Anti-Drone Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2025-2030

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

The global anti-drone market was valued at USD 2.70 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 11.12 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 26.57% during the forecast period. The demand for anti-drone technology has been driven by a combination of evolving security concerns, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. As drones have become more accessible and versatile, their potential for misuse in various sectors has grown, prompting governments, businesses, and defense organizations to seek countermeasures. The primary driver of the anti-drone market is the increasing threat of drones being used for illicit purposes, such as terrorism, smuggling, or unauthorized surveillance. The rise of drone-related incidents, including the use of drones in attacks on critical infrastructure, military bases, and airports, has underscored the need for robust counter-drone systems. Additionally, the expanding commercial use of drones, including in industries like agriculture, logistics, and media, has made it essential for organizations to protect their assets from unauthorized drone interference. Technological advancements in drone capabilities, such as improved flight ranges, payload capacities, and autonomous navigation, have also prompted the development of more sophisticated anti-drone solutions. These systems range from electronic warfare (EW) tactics, such as jamming or spoofing, to kinetic methods like net guns or directed energy weapons. In addition, the growing concern for privacy, national security, and public safety has further accelerated the anti drone market growth across both public and private sectors.

The anti-drone market refers to the sector focused on technologies and solutions designed to detect, intercept, and neutralize UAVs, commonly known as drones, that pose security or safety risks. The market encompasses a wide range of technologies, including radar, radio frequency (RF) jammers, GPS spoofers, directed energy weapons, and kinetic systems, which can either disrupt or physically disable rogue drones. These solutions are employed across a variety of sectors, such as defense and military, airports, critical infrastructure, government buildings, and public events, to safeguard against unauthorized drone activities.

MARKET TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES

Integration With AI and Machine Learning

AI/ML advancements enable integrated systems to process data from multiple sensors, enhancing drone detection. These systems can distinguish between organic and inorganic objects, track, classify, and identify drones, and assess threats. They also support intuitive training, response strategies, and mitigation tactics. As Electronic Counter Countermeasures (ECCM) evolve, ongoing innovation, operator management, and training are essential for future progress. Some of the product launches integrating AI and ML in anti-drone technology include Roke, in June 2024 has launched the Agile Counter-UAS system, a dynamic and portable solution designed to address the growing threat of UAS. It includes two key components: the RapidEO sensor system, an AI-powered, lightweight, and flexible solution for detecting UAS threats, and the RRAS Decision-Making Module (DMM), an open-architecture fusion and autonomy engine that integrates multiple sensors for customizable defense. This system offers scalability, adaptability, and interoperability, allowing users to quickly respond to evolving threats without being locked into specific sensor technologies.

Government Initiatives and Funding

Governments have made strategic investments in anti-drone systems by partnering with private sector companies to acquire cutting-edge technologies. In the U.S., the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense continued to prioritize counter-drone measures. In 2023, the US Army secured a USD 237 million contract to enhance its anti-drone capabilities, which included the deployment of advanced Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensors and Coyote effectors. This investment was part of broader efforts to combat the use of drones in military operations, security threats, and terrorism-related activities. In 2023, the U.S. government allocated approximately USD 668 million for research into new anti-drone solutions and about USD 78 million for procurement. This funding supports the development of advanced systems to defend against threats posed by drones, which have become more prevalent in the military, commercial, and recreational sectors.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Regulatory and Legal Barriers

The anti-drone market faces several regulatory and legal barriers that complicate the development and deployment of counter-drone technologies. One of the main challenges is the lack of standardized regulations across different countries, which creates confusion and inconsistency in how anti-drone systems are governed.

In the U.S., the FAA regulates drone operations under Part 107 rules for small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) under 55 pounds. Operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate and follow guidelines for safe operations, including airspace restrictions, especially near airports. Drones are used widely in sectors like agriculture, logistics, and media, with regulations focusing on privacy and security to prevent unauthorized data collection. These rules create legal barriers for operators, requiring compliance with certification and airspace restrictions. These processes can be time-consuming and costly, acting as a legal barrier for potential drone operators, particularly those new to the industry or those seeking to expand operations.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY TECHNOLOGY

The global anti-drone market by technology is segmented into detection and interdiction. In 2024, the detection segment accounted for the highest share and is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecasted period. The advancements in detection technology have directly influenced the growth of the market by providing more accurate, reliable, and effective ways to identify and track drones. With the increasing sophistication of drones and their expanding applications, the demand for anti-drone systems equipped with cutting-edge detection technologies is projected to grow during the forecast period. Furthermore, interdiction technology is gaining prominence in the global anti-drone market. The demand for interdiction technology is being driven by several key factors such as rising drone uses in various sectors and government investment in anti-drone. The growing adoption of drones in commercial sectors such as logistics, agriculture, media, and infrastructure monitoring has led to an increase in drone traffic, which in turn raises the risk of drone interference or collisions with manned aircraft. As the adoption of drones has soared across various sectors, including defense, logistics, agriculture, and entertainment, the proliferation of both commercial and military-grade drones has simultaneously raised concerns over safety, security, and privacy. Consequently, interdiction technologies have become a crucial component in ensuring public safety and preventing potential threats posed by malicious drones.

