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.