Drone composites market forecast to reach $13.59 billion by 2031
The global drone composites market is projected to grow from USD 7.06 billion in 2026 to USD 13.59 billion by 2031, according to MarketsandMarkets. The report forecasts a 14.0% compound annual growth rate as UAV manufacturers seek lighter and more efficient structures.
- Market projected to grow from USD 7.06 billion in 2026 to USD 13.59 billion by 2031.
- The forecast CAGR is 14.0% for 2026-2031.
- CFRP held a 92.3% market share in 2025.
- Military and defense held a 76.1% share in 2025.
- Asia Pacific is projected to grow at a 14.4% CAGR.
Weight reduction drives demand for composite materials
MarketsandMarkets says the market is gaining momentum as UAV manufacturers prioritize weight reduction, flight endurance and structural efficiency. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, or CFRP, is expected to remain a key material because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness and fatigue resistance.
CFRP is used in airframes, wings, fuselages and other load-bearing components. The material is particularly relevant to long-endurance fixed-wing drones and advanced military UAVs, where lower structural weight can support flight efficiency and payload capacity. Glass fiber and other composites continue to serve applications that prioritize affordability, impact resistance or specialized structural properties.
Manufacturing advances are also shaping the market. Automated fiber placement and automated tape laying are improving production precision and material utilization, while cost-efficient fabrication techniques could support wider CFRP adoption across defense and commercial drone platforms.
Military platforms lead, while VTOL and wings see strong growth
Military and defense applications held the largest market share in 2025, at 76.1%, according to the report. Civil and commercial drone adoption is expanding opportunities in agriculture, surveying, logistics and infrastructure inspection.
CFRP dominated the global drone composites market with a 92.3% share in 2025. The AFP/ATL segment accounted for the largest share, while fixed-wing platforms and fuselages also held the leading positions in their respective categories.
MarketsandMarkets projects the highest growth rate for the VTOL/hybrid platform segment. These aircraft combine vertical take-off and landing with forward flight, creating demand for lightweight structures that support lift, propulsion, stability and operational efficiency. The report also identifies wings as the component segment expected to see the highest CAGR, driven by demand for longer endurance, improved aerodynamic efficiency and greater payload capacity.
Asia Pacific projected to post the fastest regional growth
Asia Pacific is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period, at 14.4%. MarketsandMarkets links that outlook to expanding UAV manufacturing, defense modernization and commercial deployment across China, India, Japan and South Korea.
Applications in agriculture, infrastructure inspection, surveying and logistics are broadening the regional market. Government efforts to strengthen domestic drone manufacturing, along with investment in advanced materials and automated composite production, are supporting demand for carbon fiber and glass fiber components.
The report identifies Toray Industries, Inc., Hexcel Corporation, SGL Carbon, Syensqo and Teijin Limited among the leading companies. It also highlights funding for composite manufacturing, including ARRIS Composites' USD 34 million funding announced in April 2024 and a USD 1.1 million US Air Force SBIR Phase II award received by the company in September 2025.
