Loitering Munition System Market Size, Share, Growth & Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis, By Type (Autonomous Identification and Positioning Loitering Munition System, And Manual Positioning Loitering Munition System), By Application (Navy Force, Land Force, And Air Force), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global loitering munition system market size was valued at USD 0.91 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.02 billion in 2022 to USD 1.80 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.43% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the system experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global loitering munition market exhibited an increment of 7.80% in 2021 compared to 2020.

In the last few years, these system has become a significant and essential role in modern battlefield and security measures. Safety, surveillance, precision attack, and the cheap cost of loitering munition have become key priorities for the defensive players in the market.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR IMPACT

The Russia-Ukraine war increases defense expenditure and strengthens defense forces from NATO countries. Most European countries have increased their defense spending due to Russia’s invasion. Germany has increased its defense spending above 2% of GDP and allocated USD 109 billion, more than the total defense bill for 2021. For instance, in April 2022, AeroVironment, Inc. announced that it is anticipated to facilitate more than 100 Quantix Recon unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and relevant training services to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and armed forces. These systems are expected to bolster rapid surveillance and accurate delivery in various battlefield scenarios.

Moreover, European countries like Poland and Denmark also announce an increase in the defense budget for security purposes. For instance, on March 2022, Polish National Defense Minister announced that Warsaw would procure three new mine countermeasure vessels (MCVs) to boost its naval capacities in the Baltic Sea. Additionally, on 22nd January 2022, Russia deployed 140 combat and supply ships, more than 50 aircraft for exercises, and 1,000 pieces of military equipment. Furthermore, NATO deployed over 100 jets and 120 allied boats to the Mediterranean region.

LATEST TRENDS

Request a Free sample to learn more about this report.

High Adoption Rate of New and Multiple Advance Technologies in Loitering Munitions to Drive the Market Growth in Forecast Period

In the upcoming years, improved modularity, expanded use of artificial intelligence (AI), increased swarm technologies, and increased sensor capabilities will all be favorable for the suicide drones business. The market will grow significantly due to the expanded usage of unmanned systems because of their low cost. Furthermore, the widespread use of advanced technologies and the increased proliferation of unmanned systems push down the price of related components.

Listed Below are the Critical Technology Trends that are positively impacting the System

Swarm technology - Some loitering weapons, like Kronshtadt's Molniya, can act in swarms. The usage of swarm technology enables munitions to perform a broader range of tasks and to replace alternative options in certain situations. The capacity to work in a swarm raises unit costs. Yet, this function is used in cases where alternatives are frequently more expensive than swarms and where a costlier unmanned system is more likely to fail.

Artificial Intelligence - AI is a crucial symbiotic technology that helps the system become autonomous and intelligent. The AI built into the system can identify targets and determine attack and attack profiles. In particular, AI for swarm technology is required mainly for large-scale deployment.

Mission Modules - Modularity is crucial, as it enables the mission module to be altered for various missions. It also provides greater flexibility and reduces operational costs, as loitering munition and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) functions can be carried out before a munition has a warhead. The cost of operating in various capacities before serving as a kamikaze drone requires returning and replenishing. It costs more to have a refillable system than one designed for single usage.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Demand for Loitering Munition System in Forces of Special Operations is Anticipating the Market Growth

The benefits of loitering munition include the potential for a swift response after spotting a target, particularly those that remain in the field of fire for a brief period (such as a moving command vehicle or anti-aircraft missile launcher). Kamikaze drone equipment can be utilized without exposing priceless people-operated platforms, such as attack helicopters, to detect enemy targets. These systems used against the target without human casualties thus, increase demand and propel market growth.

Loitering ammunition is now used for purposes other than SEAD missions. Loitering ammunition started as direct support carried "in the backpack" by light infantry and special operations forces (SOF) troops. Being an autonomous missile, it stays airborne for some time, finds its target, and attacks as suggested by outside sources (e.g., other unmanned platforms, special operations forces soldiers). Other names for this ammunition include suicide drones and kamikaze drones.

For instance, the Israeli UVision company's Hero-30 loitering munition will be provided to the Italian Special Forces for defense objectives in the operational area. In reality, the Defense Staff has stated that it is urgently necessary to provide Tier 1 Special Forces deployed in active situations with instruments that enable them to defend themselves when neutralizing an enemy threat entails a "certain bodily risk."

Kamikaze Drones Are Capable for Wide Range of Operations for Unit and Forces is Propelling the Market Growth

The present battlefield is essential for precise ammunition systems that can identify and capture time-sensitive threats and can be managed or even recalled until the last strike. These requirements can fulfill loitering munitions and are helping the market grow.

Loitering munition plays a vital role in modern warfare with ultimate operational flexibility. It brings a high-precision munition system to the fighting forces with independent fire capabilities integrated with quality ISR. To maintain their dominance, leading militaries across the globe are focusing on the procurement of advanced warfare equipment to detect, occupy and track a time-sensitive low signature enemy target at expanded ranges spontaneously and independently.

Inland forces and loitering munitions are exceptionally reliable weapon systems. It is incredibly lightweight and man-pack portable, can be taken into the heart of the battle, and deployed within minutes with the help of different launch systems. Increasing security measures and growing technological advancements for guarding activities are likely to drive the market

For instance, Rheinmetall and UVision made a loitering munition called the HERO series. The HERO loitering munition loiters above the operational area, identifies and tracks the enemy, investigate possible targets to help choose high-value ones, determines the right timing and angle of attack, and acts as precise strikes. HERO series can provide different operational solutions to the various dimensions of naval and land forces. HERO is suitable for a broad spectrum of missions and has already deployed and proven a record in leading fighting forces, including dominant NATO countries.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

Increasing Deployment of Anti-ballistic Missile and Anti-drone Systems Can Hamper the Market Growth

Anti-drone systems work as drone detection, neutralizing the threat through jamming the done communication and tracking on passive surveillance. These systems easily identify incoming drones and provide actionable information to protect against them. So increasing the adoption of these systems is hampering the market growth.

Anti-ballistic missiles are surface-to-air missiles designed to counter missile defense. This system is integrated to intercept and destroy any ballistic threat, thus negatively impacting the market growth.

For instance, South Holland’s company Robin radar System has made a radar system for drone detection and tracking called IRIS. These systems have been specially made for identifying small drones and UAVs with multiple functions, such as 360-degree and massive elevation coverage of 60 degrees. Furthermore, it also provides early warning of approaching drones in all directions and gives them precious time to react.  

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Robust Demand to Drive Autonomous Identification and Positioning Loitering Munition System Segment at Highest CAGR 

Based on Type, the market is trifurcated into autonomous identification and positioning loitering munition systems and manual positioning these systems. Manual positioning system is holding a significant share. Factors such as increasing adoption of AI, automated selection targets, precision strike control technologies in system, and autonomous identification could spur the demand for the product.

By Application Analysis

To know how our report can help streamline your business, Speak to Analyst

Land Based Loitering Munition System Segment is a Fastest Growing as the Operation of Loitering Systems in Critical Situation is Easy and Thus High in Demand in next few Year

Based on Application, the market is classified into navy force, land force, and air force. The land force segment holds the highest loitering munition system market share of 51.23% in these system market. In the land forces loitering munitions are so reliable and convectional to use. Loitering munitions are simple and specially tailored for using land forces in harsh conditions. Moreover, its benefits, such as being lighter in weight, and readily carried into the middle of a battle, surge the segment's demand. In the navy force, suicide drones give new and unique operational solutions to the different operations of the naval forces. In the air force, the systems are seamlessly integrated into the air vehicle avionics suite, allowing the aircrew to operate the munition using the standard controls simply.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

To get more information on the regional analysis of this market, Request a Free sample

The global, regional market is segmented based on region into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, The Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Market is estimated as USD 0.26 billion in 2021. The manual positioning system accounted for the highest market share, and the autonomous identification and positioning system had the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The increasing research, development, and usage of loitering systems in various battlefield situations. Manual positioning is the most common loitering munition system due to the remote operator requirement to reduce erroneous strikes. For instance, in September 2021, AeroVironment Inc. was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract worth USD 20.3 million by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to supply Switchblade 600 tactical missile systems (TMS), which are scheduled to be delivered by 2023. It will provide operational flexibility from fixed and mobile platforms on land, in the air, or at sea.

