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U.S. and Iran Dominate Military Drone Exports Amid Ongoing Conflicts

U.S. and Iran Dominate Military Drone Exports Amid Ongoing Conflicts

First seen 6 Oct 2026, 10:27 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 6, 2026 at 21:29 UTC
  • •The U.S. and Iran together exported 86% of military drones from 2022 to 2025.
  • •Iran's drone exports significantly increased in 2025, while U.S. exports sharply declined.
  • •Most exported drones were one-way attack types, underscoring their role in modern warfare.

From 2022 to 2025, the U.S. and Iran accounted for 86% of the 16,822 military drones exported globally. The U.S. exported 7,593 drones, primarily to Ukraine, while Iran exported 6,800 drones, mainly to Russia. In 2025, Iran's exports surged to 2,002 drones, while U.S. exports plummeted to 402 due to a halt in military aid to Ukraine. The data highlights the significant role of military drones in contemporary warfare, with most exports being one-way attack drones and loitering munitions. Türkiye, while exporting only 381 drones, supplied 28 countries, indicating a broad distribution network. The shift in export patterns reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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Timeline

2025-01-01
U.S. drone exports peak
U.S. military drone exports reached 3,219 units, primarily to Ukraine, before dropping sharply later in the year.
Visualcapitalist
2025-10-01
Iran maintains drone exports
Iran consistently exported 2,002 drones annually from 2023 to 2025, solidifying its position as a leading exporter.
Visualcapitalist

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Common questions

What countries are the largest drone exporters?
The U.S. and Iran are the largest exporters, followed by Germany and Poland.
How have U.S. drone exports changed recently?
U.S. drone exports peaked in 2024 but fell sharply to 402 in 2025 due to halted military aid to Ukraine.
What types of drones are primarily exported?
Most exported drones are one-way attack drones and loitering munitions, designed for single-use strikes.