The global military robots market is projected to grow by USD 8.62 billion from 2024 to 2028, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8.51% during the forecast period, according to a report by Technavio. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for advanced autonomous systems in defense applications, particularly for tasks such as border surveillance, patrolling, bomb disposal, reconnaissance, and logistics support. The development of multi-mission robots and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities are trends shaping the market.
The rise in defense budgets and a focus on national security are bolstering investments in military robotics technology. Key applications include autonomous aerial, naval, and ground-based platforms, which are being used extensively for combat support, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), mine countermeasures, electronic warfare, and undersea surveillance. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) are particularly favored for their operational versatility in diverse environments.
Technological advancements in sensors such as LiDAR, fiber optics, and electric propulsion systems further enhance the capabilities of military robots, enabling greater energy efficiency, precision navigation, and adaptability. Hybrid robots and robots designed for specific tasks like mine clearing and anti-submarine warfare are gaining traction as modern military operations demand higher levels of automation and reliability.
Despite these advancements, challenges such as skepticism regarding the deployment of automated weapon systems and ethical concerns about the use of AI in military applications persist. These issues pose potential hurdles to the broader adoption of military robotics technologies.
Major industry players contributing to innovation and market expansion include AeroVironment Inc., Applied Research Associates Inc., BAE Systems Plc, Cobham Ltd., Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd., General Dynamics Corp., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., L3Harris Technologies Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp., Northrop Grumman Corp., QinetiQ Ltd., Saab AB, Teledyne Technologies Inc., and Thales Group, among others. These companies are actively investing in research and development to create more advanced, versatile, and mission-capable robotic systems.
The report emphasizes that continued modernization efforts in military infrastructure and the integration of AI-driven solutions are expected to sustain market growth through 2028, solidifying the role of robotics in the future of defense operations.
