Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become a key force in the modern battlespace. Originally used as target drones and remotely piloted combat vehicles early in their history, it was the Vietnam War that saw them take on an entirely new role, that of stealth surveillance. Since that time, the use of UAVs in a combat environment has rapidly increased, and today they command a critical position in military arsenals from the U.S. and Europe to Asia and the Middle East.

UAVs continue to be the most dynamic growth sector within the world aerospace industry. U.S. defence spending on UAVs is projected to increase more than two-fold in the next decade, from $2 billion annualy to $4.5 billion. Worldwide funding for the aircraft is likewise expected to show a continued rapid increase.

Mirroring the expected growth in UAV funding is the rapid technological development – most especially in the IT industry – that will enable unmanned aircraft to perform increasingly more difficult missions and adapt to the changing battlespace environment of 21st century warfare.

What questions does the report answer?

Where is the market now and how is it likely to develop?
How does a new technology work, and how is it likely to affect the market?
What are the main issues and hurdles associated with a given technology or application?
Where are the greatest opportunities to be found?
What are the key drivers of UAV development?
What are the technological challenges the defence industry faces in adapting UAVs to fit the ever-changing demands of the world’s militaries?
What is the positioning of the main players? Who are the main companies involved in developing UAVs?
How widely are UAVs currently used, and how is this set to change in the future?
Why should you buy the report?

This report provides:

A central source of information on UAVs and UAV technology
Delves in-depth into the main issues involved in UAV research, development and production
Examines the commitment by governments to UAV development and implementation in the world’s armed forces
Analyses the markets of all the major countries with UAV programs, as well as several up-and-coming markets
Provides an in-depth look at the major drivers and restraints in the UAV market
Analyses the future trends that will shape the market

The UAV Market Report 2006