Anti-Drone Market

Anti-Drone Technology: Protecting Against Unwanted Intrusions

Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, with their ability to capture stunning aerial footage and perform a variety of tasks. However, as their use becomes more widespread, so too does the need for anti-drone technology to protect against unwanted intrusions.

Anti-drone technology can be used for a variety of purposes, from protecting sensitive areas such as airports and military bases to safeguarding public events from unauthorized drone usage. There are several different types of anti-drone technology available, each with its own unique capabilities and limitations.

One common type of anti-drone technology is the use of radio frequency (RF) jamming. RF jamming works by transmitting a signal that disrupts the communication between the drone and its controller, causing the drone to lose control and crash or return to its starting point. While effective in certain situations, RF jamming can be difficult to implement in crowded areas due to the risk of interfering with other electronic devices.

Another type of anti-drone technology is the use of drone detection systems, which can detect the presence of drones using a variety of sensors such as radar, acoustic sensors, and cameras. These systems can then alert security personnel to the presence of the drone, allowing them to take appropriate action. However, detection systems may not be able to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized drones, and may be less effective against smaller or low-flying drones.

Physical anti-drone measures such as drone nets, radio-frequency fences, and laser-based systems can also be used to intercept drones and bring them down. However, these measures can be expensive and may be restricted to certain environments.

Despite the availability of anti-drone technology, the issue of drone intrusion remains a pressing concern. There have been numerous instances of drones flying near airports and other sensitive areas, posing a risk to public safety. In response, governments around the world have implemented regulations to restrict the use of drones in certain areas, but enforcement of these regulations can be difficult.

Anti-drone Market Dynamics

Drivers in Anti-Drone Market

The use of drones for countering terrorism and preventing illicit activities has become a driving force for the growth of the anti-drone market. Drones have proven to be useful for various illegal activities, including smuggling, spying, and border trespassing. Terrorists have also started using drones to gather information on potential targets and even carry out attacks.

The potential threat of drones being used by terrorists to attack passenger planes has been acknowledged by a US government counter-terrorism advisor. There have been several incidents where drones have been used for attacks, including the use of a drone loaded with explosives by ISIS to attack Kurdish and French positions.

As a result, the military and defense, government, and homeland security sectors are deploying technologically advanced anti-drone systems to detect and disrupt any hostile drones accurately. These systems can ensure protection against suspicious or hostile drones, prevent terrorist attacks, and deter unlawful activities.

The global increase in drone use for recreational and commercial purposes has also led to a rise in public safety violations and notable government infrastructure incidents. The detection and identification of drones have become crucial factors in security conservation, further accelerating the growth of the anti-drone market.

Although drones have unlocked opportunistic routes for professionals seeking aerial photographs, the rising adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles has led to increased government safety concerns. The possible security threats that drones may pose to both civilian and military entities have given rise to a new market for anti-drone technology.

Restraints in Anti-Drone Market

The use of commercial drones raises concerns about public safety and privacy, and is subject to various regulatory and technical challenges. To prevent accidents and security breaches, highly skilled amateur pilots are required to operate drones. However, incidents involving small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have highlighted a gap in public safety, prompting governments worldwide to enforce strict anti-drone regulations.

The clash between a drone and an anti-UAV defense system poses a risk to civilians and their properties. Although counter-UAV systems can detect UAVs, they have no control over where these vehicles would crash, creating public safety concerns. Consequently, governments require permissions, approvals, and licenses before deploying related equipment such as radio signal jammers, which are used to prevent unauthorized drones from flying.

In the United Kingdom, for instance, one needs to have authority under the Wireless Telegraphy Act to start broadcasting any signal, even the one intended to bring down a fleet of unauthorized drones. The integrated anti-drone system comprises various UAV detection equipment, including acoustic sensors, RF spectrum analyzers, video surveillance systems, and drone detection radars, among others. The system also includes drone neutralization equipment such as stationary and mobile jammers, interception systems, counter-drone lasers, and drone capture nets.

Additional security solutions, including concealed threat detection systems, long-range acoustic devices, security-related software, video acquisition and distribution systems, mobile security vans, and IT infrastructure, are integrated into the anti-drone system to enhance public safety. Special integration software enables the simultaneous use and smooth operation of different counter-UAV solutions within a single integrated system. Data processing and visualization software also aid in accessing the level of threat and taking adequate response actions.

Opportunities in Anti-Drone Market

The rise of drone technology is expected to bring growth opportunities for various stakeholders in the anti-drone industry, such as manufacturers, service providers, software providers, and infrastructure providers. The market is being fueled by the increasing use of drones and related activities, as well as the emergence of startups that provide anti-drone systems. However, there are factors that may impede the growth of the market, such as the high cost of anti-drone systems and limitations in detection effectiveness. Despite this, advancements in anti-drone technology and the development of technologies to address drone swarms provide market opportunities for key players in the industry.

The drone market is set to experience significant growth in the upcoming years, driven by investments in drone technology across the world. Currently, drones are equipped with advanced components, high-end technologies, lightweight materials, software, and hardware, which have limitations in navigation accuracy, endurance, and payload capacity. Consequently, drone software companies are focusing on developing cost-effective technologies to enhance drone navigation accuracy. Over the past few years, the drone industry has attracted considerable investments from private companies, venture capitalists, and financial institutions. According to an article on Droneii.com, the industry received an investment of USD 7 billion in 2021, a significant increase from the USD 2.4 billion in 2020. Venture capitalists accounted for USD 4 billion of this investment in 2021. Several startups, including DroneBase and Measure, have secured funding from venture capitalists to adopt a comprehensive drone software platform.

Challenges in Anti-Drone Market

Developing effective anti-drone systems for detection and interdiction applications has been a challenging task for manufacturers and integrators. Every detection system has some drawbacks that must be considered during the development process.

For instance, electromagnetic interference can degrade the detection capabilities of RF sensors. This type of interference can come from various sources in urban environments, such as communication antennae, two-way radios, telemetry systems, power lines, and LED lights. Camera systems may struggle to differentiate between a drone and a bird or airplane, and they may have difficulty functioning in harsh weather conditions with low visibility. Radar systems may also face challenges in detecting small drones and UAS flying close to the ground.

Specific RF sensors marketed as “passive” may emit RF signals that could interfere with other communications, making them potentially dangerous to deploy in some environments.

The proliferation of small and inexpensive drones in civilian and wartime environments has led to the rise of anti-drone technology. The military sector has seen a rapid increase in the use of small drones, causing concern among battlefield commanders and planners. According to a 2022 report, at least 107 countries now possess drones, which could potentially provide poorly funded state actors with an aerial command of the battlespace that was previously only available to those with sophisticated aircraft programs.

Drones are also increasingly becoming a weapon of choice for non-state groups, which use the technology for surveillance, battlespace management, propaganda, and aerial strike attacks. As a result of the expanding use of drones, counter-drone systems are expected to become a ubiquitous weapon in all future conflicts. Therefore, the increasing use of drones is expected to drive demand in the anti-drone market further.

Anti-drone Market Ecosystem

The anti-drone market is a complex ecosystem that includes various technology segments, each with its unique capabilities and strengths. Laser system technology is expected to have a faster growth rate during the forecast period due to its ability to damage UAV cameras and temporarily disable the drone. These systems can also interfere with the downward sensors, forcibly making rogue drones auto land.

The growing need for immediate killing of rogue drones during inhibition is fueling the demand for the growth of laser systems in the market. Different systems rely on various strategies for detecting these flight systems, including radio-frequency (RF) detection, infrared radiation (IR), electro-optical (EO) detection, and radar-based (RB) detection. RF jamming is the most popular way to prevent unauthorized drones from moving in the air, leading to its suspension.

The military & defense vertical is expected to hold the largest share of the market during the forecast period. The increasing awareness and rapid development of inexpensive drones in the market, coupled with the use of commercially available UAVs by terrorist groups and criminal organizations to conduct surveillance, deliver harmful substances, and drop explosive payloads, is driving the demand for anti-drone systems.

Law enforcement professionals are concerned about nefarious tactics adopted by terrorists and criminals, leading to increased demand for anti-drone systems for various applications such as border security, public venue security, critical infrastructure security, executive protection, and private infrastructure security. Countries are also giving importance to adopting counter-drone measures to monitor terrorist activities, which would boost the demand for anti-drone systems in the near future.

During the forecast period, UAV-based anti-drone systems are expected to experience the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR). These systems are mounted on drones, offering cost-effectiveness and portability, which are the key drivers of their growth in the coming years.

The destructive system segment, including electronic countermeasure, missile effectors, and laser system, accounted for the largest share of 90% in 2023 and is expected to continue driving market growth during the forecast period. The laser system sub-segment is expected to receive a significant budget allocation, propelling the growth of the destructive segment. These systems are designed to destroy vital components of the drone airframe, causing it to crash. Some low-power lasers are also intended to disrupt the electro-optical sensors of the target, thus disabling the drone.

The electronic countermeasure segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 33% during the forecast period. As drones become more advanced and smaller, there is an increasing use of small drones. Therefore, several companies are working on the production of compact counter-drones, which will contribute to the growth of the anti-drone market.

Electronic resistance measures, such as powerful microwave and electromagnetic weapons, are commonly used in counter-UAV systems. These systems transmit strong magnetic signals that block data transfer between the operator and the drone, shutting down drone operations. UAV-based anti-drone systems are portable and cost-effective, and they can counter a single or a swarm of target drones autonomously, using proprietary onboard AI and advanced machine vision processing. Moreover, these systems can be operated beyond a visual line of sight.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the anti-drone market during the forecast period. This region has a diverse range of economies with varying levels of development and the presence of various industries. As awareness of security and safety increases, and political tensions rise across various nations, there is a growing need for anti-drone systems to eliminate or take over rogue or unsafe drones in the region. Thus, the Asia Pacific region will likely witness the maximum growth rate in the anti-drone market as compared to other regions.

The military and defense sector holds the largest revenue share of 63% in the Anti-drone market in 2023, and is expected to continue dominating throughout the forecast period. The proliferation of illegal activities and terrorist threats worldwide, such as smuggling and border breaches, is driving the adoption of anti-drone programs by international security forces. The growth of the military and defense segment can be attributed to the increased R&D investments by leading defense contractors and the augmented use of anti-drone programs by military forces to protect against hostile invasions.

The commercial segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 37% during the forecast period. The rising demand for counter-UAV technology in various commercial applications, including airports, prisons, live events, and critical infrastructure, is expected to drive the adoption of such programs in these sectors. With the increasing use of air defense systems in busy airports worldwide, the protection of commercial trade aircraft from dangerous collisions with unauthorized flying objects like drones has become a significant concern.

However, the cost of upgrading anti-drone systems is high. The components used in these systems, such as laser, radar, and advanced electrical appliances, are expensive, making it challenging for producers to reduce the overall cost of the system. Due to the high cost, these systems are not feasible for commercial applications, such as public and home spaces, affecting the demand for them.

In recent years, drones have become increasingly popular for various purposes such as border safety, surveillance, and counterinsurgency. Drones are capable of identifying potential security threats and vulnerable areas, making them a valuable tool for security forces. The use of drones is not limited to the military, as commercial entities such as oil and gas companies, survey agencies, and news agencies have also started using them.

The falling prices of drones and their widespread availability have driven the market growth, as advanced drones can now be used for aerial surveillance in restricted areas and public events such as sporting events and political rallies. However, this has also led to an increase in drone-related incidents, such as attacks on oil reserves and the dropping of arms and ammunition.

To prevent such incidents, governments are increasingly investing in drone defense technologies that can detect, classify, alert, and destroy rogue drones. The global drone defense system market is expected to grow rapidly due to the rise in malicious drone-related incidents and the need for counter-drone technologies. Companies have developed various counter-drone technologies that can spot and disable unauthorized drones, contributing to the growth of the market.

As the manufacturing and use of drones continue to increase, governments must take measures to protect their borders, people, and assets from the evolving threats posed by drones. Failure to do so may result in financial losses and loss of lives. Thus, the need for drone defense technologies is crucial for the safety and security of individuals and nations.

The constantly evolving drone technology presents new challenges for anti-drone systems. As the unmanned aircraft systems market expands, anti-drone systems must be flexible enough to detect and neutralize drones that come in various shapes and sizes. The drones could range from large, high-speed aircraft capable of carrying heavy payloads to micro surveillance drones that weigh only a few grams. Technological advancements in drones, such as developing GPS-denied drones that are resilient to jamming, pose unique challenges from an anti-drone perspective.

To meet the growing demand for anti-drone programs and support market growth, companies are significantly increasing their production capacity. Governments worldwide are investing in the development and marketing of counter-drone technology, as missiles and air force fighters are less effective in addressing the threat of small drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Manufacturers are incorporating various drone detection techniques into their anti-drone systems to improve overall performance.

Leading government officials, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US, support the development and marketing of advanced drone acquisition and mapping technology, as it provides accurate tracking and advanced detection, anti-chase, and direction finding capabilities.

Dominating Companies in Anti-Drone Market

• SRC, INC.
• RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
• LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
• LEONARDO S.P.A.
• THALES
• ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.
• RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEMS LTD.
• LITEYE SYSTEMS INC.
• BLIGHTER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS LTD.
• DRONESHIELD LTD.
• ACCIPITER RADAR
• BOEING
• MOOG INC.
• HENSOLDT
• DEDRONE
• SAAB
• NORTHROP GRUMMAN
• MBDA
• ASELSAN A.S.
• DETECT, INC.
• BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
• ADVANCED RADAR TECHNOLOGIES (ART)
• DRONE DEFENCE
• PRIME CONSULTING & TECHNOLOGIES
• SKYSAFE
• BLUEHALO
• FORTEM TECHNOLOGIES
• D-FEND SOLUTIONS AD LTD.
• CERBAIR

Recent Developments in Anti-Drone Market

In 2020, Dedrone, a company that provides anti-drone technology to governments and businesses, announced a partnership with Airbus to integrate its technology into the Airbus Defence and Space product line. The collaboration aims to provide customers with comprehensive drone detection and mitigation capabilities.

In 2020, defense contractor Northrop Grumman acquired MZA Associates Corporation, a company specializing in laser technology and sensing systems, including those used in anti-drone applications. The acquisition is expected to bolster Northrop Grumman's portfolio of counter-drone technologies.

In 2021, DroneShield, a manufacturer of anti-drone solutions, announced that it had entered into a strategic partnership with Thales, a global technology company, to integrate its anti-drone technology into Thales' broader portfolio of security solutions.

In 2021, anti-drone company Fortem Technologies announced that it had acquired DroneHunter, a company that specializes in autonomous drone capture technology. The acquisition is expected to help Fortem expand its capabilities in detecting and neutralizing rogue drones.

In February 2022, Raytheon Technologies announced that it had acquired Citadel Defense, a leading provider of AI-powered counter-drone systems. The acquisition will enable Raytheon to expand its portfolio of anti-drone solutions and offer customers a more comprehensive set of capabilities to detect, track, and defeat hostile drones.

In October 2021, DJI, the world's leading drone manufacturer, announced a partnership with RoboTiCan, an Israeli-based company that develops anti-drone solutions. The partnership aims to integrate RoboTiCan's anti-drone systems with DJI's drones, providing customers with a more comprehensive set of capabilities for detecting and neutralizing rogue drones.

In August 2021, DroneShield, a leading provider of anti-drone solutions, announced that it had signed a partnership agreement with Inmarsat, a British-based satellite communications company. Under the agreement, Inmarsat will provide DroneShield with global satellite connectivity, enabling the company to offer its anti-drone solutions in remote locations where traditional communications infrastructure is limited.

In March 2021, Dedrone, a leading provider of drone detection and countermeasure solutions, announced that it had acquired DroneDefender, a company that develops anti-drone technology for military and government applications. The acquisition will enable Dedrone to expand its portfolio of anti-drone solutions and offer customers a more comprehensive set of capabilities for detecting and neutralizing hostile drones.

In September 2020, FLIR Systems, a leading provider of thermal imaging solutions, announced that it had acquired Altavian, a manufacturer of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for defense and public safety applications. The acquisition will enable FLIR to expand its capabilities in the sUAS market and provide customers with a more comprehensive set of solutions for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing hostile drones.

In conclusion, anti-drone technology plays an important role in protecting against unwanted intrusions. While there are several different types of anti-drone technology available, each has its own unique strengths and limitations. As the use of drones continues to grow, the need for effective anti-drone measures will only increase, and it will be important for governments, businesses, and individuals to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments in anti-drone technology.