Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV)-Launched Micro-Drone Market Report 2026

The unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.29 billion in 2025 to $1.47 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to development of micro-drone platforms for reconnaissance, early adoption of ugv-launched deployment methods, integration of sensors and cameras for tactical operations, initial use of ground control stations, deployment of battery packs and docking units for field operations.

The unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.45 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to advancement in autonomous micro-drone navigation, adoption of enhanced communication modules, growth in real-time data collection services, expansion of micro-drone payload capabilities, development of rapid launch and retrieval systems. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing integration of modular micro-drone launch systems in next-generation ugvs, rising adoption of ruggedized micro-drones for harsh and gps-denied environments, advancements in ultra-lightweight materials enabling longer drone endurance, growing demand for autonomous docking, charging, and re-deployment modules, expansion of multi-sensor payload capabilities for enhanced reconnaissance missions.

Rising investments in defense modernization are expected to significantly boost the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market. These investments involve allocating funds to upgrade military capabilities through the adoption of advanced technologies, systems, and equipment to improve overall operational performance. The drive behind this increase is the need for nations to develop stronger, more technologically advanced defense systems that enhance national security, streamline military operations, and maintain strategic dominance. As part of this modernization effort, systems such as UGV-launched micro-drones are being adopted for their ability to improve situational awareness, battlefield efficiency, and troop protection. For example, in May 2025, the European Union reported that both China and Russia were increasing their defense budgets. Russia’s defense spending is projected to reach 9% of its GDP by 2025, up from 6% in 2023, surpassing the defense budgets of EU member states when adjusted for purchasing power parity. This global trend toward greater defense investment is contributing to the growth of the UGV-launched micro-drone market.

Key industry players in the UGV-launched micro-drone sector are advancing their technologies to improve autonomous reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. One such development is the hardened launch-and-dock system, a rugged, vehicle-mounted mechanism that enables micro-drones to be autonomously launched, retrieved, and securely docked, even in harsh environments with rough terrain, adverse weather, or combat conditions. For instance, in September 2023, Teledyne FLIR LLC, a U.S.-based provider of advanced sensing and imaging systems, introduced the Black Recon Vehicle Reconnaissance System. This innovation allows military personnel to autonomously deploy and recover micro-UAVs from within vehicles, supporting ongoing reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It enhances real-time situational awareness while minimizing the risk to personnel by avoiding direct exposure to external threats.

In August 2025, Ondas Holdings Inc., a U.S.-based technology firm, acquired Apeiro Motion Ltd. for $2 million. This acquisition is aimed at incorporating Apeiro Motion’s robotics and mobility solutions into Ondas' portfolio to strengthen its capabilities in unmanned ground vehicles and integrated communication systems for drones and robots. Apeiro Motion, based in Israel, specializes in the development of advanced ground robotics, including UGVs, robotic arms, and fiber-optic spooling systems that support secure, radio-independent communication.

Major companies operating in the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market are Rheinmetall AG, Northrop Grumman Corporation, InfiniDome Ltd., BAE Systems plc, Thales Group, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd., Elbit Systems Ltd., Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG, DJI Innovations, FLIR Systems Inc., AeroVironment Inc., Horiba Mira Ltd., Robotic Research LLC, Silvus Technologies, Paras Defence and Space Technologies, Milrem Robotics, BlueBird Aero Systems Ltd., Heven Drones, Pegasus Mini.

North America was the largest region in the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on electronic components, sensors, communication modules, and lithium battery packs have increased production costs and slowed deployment of UGV-launched micro-drones, particularly affecting military, surveillance, and law enforcement applications in regions dependent on imported technologies across Asia-Pacific and Europe. Product types such as rotary-wing and hybrid drones, along with automated launch mechanisms and medium-to-long-range categories, face the highest cost pressure due to their reliance on advanced imported components. However, tariffs have also encouraged domestic manufacturing, strengthened supply chain localization, and driven innovation in cost-optimized micro-drone and UGV integration solutions.

The unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market statistics, including the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market share, detailed unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone industry. This unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

An unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone is a compact, highly maneuverable aerial system deployed from a robotic ground platform for tasks such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical missions. It merges the mobility of the UGV with the rapid deployment features of a micro-drone, providing access to locations that are hazardous or difficult for humans to reach. These systems are engineered for swift launch, autonomous flight, and real-time data gathering in dynamic operational settings.

The primary types of UGV-launched micro-drones include fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid models. Fixed-wing micro-drones are lightweight UAVs with rigid wings that generate lift through forward motion, allowing for longer endurance and broader coverage compared to rotary-wing variants. Launch mechanisms can be either automated or manual, and operational ranges are categorized as short, medium, or long. Applications span military and defense, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and rescue, law enforcement, and more, with end users including government, commercial, civil, and other sectors.

The countries covered in the unmanned ground vehicle (ugv)-launched micro-drone market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)-launched micro-drone market consists of sales of micro-drones, drone payloads, sensors, cameras, communication modules, battery packs, ground control stations, docking and charging units. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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