The latest report released by Strategy Analytics Advanced Defense Systems (ADS), titled Overview of the Global UAV Platform Landscape, talks about the main players in the UAV and related subsystems manufacture and the important platforms being operated at a global level.
The report classifies the fielded platforms based on the size, weight and their endurance parameters. This classification results in five categories, namely, Mini UAVs, Tactical UAVs, Micro Air Vehicles, High Altitude/Long endurance UAVs and Medium Altitude/Long Endurance UAVs. In the beginning stages of UAV development their applications were directed towards surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions. Now with the increase in weaponization of UAV platforms the developmental activities are more focussed on building Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs). In spite of mounting pressure of budget cuts on the military, the report by Strategy Analytics predicts steady and progressive growth in the money spent on UAV platforms by the US defense. Asif Anwar from Strategy Analytics added that the increase in expenditure towards UAV development ensures that US leads the market in the manufacture of UAVs. The service director of ADS explained that the other markets like Europe have not been able to establish their presence in the UAV market the way US and Israel have. The major UAV platforms that have shown considerable growth are Boeing, Global hawk from Northrop Grumman, general Atomics MQ-9 Reaper etc.
Source: http://www.strategyanalytics.com/