The landscape of military operations is undergoing a significant transformation as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, and secure communications advances. According to a new analysis from Frost & Sullivan, titled “Human-Machine Integration/Manned–Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), Global, 2025–2027,” global spending on MUM-T is projected to increase from approximately $5.0 billion in 2024 to $7.6 billion by 2027. This represents a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2% , driven by defence organisations that prioritize enhancing force multiplication, survivability, and operational agility.
Avi Kalo, Global Aerospace & Defence Director at Frost & Sullivan, stated, “Manned–unmanned teaming is moving decisively from experimentation into scalable deployment.” He emphasized that the current phase is marked by the integration of AI-enabled autonomy, open architectures, and real-time human oversight. This integration allows armed forces to coordinate assets across air, land, and maritime domains with unprecedented speed and flexibility.
From Concept to Capability
Once limited to niche trials, MUM-T has become a fundamental component of next-generation force modernization. It enables manned platforms to work seamlessly with unmanned aerial, ground, and maritime systems. These capabilities are essential for a variety of missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, strike operations, and logistics, all while reducing risks to human operators.
The analysis highlights that leading defence organisations, particularly in North America and Europe, are accelerating MUM-T adoption through flagship programs such as collaborative combat aircraft and future vertical lift initiatives. Meanwhile, nations in the Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern regions are also ramping up investments in MUM-T, responding to evolving regional security dynamics and threats.
Technology Convergence Driving Market Growth
The report identifies several converging forces driving the expansion of the MUM-T market. These include advances in AI and autonomy, which enhance interoperability and reduce cognitive burdens for operators. Additionally, modular open systems architectures (MOSA) are streamlining integration and ensuring platforms remain adaptable for future needs. The rising defence budgets and accelerated procurement processes, particularly for adaptable, software-defined capabilities, are also contributing to market growth.
Collaboration between traditional defence contractors and agile defence-tech innovators is fostering a climate of rapid technological advancement. Despite these opportunities, Kalo points out ongoing challenges, such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities, integration complexities, and ethical considerations surrounding human oversight and autonomous decision-making.
“Our analysis identifies significant growth opportunities across procurement, research and development, and defence-tech collaboration,” Kalo noted. Governments and industry partners are keen to accelerate innovation cycles, reduce costs, and operationalize MUM-T on a larger scale. Upgrading legacy platforms, investing in AI-driven mission software, and enhancing testing and simulation environments are set to be key focus areas over the next three years.
As geopolitical tensions increase and operational environments become more contested, MUM-T is evolving from an optional component to a strategic imperative. Kalo concludes, “Defence organisations that align doctrine, technology, and partnerships around human–machine teaming will be best positioned to achieve sustainable operational dominance.”
Frost & Sullivan, known for its expertise in transformational growth strategies, continues to support clients in identifying and executing growth opportunities across various sectors, including defence.
