Qatar UAV Market, By Capacity

Growth Outlook

• The Qatar UAV Market, By Capacity market is on a steady long-term growth path. Segment value stands at roughly USD 61 Mn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 87 Mn by 2030 — a gain of about 43% over the forecast period, translating to a CAGR in the high single digits.
• What the regional split looks like (2026): Up to 100 kg leads, holding roughly 90% of segment value — the single largest regional share. Over 100 kg is the second-largest contributor.
• By 2030, Up to 100 kg alone is expected to reach USD 78 Mn, with Over 100 kg at USD 9 Mn.

Market Dynamics

Qatar, a country located in the Middle East, has been rapidly investing in its defence industry to enhance its security and military capabilities. As a result, there has been an increasing demand for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the country. UAVs, also known as drones, are a vital component of modern warfare and have been widely used in surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions. The UAV market in Qatar can be categorized by its capacity, which plays a crucial role in determining the capabilities and features of these devices.

The first category of UAVs in Qatar's market is the micro and mini UAVs with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of less than 25 kilograms. These UAVs are primarily used for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes, and their small size makes them difficult to detect. These UAVs can be operated remotely by a single operator and are equipped with high-definition cameras and other sensors. Qatar's military and security forces have been utilizing these UAVs for border patrols, monitoring critical infrastructure, and other surveillance missions.

The second category is the small UAVs, with an MTOW of 25-150 kilograms. These UAVs are slightly larger than micro and mini UAVs and have a more extended range and endurance. They can perform more complex missions such as electronic warfare, mapping, and target designation. These UAVs are also used for tactical operations and can be armed with precision-guided weapons, making them an essential asset in the country's military operations.

The third category is the medium UAVs, with an MTOW of 150-600 kilograms. These UAVs have a much larger range and payload capacity and can be operated from a more extended distance. These UAVs are capable of performing various military operations, including reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and strike missions. They are also used for civilian applications such as disaster management and environmental monitoring.

Lastly, the heavy UAVs, with an MTOW of more than 600 kilograms, are the most advanced UAVs available in Qatar's market. These UAVs are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and have a more significant payload capacity, longer range, and endurance. They can carry out sophisticated missions, such as long-range strike missions, air-to-air refueling, and intelligence gathering. Heavy UAVs also have the potential to be fully autonomous, making them even more crucial in military and security operations.