| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 9.11 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 16.69 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 12.87 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
North America Unmanned Systems Market Analysis
The North America Unmanned Systems Market size is estimated at USD 9.11 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 16.69 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 12.87% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The North American unmanned systems market is growing due to advancements in autonomous technology and increased government and defense spending. The demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and unmanned maritime vehicles (UMVs) has increased, driven by requirements for enhanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat capabilities.
The US government's initiatives to integrate UAVs in national airspace, combined with AI and machine learning technologies, have enabled more advanced autonomous systems. The Army's Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) program aims to replace older systems with advanced multi-functional unmanned platforms, contributing to market growth. The supportive regulatory environment for testing and deploying unmanned systems has established North America as a primary market.
The North American unmanned systems market faces significant regulatory and technological challenges. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada impose strict compliance requirements, creating a complex regulatory framework that governs airspace usage and safety standards. These regulations create entry barriers for new market participants and slow the implementation of new unmanned aerial technologies.
Integrating unmanned systems into shared airspace requires advanced sense-and-avoid technology to maintain safety and reliability. This technology's development, implementation, and maintenance increase operational costs significantly. Public concerns regarding the privacy and security of drones and unmanned vehicles also affect market growth and consumer adoption. These challenges shape the operational environment for unmanned systems companies and influence market development.
North America Unmanned Systems Market Trends
UAVs to Dominate Market Share During the Forecast Period
UAVs are becoming the primary segment in the North American unmanned systems market. The defense sector's increased use of UAVs for surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted operations demonstrates their military significance.
Technological improvements have enhanced UAV endurance, range, and payload capabilities, expanding their effectiveness across military and civilian applications. The integration of artificial intelligence enables autonomous operations, broadening their use in agricultural monitoring, disaster management, and infrastructure inspection. Recent regulatory changes by the FAA support market growth, particularly for operations beyond visual line of sight. The development of communication and geospatial technologies facilitates UAV integration into national airspace, reinforcing their position in the North American market.
Moreover, the civil and commercial sectors in the US are increasingly recognizing the potential of UAVs. Industries are leveraging drones for mapping, surveying, inspections, deliveries, agriculture, media, entertainment, and public safety. For instance, DJI drones account for approximately 80% of agricultural drones used in the US. These drones have generated significant economic value in agriculture of the country, contributing USD 515 million to the sector in 2023.
In February 2025, Terra Drone Corporation released its indoor inspection drone "Terra Xross 1" in Japan and the US. The Terra Xross 1 delivers stable flight performance in indoor environments while maintaining low initial costs.
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The US to Dominate Market Share During the Forecast Period
The US, bolstered by the Department of Defense's (DoD's) investments in advanced unmanned systems, is set to maintain its market dominance. The increasing adoption of unmanned systems in commercial applications further solidifies this dominance.
The country's technological infrastructure supports major companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, which develop advanced robotics and unmanned systems. The US DoD's investments in UAVs and UGVs drive market growth through consistent government and defense spending. The Federal Aviation Administration provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for safe drone integration into national airspace. Additionally, collaborations between academia and the private sector strengthen research and development capabilities, reinforcing the US' position as the market leader in North America.
In October 2024, the Pentagon awarded Anduril Industries a USD 250 million contract to protect US forces from drone attacks using the company's recoverable Roadrunner interceptor. The contract includes the procurement of 500 Roadrunner all-up rounds and the company's portable Pulsar electronic warfare system. The Pulsar system can be integrated with aircraft to jam enemy systems.
Also, in October 2024, The US Army awarded two contracts worth USD 22 million to American Rheinmetall Vehicles, LLC, and HDT Expeditionary Systems, Inc. for developing Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) Increment II prototypes. The S-MET Increment II enhances the capabilities of the original S-MET, a radio-controlled, eight-wheeled platform that carries equipment, generates power, and operates autonomously.
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North America Unmanned Systems Industry Overview
The North American unmanned systems market is fragmented due to several players providing unmanned systems for military, law enforcement, and commercial applications. Some prominent players are The Boeing Company, Elbit Systems Ltd., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, and AeroVironment Inc. These companies invest significantly in research and development while collaborating with technology firms to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. These investments enhance autonomous navigation and operational efficiency, helping companies meet technical requirements and strengthen their position in competitive bids.
Teledyne specializes in underwater and marine drone technologies, focusing on environmental monitoring and maritime operations. Boeing and Lockheed Martin develop large-scale unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the Boeing MQ-25 and Lockheed Martin Fury. These aircraft feature enhanced flight endurance and payload capacities for military and civilian operations. Both companies invest in research and development, collaborating with technology firms to implement AI and machine learning capabilities. This approach improves autonomous operations and positions them effectively for government and private sector contracts.
North America Unmanned Systems Market Leaders
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The Boeing Company
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Lockheed Martin Corporation
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Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
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AeroVironment Inc.
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Elbit Systems Ltd.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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North America Unmanned Systems Market News
- November 2024: Red Cat Holdings Inc. won the US Army's Short-Range Reconnaissance (SRR) program contract. The US Army plans to acquire 5,880 systems in five years.
- May 2024: CAE Defense & Security announced a contract to provide in-service support for the Royal Canadian Air Force's future MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones. The agreement includes aircraft maintenance, publications management, and IT and cybersecurity support across Canada's drone operating locations. The company will provide training sessions and equipment for MQ-9B aircrew and sustainment teams. The contract has an initial value of USD 183.27 million for the first nine years.
- February 2024: The US Department of Defense awarded Oceaneering International Inc. a contract to test and develop its Freedom Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV).
- July 2023: Kratos Defense inked a USD 95 million deal with the US Army to supply unmanned target systems, specifically the BQM-167A target drone. This pivotal drone offers the US Army a realistic, thorough platform for end-to-end weapons-release training.
North America Unmanned Systems Industry Segmentation
Unmanned systems are autonomous or remotely controlled robots that perform specific tasks. The North American unmanned systems market includes the procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV or UAS), unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), and unmanned sea systems (surface and underwater) used for commercial, military, and law enforcement applications.
The North American unmanned systems market is segmented by type, application, and geography. By type, the market is segmented into unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, and unmanned sea systems. By application, the market is divided into civil and law enforcement, and the military. The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the North American unmanned systems market in two countries across the region. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts were made based on value (USD).
| By Type | Unmanned Aerial Vehicles |
| Unmanned Ground Vehicles | |
| Unmanned Sea Systems | |
| By Application | Civil and Law Enforcement |
| Military | |
| By Geography | United States |
| Canada |
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North America Unmanned Systems Market Research Faqs
How big is the North America Unmanned Systems Market?
The North America Unmanned Systems Market size is expected to reach USD 9.11 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 12.87% to reach USD 16.69 billion by 2030.
What is the current North America Unmanned Systems Market size?
In 2025, the North America Unmanned Systems Market size is expected to reach USD 9.11 billion.
Who are the key players in North America Unmanned Systems Market?
The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, AeroVironment Inc. and Elbit Systems Ltd. are the major companies operating in the North America Unmanned Systems Market.
What years does this North America Unmanned Systems Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the North America Unmanned Systems Market size was estimated at USD 7.94 billion. The report covers the North America Unmanned Systems Market historical market size for years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the North America Unmanned Systems Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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North America Unmanned Systems Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 North America Unmanned Systems market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligenceā¢ Industry Reports. North America Unmanned Systems analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
