UAE air focus: Domestic industries set to dominate the $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,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Country-focused updates
-
![UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour]()
UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour
A report from the Council on Geostrategy argues the UK should move away from a traditional balanced force and shift investment to naval, air and space capabilities, backed by a larger fleet of attack submarines and deeper AUKUS integration.
-
![British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement]()
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
-
![V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal]()
V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal
Bell Boeing will supply 73 additional ODSSHI kits as NAVAIR prepares to introduce predictive drive-system monitoring across US and Japanese V-22 fleets.
-
![DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return]()
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
![Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition]()
Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
