Global Anti-Drone market to reach US$ 3.03 Billion in 2025

The Global anti-drone market size is estimated to be worth US$ 663.3 Million in 2019 and is expected to record significant growth rate of 28.8% to reach US$ 3.03 Billion in 2025.

The Key factors driving the growth of the market include surging incidences of security breaches, increased terrorism and illicit activity, advancement of technology and rising demand for drone detection and neutralizing systems.

Definition / Scope
Market Overview
Market Risks
Top Market Opportunities
Market Trends
Industry Challenges
Technology Trends
Pricing Trends
Regulatory Trends
Other Key Market Trends
Market Size and Forecast
Market Outlook
Technology Roadmap
Competitive Landscape
Competitive Factors
Key Market Players
Strategic Conclusion
References
Appendix

Definition / Scope

Drones have played a key role in several avenues during the past decade, especially in the defence sector. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), flying robots, and lightweight pilotless aircraft continue to gain substantial worldwide popularity.

While developments in both drone and anti-drone technology are rapid, the anti-drone market is currently in its infancy due to which advanced anti-drone technologies and concepts in different industries have considerable scope.

Although demand for drones is on the rise, primarily from the defense and e-commerce industries, the mass deployment of anti-drone technology is slowly taking shape as a result of developments in different technologies.

The adoption of anti-drone systems and innovations from companies as well as from government organizations around the world is on the rise and according to current trends, anti-drone solutions are increasingly expanding into different industrial sectors.

Players operating in the current anti-drone market are increasingly focused on enhancing their solutions’ precision, range, size, and many other functional and physical parameters in order to gain a competitive advantage in the current business setting. Several industry players are investing notable resources in developing various designs and improving the design aspects of their anti-drone systems.

Although government agencies are likely to remain primary users of anti-drone technologies, substantial research is underway to explore the potential of such solutions across a spectrum of industrial sectors.

Market Overview

The Global anti-drone market is estimated to be worth US$ 663.3 Million in 2019 and is poised to grow at 28.8% in the forecast period (2019 – 2025) to reach US$ 3.03 Billion in 2025.

Mitigation Type Insights

The market is segmented into destructive and non-destructive systems based upon the form of mitigation. Established as the largest revenue-generating segment in 2019, the destructive device segment is expected to retain its lead over the forecast period. This section is further divided into the laser, electronic countermeasure, and missile effector systems.

The segment of the laser system is projected to account for a large share of the revenue over the forecast period. Through using directed energy, these types of systems destroy different vital portions of the airframe of the drone, which causes it to crash to the ground.

In addition, some low-power lasers are designed to disable electro-optical (EO) sensors mounted to the target, thereby ceasing the UAV’s functioning.

The Segment of Electronic Countermeasures is expected to see rapid growth from 2019 to 2025. Counter-UAV systems that employ electronic countermeasures usually involve high-powered microwave and electromagnetic arms equipped for fast electromagnetic signal transmission.

When directed towards unauthorized UAVs, these strong signals prevent data transmission between the operator and the system, thus terminating the drone operations as a whole.

End-use Insights

Throughout the forecast period the military and defence segment is projected to dominate the market.

The rapid rise in illegal and terrorist activities around the world, such as contraband smuggling and border trespassing, is expected to accelerate the adoption of counter-UAV systems by the world’s defence forces.

Growing R&D investment by prime defence contractors, combined with the increasing usage of anti-drone systems by various military forces to defend against intruders, is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the end-use segment of the military and defence.

Over the forecast period the commercial sector is expected to see strong demand for anti-drone systems.

It is expected that the growing need for counter-UAV technologies at various commercial locations, including airports, jails, live events, and critical infrastructure, would allow these systems to be implemented across such sites.

Several busy airports and hubs across the globe are increasingly introducing a wide variety of drone security measures to protect their harbor planes from unauthorized drones intruding into commercial airspace and causing collisions.

Defense Type Insights

The market is divided into detection and detection and disruption systems by defence type. Over the forecast period, the detection and disturbance systems segment is projected to emerge as the largest segment generating revenues.

These defence measures are used mainly to track, locate, and classify UAVs, and to undergo neutralization steps to combat unauthorized drones.

Detection systems are expected to increase in the forecast period at the highest CAGR. These systems involve different techniques for detecting and identifying drones, including photon reflectance, radar reflection, acoustic and electromagnetic emissions, and magnetic field induction.

These systems are witnessing an increasing demand due to the increasing number of incidents involving security breaches around the globe.

To meet this growing demand, key counter-drone technology providers and system manufacturers are offering a wide range of professional equipment for drone detection, tracking, and identification.

Regional Insights

During the projected period North America is expected to dominate the global economy. The aerospace and defence sector is witnessing rising adoption of anti-drone systems and technologies, especially in the US.

Over the past few years, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been testing various counter-UAS technologies at several airports across the country, further stepping up product demand.

In addition, the U.S. armed powers, along with the other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), have used such devices in war-torn regions of Afghanistan and Syria, contributing to an explosion in sales of goods throughout the region

Owing to increased government spending on the construction of aerospace and defence infrastructure across various countries, such as India and China, Asia Pacific is expected to show the fastest growth over the next few years.

Moreover, numerous institutions and companies in the country, including NovaSky, China National Nuclear Corporation, and the Beijing Institute of Technology, are establishing strategic alliances to concentrate on counter-UAS technology R&D, instigating immense potential for regional market size.

Market Risks

Fragmented Market

As there is low barrier for entry, the new entrants are flocking into the anti-drone Market backed by Venture Capital Funding the market appears to be fragmented with the presence of a considerable number of companies.

The smaller companies lack capability and scale to respond to disruption in the market and as the market is significantly fragmented there is an absence of a true market leader which leaves the players to hold minuscule market share.

Since this market is booming there are more entrants in the market creating more competition with their various unique services, on the other hand, the major players are trying to increase their users. Therefore, the market concentration is low which directly affects the revenue generated from the segment.

Lower Entry Barrier

The anti-drone segment is highly competitive and capital-intensive. Because of its capital-intensive nature, fixed costs and barriers to exit are high. Competition in the anti-drone industry is intense as barriers to entry are low due to liberalization of market access, a result of globalization.

Competition increases when new players enter the market or when existing airlines expand services to new markets. Existing players benefit, however, from economies of scale and rights on airport slots, and hence, expansion into new markets has fewer entry barriers compared to new entrants.

Top Market Opportunities

Scalable anti-drone systems

Anti-drone systems available today can identify micro-UAVs ranging from 1.5 to 2 kilometres, whereas they range from 8 to 10 kilometres, for mini-UAVs.

For example, in 2015, three British companies — Blighters Surveillance Systems, Chess Dynamics, and Enterprise Control Systems — launched the anti-UAV defence system that detects, recognizes, and disrupts micro-UAVs up to 2 kilometers long, and mini-UAVs up to 8 kilometers long.

Thanks to the evolving drone technology, drones are becoming smaller in size; hence, the use of small drones has increased significantly over the years. A number of companies are therefore engaged in the manufacture of compact counter-drone systems.

Advancements in UAV Technology and Large-scale Industry Adoption

Within the anti-drone market, the current global patent landscape has experienced considerable developments due to the entry of an array of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The demand across numerous industries, including consumer goods, transportation, agriculture, and military, is due to the versatility offered by drones or UAVs.

While the drone technology continues to bring considerable benefits to the military sector, government agencies are gradually granting commercial drone licenses, which in turn have created substantial opportunities for players operating on the anti-drone market.

Moreover, significant advances in ancillary functions and underlying technologies have played a key role in driving drone and anti-drone innovations.

As more drone technologies continue to enter the market, anti-drone technologies and systems are gaining worldwide interest including anti-jamming and trajectory services. Progress in counter-drone technology is projected to give a boost to global anti-drone market growth overall.

Market Trends

Surging incidences of security breaches by unidentified drones

As drone use proliferates, the number of security breaches by unidentified drones has risen at sensitive infrastructure and public places. This has fuelled countermeasure demand.

The possible culprits include, but are not limited to, hobbyists, antinuclear groups, business rivals and terrorist organisations. Thanks to their affordability, drones today are popular and easily accessible to anyone and everyone.

Commercial organizations use drones for express delivery of packages, while military groups use these drones to target alleged terrorists. There has been a significant rise in the use of all types of UAVs over the last few years.

That has resulted in breaches of security in sensitive infrastructure and public places, which, in effect, drives demand for counter drone systems.

Increased terrorism and illicit activity across the world

Drones are being widely used for terrorism and illegal activities, such as smuggling, spying, and border crossing. Terrorists can also change drones and use them to gather information on convoys, bases, vehicles, camps, and infrastructure.

Furthermore they can be used with explosives or chemical weapons. Terrorists may use commercially available drones to target passenger flights, according to a government counter-terrorism expert.

Several events in the past have shown that terrorists aim to use UAVs and drones for attacks.

For instance, In October 2016, ISIS used a drone armed with explosives to attack Kurdish and French positions north of Peshmerga. 2 Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers were killed in the attack and 2 French special operations forces were wounded.

Furthermore, on 4 August 2018, two drones armed with explosives targeted the Venezuelan president while making a speech at a public outdoor event in Caracas, Venezuela.

While the president and his supporters survived suspected drone attack, this incident created the possible threats to security from drones outside war zones.

As a result, the installation of technologically advanced anti-drone systems that can reliably identify and disable any drone, ensure protection and security from suspicious or hostile drones, and prevent terrorist attacks and unlawful activities has become essential for the military and defense, government, as well as home security sectors.

Advancement of technology

In order to boost their overall performance, manufacturers are integrating numerous drone detection techniques into their antidrone systems. Different systems depend on specific detection techniques for certain aircraft systems.

Radar-based detection, radiofrequency (RF) detection, and infra – red radiation (IR) and electro-optical (EO) detection are primary drone detection and identification techniques.

RF jamming is one of the most common techniques which prevents drone movement in unauthorized airspace. Jamming disrupts the radio link between the device and its user, which contributes to its grounding. Adoption of such technologies is expected to boost market growth over the next few years.

Rising demand for drone detection and neutralizing systems

Drones are currently being adopted for their various applications such as cargo inspection, disaster management, photography, inspections of livestock, items of emergency and many more.

Additionally, with the growing use of drones, the probability of using them for malicious functions increases. It has resulted in increased demand for drone detection and device neutralization among entirely different end users, thereby driving the growth of the segment.

High R &D Expenses

Anti-drone technology is relatively new in market, and the technologies used to produce counter-UAV systems undergo intensive research and development. They are being patented by different industry players adopting these new technologies.

In addition, the costs incurred in R&D due to the use of laser and other advanced technologies are very high. Because of the high initial investment cost, therefore, medium and small players cannot afford to build and deploy anti-drone systems.

Therefore, the demand for and availability of counter-drone systems is limited at present.

Lack of Standards

There are no international standards for the proper design and use of anti-drone devices. It is an important concern, because it indicates that there can be substantial variances between device efficiency and reliability that may appear to be quite similar at spec-sheet level. The lack of standards also raises questions about those systems’ safety.

A malfunctioning anti-drone system, especially in civilian environments, may pose a threat to public safety (for example, a jamming system that interferes with emergency radio communications, or a kinetic system that fails its intended target).

Industry Challenges

Risk of collateral damage

UAVs are decimated and jammed by the anti-drone defence system. The jammed UAV can fall at random locations during that process. It raises the risk of causing harm to the corresponding private property.

As a result, manufacturers face a challenge in designing an anti-drone capable of monitoring UAV landings while disrupting and jamming them. Therefore, there is a need to develop a system that can ensure control over the UAV landing.

Strict Government Regulations

While there are still no strict government regulations in many parts of the world concerning unauthorized or unlawful use of drones, the use of anti-drone systems will require multiple clearances from regulatory bodies for their legitimate use

Because most anti-drone systems are designed to neutralize the target, using focused laser beams or electromagnetic waves, their reckless use can cause significant damage to nearby assets or even to people, in the worst case

For these purposes, without proper training and a legal license no one can possess an anti-drone device. This constraint is expected to affect the market moderately in the coming years.

Technology Trends

Some of the emerging anti-drones that is witnessing significant adoption in the Global anti-drone market include

DroneGun Tactical

The DroneGun Tacticalis a completely integrated style of rifle, safe countermeasure against a wide range of drone models. Its design makes it highly portable and is capable of simultaneously disrupting multiple RF frequency bands.

RF and GNSS activation (GPS, GLONASS) signal jamming disrupts the functionality of commercial drone controls. No damage to drone models or surrounding environment.

DroneGun MKIII

The DroneGun MkIII is a compact, lightweight countermeasure built for operation on one side. The DroneGun MKII is highly effective against a wide range of commercially available drone models and is capable of disrupting multiple drone control and navigation simultaneously.

Activating RF and/or navigation (GNSS) signal disturbance will cause either of the drones to:

Revert to an immediate vertical descent automatically and engage in a controlled landing or
Hover close to the ground until the batteries of the drone are almost exhausted and the vertical landing is managed

DroneSentry-X

Detection Performance: Nominal UAS detection range: greater than 2 km (1.2 miles) Detects drones operating at consumer and commercial ISM frequencies Disruption performance: disrupts drones operating at consumer and commercial ISM frequencies Disruption range greater than 300 m

Pricing Trends

The costs to develop anti-drone systems are quite high. In-system components such as lasers, radars, advanced electronics, and radio beams are quite expensive.

This makes reducing system costs difficult for the manufacturers. Such systems cannot be used for commercial applications such as households and public places which affect demand due to the high cost.

Several market players, such as Detect, Inc. (US), have introduced sensor-based anti-drone systems but these systems can only detect UAVs and are unable to destroy them. So introducing highly efficient and affordable anti-drone systems is challenging for market players.

Regulatory Trends

The anti-drone technology is regulated by the regional governments around the world, some of which include

FCC Regulations (USA)

47 C.F.R. Section 2.803 – prohibits the manufacture, importation, marketing, sale or operation of these devices within the United States (47 C.F.R. 2.803) Section 2.807 – provides for certain limited exceptions, such as the sale to U.S. government users (47 C.F.R. 2.807) The FCC regulations are basically echoing the federal statutes that were created.

This means Congress has to either make some exceptions to the Communications Act of 1934 AND nullify or amend these regulations OR just change the underlying statute and leave it to the FCC to start the rulemaking process to repeal this regulation.

Air Navigation Order (UK)

The laws introduced will restrict all drones from flying above 400 feet and within one kilometre of airport boundaries. The Department for Transport will also force drone pilots to register their craft and take an online safety test.

The altitude and airport-related restrictions will come into effect on 30 July 2018. Pilots have until 30 November 2019 to register their aircraft and sit the online tests.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and individual airports will have the power to grant exemptions.

Other Key Market Trends

Demand for Anti-drones to Flatten amid COVID-19 Pandemic

It is expected the COVID-19 pandemic will have a short-term effect on the global anti-drone market. Although technological developments are likely to push the market to new heights over the forecast period, supply chain disruptions coupled with cross-border trade restrictions are likely to trigger delays in the completion of raw material and consignments of components, especially from China.

Although market growth is expected to remain slower than initial estimates, demand for anti-drone systems and technologies is projected to rise at a steady pace in the COVID-19-free period, as policymakers continue to improve their defence capabilities.

Market Size and Forecast

The Global anti-drone market is estimated to be worth US$ 663.3 Million in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 3.03 Billion in 2025 growing at 28.8% in the forecast period (2019 – 2025).

Market Size based on Mitigation Type

Depending on the mitigation type, the market is segmented into destructive and non-destructive systems.

The Destructive System segment dominates the Mitigation Type Segment accounting for 65% of the market share and US$ 411.6 Million in market size in 2019 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 29.5% to reach US$ 1.94 Billion in 2025.

The Destructive System segment is further classified into Laser System, Missile Effector and Electronic Countermeasure.

Of this the Laser System constitutes 70% of the market share and US$ 288.1 Million in 2019 and is expected to record growth rate of 28.7% to attain market size of US$ 1.3 Billion in 2025.

Missile Effector accounted for 19% of the share in the destructive system segment and US$ 78.2 Million in 2019 and is poised to grow at 29.8% to reach US$ 374 Million in 2025.

Electronic Countermeasure constitutes 11% of the market share and generated revenues to the tune of US$ 45.3 Million in 2019 and is projected to grow at 30.4% to reach US$ 222.7 Million in 2025.

The Non-destructive Systems segment accounts for 35% of the market share based on mitigation type and clocked revenues to the tune of US$ 231.2 Million in 2019 and is expected to reach market size of US$ 1.01 Billion in 2025 growing at 27.8% in the forecast period (2019 – 2025).

Market Size based on End-Use

Military & Defence sub-segment dominates the End-Use Segment accounting for 56% of the market share and US$ 371.5 Million in market size in 2019 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 28.4% to reach US$ 1.66 Billion in 2025.

Commercial sub-segment is the fastest growing and accounts for 27% of the market share of the End-Use segment and is poised to reach market size of US$ 884 Million in 2025 from US$ 179 Million in 2019 growing at a CAGR of 30.5% in the forecast period (2019 – 2025).

Homeland Security sub-segment constitutes 13% of the market share and estimated to be worth US$ 86.2 Million in 2019 and is poised to grow at a CAGR of 29.1% to reach US$ 399 Million in 2025

The other segment accounted for 4% of the market share in 2019 and market size of US$ 26.5 Million in 2019, it is expected to grow at 29.5% to reach US$ 124.5 Million in 2025.

Market Size based on Defence Type

Based on the Defence Type, anti-drone system is classified into Detection Systems and Detection and Disruption Systems.

The Detection and Disruption Systems sub-segment dominates the Defence Type Segment accounting for 60% of the market share and US$ 398 Million in market size in 2019 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 28.1% to reach US$ 1.76 Billion in 2025.

Military & Defense sub-segment dominates the End-Use Segment accounting for 56% of the market share and US$ 371.5 Million in market size in 2019 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 28.4% to reach US$ 1.66 Billion in 2025.

Homeland Security sub-segment constitutes 13% of the market share and estimated to be worth US$ 86.2 Million in 2019 and is poised to grow at a CAGR of 29.1% to reach US$ 399 Million in 2025

The other segment accounted for 4% of the market share in 2019 and market size of US$ 26.5 Million in 2019, it is expected to grow at 29.5% to reach US$ 124.5 Million in 2025.

Market Size based on Defense Type

Based on the Defense Type, anti-drone system is classified into Detection Systems and Detection and Disruption Systems.

Detection System sub-segment is the fastest growing sub-segment and accounts for 40% of the market share of the Defence Type segment and is poised to reach market size of US$ 1.3 Billion in 2025 from US$ 265.3 Million in 2019 growing at a CAGR of 30.4% in the forecast period (2019 – 2025).

Regional Analysis

North America held the largest market share in 2019 and is expected to continue with its dominance and accounts for 44% of the market share and US$ 291.8 Million in 2019 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 27.9% to reach US$ 1.28 Billion in 2025.

South America is witnessing significant growth rate of 29.4% and it accounted for 11% of the market share and market size of US$ 73 Million in 2019 and is expected to reach US$ 341.1 Million in 2025.

Europe constitutes 22% of the market share and generated revenues to the tune of US$ 146 Million in 2019 and is expected to grow at 28.6% to reach US$ 660.4 Million in 2025.

Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region and accounts for 18% of the market share and is poised to reach market size of US$ 578.9 Million in 2025 from US$ 119.4 Million in 2019 growing at a CAGR of 30.7% in the forecast period (2019 – 2025).

Middle-East & Africa constitutes 5% of the market share and generated revenues of US$ 33.2 Million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.9% to reach US$ 152.3 Million in 2025.

Market Outlook

The Global anti-drone market is valued at US$ 663.3 Million in 2019 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 28.8% to attain a market size of US$ 3.03 Billion in 2025.

The Key factors driving the growth of the segment include Surging incidences of security breaches, Increased terrorism and illicit activity, Advancement of technology and Rising demand for drone detection and neutralizing systems.

The military & defence vertical is projected to account for the largest share of the anti-drone market throughout the forecast period.

Several Countries are currently also adding importance to enhancing counter-drone initiatives to track terrorist activity, which in the immediate future will boost demand for anti-drone systems.

The use of drones has increased for border trespassing, smuggling and spying. Consequently, the market for an effective anti-drone device in the military & defence sector is expected to increase in the coming years.

Over the forecast period the demand for laser counter-drone systems is expected to rise at the fastest CAGR. Laser systems deliver great speed, tremendous versatility, high accuracy and low cost per shot.

So they find their applications mostly in the vertical military & defence. Companies such as The Boeing Co. (US), Lockheed Martin Corp. (US), Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH (Germany), and Raytheon Co. (US) have also developed anti-drone systems based on lasers.

In the forecast period, the Americas is expected to account for a large share of the global anti-drone market in.

The growth can also be due to the presence in this area of several main players, including Airbus Defence and Space (US), Battelle Memorial Institute (US), Department 13 International Ltd. (US), DeTect, Inc. (US), and Lockheed Martin Corp. (US).

Certain factors that contribute to this market ‘s growth include that terrorist attacks and growing incidences of security breaches by unidentified drones in the Americas, especially in the US.

Technology Roadmap

Tech firms and defense contractors are increasing R&D in order to build systems capable of detecting incoming drones and neutralizing threats coming in. The anti-drone market size is expected to develop rapidly over the forecast period due to increased investments in this technology from various governments.

Companies on the anti-drone market are gaining expertise in developing high-definition radars capable of tracking devices several kilometers away. To confirm and monitor targets they combine these radar technologies with long-range infrared cameras.

This increase in technological advances should increase the size of the Anti-Drone market.

Anti-drone technology is relatively new on the market, and intensive research and development of the technologies used to produce counter-UAV systems is ongoing.

Competitive Landscape

The global market is fragmented in nature and incorporates a great number of innovators and startups developing advanced counter-UAS technologies. Dedrone GmbH, Advanced Radar Technologies, Droneshield, Thales Group, Blighter Surveillance Systems, Airbus Group SE, and The Boeing Company are prominent players in the market.

Participants continue to focus on the development of advanced and safer counter-UAV technologies, such as the use of a specially designed parachute and net combo to safely capture the drones with minimal or no collateral damage.

Key Market Developments

In August 2019, Israeli defence tech firms developed systems that can seize opponent drones to thwart assaults and gather data about them, giving carriers with complete control of drones, enabling them to fly safely for assessment. The model produced can identify violent drones with a range of up to 3.5 kilometers (2.17 miles) and control about 200 drones simultaneously.

In June 2019, DroneShield Ltd. and Collins Aerospace Systems entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work with the Australian Army and around the world on possibilities. This partnership helps clients who are not legally able to employ drone countermeasures, as well as helping them to address the source of drone-related issues.

Competitive Factors

Global anti-drone market is highly fragmented and the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships and other strategies to increase their footprints in this market.

In August 2019, DroneShield released a new drone detection tool in response to user reviews, following extensive developments. RfZero is an omnidirectional drone detection device with a range of 1 kilometer and is designed as a more cost-effective fixed site alternative to the higher-end model of DroneShield, RfOne-a 5-kilometer radio frequency direction finder.

In May 2019, DeTect announced collaboration with Drone Defend Company based in Los Angeles, which will supply and finance DroneWatcher for the larger production sites in Los Angeles and Las Vegas

Key Market Players

Key players in the anti-drone/counter drone market include Thales Group (US), Blighter Surveillance Systems Ltd. (UK), Lockheed Martin Corp. (US), Saab AB (Sweden), Raytheon Co. (US), Dedrone (US), Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.(Israel), DroneShield Ltd. (Australia), Liteye Systems, Inc. (US), and Theiss UAV Solutions, LLC (US).

Lockheed Martin Corp. (US) as a global security and aerospace corporation offers advanced, technology-based solutions and related services. Lockheed Martin engineers collaborate with clients and academics to research, develop and implement the technology that can detect and defeat drones.

The company has picked a combination of organic and inorganic growth strategies, including contracts and product releases, to expand in the anti-drone market.

For example, the US Army has awarded a contract worth US$ 10 million to Dynetics (US), Lockheed Martin, and their partners to continue progress on the next phase of the HEL TVD (High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator) project. Lockheed Martin announced in September 2017 the release of its prototype laser weapon which integrates an advanced system of sensors, software, and specialized optics to defeat UAV threats.

Thales SA (France) is a technology company. It provides a wide range of solutions divided into three segments: Aerospace, Transport and Defence and Security. Aerospace provides onboard electronic equipment designed to increase flight safety and reliability, civil and military aircraft simulators, onboard connectivity and in-flight entertainment, onboard equipment and functions for aircraft piloting, navigation and control as well as equipment, payloads, satellites, systems and services for the space sector.

Saab AB (Sweden) is a company offering products and services ranging from military defence to civil security. The Company’s operations are divided into six business areas. The Aeronautics includes the development of civil and military aviation technology, including the Gripen and Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Raytheon Co. (US) incorporated on December 17, 1953, is a technology company, which specializes in defence and other government markets. The Company develops integrated products, services and solutions in various markets, including sensing; effects; command, control, communications, computers, cyber and intelligence; mission support, and cybersecurity.

The Company operates through five segments: Integrated Defence Systems (IDS); Intelligence, Information and Services (IIS); Missile Systems (MS); Space and Airborne Systems (SAS), and Forcepoint.

The Company serves both domestic and international customers, primarily as a prime contractor or subcontractor on a range of defence and related programs for government customers.

DroneShield Limited (Australia) is a drone security technology company. The Company is engaged in the development and commercialization of hardware and software acoustic technology for drone detection.

It has developed drone detection solution that protects people, organizations and infrastructure from intrusion from drones. The Company’s products include Widealert Sensor, Faralert Sensor, Dronegun, Droneshield Baseprocessor, Droneshield User Interface and Dronesentry.

The Company helps security force to identify unauthorized drones using real-time alerts and digital evidence collection.

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (Israel) manufactures civilian and military aerospace and defence products. The Company provides business jets, unmanned aircraft, and a range of systems including defence electronics, theater defence, defensive and offensive naval weapons, and airborne radars. Israel Aerospace Industries serves clients worldwide.

Liteye (US) is a world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of Counter UAV Systems (AUDS), Helmet Mounted Display Systems (HMD), Surveillance Radar and Thermal Imaging Products for use in a wide range of Defence and Homeland Security applications. Liteye products are also suitable for use in certain high-end commercial security applications.

Theiss UAV Solutions, LLC (US) Solutions is a company focused on providing quality UAV Systems designed and built to meet the various needs of our clients. From UAV Systems for carrying special payloads, to UAV Systems to protect the public from malicious activities.

Its aerial solutions serve a variety of clientele, such as utility companies, first responders, municipalities, and agriculture, as well as continued support and system development for the Department of Defence.

Strategic Conclusion

Drones are a classic case of technology outpacing regulations. This is likely to change over the next decade or so, as more complaints are lodged by people and companies around the world and then litigated in court.

At the moment, however, the commoditization of the technology and the rapid growth of counter-technology will fuel both opportunity and uncertainty, and all of this will likely favor the semiconductor industry.

References

Appendix

SMEs – Small & Medium Enterprises
UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
EO – Electro-Optical Sensors
RF – Radio-Frequency
FAA – Federal Aviation Administration
IR – Infra – Rred Radiation
R&D – Research & Development
FCC – Federal Communications Commission