Market Trends of North America Unmanned Systems Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the North America Unmanned Systems Market according to our research experts:
The Unmanned Sea Systems Segment will Exhibit Highest Growth during the Forecast Period
The unmanned sea systems segment is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. This is primarily due to the rapid increase in investments of the armed forces towards the expansion of unmanned surface vehicles and unmanned underwater vehicles. In the FY2022 defense budget, the US Department of Defense (DoD) requested funding of USD 203 million for continuing the procurement of large Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV) to enhance the combat effectiveness of the naval forces of the country. The US Navy is working on the deployment of new squadrons of unmanned underwater and surface vehicles. The navy is currently deploying and testing the prototypes of small UUVs, medium UUVs, and large UUVs ahead of the delivery of fleet USVs and UUVs. Boeing's Echo Voyager, Knifefish UUVs REMUS 300 UUVs, and Razorback UUVs, among others, are some of the in-service unmanned sea systems. Further, in May 2021, the US Navy ordered two additional REMUS 300 UUVs to Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). The REMUS 300 UUVs are small UUVs that support military and commercial applications, such as mine countermeasures and search and recovery. Similarly, The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) operates a fleet of small UUVs, which are deployed for various purposes including routine and contingency area searches, seabed imaging, and water column investigation, among others. Such investments by the government to increase the fleet of unmanned sea systems are anticipated to accelerate the growth of the market.
United States Accounted for Highest Share in the Market in 2021
The United States currently dominates the market and is expected to continue its dominance over the market during the forecast period. This is primarily due to the investments of the Department of Defense towards the deployment of advanced unmanned systems as well as gradual use of unmanned systems in the commercial sectors. The government initiated several military programs for the acquisition of unmanned systems to support the dismounted soldiers. Under the Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program, the US Army has been robustly acquiring FLIR Black Hornet 3 Personal Reconnaissance Systems (PRS) to provide platoon- and small unit level surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for military personnel. As of May 2022, the US Army placed an order for approximately USD 115 million for the procurement of nano UAVs in late 2018. Similarly, under the Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II), the US Army acquired over 1,300 UGVs to support CBRN soldiers and Special Operations Forces. The new UGVs are replacing the aging non-standard fleet of robots for locating, identifying, and clearing landmines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices, which may enhance the maneuverability and survivability of the military personnel. Under the MTRS Inc II has been acquiring Centaur unmanned ground vehicles since 2017. Such initiatives of the government are support the growth of the market. Furthermore, the increasing use of unmanned systems for commercial application is propelling the market growth. Recently in May 2022, Walmart announced its plan to expand its drone delivery network across six states such as Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Utah and Virginia in the United States. The drone deliveries will be carried under partnership with drone operator, DroneUp. Such developments are expected to accelerate the growth of the market in the country.
