Anti-Drone Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2023-2030)

Anti-drone systems, also known as counter-drone systems or drone defense systems, refer to various technologies and techniques designed to detect, identify, track, and neutralize unauthorized or potentially dangerous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. These systems are developed with the primary objective of safeguarding various critical infrastructures, sensitive areas, events, and military installations from potential threats posed by rogue drones. The anti-drone systems utilize a combination of advanced sensors, surveillance techniques, and countermeasures to effectively counteract the unauthorized or malicious use of drones.

The Anti Drone Market is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of around 11.71% owing to the easy availability and expanding use of consumer drones in the market. Furthermore, consumer drones have gained immense popularity, revolutionizing various industries and capturing imaginations worldwide. However, with the proliferation of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) comes the pressing need for countermeasures to mitigate potential threats. As a result, the market for anti-drone systems is experiencing tremendous growth globally. While most drone enthusiasts operate responsibly, the unauthorized use of consumer drones has led to concerns over privacy, security breaches, and disruption of critical operations. Incidents of drone sightings near airports, unauthorized photography, and smuggling attempts highlight the vulnerabilities that need to be addressed urgently. Protecting critical infrastructure, public events, and sensitive areas from such threats necessitates deploying robust anti-drone systems. For instance, a notable event occurred in 2018 when London Gatwick Airport experienced the disruption of approximately 1,000 flights due to drone activity, impacting over 140,000 passengers. The resulting economic loss from the 33-hour disruption was estimated at around EUR 55.8 million.

Based on technology, the market is segmented into electronic systems, kinetic systems, and others. Among these categories, the electronic system dominates the market with the largest share. The electronic system utilizes various technologies such as radar, radio frequency, and infrared to detect drones based on their radar signature. Additionally, these system employs technologies like RF and GNSS jamming to disrupt the radio frequency connection between the drone and its operator, or to interfere with the drone's satellite link, thereby prohibiting unidentified aircraft from operating in the area. The electronic systems' popularity stems from their ease of installation and use, greatly contributing to their widespread growth.

Based on application, the anti-drone market is bifurcated into detection and detection and disruption. The detection and disruption anti-drone system dominated the market in terms of market share. The primary reason behind the domination is their comprehensive approach to countering drone threats. Unlike detection-only systems, which solely identify the presence of drones, detection, and disruption systems are equipped with the ability to actively mitigate the threat. These systems offer a multi-layered defense mechanism that ensures the effective neutralization of unauthorized drones, and factors like these have played a pivotal role in the ever-increasing popularity of detection and disruption of anti-drone systems.

Based on end-users, the anti-drone market is segmented into military and defense, commercial, and government and law enforcement agencies. The commercial segment generates the maximum demand for anti-drone systems in the global market. Drone sightings near airports have led to significant disruptions in flight operations, costing the aviation industry millions of dollars. Similarly, unauthorized drone presence near warehouses, construction sites, or manufacturing facilities can disrupt logistical operations and hamper productivity. Commercial spaces, such as airports, sports stadiums, concert venues, and shopping malls, cater to a vast audience. The potential threat of malicious drone activities jeopardizes public safety and can disrupt operations, causing widespread panic.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of white goods, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as North America (The U.S., Canada, and the Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, The U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. North America holds a significant portion of the anti-drone market and is projected to experience substantial growth in the predicted timeframe. Security is given great importance in various sectors within North America, including infrastructure, defense, public safety, and large-scale events. This heightened focus on security is a direct response to the changing threat landscape, where drones can be exploited for illegal activities, such as smuggling, terrorism, and invasion of privacy. The increasing recognition of these risks has driven the demand for anti-drone systems that can safeguard critical infrastructure and mitigate potential threats. Moreover, the defense and military sectors in North America have acknowledged the significance of countering drone threats. The utilization of drones in unconventional warfare tactics during conflicts has necessitated the development of robust anti-drone technologies. Defense agencies are actively searching for solutions that can detect, track, and neutralize hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to safeguard their assets, troops, and borders. For instance, In April 2022, American company Amentum was awarded a USD 260 million contract to demonstrate and evaluate C-UAS technologies and systems, for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This includes R&D and testing capabilities in the areas of C-UAS-related cyber vulnerabilities, radio frequency spectrum measurements, and integration and deployment of prototype C-UAS systems across various mission areas. Around USD 240 million is expected to be spent on this program over the period 2023-2028.

Some of the major players operating in the market include RTX; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Leonardo S.p.A.; Thales; IAI; Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd; Blighter Surveillance Systems Limited; DroneShield Ltd; Dedrone; and DETECT, INC.,