Anti-Drone Market Growth, Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Method (Detection and Interdiction), By Technology (RF Analyzer, Acoustic Sensors, Optical Sensors, Radar, RF Jammer, GPS Spoofer, High Power Microwave Devices, Nets and Guns, and High Energy Lasers), By Platform (Handheld, UAV, and Ground Based), By End-use (Government and Defense, Commercial, Airports, Others), and Regional Forecasts, 2022-2029

The global anti-drone market size was valued at USD 1.34 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 1.58 billion in 2022 to USD 6.95 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 23.55% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with Anti-Drone experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a growth of 18.43% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Drone countering systems are used to detect and counter unauthorized drones that may have been used to drop explosives, smuggle contraband, and gather intelligence on sensitive assets. This technology is used to protect airports, critical infrastructure, and other areas such as stadiums, military installations, and battlefields. Systems are offered in fixed or portable configurations. Such systems have multiple sensors and help in detecting enemy drones.

COVID-19 IMPACT

The rise in the Number of Unauthorized Drones During the Pandemic Resulted in More Investment in Counter Drone Technology

• The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a sudden trend in the rise of the use of drones for different applications amid social distancing and other government regulations to contain the virus. As of October 2022, the U.S. alone had about 865,505 drones registered.


• The number of drones saw a phenomenal rise, and the threat of rogue drones has also been on the rise during the pandemic. A drone’s ability to fly low can make it difficult to be caught by radars. As drones continue to be used by state and non-state actors, the need for C-UAS technology has seen rising importance by defense organizations across the world.


• The increasing proliferation of battlefield drones and drone swarms further necessitated new Anti-Drone systems during the pandemic.
  
  
  
  • In June 2021, two explosive-laden UAVs crashed into the Indian Air Force Station at Jammu Airbase. Such drone attacks have sent alarm bells ringing for security establishments to have counter-drone technology.
  
  
  
  


• Due to drone attacks during the pandemic, investors started looking out for firms offering solutions in drone security, detection systems, and identification.

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  • In 2021, airspace security company Dedrone finalized USD 30.5 million series C financing round led by Axon.
  
  
  • SkySpace raised USD 30 million in series B funding in excess of USD 45 million that it had received previously.
  
  
  
  

LATEST TRENDS

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Increasing Security Threats Though Drones Across Countries to Propel Market Growth for Counter Drone Technology

Advancement in drone technology has created threats to national security or commercial and critical infrastructure through the use of advanced drones. Such drones, while being armed, are capable of attacks. Such incidents have reportedly increased in recent years, and hence security threats have led governments to think of Anti-Drone technologies.

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  • According to a survey by Droneii, there has been an increase in the use of drones by governments in 2021 compared to other sectors.
  
  
  
  

The use of drones in warfare has led states to carry out attacks with very little reference to international law norms. This has led to a state of continuous warfare in the world. Militaries around the world are putting in resources to stop terrorist drone attacks.

Since 2008, the U.S. has increased its lethal targeting of militants through the use of weaponized drones. The recent war between Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns due to the use of drones in warfare.

Ukraine, though traditionally used the military drone Bayraktar in warfare, recent trends point out the use of small commercial drones in warfare. Small drones, such as the DJI Mavic 3, which cost lesser than military drones, have been seen to be more effective in being fitted with small bombs. This has raised concerns about non-military drones being used in warfare.

There is a rise in consumer drones that are available at lower prices and may be used for unlawful purposes. This has further necessitated the need for developing Anti-Drone technologies. Such drones enable terrorist organizations to target civilians and continue to cause growing concerns. 

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  • In June 2021, drones were used to drop explosives at Jammu Airport in India. This has been the first attack on defense establishments using drones.
  
  
  
  

Thus the increasing use of military and non-military drones for attacks on defense and civilian infrastructure and establishments has necessitated the need for this type of drone technology.

DRIVING FACTORS

Technological Advancement in Countering Drones to Drive the Market Growth

Companies across the world have started using drones for hunting other drones and new radar systems and lasers to stop drones. From using high-tech laser systems, radar systems, and electronic signal jammers to revamping the older systems, such as repurposed fighter aircraft with powerful radars to look down and shoot UAVs, modern militaries are trying to minimize threats using technology.

• In May 2022, the U.S.-based tech company Epirus claimed that its high-powered microwave system had been able to disable 66 small drones in mid-flight by frazzling their electronics.


• In June 2022, Israel’s Elbit systems took down several unmanned target aircraft using a laser, which was mounted on a light aircraft.


• Since 2002, the U.S. Defense Agency has been conducting an annual counter-drone exercise, the Black Dart, to counter rising drone-based threats. Black Dart's live fire exercise led to the deployment of an Anti-Drone laser system on a warship.

The U.S. CRAM system, originally designed to intercept rockets and artillery, has been used to shoot down drones attacking the U.S. forces in Iraq. Such systems fire a stream of high explosive cannon shells at 4,500 rounds a minute.

• Similarly, the U.S. is also using the US PAC-3 patriot missile systems to take down drones.


• Israel's iron dome system is using artificial intelligence to shoot down not only rockets but also drones.

Increasing Defense Spending by Governments to Drive the Anti-Drone Market Growth

The war in Ukraine has revealed that more systems will be needed to counter rogue drones in the coming years. The U.S. Department of Defense has planned to spend USD 668 million on research into new drone defense technologies and about 78 million to procure such technology by the next year.

In India, the Indian armed forces have given new orders to Indian companies for counter-drone technologies worth USD 1.5 billion. The Indian Navy also signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for an indigenous Anti-Drone naval system.

Since 2019, the U.K. government has funded 18 projects for developing technologies. The government spent close to USD 2.5 million for funding this type of drone technology project. The French defense procurement agency has notified Thales and CS group for developing and delivering PARADE drone countermeasures program capability with a commitment of USD 32.85 million.

Such increasing spending for research and development and procurement and deployment of technologies will drive the growth of this technology.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Procurement Costs and Government Regulations and Control to Act as a Restraint for the Market

Counter-drone technology is mostly a part of military and defense projects. Several governments across the world use different counter-UAV solutions based on different technologies. Most of these systems are very expensive and need to pass through critical government regulations.

However, although different countries have different drone regulations, there has not been any standardization of technologies.

Most countries classify the systems based on how the system finds a drone (radars), what the system does after finding the drone (RF jamming, drone collision, microwave attack, lasers or nets), and based on platform (ground, mobile, mounted or handheld).

For airports and local law enforcement agencies, the regulatory landscape for counter drone technologies is still unclear. The detection methods for counter UAV operations often require working in the radio frequency spectrum and can pose threats to manned aircraft and surveillance, communication, and navigation signals used by air traffic control. Hence, such systems could violate aviation rules and regulations and act as a restraint for the market.

SEGMENTATION

By Method Analysis

Interdiction Segment to Be the Fastest Growing Segment Due to Development of Advanced Technology to Counter Drones

By this method, the market is segmented into detection and interdiction. Among these, the detection segment dominated the global market in 2021. The detection segment held the largest market share in 2021. The global increase in military spending and rising threats from drones create demand for detection techniques in emerging economies, such as India and China, which are helping boost market growth.

The interdiction segment is projected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is attributed to the rising technological advancement in interdiction methods. RF jamming has been a popular interdiction technique. RF jamming causes disruption in the radio frequency link between the drone and its operator by generating large volumes of RF output.

• In September 2021, the Indian Navy’s contract with BEL for Naval Counter Drone System demonstrated this capability. It can instantly detect and jam micro drones.

By Technology Analysis

Rise in Use of High Energy Lasers Will Propel the Market Growth

Based on technology, the market is classified into RF analyzers, acoustic sensors, optical sensors, radar, RF jammer, GPS spoofer, high-power microwave devices, nets and guns, and high-energy lasers.

The RF jammer segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021. The RF drone signal jammer blocks the communication between the hostile drone’s video, telemetry, command, control, navigation systems, and the device’s operator. By jamming the communication channels, the drone is effectively disabled and forced back to its home base or grounded at its current location. Hence it has been the most popular choice.

The high-energy lasers segment will grow at the fastest rate with a high CAGR due to its ability to use automated target cueing and a full spectrum of electro-optical/infrared sensors to track, identify, and quickly take down drones. The increasing use of such lasers by military users has led to a high growth rate for the segment.

Other technologies, such as GPS spoofers, acoustic sensors, optical sensors, radars, nets and guns, and high-power microwave devices, will drive the growth of the market due to investment in these technologies from emerging economies such as China and India.

• American aerospace firm General Dynamics collaborated with Epirus to integrate the Leonidas high-power microwave weapon onto Stryker combat vehicles for enhanced Anti-Drone swarm capabilities.

By Platform Analysis

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Rise in Ground-Based Drone Defense Systems to Propel the Growth of the Segment

Based on the platform, the market is segmented into ground-based, UAV, and handheld.

The ground-based segment accounted for the highest market share in 2021. The segment is also expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is attributed to the rising expenditure on ground-based defense systems. Thus, higher growth numbers are anticipated during the 2022-2029 period.

• In June 2021, the British Ministry of Defense employed Rafael’s drone Dome counter UAV system to protect world leaders during the G7 Summit.

The handheld segment is predicted to grow owing to the increase in demand for drone guns and nets. Such devices are portable and thus are a more popular choice in border areas. The segment showed a high CAGR for the forecast period.

