Global Loitering Munition System Market is valued at approximately USD 1.03 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow with a healthy growth rate of more than 14.2% during the forecast period 2023-2030. A Loitering Munition System is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) designed for a unique and versatile role in military applications. They are also known as suicide drones or kamikaze drones, characterized by their ability to loiter in a specified area for an extended period. These systems combine features of UAVs and guided missiles, providing a lethal capability to engage and attack targets with precision. The loitering capability allows for real-time intelligence gathering and the flexibility to assess and engage targets selectively. These systems are equipped with sensors, cameras, and sometimes warheads, enabling them to carry out a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and the ability to strike ground targets with precision. The operator can remotely control the loitering munition or set it to an autonomous mode, where it can operate independently based on pre-programmed parameters. The Loitering Munition System Market is expanding because of factors such as rising deployment of advanced military technologies, rising government investment in research and development of loitering munition systems, and increasing focus on precision strike capabilities.

Rising government investment in research and development of loitering munition systems is driving the market growth. In May 2023, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) delivered the inaugural domestically designed and developed loitering system to the Indian Air Force. These systems, capable of functioning across diverse terrains and high-altitude regions, offer the ability to engage targets spanning over 50 km without jeopardizing personnel safety. In naval operations, suicide drones are introducing innovative solutions, providing distinct operational advantages for the maritime forces. Similarly, In April 2023, AeroVironment, a U.S. drone manufacturer, secured a contract from the U.S. Army for the supply and development of Switchblade 300 loitering systems. These weapon systems, valued at USD 64.5 million, are designated for delivery to the French military. The specific quantity of the loitering systems under this contract has not been disclosed by the U.S. Army. In addition, rising technological advancement and rising adoption of the loitering munition system in the aircraft industry are creating new opportunities for market growth. However, increased deployment of antiballistic missile and drone systems hampers the market growth throughout the projected period 2023-2030.

The key regions considered for the Global Loitering Munition System Market study includes Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the market in 2022. The increasing focus on researching, developing, and implementing loitering munition in diverse battlefield scenarios is evident. To minimize erroneous hits, there is a preference for manual positioning due to the requirement for Remote Operators. As an illustration, in September 2021, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) granted AeroVironment Inc. a firm-fixed-price contract amounting to USD 20.3 million for the procurement of the Switchblade 600 Tactical Missile System. The anticipated delivery of this system in 2023 would enhance operational flexibility, allowing deployment from both fixed and mobile platforms across sea, land, and air domains. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Countries such as India, China, Japan, and others are significantly ramping up their investments in suicide drone projects. Furthermore, the regional market is poised to experience heightened activity due to the increased demand for manual positioning systems. Many nations have entered contracts to address border tensions and optimize operational costs. As an example, in September 2021, the Indian Army granted a contract worth USD 13.7 million to a joint venture between Israel's Elbit Systems and the local company Alpha Design Technologies Ltd for the supply of 100 SkyStriker loitering systems.

Major market player included in this report are:
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
AeroVironment Inc.
UVision Air Ltd.
Paramount Group
WB Group
STM Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc
ZALA Aero Group
Rheinmetall AG
Elbit Systems Ltd.
Embention
Recent Developments in the Market:
In April 2023, The Ministry of Defense, Government of India, granted a contract to Solar Industries, a wholly owned subsidiary of Economic Explosives, for the supply of loitering munitions. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first instance of a company in India manufacturing such munitions. Emphasizing the ability to leverage new technologies and adaptability for future product development, the contract, valued at USD 20 million, is slated for completion within one year.
In February 2023, The EDGE Group subsidiary, HALCON, a prominent regional player in the development and manufacturing of guided weapons systems and beyond, entered a contract valued at AED USD 299 million. The agreement entails the supply of HUNTER 2-S (swarming), HUNTER 5, and HUNTER 10 loitering munitions to the UAE Armed Forces. HALCON's HUNTER family of fixed-wing loitering munitions is specifically crafted for missions involving Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), and aerial strikes.
Global Loitering Munition System Market Report Scope:
Historical Data - 2020 - 2021
Base Year for Estimation - 2022
Forecast period - 2023-2030
Report Coverage - Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
Segments Covered - Type, Application, Region
Regional Scope - North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa
Customization Scope - Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analyst's working hours) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope*
The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values to the coming years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within countries involved in the study.

The report also caters detailed information about the crucial aspects such as driving factors & challenges which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, it also incorporates potential opportunities in micro markets for stakeholders to invest along with the detailed analysis of competitive landscape and product offerings of key players. The detailed segments and sub-segment of the market are explained below:

By Type:
Autonomous Identification and Positioning Loitering Munition System
Manual Positioning Loitering Munition System
By Application:
Navy Force
Land Force
Air Force
By Region:
North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
UK
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
ROE
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
RoAPAC
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa