ANTI-DRONE MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Size and Trends

The anti-drone market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1.72 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 8.51 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.7% from 2024 to 2031.

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The anti-drone market is expected to experience positive growth over the next few years. With the rising security threats from unidentified drones and increasing incidences of drone trespassing, the demand for anti-drone system is expected to rise significantly. Many government agencies and private end-users are planning to adopt counter drone technology to safeguard sensitive locations. Furthermore, advancement in AI and jamming technology will also support the market growth during the forecast period. However, spectrum interference issues and lack of coordinated counter-drone standards may impede the growth of the anti-drone market to some extent.

Growth in Commercial Drone Usage

As drones are being used increasingly for commercial purposes like package deliveries, infrastructure inspections, agricultural monitoring, and film making, the need for reliable anti-drone systems is rising. E-commerce giants are actively working towards building drone fleets to deliver packages within cities in under 30 minutes. This could revolutionize last-mile delivery operations and make online shopping even more convenient. However, with increased commercial drone traffic in low-altitude airspace, the risk of possible misuse of these drones for sabotage or surveillance also rises. Key companies need assurances that unauthorized drones cannot interfere with their operations or steal sensitive data. While commercial drones offer a lot of benefits, ensuring safety at large public events, important installations and restricted areas will require monitoring airspace and mitigating threats. As commercial drone delivery takes off in the next few years, the demand for anti-drone defense from large corporations, event organizers and government agencies is likely to grow substantially.

For instance, during the Texas Department of Public Safety Drone eXpo in December 2022, DeTect showcased its DroneWatcher system, capable of wide-area drone surveillance and detection, identifying over 95% of commercially available drones.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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In the current world order marked by geopolitical conflicts and tensions between nations, proliferation of small drones poses serious challenges for national security. While drone technology progress has been rapid, mitigating rogue drone threats still remains a work in progress for militaries and law enforcement. There have been reported incidents of enemy drones striking nearby bases in ongoing border conflicts. At the same time, terrorist groups are also known to use off-the-shelf drones for surveillance and attacks. The threat landscape is continuously evolving as drone payloads expand to include explosives, chemical, and biological weapons. Furthermore, adversarial nations like North Korea and Iran have boosted their drone arsenal significantly. This has many countries significantly ramping up counter-drone defenses around sensitive military installations, energy infrastructure, borders, and urban centers. Rising geo-political tensions are a major driver as governments spend more on airspace security and related anti-drone technologies like radio-frequency jammers, detector sensors, and interception systems.

For instance, in August 2021, Meteksan Defense introduced an upgraded version of its Kapan counter-drone system at IDEF 2021. This system features the latest Retinar FAR-AD radar for drone detection, along with enhancements to detect vehicles, supported by advanced computer systems and AI algorithms.

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As drone technology rapidly progresses, it becomes more difficult for detection and interception systems to keep pace in identifying and neutralizing new and unknown drones. Additionally, developing technology that can disrupt drones without causing harm raises safety and liability concerns. The lack of internationally recognized standards for the testing and evaluation of counter-drone systems also impacts the trust and adoption of anti-drone solutions.

Market Opportunities: Growing Demand for Counter-Drone Defenses amidst Proliferation of Consumer and Commercial Drone Use

The widespread consumer and commercial use of drones has highlighted the need for counter-drone defenses, especially around critical infrastructure. Governments and organizations are increasingly seeking solutions to monitor airspace and respond to potential drone threats. If international standards and guidelines can be established, it could help accelerate market acceptance and validation of anti-drone systems.

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In terms of components, hardware contributes the largest share of 78.14% in 2024, to the anti-drone market due to advancements in technologies. Hardware components play a vital role in detecting, identifying, and neutralizing rogue drones. They utilize technologies such as radar, electro-optical/infrared systems and radio frequency systems to perform critical functions.

Radar systems effectively detect and track drones within a certain range depending on the wattage of the transmitted signal. Developments in phased array radar and software-defined radar have enabled high resolution detection of even miniscule drones. This has significantly boosted their adoption among defense agencies.

Electro-optical and infrared sensors provide visual confirmation of drones. Thermal cameras equipped with these sensors can identify drones day and night based on heat signature. Combined electro-optical/infrared and radar systems offer redundant detection for higher assurance. Advances in sensor fusion algorithms have made these dual-mode systems more reliable.

Radio frequency detection systems have undergone rapid evolution. By capturing signals between the drone and controller, they can identify the location of the pilot. Designs incorporate wideband receivers, signal processors and direction-finding capabilities. Upgrades in antennae and frequency agility allow capturing communications across different bands.

Hardware neutralization tools include jammers, interceptors, high-powered lasers, and projectile/kinetic interceptors. Developing more compact and portable versions of these effectors without compromising on capability is driving continuous hardware innovation. Governments are also investing in deploying hardware solutions to secure borders, gather intelligence, and conduct search & rescue operations.

