2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
The MQ-9B was the subject of the most valuable awarded UAV procurement of 2025. (Photo: GA-ASI)
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
Over the course of 2025, a total of US$7.8 billion was spent on new uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) procurement globally, according to new research from Shephard Defence Insight, with the largest single deal of the year, by far, being Qatar’s purchase of the MQ-9B from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI).
The $1.96 billion agreement was signed during President Donald Trump’s visit to the country in May 2025, following the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s (DSCA) approval of the foreign military sale (FMS) two months prior.
According to the notice published by the DSCA in March, the deal involved GA-ASI, Lockheed Martin, RTX Corporation,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Spain air report: Demand builds with $19.7 billion up for grabs in unawarded contracts]()
Spain air report: Demand builds with $19.7 billion up for grabs in unawarded contracts
Despite Spain’s modest GDP spend on defence, the country still has a range of fixed-wing and UAV programme requirements as yet unawarded, with a potential US$3.10 billion set to be spent over the next decade.
-
![Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)]()
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet remains in the limelight more than 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and details everything you need to know about the aircraft in 2026.
-
![Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026]()
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
![British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026]()
British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026
Known as Project Nyx, the loyal wingman developed from this initiative will accompany the Apache 64-E and be used to complement tanks and artillery.
