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According to a new Frost & Sullivan analysis, Human-Machine Integration/Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), Global, 2025 2027, the rapid convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomy, and secure networked communications is transforming modern military doctrine and accelerating the shift toward multi-domain operations.
Global spending on MUM-T is projected to grow from approximately $5.0 billion in 2024 to $7.6 billion by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2%, as defence organisations prioritise force multiplication, survivability, and operational agility.
“Manned unmanned teaming is moving decisively from experimentation into scalable deployment,” said Avi Kalo, Global Aerospace & Defence Director at Frost & Sullivan. “What differentiates the current phase is the integration of AI-enabled autonomy, open architectures, and real-time human oversight allowing 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 emerged as a core pillar of next-generation force modernisation, enabling manned platforms to collaborate seamlessly with unmanned aerial, ground, and maritime systems. These capabilities support missions ranging from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare to strike operations and logistics, while reducing risk to human operators.
The study highlights that leading defence organisations particularly in North America and Europe are accelerating adoption through flagship programs such as collaborative combat aircraft, future vertical lift, and naval unmanned teaming initiatives. At the same time, Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern markets are expanding MUM-T investments in response to regional security dynamics and evolving threat environments.
Technology Convergence Driving Growth
Frost & Sullivan identifies several converging forces underpinning the market’s expansion:
• Advances in AI and autonomy, enabling higher levels of interoperability and reduced cognitive burden on operators;
• Modular open systems architectures (MOSA) that streamline integration and future-proof platforms;
• Rising defence budgets and fast-track procurement, particularly for adaptable, software-defined capabilities;
• Cross-sector collaboration between traditional defence primes and agile defence-tech innovators.
However, Kalo also notes persistent challenges, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities, integration complexity, and ethical and legal considerations surrounding human oversight and autonomous decision-making.
Growth Opportunities Across the Value Chain
Kalo continues: “Our analysis identifies significant growth opportunities across procurement, research and development, and defence-tech collaboration, as governments and industry partners seek to accelerate innovation cycles, reduce costs, and operationalise MUM-T at scale. Upgrading legacy platforms, investing in AI-driven mission software, and expanding testing and simulation environments are expected to be key areas of focus over the next three years.
Strategic Imperative for Defence Stakeholders
“As geopolitical tensions intensify and operational environments become more contested, MUM-T is no longer optional it is strategic,” he concludes. “Defence organisations that align doctrine, technology, and partnerships around human machine teaming will be best positioned to achieve sustainable operational dominance.”
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan (frost.com), the Transformational Growth Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation, and leadership. The company’s Growth Pipeline as a Service provides the CEO’s Growth Team with transformational strategies and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth opportunities. For over 60 years, Frost & Sullivan has partnered with investors, corporate leaders, and governments to identify, prioritise, and execute transformational growth strategies.
Avi Kalo
Avi leads Frost & Sullivan's Defense Growth Opportunity Analysis in the Middle East and Europe, holds extensive connections in the US defense establishment, due to his rich military background. Avi served 25 years in the hub of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate in the IDF as Senior and Units Commander, followed by previous extensive operational background in various of military domains and arenas. Avi holds wide experience in the areas of intelligence, relevant IT technologies and alongside advanced weapon systems, cyber security, UAVs, and defense architectures. He served as a leading analyst in the analysis department of the IDF, dealing with regional & global security to defense aspects, and served also as a member to the Israel-US intelligence coordinated senior group. He is a lawyer, holds expertise in international law, arms control and arms export regulations, while specializing in crisis management and negotiation, in particular with terrorist organizations. Avi graduated MBA from Tel Aviv University and LLM from UC Berkeley, California, and he is a research associate at the global-known international institution for Counter-Terrorism, Herzliya, Israel.
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