Dickerson notes that a few years ago, UAV contracts in the millions of dollars were big news; now these awards are in the billions. "In addition to procurement, research funding for unmanned air vehicles could exceed $20 billion through 2018," he added. The $17.9 billion market for UAV reconnaissance systems includes all air vehicles, ground control equipment, and payloads likely to be produced between 2009 and 2018. The United States is the driving force behind this market, and U.S.-based companies will account for more than 60 percent of the market's value. Still, demand for UAVs is growing elsewhere.
Europe is the second largest market for UAVs, with France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom working to expand their UAV fleets. However, a shortage of funding is hindering some research and procurement programs. In Asia, new UAVs — some from local sources — are being acquired by Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Purchases are not restricted to major powers and those facing conventional warfare threats. "Countries around the world are purchasing UAVs. Those purchases may be small, but growth is foreseen," Dickerson said.