The European anti-drone market is projected to reach USD 4.16 billion by 2030 from USD 1.24 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 27.5% from 2025 to 2030. The market is growing rapidly due to the increasing threat posed by drones to airports, critical infrastructure, government sites, borders, and major events. With the growing concern for unauthorized use of drones for espionage and potential attack on critical infrastructure and other valuable targets. The market for advanced detection and identification, as well as subsequent mitigation technology, is expected to grow at a rapid rate. Defense modernization initiatives and funding from the European Defence Fund, as well as other European national security organizations, have encouraged the use of multi-level C-UAS protection technology. With the growing incidence of drones being used for smuggling and disruption activities, including those near airports and defense installations, the need for AI-powered sensors and autonomous detection and neutralization technology based on electronic warfare methods will further fuel the growth of the European C-UAS technology market.
Major players in the Europe anti-drone market include Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy), Thales (France), Blighter Surveillance Systems Limited (UK), MBDA (France), Saab AB (Sweden), HENSOLDT AG (Germany), ART (Advanced Radar Technologies) (Spain), Drone Defense (UK), Drone Major Ltd (UK), CERBAIR (France), BAE Systems (UK), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), among others. Product launches, collaborations, and acquisitions are key strategies employed by players to increase their market share, enhance their product portfolios, and expand their market presence.
To know about the assumptions considered for the study download the pdf brochure
In April 2025, Leonardo DRS, in collaboration with BlueHalo, announced the development of a laser-based counter-drone system integrated into a Stryker vehicle. The Blue Halo 26 kW laser underwent successful testing in August. The system demonstrated the ability to neutralize drones while simultaneously engaging ground targets, offering cost-effective, multi-domain defense capabilities.
Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy)
Leonardo holds a strong and influential position in the Europe anti-drone market, driven by its deep expertise in radar surveillance, electronic warfare, electro-optics, and integrated air-defense systems. The company has heavily invested in advanced C-UAS capabilities, including multi-mode AESA radars, passive RF-sensing systems, high-precision EO/IR tracking modules, and AI-enabled sensor fusion engines, which enable accurate detection, identification, and mitigation of hostile drones in dense and complex European airspace. Its flagship Falcon Shield system supports fixed, mobile, and rapidly deployable configurations, making it suitable for protecting airports, military installations, borders, critical infrastructure, and large public events. Strong partnerships with European defense ministries, NATO initiatives, and the European Defence Agency further strengthen Leonardo’s presence in ongoing modernization programs. With proven expertise in C2 integration, electronic attack capabilities, and counter-swarm techniques, combined with a strong regional manufacturing base and operational experience, Leonardo remains one of the most influential suppliers driving the evolution of counter-UAS solutions across Europe.
Leonardo has a strong presence in the European counter-drone market. Its expertise is in radar surveillance, electronic warfare, electro-optics, and full-spectrum air defense solutions. The company has made significant investments in developing its C-UAS solutions, which include multi-mode AESA radars, passive RF-sensing solutions, high-precision EO/IR tracking modules, and AI-powered sensor fusion engines. These capabilities enable accurate detection, identification, and defeat of hostile drones in crowded and complex European airspace. Leonardo’s flagship Falcon Shield solution offers fixed, mobile, and rapidly deployable options, making it suitable for securing airports, military sites, borders, key infrastructure, and large public gatherings. Leonardo’s strong collaborations with defense ministries in Europe, its participation in NATO programs, and cooperation with the European Defence Agency strengthen its ongoing efforts to upgrade Europe’s military forces.
Leonardo has already demonstrated its expertise in C2 interfacing, electronic attack missions, and the defeat of swarming drones in real-world scenarios, and thus has a strong presence in Europe’s ongoing counter-drone military upgrades due to its robust presence in Europe, with a strong R&D infrastructure and in-field experience in this domain.
Thales (France)
Thales is a leading player in the European anti-drone market, leveraging its broad expertise in radar, electronic warfare, cybersecurity, and secure command and control. The company has established an end-to-end offering of advanced C-UAS solutions, including the Gecko and EagleShield, that integrate 3D surveillance radar, passive RF detection, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and AI-powered data fusion algorithms for high-precision drone categorization and threat analysis in the European airspace. Thales is well-positioned in the European anti-drone market, offering end-users multisensor detection and soft-kill and hard-kill mitigation capabilities, including GNSS jamming, RF cyber-taking over, and scalable neutralizers, all of which are usable within the demanding operational and security requirements of the European regulatory framework. The company also values long-term partnerships with European military forces, NATO projects, and prominent civil aviation authorities, further cementing its position in securing airports, infrastructure, borders, and high-stakes events in the European region. With significant R&D investments, successful operational experience, and a secure supply chain firmly established in the European region, Thales is influencing the dynamics of C-UAS technology development with more robust, modular, and highly interoperable solutions tailored to new European drone security requirements.
Market Ranking
The European anti-drone market is a competitive market, comprising a few key players, including Leonardo S.p.A., Thales, Blighter Surveillance Systems Ltd., MBDA, Saab AB, and HENSOLDT AG. This market has experienced a scenario where legacy players and technology players with new innovations have played different roles and provided different capabilities in relation to sensing and command and control, AI-based analytics, and mitigation options for anti-UAS applications. The players’ strategies and focus areas have varied significantly, shifting from legacy options such as radar and electronic warfare solutions to software and autonomous anti-UAS offerings. This provides a diverse market where all players continue to expand their market base through continued innovation and participation in government evaluation and assessment initiatives.
Related Reports:
Europe Anti-Drone Market by Electronic Systems, Kinetic Systems, Laser Systems, Hybrid Systems, Ground-based, Handheld, UAV-based, Detection, Detection & Disruption, Military & Defense, Commercial, and Homeland Security - Forecast to 2030
Contact:
Mr. Rohan Salgarkar
MarketsandMarkets™ INC.
1615 South Congress Ave.
Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445
USA : 1-888-600-6441
sales@marketsandmarkets.com
This FREE sample includes market data points, ranging from trend analyses to market estimates & forecasts. See for yourself.
SEND ME A FREE SAMPLE