Converged AI, autonomy and secure communications push MUM-T from experimentation to scalable deployment
LONDON, February 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — According to a new analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Man-Machine/Team Integration with Human and Unmanned (MUM-T), Global, 2025-2027The rapid convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomy, and secure networked communications is transforming modern military doctrine and accelerating the transition to multi-domain operations.
Global spending on MUM-T is expected to increase from approximately $5.0 billion in 2024 to $7.6 billion by 2027reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2%as defense organizations prioritize force multiplication, survivability and operational agility.
“Manned and unmanned teams are decisively moving from experimentation to scalable deployment,” said Avi Kalo, Global Director of Aerospace and Defense at Frost & Sullivan. “What differentiates the current phase is the integration of AI-driven autonomy, open architectures and real-time human monitoring, enabling armed forces to coordinate their assets across air, land and maritime domains with unprecedented speed and flexibility.”
From concept to functionality
Once limited to niche trials, MUM-T has become a central pillar of modernization of next generation forcesenabling manned platforms to collaborate seamlessly with unmanned air, land and maritime systems. These capabilities support missions ranging from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare to strike operations and logistics, while reducing risks to human operators.
The study highlights that major defense organizations – particularly in North America and Europe – are accelerating their adoption through flagship programs such as collaborative fighter jets, future vertical transportation and unmanned naval teaming initiatives. At the same time, Asia Pacific and Middle East Markets expand MUM-T investments in response to regional security dynamics and evolving threat environments.
Technological convergence drives growth
Frost & Sullivan identifies several converging forces supporting market expansion:
- Advances in AI and autonomyenabling higher levels of interoperability and reduced cognitive load for operators
- Modular Open Systems Architectures (MOSA) that streamline integration and scalable platforms
- Increase in defense budgets and acceleration of purchasesespecially for software-defined adaptable capabilities
- Cross-sector collaboration between traditional defense leaders and agile defense technology innovators
However, Kalo also notes ongoing 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 defense technology procurement, research and development and collaborationas governments and industry partners seek to accelerate innovation cycles, reduce costs and operationalize MUM-T at scale. » Upgrading existing platforms, investing in AI-driven mission software, and expanding test and simulation environments are expected to be key areas of focus over the next three years.
A strategic imperative for defense players
“As geopolitical tensions intensify and operational environments become more contested, MUM-T is no longer optional: it is strategic,” he concludes. “Defense organizations that align their doctrine, technology and partnerships around the human-machine team will be best positioned to achieve lasting operational dominance.”
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SOURCE Gros & Sullivan
