With the wide application of data fusion based on target detection in military and natural protection and other fields, relevant research scholars can detect target well by optimizing the detection fusion system or introducing new detection fusion methods, thus promoting the development of related fields. Target detection based on data fusion has important academic significance and application value. The latest research progress of target detection methods is introduced based on data fusion from advanced detection technology to cutting-edge papers of optimization and innovation. Firstly, the definitions, patterns, advantages and fusion disadvantages are discussed, and the challenges in the field are summarized. Then, a detailed classification of relevant research methods is made from the two aspects of the sensor-assisted method and of fusion-level method, which reviews the research status of this field, and summarizes and sorts out the introduced literature from the aspects of detection performance, complexity,cost size,and target (quantity, dynamic and dimension), etc. Finally, research prospects in this field are summarized.