by the increasing demand for persistent surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Military forces across the globe understand that using drones allows them to gather intelligence, monitor the borders, and conduct long-duration surveillance missions. Fixed-wing drones due to their extended flight endurance and large geographical area coverage is also a cost-effective and efficient solution.Moreover, drones by themselves are easily capable of autonomous operations for 12 hours, thus, they can collect reams of data, which can subsequently be analyzed to detect any threats, track impactors, and facilitate decision-making processes.

Modernization and Expansion of Military Forces

The Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Industry will increase in size over the forecast period owing to the modernization and expansion of military forces worldwide. Hostile civil environments in several countries have prompted the military forces of such countries to invest in their defense capabilities. This includes the acquisition of advanced fixed-wing drones. Fixed-wing drones provide militaries with a significant operational advantage in terms of situational awareness, target acquisition, and precision strike capabilities.Additionally, the increasing use of drones by non-state actors, terrorist groups in particular, has encouraged governments to invest in advanced fixed-wing military drones.

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Segment Insights

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Payload Insights

The Fixed Wing Military Drone Market’s Payload segment is expected to see significant growth over the coming years. This is due to increased demand for advanced ISR capabilities as well as the incorporation of newer technologies. Electro-Optical/Infrared payloads are expected to emerge as the highest revenue-generating type with the highest scope of application. Applications for these payload types include target acquisition, surveillance, and reconnaissance. In addition, Radar payloads are expected to grow in importance, particularly for use in long-range surveillance and track.EW payloads should be increasingly required to interrupt the function of an adversary’s communication systems and radar. Communication payloads are used to communicate securely between drones and GCSs. The  Fixed Wing Military Drone Market is segmented based on payload alongside the following payload types Electro-Optical/Infrared, Radar, Electronic warfare, and Communications payload. The EO/IR payload segment is expected to represent a majority of the market, closely followed by the Radar payload segment. Overall, EO/IR payloads are expected to witness significant and increased demand thanks to the growing need for ISR capabilities and advanced sensor integration.Radar payloads should also be in demand owing to their ability to provide all-weather and long-range surveillance capabilities. In terms of market size, the  Fixed Wing Military Drone Market for Payload is slated to achieve USD 4.2 billion by the end of 2024. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.5% during the forecast period. The market is being driven by the rising need for advanced ISR capabilities as well as the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles. The reliance upon drones incorporating a host of specialized payloads is likely to boost the overall demand for the  Fixed Wing Military Drone Market’s Payload segment.

Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Endurance Insights

The Fixed Wing Military Drone Market is segmented by Endurance into Short-endurance (less than 1 hour), Medium-endurance (1 to 5 hours), and Long-endurance (more than 5 hours). Among these, the Long-endurance segment is anticipated to experience the highest growth over the forecast period, owing to the rising demand for drones with extended flight time for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions. The Fixed Wing Military Drone Market size for the Long-endurance segment is projected to reach USD 7.2 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.5% during the forecast period.The Medium-endurance segment is expected to hold a significant market share, driven by the increasing adoption of drones for tactical operations and border security. The Short-endurance segment is projected to witness steady growth over the forecast period, primarily due to its use in training and simulation applications.

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Max Take-off Weight Insights

The Fixed Wing Military Drone Market is segmented based on Max Take-off Weight into Less than 100 kg, 100 to 500 kg, 500 to 1,000 kg, and More than 1,000 kg. Among these segments, the Less than 100 kg segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2023, owing to the increasing demand for small and agile drones for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The 100 to 500 kg segment is projected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by the growing adoption of medium-sized drones for combat and logistics operations.The 500 to 1,000 kg segment is expected to account for a substantial share of the market, primarily due to the increasing demand for heavy-lift drones for cargo transportation and strike missions. The More than 1,000 kg segment is anticipated to witness moderate growth, owing to the limited applications of large drones and the high costs associated with their development and operation.

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Mission Type Insights

The Mission Type segment of the  Fixed Wing Military Drone Market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The growing demand for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities is a major driver of this growth. ISR drones are used to collect information about enemy forces, terrain, and other targets. They can also be used to track and monitor enemy movements. The growing use of drones for target acquisition is another major driver of growth in the Mission Type segment. Target acquisition drones are used to identify and locate enemy targets, such as tanks, artillery, and other military assets.Once a target has been acquired, it can be attacked by other drones or by manned aircraft. Air-to-ground strike drones are another important segment of the Mission Type market. These drones are used to attack enemy ground targets, such as buildings, vehicles, and personnel. Air-to-ground strike drones are typically armed with missiles or bombs. Electronic warfare drones are used to disrupt enemy communications and electronic systems. These drones can be used to jam enemy radars, communications, and other electronic systems. Electronic warfare drones can also be used to attack enemy computer networks and other critical infrastructure.

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Regional Insights

The regional segmentation of the  Fixed Wing Military Drone Market offers valuable insights into the geographical distribution of market growth and opportunities. North America holds a dominant position in the market, accounting for a significant share of the  Fixed Wing Military Drone Market revenue. The region's advanced defense capabilities, coupled with substantial investments in military technology, drive market growth. Europe follows closely, with a well-established defense industry and a growing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles.The Asia-Pacific region exhibits high growth potential, driven by rising defense expenditures and modernization initiatives. South America and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) also contribute to the  Fixed Wing Military Drone Market, with growing demand from emerging economies seeking to enhance their defense capabilities.

Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Key Players and Competitive Insights

Major participants in Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Industry are constantly developing new technologies and products in order to stay competitive in the market. Participants in the Leading Fixed Wing Military Drone Market are investing heavily in research and development to increase the performance of their Fixed Wing Military Drones. Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Development is expected to accelerate further in the coming years when demand for drones is expected to grow. The Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Competitive Landscape is expected to be highly competitive In the coming years as new players enter the Fixed Wing Military Drone Market and existing players increase their value-added in the Fixed Wing Military Drone Market.

One of the leading companies in the Fixed Wing Military Drone Market is Northrop Grumman. The company produces a wide range of fixed-wing military drones, such as the  Hawk, Triton, and Fire Scout. Northrop Grumman Drones are used by the US military and its allies all over the world. The company is known for many innovations and is constantly developing new technologies for the Fixed Wing Military. In the coming years, Northrop Grumman is expected to continue its consistent development and remain a participant in the Fixed Wing Military Drone Market.

General Atomics is another major player in the Fixed Wing Military Drone Market. The company produces the Fixed Wing Military Drone, which includes the Predator, Reaper, and Gray Eagle. The General Atomics Drone is used by the US military and its allies all over the world and the company is also pioneer in innovation and is constantly developing new technologies to make the Fixed Wing Military Drones more efficient. In the coming years, General Atomics is expected to be a major company in the Fixed Wing Military Drone Market.

Key Companies in the Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Include

• BAE Systems


• Textron Systems


• Denel


• Elbit System


• Northrop Grumman


• Airbus


• Israel Aerospace Industries


• Leonardo


• Textronix


• CAES


• L3Harris


• Boeing


• SAAB


• General Atomics


• Lockheed Martin

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Industry Developments

Lockheed Martin secured a USD 1.2 billion contract in April 2023 to supply an undisclosed number of F-35 fighter jets to the U.S. Air Force. The F-35 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter jet that can perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.In March 2023, Boeing was awarded a USD 2.4 billion contract to upgrade the U.S. Air Force's fleet of B-52 bombers. The B-52 is a long-range heavy bomber that has been in service since the 1950s. The upgrade will include new engines, avionics, and weapons systems.The increasing demand for fixed-wing military drones is being driven by several factors, including the need for increased surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, the need for more precise and effective weapons delivery, and the need to reduce the risk to human life in combat situations.

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Segmentation Insights

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Payload Outlook

• Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) payloads


• Radar payloads


• Electronic warfare (EW) payloads


• Communications payloads

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Endurance Outlook

• Short-endurance (less than 1 hour)


• Medium-endurance (1 to 5 hours)


• Long-endurance (more than 5 hours)

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Max Take-off Weight Outlook

• Less than 100 kg


• 100 to 500 kg


• 500 to 1,000 kg


• More than 1,000 kg

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Mission Type Outlook

• Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)


• Target acquisition


• Air-to-ground strike


• Electronic warfare

Fixed Wing Military Drone Market Regional Outlook

• North America


• Europe


• South America


• Asia Pacific


• Middle East and Africa