Insights, By Platform - Ground-based: Mainstay of critical anti-drone infrastructure

Among platforms, ground-based systems are expected to account for the largest share of 47.71% in 2024 in the anti-drone market. They form the backbone of security for vital assets and public events due to their stability and coverage area. Fixed ground stations can detect drones within distances of 10-15 km depending on the radar type and environment. Mobile ground vehicles extend the perimeter when deployed strategically.

Ground-based detection systems offer seamless surveillance without gaps compared to other modes. Their transmission power is not constrained like handheld or UAV-mounted radars. Integration of multilayered sensors on ground towers ensures comprehensive aerial monitoring without blind spots. Additionally, ground infrastructure can be hardwired with stable power supply and high-speed networking for centralized command and control.

Effector payloads on ground platforms also allow for countermeasures from safe stand-off distances. Long-range hailing, tracking and jamming capabilities are crucial for securing airspace over sensitive facilities. Equipping mobile interception vehicles expands the response area. Kinetic weapons deployed on the ground provide assured neutralization of hostiles when other options fail.

Ruggedization and compatibility with diverse terrains make ground systems a universal solution. Their endurance surpasses temporary handheld and UAV options. Governments thus rely on permanent ground-based networks as the primary protective layer backed by mobile assets. This cements ground systems' leading position among anti-drone platforms.

Regional Insights

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North America has established itself as the dominant region in the global anti-drone market and is expected to account for a market share of 44.7% in 2024. The U.S. accounts for the largest share owing to heavy defense spending and stringent regulations regarding drone security across critical infrastructure and national assets. Several U.S. government agencies such as Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Defense (DOD), and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have implemented policies and issued guidelines necessitating the deployment of counter-drone technologies at airports, military bases, and other vital facilities. Moreover, the presence of key anti-drone system manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and Leonardo make the regional market highly organized with varied product offerings. The suppliers also regularly upgrade their solutions based on the evolving drone threats, thereby maintaining North America's edge.

The Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest growing market for anti-drone systems globally with a CAGR of 28.59% in 2024. Countries like China, India, and Japan are aggressively focusing on countering the menace of unidentified or rogue drones around important locations. Rapid economic expansion and development of smart cities in these nations have stimulated the requirement for reliable drone detection and security solutions. Additionally, increasing drone imports and indigenous drone manufacturing in the region have also raised concerns about airspace security. Local governments are proactively engaging with international anti-drone suppliers and encouraging joint ventures with domestic technology firms to address this challenge. The competitive business environment and large defense budgets provide fertile ground for anti-drone adoption across Asia Pacific. The region presents lucrative opportunities for market players to establish local production centers and supply chain networks to effectively gain ground in this fast-developing landscape.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• In June 2022, Blighter Surveillance Systems supplied bulk quantities of its A422 radars to aid in establishing a Counter-UAS capability in Ukraine, assisting the country's forces in their conflict with Russia. The A422 radar detects and tracks airborne and ground targets up to 20 kilometers.
• October 2022 saw the successful integration of the U.S. Army's AN/TPQ-53 (Q-53) Multi-Mission Radar, developed by Lockheed Martin, with a command-and-control system in Yuma, Arizona, providing tracking data for launching counter-drone operations
• In June 2022, Saab AB entered into a purchase framework agreement with Robin Radar Systems, enabling access to a complete range of drone and bird detection radar solutions for international clients in the security and aviation sectors
• Also in August 2021, SPX Corporation finalized its acquisition of Enterprise Control Systems, a U.K.-based company specializing in tactical datalinks and RF countermeasures, including RF jammers and counter-drone technology

*Definition: The anti-drone market involves the development and sales of technologies, systems, and solutions that are used to detect, identify, track, and neutralize unauthorized or hostile drones. Products in this market include drone detection systems that use radar, radio-frequency, electro-optical/infrared, or acoustic sensors to find and monitor drones. Also included are counter-drone systems like jamming devices, interfering signals, directed energy weapons, and interceptor drones that can disable rogue drones and protect sensitive areas from any malicious drone activities.

Market Segmentation

• Component Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Hardware
    • Radars
    • Acoustic Sensors
    • Infrared and video surveillance systems
    • RF Detectors
    • Jammers
    • Others
  • Software
•  Platform Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Handheld
  • UAV
  • Ground Based
    • Fixed
    • Mobile
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • South Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Advanced Radar Technologies S.A.
  • Airbus Group SE
  • Blighter Surveillance Systems
  • Dedrone
  • DeTect, Inc.
  • Droneshield LLC
  • Enterprise Control Systems
  • Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI)
  • Liteye Systems, Inc.
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Orelia
  • Prime Consulting and technologies
  • Raytheon Company
  • Saab Ab
  • Selex Es Inc.
  • Thales Group
  • The Boeing Company