UAE: Domestic industries set to dominate the country’s $5.24 billion UAV market
UAE-based Edge Group is heavily involved in the the country’s UAV market. (Photo: author)
Foreign suppliers may be seeking ways to break into the guarded UAE drone market, where domestic firms dominate much of the US$5.24 billion value and a large share of spending is already tied to a single major deal.
The majority of the UAE’s estimated US$5.24 billion uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) market is likely to be spent before the end of this decade, new research from Shephard Defence Insight has revealed. Furthermore, forecasts indicate that the country could account for around 30% of the Middle East’s total annual spending between 2026 and 2028, peaking briefly as the region’s most valuable market in 2027.
Despite the evident value in the sector, though, there are reasons for foreign drone suppliers to be cautious. Just under 60% of the country’s UAV market value is tied to one already downselected procurement programme: the effort to acquire the MQ-9B SkyGuardian.
Additionally,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![US approves potential $4.7 billion missile and air defence system sales to Denmark and Italy]()
US approves potential $4.7 billion missile and air defence system sales to Denmark and Italy
Italy could field the JASSM-ER for its combat aircraft including the F-35, while Denmark has been approved for AMRAAM and an Integrated Battle Command system procurement.
-
![Northrop Grumman to fly new Project Talon CCA by late 2026]()
Northrop Grumman to fly new Project Talon CCA by late 2026
The newly unveiled collaborative combat aircraft looks to strike a balance between capability and cost-effectiveness, according to the company.
-
![MBDA and Lockheed move closer to F-35A Meteor flight tests]()
MBDA and Lockheed move closer to F-35A Meteor flight tests
Following the completion of successful ground tests, one more exercise remains before flight testing can begin.
