Anti-Drone Market Trends Analysis Report

Global Anti-Drone Market Size & Share

[276 Pages Report] The global anti-drone market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 5.2 billion by 2028; growing at a CAGR of 26.6% during the forecast period. The rising incidence of critical infrastructure security breaches by unauthorized drones and the surging adoption of aerial remote sensing technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure are among the factors driving the growth of the anti-drone industry.

Anti-Drone Market Statistics Forecast to 2028

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Global Anti-Drone Market Trends

Driver: Increasing government spending on counter-drone technologies

Drones are becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable, and they are being used by a variety of actors, including terrorists, criminals, and rogue states. This has led to growing concerns among governments about the potential for drone attacks on critical infrastructure, military assets, and civilian populations. In response to these concerns, governments around the world are increasing their spending on anti-drone technologies. This spending is being used to develop and deploy new anti-drone systems, as well as to train military and law enforcement personnel on how to use these systems. For instance, in August 2023, the United States Department of Defense, in fiscal year 2023, planned to spend USD 668 million on counter-UAS research and development and an additional USD 78 million to procure the hardware.

Restraint: Requirement for high initial research and development investments

Drone is a nascent industry constantly evolving in terms of technology. Researching and finding new solutions to counter rogue drones requires significant investments and can sometimes lead to results that may not be technologically relevant by the time they are launched in the market. In its statement in 2018, the FAA stated that drone detection systems require redundant equipment to cover an airport, making the costs prohibitive. This is because drone technology is changing so rapidly, and any countermeasure rapidly becomes obsolete.

Key technologies deployed to manufacture counter-UAV systems are undergoing rigorous R&D activities. Several market players working on introducing these technologies are planning to patent them. Also, the cost incurred in R&D is relatively high due to the use of lasers and other advanced technologies. Hence, small- and medium-sized players cannot afford to develop and deploy anti-drone systems due to high initial investment requirements. Therefore, there is currently a limited demand for and supply of anti-UAV systems.

Opportunity: Development of versatile and long-range counter-drone systems

Anti-drone systems available can identify micro-UAVs within a range of 1.5–2 km and mini-UAVs within a range of 8–10 km. For example, Britain-based Blighters Surveillance Systems, Chess Dynamics, and Enterprise Control Systems launched an anti-UAV defense system that can detect, identify, and disrupt micro-UAVs up to 2 kilometers away and mini-UAVs up to 8 kilometers away.

The use of small drones has increased over the years as drone technology advances, encouraging several companies to manufacture compact anti-drone systems. For instance, Boeing (US) has developed its compact laser weapon system (CLWS), which is lightweight enough to be mounted on helicopters or hummers, capable of destroying small UAVs up to 2,000 meters away, and can disable or destroy sensors (videocams) on a UAV up to 7,000 meters away. In February 2018, DroneShield Ltd also launched RadarZero, a revolutionary compact drone detection radar product that can detect drones up to 750 meters away.

Russia has developed its anti-drone laser tool and has used it in the Russia–Ukraine war in 2022. The tool has a range of 5 km and optical sensors for improved efficiency. After an initial deployment at a single site, military leaders recognized the value of the data and insight on airspace activity and unwanted drones that the Dedrone solution provides. Since then, its deployment has increased to cover more bases and add localization technology, which helps security personnel understand specific threats from drones detected in their airspace.

Challenge: Development of efficient and low-cost counter drones for commercial applications

The cost of developing anti-drone systems is relatively high. Components used in these systems, such as lasers, radars, advanced electronics, and radio beams, are expensive. This makes it difficult for manufacturers to reduce the cost of the system. Thus, due to the high cost, these systems cannot be used for commercial applications such as public places, affecting their demand. Market players, such as Detect, Inc. (US), Meritis (Switzerland), and MyDefence Communication (Denmark), have introduced anti-drone systems based on sensors. However, these systems can only detect UAVs and are incapable of destroying them. Thus, it is challenging for market players to introduce highly efficient and affordable anti-drone systems.

Anti-Drone Market Ecosystem

Prominent companies in this market include well-established, financially stable providers of anti-drone systems. These companies have been operating in the market for several years and possess a diversified product portfolio, state-of-the-art technologies, and strong global sales and marketing networks. Prominent companies in this market include RTX (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy), Thales (France), IAI (Israel), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Israel), Blighter Surveillance Systems Limited (UK), DroneShield Ltd (Australia), Dedrone (US)

Anti-Drone Market Segmentation

By technology, the kinetic system segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028

The anti-drone market for the kinetic system segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028. Kinetic systems offer versatility and reliability, making them capable of countering drones across various threat levels and adapting to evolving drone technology. Their immediate threat mitigation capabilities are essential, particularly in scenarios where rapid response is crucial, such as safeguarding critical infrastructure or securing high-profile events. Kinetic systems have also demonstrated a high success rate in physically disabling drones, effectively preventing potential harm or damage.

