Author:
Amjad M. Bader, Mohanad S. Hasan and Qusay W. Ahmed
Page: 1-12
Published online: 16 Jan 2026
https://doi.org/acejmsme.2026.1.12
The rapid advancement regarding the technology of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in military, civilian, along with commercial domains has heightened the emphasis on materials engineering as vital facilitator related to performance improvements. The presented work offers an extensive bibliometric analysis for mapping the thematic evolution, intellectual structure and significant contributors in metallic materials for the manufacturing of drones. The presented research utilizes a structured search regarding academic databases and uses scientific mapping and performance analysis tools for revealing publication patterns, collaborative networks, along with significant co‐word clusters. A second thematic review integrates such bibliometric findings with in‐depth examination of the applications, properties, and production methods of notable metallic materials, like titanium, aluminum, and magnesium alloys. The analysis shows that lightweight aluminum alloys are still the most popular choice because of their machinability and cost‐efficiency. It shows that magnesium and titanium alloys are becoming more popular for specialty as well as high‐performance uses. The study identifies Additive Manufacturing (AM) as transformative technology used to produce complex geometries from such metals as well as explores the emerging research frontiers, such as the development of multi‐functional alloys, sustainable manufacturing practices, and hybrid metal‐composite structures. Furthermore, the study provides a foundational understanding regarding the current study as well as identifies critical research gaps and potential directions to guide future corporate and academic endeavors in the field.