Global Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV Market

Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV Market: Insights

The global medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV market is estimated to witness a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2020-2026). A medium-altitude long-endurance UAV (MALE UAV) is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that operates at an altitude of between 10,000 and 30,000 feet (3,000–9,000 m) over prolonged periods of time, usually between 24 and 48 hours. Unmanned aerial vehicles are often referred to as drones that are employed without a human pilot onboard as aircraft structures. The advantage of using such devices in wartime is to avoid humiliation in the event of the aircraft being shot down and the pilot being captured. Growing recent developments in medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV, and advanced analytics are some of the major factors driving the market growth. The growing demand for UAVs is high for military and defense applications drives the productive growth of the market. Moreover, improving the operational efficiency of autonomous systems also boosts the growth of the market. However, stringent government regulations, lack of proper air traffic management for UAVs, and lack of trained & skilled professionals are some of the factors restraining the market growth.

Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV Market Size: By Altitude

Based on altitude, the market is segmented into less  than  10000  ft, 10000-30000 ft, 30000-50000  ft, more than 50000 ft. The 10000-30000 ft segment is projected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period for a long period of time, typically between 24 and 48 hours. Unmanned aerial vehicles are also referred to as drones used as aircraft systems without a human pilot on board is driving the market growth of the segment market.

Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV Market Size: By Capacity

Based on capacity, the market is segmented into less than 2000 kg, 2000-5000 kg, and more than 5000 kg.  Less than 2000 kg segment is projected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period due to the growing use of these UAVs in military and non-military operations. The Male UAV has a speed of 120 km and a ferry range of 24,140 km with a payload of 1,000 kg.

Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV Market Size: By Application

Based on application, the market is segmented into commercial, military, and government & law enforcement among others. The commercial segment is projected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period due to an increase in the adoption of UAVs for different commercial applications such as mapping, surveying, and remote sensing. Commercial UAVs are autonomous or remote-controlled aerial vehicles that include drones, remotely piloted aerial vehicles, and unpiloted aerial vehicles that minimize the risk of human life.

Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV Market Size: By Region

Based on region, the global Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period due to the need for automated controlled aerial vehicles, rise in the number of military modernization programs, and an increase in government funding for research & development activities. Moreover, the growing development of technological advancements along with the increasing use of UAVs for maritime and border surveillance activities in countries such as the U.S. and Canada are some of the factors propelling the market growth of the North America region. Furthermore, Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing technological advancements and the growing demand for military UAVs are some of the factors driving the substantial growth of the market.

Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV Market Share & Competitor Analysis

Some of the key players operating in the Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV market include: Israel Aerospace Industries, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Atomics, 3D Robotics, Textron, DJI, Elbit Systems, Microdrones, Thales Group, SAAB, DJI, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Aerovironment, BAE Systems, Yuneec, Precisionhawk, Airbus, Thales Group, Boeing, ECA Group, Parrot, and Turkish Aerospace Industries others.

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of companies profiled in the report.

• In June 2020, BAE Systems signed five year contract to produce multiple types of Vertical Launching System (VLS)
• In April 2019, Thales Group launched its solutions for air traffic control, surveillance and air defense at FAMEX 2019