By vertical, homeland security is expected to grow with the highest CAGR in 2028.

Homeland security is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR in the anti-drone market during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed as the escalating threat posed by drones, the need for advanced technology to counter these threats, the emergence of swarm drone capabilities, and a heightened awareness of the potential risks.

By platform type, the UAV-based segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The anti-drone market for the UAV-based segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028. The growth of UAV-based anti-drone systems is driven by the need for robust countermeasures against unauthorized or potentially malicious drones. Also, the ability to deploy countermeasures from UAVs themselves allows for more flexible and efficient responses to drone threats, enhancing security measures.

Anti-Drone Market Share

In 2028, Asia Pacific is projected to hold the highest CAGR of the overall anti-drone market

In 2028, Asia Pacific is projected to account for the largest share of the anti-drone market. The factors contributing to the regional market’s growth include the development of a broad range of counter-drone technologies to prevent drone-related crimes and several ongoing research and development activities by the market players in the region.

Anti-Drone Market Statistics by Region

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Top Anti-Drone Companies - Key Market Players

• RTX (US),
• Lockheed Martin Corporation (US),
• Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy),
• Thales (France),
• IAI (Israel),
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Israel),
• Blighter Surveillance Systems Limited (UK),
• DroneShield Ltd (Australia),
• Dedrone (US) are some of the key players in the anti-drone companies.

Anti-Drone Market Report Scope

Anti-Drone Market Highlights

This research report categorizes the anti-drone market based on technology, application, platform type, vertical, and region.

Recent Developments in Anti-Drone Industry

• In August 2023, DroneShield Ltd introduced its Satellite Denial Systems designed for specific target areas. Various Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are in use worldwide, including the well-known US GPS, along with the Russian GLONASS, the Chinese BeiDou, and the European Galileo system. DroneShield’s GNSS disruption solutions for drones and UAVs incorporate intelligent defeat capabilities. The company has developed several distinctive techniques and has gained recognition as a specialist in this field. Crucially, DroneShield’s systems are engineered to concentrate disruption efforts on precisely defined target areas.
• In  July 2023, An agreement was signed between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Thales for delivering and installing SMART-L Multi-Mission Fixed (MM/F) long-range radars. These radars, featuring the latest Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, are designed to offer versatile capabilities for both air and surface surveillance and target designation. By significantly enhancing Swedish Air Surveillance and bolstering abilities in detecting ballistic missiles and monitoring space activities, the SMART-L MM/F radar marks a significant advancement. Boasting advanced techniques, this next-generation radar is unparalleled in terms of its extended range performance, reaching up to 2000 km, and serves as a pivotal tool for long-range multi-mission radar applications in the domains of air, space surveillance, and Ballistic Missile detection.
• In June 2023, Leonardo S.p.A. launched two novel turrets, LIONFISH 30 and HITFIST 30 UL, catering to naval and land defense domains. These cutting-edge remote-controlled turrets incorporate the ITAR-free 30mm X-GUN, an in-house developed electric weapon system infused with patented technologies. LIONFISH 30 offers versatile configurations, including 12.7mm Ultralight, Inner Reloading, Top models, and a 20mm version, delivering protection against drones, helicopters, and multiple threats with AI-driven contextual analysis. For land applications, HITFIST 30 UL is a remote-controlled option suitable for weight-restricted vehicles, effectively countering asymmetrical threats using airburst ammunition.
• In June 2022, IAI launched the latest tactical multi-mission, multi-sensor system: the GREEN LOTUS (ELI-2139). Designed to provide high-performance Counter-Rocket, Artillery & Mortar (C-RAM), and Air & Ground Surveillance capabilities for maneuvering and stationary forces, GREEN LOTUS features a unique range of active and passive sensors that maximize situational awareness and efficiency of countermeasures. The GREEN LOTUS integrates a range of IAI-ELTA’s sensors into a highly automated system that detects, tracks, classifies, and identifies aerial targets from low Radar Cross Section (RCS) mortar, rocket and artillery fire, and small drones to manned and unmanned and fixed and rotary wing aircraft. It also performs ground surveillance and detects and tracks vehicles and slow-moving personnel.
• In May 2022, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a Raytheon Technologies business, and Kord, a wholly owned subsidiary of KBR, completed a US Army operational assessment at White Sands Missile Range to defeat multiple 60 mm mortar rounds using a 50 kW-class high-energy laser integrated into a Stryker combat vehicle. Multiple tests were conducted to simulate real-world scenarios. The directed energy weapon system is part of the US Army’s Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense or DE M-SHORAD. It is designed to acquire, track, target, and defeat multiple mortars.
• In April 2023, The company launched the In-Sight 3800 vision system. Designed for high-speed production lines, In-Sight 3800 offers an extensive vision toolset, powerful imaging capabilities, and flexible software to deliver a fully integrated solution for a wide range of inspection applications.

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