Europe's Market is anticipated to witness steady growth during the forecast period. The manual positioning system accounted for the most significant portion of the type segment. Manual positioning system has been in demand in the European armed forces, such as the Royal Army, French Armed Forces, and Polish Army owing to the high-risk reduction of erroneous strikes. Due to the high risk of terror attacks, cross borders conflicts led to the increasing demand for a loitering system. For instance, in February 2018, WB Group delivered the first batch of 1000 WARMATE loitering munition under the 2017 contract with the Polish Ministry of Defense to supply WARMATE to the Polish Army.

Asia Pacific Loitering Munition System Market is anticipated to witness steady growth during the forecast period. The manual positioning system accounted for the top portion of the type segment. The high demand for manual positioning systems owing to the high number of contracts by countries in the region to tackle border tensions and the reduction in operational cost, is anticipated to drive the segmental market growth. In September 2021, The Indian Army awarded a contract worth USD 13.7 million in late August to a joint venture between Israel's Elbit Systems and local company Alpha Design Technologies Limited (ADTL) for the supply of 100 SkyStriker loitering munition systems.

In the Middle East and Africa, the Land forces application segment will dominate in the forecast period. Increasing adoption of automated defense systems is anticipated to propel the segmental market growth during the projection period.

Latin America Loitering Munition System Market is anticipated to witness steady growth during the forecast period. Owing to rising defense expenditures and research, development, testing, and evaluation of loitering systems.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players to Majorly Focus on Business Expansion through Merger & Acquisitions, Contracts, and Agreements

Key companies in the market are majorly focusing on business expansion through new contracts, adoption of the latest technology, mergers & acquisitions, and others. For instance, in April 2021, Elbit Systems Ltd. announced that its U.S. subsidiary, Elbit Systems of America, LLC completed the acquisition of Sparton Corporation ("Sparton") from an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. for a worth valuation of USD 380 million. This will facilitate the growth of the market in the U.S. and help in expanding the business in the neighbouring countries.

LIST OF KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS:

• Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (Israel)


• AeroVironment Inc. (U.S.)


• UVision Air Ltd. (Israel)


• Paramount Group (South Africa)


• Embention (Spain)


• WB Group (Poland)


• STM Savunma Teknolojileri ve Mühendislik A.Ş. (Turkey)


• ZALA Aero Group (Russia)


• Rheinmetall AG (Germany)


• Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2022 – AeroVironment Inc. launched the Switchblade 300 Sensor-to-Shooter Kit, which enables operators to transfer coordinates from UAS to Switchblade 300 loitering missile systems. The Kit enhances the operational capabilities to ISTAR capabilities of AeroVironment or other SUAS with the precision strike capabilities of Switchblade loitering missile systems.


• May 2022 – UVision USA is highlighting its Hero-120 OPF-M (Organic Precision Fires-Mounted (OPF-M), along with the family of HERO aerial loitering munition system, installed on both ACVs and ARVs, at Modern Day Marine 2022. In 2021, the company was awarded a multi-year contract. To supply the Hero-120 OPF-M systems to the United States Marine Corps (USMC), together with its multi-canister launcher, tailored to the specific requirements of the USMC and integrated onto armored vehicles and maritime platforms.


• February 2021 - Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. announced that it had been awarded three significant contracts worth more than USD 100 million, aiming to supply loitering munitions to several countries. The companies plan to provide a multi-purpose ROTEM system under an international tender. In another contract, The company is expected to supply the naval version of the IAI Harop system to An Asian country's navy. In the third contract, IAI is anticipated to provide a ground version of the IAI Harop system to another Asian country's ground forces.


• February 2021 - A subsidiary of Paramount Group, Paramount Advanced Technologies, has announced the launch of N-Raven, its precision strike, long-range, and cost-effective UAV swarming system, which is anticipated to bolster armed forces' tactical precision strike and situational awareness while reducing collateral damage and personnel intervention risk.


• June 2020 – In March 2020, the Indian Army delivered a request for 100 man-portable loitering system with a range of 15 kilometers and an endurance of 30 minutes. The system’s maximum weight capacity is 20kg. The contract was awarded to Vayu Aerospace, and the period of completion is within 18 months.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Loitering Munition System Market

View Full Infographic

To get information on various segments, share your queries with us

The market report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as key players, offerings, objects, and end-user of these systems. Moreover, the research report offers insights on loitering munition systems market trends, competitive landscape, market competition, product pricing, and market status and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the market report encompasses several direct and indirect factors that have contributed to the sizing of the global market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation