The global unmanned composites market size was valued at USD 2.29 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 5.53 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.8% from 2025 to 2030. This substantial growth is largely driven by the increasing preference of unmanned system manufacturers for composite materials, primarily due to their ability to significantly reduce the overall weight of unmanned systems without compromising strength or performance.

Additionally, the implementation of stricter environmental regulations by governments across various countries is encouraging the adoption of lightweight and fuel-efficient unmanned systems. These regulations are aimed at reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, which further supports the demand for composite materials in the production of unmanned platforms.

The integration of composite materials into unmanned systems has led to noticeable improvements in overall system performance. Advancements in composite manufacturing processes have further enhanced the durability and operational reliability of these systems. Composites offer an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, which not only boosts fuel efficiency but also reduces operational costs—factors that are critical when selecting materials for the construction of unmanned systems.

Unmanned systems find applications across multiple industries, including agriculture, logistics, infrastructure inspection, defense, and aerospace. The defense sector, in particular, relies heavily on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other unmanned systems for reconnaissance, surveillance, and operational missions. The rapidly expanding aerospace industry worldwide, which increasingly emphasizes the use of high-performance and lightweight materials, is also expected to drive higher adoption of composites in unmanned systems. Furthermore, government investments and rising defense expenditures play a significant role in market growth. As nations prioritize advanced surveillance, intelligence, and combat capabilities, increased funding accelerates the adoption of lightweight, high-strength composites in unmanned systems, enhancing operational efficiency, extending mission range, and improving overall effectiveness in defense applications.

Key Market Trends & Insights:

• The North America unmanned composites market dominated the global market in 2024, capturing the largest revenue share of 40.6%. This leadership is largely due to the region’s well-established aerospace and defense industries, high adoption of advanced unmanned systems, and strong investments in research and development for lightweight, high-performance materials. The presence of major unmanned system manufacturers and supportive government initiatives in North America has further strengthened the region’s market position.

• Within North America, the U.S. led the regional market in 2024 with the largest revenue share. The country’s dominance can be attributed to significant defense spending, a rapidly growing aerospace sector, and extensive use of unmanned systems for both military and commercial applications. Additionally, the focus on reducing system weight and enhancing fuel efficiency has driven higher adoption of advanced composite materials in U.S.-based unmanned platforms.

• By product type, the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 41.9% in 2024. The high demand for CFRPs is due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and ability to improve the performance and efficiency of unmanned systems. These properties make CFRPs particularly suitable for critical components where reducing weight without compromising structural integrity is essential.

• By application, the interior segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 61.9% in 2024. This dominance is driven by the extensive use of composite materials in structural interiors and critical internal components of unmanned systems, where lightweight, high-strength materials help enhance operational efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and improve overall system performance.

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Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 2.29 Billion

• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 5.53 Billion

• CAGR (2025-2030): 15.8%

• North America: Largest market in 2024

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

Key players in the unmanned composites market adopt a variety of strategic initiatives to maintain and expand their market presence. These strategies include significant investments in research and development, forming strategic partnerships, optimizing supply chains, and advancing manufacturing technologies. In addition, companies focus on continuous innovation, broadening their product portfolios, and enhancing material performance to meet evolving industry requirements and strengthen competitiveness in the market. Some of the major players in this sector include Teijin Ltd., Toray Industries, Inc., PPG Industries, Inc., and Owens Corning.

Teijin Ltd. offers a comprehensive range of products and services spanning information & electronics, safety & protection, environment & energy, and healthcare sectors. The company operates across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, serving a wide range of industries with specialized composite solutions. Teijin’s operations are organized into five main segments: advanced fibers & composites, electronics materials & performance polymer products, healthcare, trading & retail, and others. This diversified approach allows the company to provide tailored solutions for multiple applications, including unmanned systems, while maintaining a strong global footprint.

Toray Industries, Inc. specializes in the manufacture and supply of a broad portfolio of carbon fiber products, thermoset and thermoplastic prepregs, unidirectional tapes, and laminates. These high-performance materials are widely used in structural, semi-structural, and interior components of unmanned systems. By offering materials with superior strength-to-weight ratios, durability, and versatility, Toray supports the development of lightweight, high-efficiency unmanned platforms, meeting the stringent performance requirements of aerospace, defense, and other advanced industries.

Key Players

• Teijin Ltd.

• Toray Industries, Inc.

• PPG Industries, Inc.

• SGL Group

• Hexcel Corporation

• Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A.

• Cytec Industries (Solvay, S.A.)

• Renegade Materials Corporation

• Unitech Aerospace

• Gurit

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Conclusion:

The Grand View Research report indicates that the unmanned composites market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing use of lightweight, high strength composite materials in unmanned systems to improve performance, fuel efficiency, and durability. Expansion of applications across industries such as defense, aerospace, logistics, and agriculture, along with supportive government investments and environmental regulations promoting fuel efficient designs, further fuels market expansion. Additionally, strong regional demand, particularly in North America, and ongoing advancements in composite manufacturing technologies are key factors supporting the market’s positive growth trajectory.