• In September 2022, the border security force in India deployed drone defense guns in the Punjab region of India.

The UAV segment is expected to grow at a moderate CAGR compared to other segments. The rise in the use of advanced combat drones for attacking other drones and rising military budgets in procuring such drones are expected to surge the demand for these systems.

By End-use Analysis

Government Segment to Grow Due to Increasing Defense Budgets Facilitating Investment in Counter Drone Technology.

Based on end-use, the market is segmented into government & defense, commercial, airports, and others.

The government & defense segment has been the largest segment with a high market share in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the projected period. The growth of the segment is attributed to the rising expenditure on defense modernization and the increase in threat from drones. The Russia-Ukraine war has further demonstrated the effectiveness of having drone defense systems, and thus growing economies have also started to make or procure counter-drone systems. Thus, higher growth numbers are anticipated during the forecast period.

• Greece has been protecting important sites across the country by using Israel’s counter-drone technology similar to Drone Dome but customized for the specific needs of Greece.

The commercial segment is anticipated to witness growth with a moderate CAGR during the forecast period. Growth is expected in the forecast period due to increasing commercial uses of drone defense technology in protecting large public safety at gatherings and important conventions.

• In 2021, such counter-drone devices were used to protect important world leaders at the G7 summit.

The airports segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The rising drone threats at airports have led to an increase in investment in drone defense systems for airports.

• In 2021, the airport of Jammu reported drone attacks. Drones were used to drop explosives at the airport.


• In 2018, the U.K. reported drone sightings near the runway of Gatwick Airport. More than 100 flights were diverted or canceled in just three days.

The other segment is anticipated to grow with a moderate CAGR due to increasing use in protecting civil infrastructure, large crowd gatherings, protecting important people, and other critical infrastructure.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

North America dominated the market in 2021. North America stood at USD 0.44 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a moderate CAGR during the forecast period. The growth has been attributed to the presence of key players in the defense domain such as Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Liteye Systems, and others in the region. The U.S. has the highest defense spending in the world and thus held a higher share of the market in 2021.

The market in the Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR due to increase in investment in drone technology and rising defense budgets. The increase in security systems at airports and the protection of international borders in the region are expected to drive the growth of the segment.

• In August 2021, the Indian Navy signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited to supply naval counter-drone systems. It is the first system to have been inducted by the Navy. It can instantly detect, jam micro drones, and use a laser-based kill mechanism to terminate the target.

Europe's growth is attributed to the increasing expenditure on defense-type modernization along with the procurement of advanced defense systems from other countries in the region. The war between Ukraine and Russia has further demonstrated the importance of having advanced drone defense systems.

• In October 2022, NATO decided to deliver air defense systems to Ukraine to help the country protect itself against drones and protect critical infrastructure.

The market in the rest of the world will showcase significant growth owing to rising drone threats and an increase in defense sector spending. Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey, and others have seen unmanned military systems posing an increasing threat to critical infrastructure. This is expected to surge the demand for counter-drone technology from the region.

• In 2018, there were over 100 drone attacks at commercial airports and military facilities in the Middle East & Africa region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key players such as Raytheon Technology Corporation, Lockheed Martin Technology, and others focus on innovation and new projects to reinforce their market position.

The market is dominated by key manufacturers such as Raytheon Technology Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Elbit Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries, among others. These players majorly focus on developing partnerships with government and defense authorities for new projects.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Raytheon Technology Corporation (U.S.)


• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)


• Israel Aerospace Industries (U.S.)


• DroneShield (Australia)


• Detect Inc (U.S.)


• Dedrone Holdings Inc. (U.S.)


• Liteye Systems Inc. (U.S.)


• Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel)


• SaaB AB (Sweden)


• Thales Group (France)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In October 2022-  Israel’s Smart Shooter won a contract from the U.S. Army for Smash 2000 L counter drone optics for rifles and small arms as a part of its C-UAS program.


• In September 2022: The Indian Government’s border security forces decided to deploy laser-equipped counter drone technology in Punjab along the international border with Pakistan.


• In September 2021-The Indian Navy signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the supply of an indigenous comprehensive naval counter-drone system with both hard kill and soft kill capabilities.


• In August 2022, American aerospace firm Blue Halo won a contract of USD 24 million from the U.S. Department of Defense for the supply of counter-drone systems.


• In May 2022- Liteye Systems Ltd won the U.S. Department of Defense’s counter-drone deal for USD 12.1 million. Liteye will develop and integrate its entire suite of C-UAS and ground surveillance products to detect, identify, track, and defend from Class 1 and 2 Unmanned Aerial Systems.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global anti-drone market report provides a detailed analysis of the market. The report focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, Anti-Drone technologies, and leading Anti-Drone system providers. The report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments related to the market. In addition to the above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation