Counter UAV Technologies Market

Market Overview

The Counter UAV Technologies market revenue is expected to grow from USD 348.3 million in 2019 to USD 3460.3 million in 2029, with a CAGR of 23.2% during the forecast period 2020-2030. North America leads the counter UAV technologies market due to increased defense spending, with the U.S. investing heavily in systems like Ku-band radar. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by rising security concerns about commercial drone misuse. China's Poly Technologies developed the Silent Hunter anti-drone laser weapon. India, a major drone importer, highlights the region's security risks and the need for reliable C-UAS technologies.

The counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) industry has been witnessing exponential growth in recent years. Counter drone technology, also known as counter-UAS, C-UAS, or counter-UAV technology, is used to detect or intercept unmanned aircraft. The most popular drone detection techniques are radar, Radiofrequency (R.F.), Electro-Optical (E.O.), and Infrared (I.R.) and jamming. Growing concerns around the potential security threats posed by drones to civilian and military entities, coupled with the rising interest in portable and mobile systems that could be used to protect ground units and convoys, offer potential growth opportunities for the counter UAV technologies.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Rising Security Threats and Governmental Efforts

With the growth of commercial drones, criminal entities are utilizing low-cost UAVs to threaten sensitive sites, such as prisons, airports, and critical national infrastructures. UAVs are also increasingly being utilized to deliver contraband, capture intelligence, and deploy explosives, posing a severe threat to public safety. Several governmental organizations are embracing anti-drone technology to counterfeit rising concerns related to unauthorized drone activities. For instance, India has over 6,00,000 rogue drones or unregulated UAVs. Thus, security agencies are analyzing anti-drone weapons to counter-terror and disrupt such aerial platforms.

The Occurrence of Crime and Illicit Activities

Rising crimes and illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, snooping, illegal surveillance, radiological attacks, or attacks against government facilities via drones, has surged the need for counter UAV technologies. For instance, in June 2017, the Australian law enforcement captured seven suspects in an attempt to smuggle 92 Kg of cocaine (worth USD 30million) into the country, where the drones were utilized to counter-survey the police who were monitoring them. Such rising instances of vulnerable activities augment the demand for counter UAV technologies in the near future. Drug trafficking has emerged as a key concern associated with drone technology, with traffickers using drones to deliver contraband at prisons.

Market Restraint

Several Government Laws and Regulations

Regulations governing the use of counter UAV technologies hinder civil and military applications. At present, several laws and regulations prohibit the use of counter-drone technology or create a liability with its use. Such regulatory scenario across the globe adversely impacts the growth of the Counter UAV market. The Miami police in Florida were recently in the news for violating the federal law by hiring a private company to jam signals to restrict drones from flying at the Ultra Music Festival. The FAA has the authority to regulate aviation safety and states that 'any state or local government is not permitted to regulate any type of aircraft operations.'

Regional Analysis

North America Holds the Largest Share in the Counter UAV Technologies Market

North America holds the largest share in the counter UAV technologies market on account of the increasing defense spending on UAS and CUAV systems. As per the Unmanned Publications Ltd, the U.S. Department of Defense's spent approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2018. A great deal of funding and development activities to counter UAS technologies are further accelerating the regional market growth. For instance, in November 2018, the U.S. Army awarded Raytheon Company a contract worth USD 191 million for Ku-band radio frequency radars (KuRFS) that facilitate the operational need for counter-unmanned aerial vehicle radar.

In July 2018, the U.S Army selected Leonardo DRS, Inc. to offer the Interim, Mobile Short Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) system Mission Equipment Package (MEP) for the installation of Stryker A1 vehicles. Further, the Correctional Service of Canada is seeking an innovative and cost-effective technology solution to detect, track, and prevent contraband items in its prison premises through UAVs. It is focusing on launching the USD 4.5 million (CD6 million) C-UAS radar program soon.

Rising Security Concerns about the Misuse of Commercial Drones in Asia-Pacific Drives the Market Growth

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the counter UAV technologies market due to the rising security concerns about the misuse of commercial drones. Non-state actors can transform commercial/hobby drones into military hardware developments, encouraging military equipment contractors to develop improved technologies for tackling possible threats on future battlefields.

In May 2018, China's Poly Technologies Inc. developed the Silent Hunter, an anti-drone laser weapon, to support the police as well as military in counter-terror operations and air defense. The rapid adoption of drone technology poses significant future security risks, and incidents such as the sighting of drones around airport premises have resulted in investments for the development of reliable, safe, and secure C-UAS technologies in the region. India is considered as one of the top drone-importing nations and accounts for 22.5% of the world's UAV imports, followed by the U.K. and France.

Segmental Analysis

Promotional Activities from Several Armed Forces around the Globe Drives the UCAV Segment Growth

The UCAV segment caters to the maximum share. Several armed forces around the globe are increasingly promoting combat drones with stealth technology to deliver precision-guided bombs at longer distances, enabling the penetration of air defense networks. The evolving nature of threats and tactics necessitates advancements in counter-drone technology for battlefields of the future. Investments in UCAV technology demonstrator programs drive developments in combat aircraft systems. For instance, BAE Systems is focusing on funding the research of UAV and UCAV technologies and demonstrators involving the development of future air system capabilities. For this, the company has jointly invested with the U.K. government and industry for the development of the next-generation combat air systems. The 'Tempest Program'launched in support of the U.K. Combat Air Strategy was announced in July 2018.

Increasing Adoption of Drones in the Military Domain Drives the Segment Growth

The military segment caters to the maximum share in the market. The increasing adoption of drones in the military domain has alarmed battlefield commanders and planners alike. Key manufacturers are taking cognizance of the rising demand and focusing on driving advancements in military drone systems. According to UAV Global, in January 2018, approximately 450 drone manufacturers operated across the globe, of which 300 are working on military drones to capture a larger market share.

The increasing adoption of drones in military applications has also paved the way for anti-drone systems. The market is witnessing fierce competition, and manufacturers are focusing on enhancing their anti-drone offerings to gain an edge over their peers. Integrating future developments and technologies that facilitate cheaper production materials, autonomy, longer endurance capabilities, and miniaturization will eventually offer potential variation in warfare tactics and methods for counter UAV technologies.

Impact of covid-19

The counter UAV technology has faced a slight downfall during the pandemic due to the delay in the purchases, limited production, restriction of national and international travel, and disruption of the value chain. Further, with the upliftment of the lockdown, regularizing of the businesses, and increasing tensions between countries, such as India and China and India and Pakistan have surged the need for counter UAV technologies.

Recent Developments

In January 2019, Lockheed Martin upgraded its AN/TPQ-53 radar system for better detection of unmanned aerial systems. To date, the company has delivered 100 systems to the U.S. armed force.

In December 2018, Thales announced its collaboration with DroneShield for Counter-drone products.