Top 18 Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicle startups

Updated: Jan 08, 2026
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These companies are developing medium-to-large unmanned aerial vehicles that serve as aerial universal platforms for different tactical military applications. See also startups, developing small-to-medium (battlefield) military air drones.
1
Anduril
Country: USA | Funding: $6.2B
Anduril Industries is a defense product company that builds technology for military agencies and border surveillance. Provider of AI-based surveillance and reconnaissance solutions for the defense sector. It offers an autonomous operational platform based on sensor fusion, machine learning, and mesh networking to monitor and control warfare assets.
2
Northrop Grumman
Country: USA | Funding: $3.7B
Northrop Grumman produces military aircraft (in particular, the B-2 Spirit - a strategic stealth bomber), large UAVs (RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-8 Fire Scout), underwater drones (MQ-4C Triton), develops control systems for various military manned and unmanned aircraft, various types of missiles (SiAW) and anti-missile systems, electronic warfare systems, reconnaissance systems for collecting information, communication systems, navigation, surveillance, computer equipment, radars, warning systems, space force systems (satellites, launch vehicles, missile defense systems), as well as directed energy weapons (lasers) and smart ammunition.
3
AeroVironment
Country: USA | Funding: $1.7B
AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports a portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems supplied to organizations and defense.
4
Shield AI
Country: USA | Funding: $1.3B
Shield AI is developing X-BAT - large, AI-controlled vertical takeoff and landing fighter jet, as well as the Hivemind - intelligent platform for military applications. X-BAT has a 12-meter wingspan, a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles, and a 4G maneuvering load factor. It can carry combat missiles and take off and land from ships, remote islands or rugged forward bases, eliminating dependence on traditional infrastructure. Its AI autopilot can operate in conditions of GPS and communications interference. The company is collaborating with the US Department of Defense to develop next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. Its Vidar multi-camera system, with day and night vision cameras and sensors, is installed on reconnaissance drones for edge video analytics and mapping. The company is also developing Tracker C-UAS, an intelligent software solution for the early detection of drones in air defense systems using video from electro-optical and infrared sensors.
5
Elbit Systems
Country: Israel | Funding: $812M
Elbit Systems develops, manufactures, and integrates defense electronics and electro-optic systems for customers.
6
General Atomics
Country: USA | Funding: $6.8M
General Atomics develops technology solutions for defense, energy, and transportation applications. The company develops nuclear and alternative energy solutions. They focus on the fundamental theoretical research needed for sustainable alternative technologies.
7
Quantum Systems
Country: Germany | Funding: $388.4M
Quantum Systems builds AI-powered eVTOL drones for defense, security, and surveying, specializing in aerial intelligence solutions.
8
BAE Systems
Country: UK | Funding: $142.2M
BAE Systems designs, develops, and supports defense and aerospace systems used in the air, on land, at sea, and in space.
9
Baykar
Country: Turkey
Baykar specializes in providing UAV systems, unmanned air systems, and artificial intelligent services for the automotive industry.
10
IAI
Country: Israel
Israel Aerospace Industries develops and manufactures military and commercial aerospace and defense systems.
11
Tekever
Country: Portugal | Funding: €90M
The Tekever Group is a provider of innovative technologies in Software, Aerospace, Defence and Security Markets. Its largest drone, the ARX, can command a number of smaller drones to surveil the land or seascape or battlefield.
12
Turkish Aerospace
Country: Turkey
TAI design, develop and manufacture integrated aerospace systems for military and commercial purposes.
13
Darkhive
Country: USA | Funding: $26.1M
Darkhive offers open autonomous robotics systems for the defense and public safety communities.
14
Aeronautics
Country: Israel | Funding: $20M
Aeronautics Group is a world leading developer and manufacturer of defense solutions based on Unmanned Aerial Systems and advanced ISTAR systems. Aeronautics’ UAS line of products enable the military, homeland security and law enforcement customers to ensure the safety of millions of people.
15
Primoco UAV
Country: Czech Republic
Primoco UAV SE is a manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles that provides military UAV training, law enforcement, maritime and port patrolling, airspace navigation system calibration, and electronic warfare solutions.
16
Granta Autonomy
Country: Lithuania | Funding: $1M
Granta Autonomy develops autonomous recon drones, lightweight gimbals, and digital datalink software.
17
Kronstadt Group
Country: Russia
Kronstadt Group is developing a line of large UAVs (including Orion) with take-off weight from 1 ton to 7 tons
18
Hellenic Aerospace Industry
Country: Greece
The Hellenic Aerospace Industry is a Greek aerospace and defense industry tasked with providing services and products to the Armed Forces.
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Bruce Makowsky
Editor: Bruce Makowsky
Bruce Makowsky has covered military, cyber and IT news since 2009, with a focus on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations, acquisition programs and budgets. In particular he worked for Inside Defense. Bruce holds a Master of Science degree in journalism from Boston University. Bruce is also an award-winning photographer, renowned for his captivating images that have earned him numerous accolades and widespread recognition in the photography community. You can contact Bruce at makowsky(at)militarystartups(dot)com