INSIGHTS BY RANGE INSIGHTS

The less than 5 km range insights hold the most significant share of the global anti-drone market in 2024. The demand-driving factors are typically used for local surveillance, commercial delivery, and recreational purposes. In urban or highly populated areas, these drones pose a more immediate security risk due to their proximity to sensitive infrastructure, such as government buildings, airports, and critical infrastructure. Furthermore, in the U.S., Cartels are increasingly using drones for drug smuggling and border surveillance, targeting vulnerable areas for illegal activities. On January 18, 2023, Texas troopers reported being followed by drones operated from Mexico while tracking migrants. Gloria Chavez, Chief Patrol Agent of the Rio Grande Valley Sector, testified that Border Patrol encountered over 10,000 drone incursions and 25,000 drone sightings in a single year. This creates an opportunity for companies in the anti drone industry to develop solutions like radar systems, jamming technologies, drone capture nets, and directed energy weapons designed to counteract unauthorized drones.

INSIGHTS BY APPLICATION

The global anti-drone market by application is segmented into airports, military & law enforcement, VIP, and others. In 2024, the military and law enforcement accounted for the most dominant share of the market. For the military, anti-drone systems are crucial in defense operations, where drones are often employed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and in some cases, as delivery systems for explosives. The ability to counteract these threats with sophisticated detection, disruption, and neutralization systems is essential to maintain operational superiority and protect personnel and assets. Law enforcement agencies also face similar concerns, with drones being used for unauthorized surveillance, violating privacy, and in some cases facilitating criminal activities. In response, police and border control agencies are deploying anti-drone solutions to detect and neutralize potential threats before they can cause harm.

Furthermore, anti-drone detection systems are essential for airport safety, helping to prevent drone-related threats to passengers, crew, and aircraft. These systems detect and neutralize drones to ensure smooth and secure airport functioning. In 2023, Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow installed the AI-powered "Yenot-SD" radar system to detect and deter drones, ensuring safety without affecting aircraft.

INSIGHTS BY PLATFORM

The global anti-drone market by platform is segmented into ground, handheld, and UAV. In 2024, the ground segment accounted for the largest share in the platform anti-drone segment. Ground-based anti-drone systems are becoming a critical part of the defense landscape due to their ability to provide comprehensive coverage over large areas. These systems are typically deployed in areas that are either high-risk or vital for national security, such as airports, government buildings, military installations, and even stadiums or concert venues. The increasing frequency of drone-related incidents, including smuggling, spying, and even potential attacks using drones, has raised the demand for ground-based countermeasures.      

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

North America is the dominant region in the global anti-drone market accounting for over 50% in 2024, primarily due to the strong presence of defense contractors, increasing adoption of drone defense technologies by the military, and heightened security concerns. Companies like Amazon and Walmart are planning drone delivery systems, which could increase the risk of malicious drones in populated areas, further driving demand for anti-drone technologies to safeguard against potential threats. Also, Collaboration between private sector companies and government agencies, particularly in the U.S., has led to the development of customized anti-drone solutions for various sectors.

Furthermore, in the APAC region, countries such as China, India, and Japan are emerging as significant players in the anti-drone market. China is heavily investing in the development of anti-drone technologies, both for military and commercial applications. The rise in drone-related threats, including border security concerns and the potential for drone use in terrorism, has driven demand for anti-drone solutions. India, with its complex security environment, is increasingly focused on deploying anti-drone systems for defense purposes. Europe is another key region in the global anti-drone market, where countries like the UK, France, and Germany are actively enhancing their anti-drone capabilities. The region faces significant security threats from both domestic and international sources, prompting governments to invest heavily in counter-drone technologies.

The Middle East & Africa is another key anti-drone market, driven by ongoing security concerns, military conflicts, and the region's reliance on advanced technologies. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel have already incorporated advanced anti-drone technologies into their defense strategies, especially to protect critical infrastructure, such as oil refineries, airports, and military bases. Latin America is still an emerging market for anti-drone systems, with countries like Brazil and Mexico beginning to adopt these technologies, primarily for government security and surveillance purposes. However, the anti-drone market is growing slowly compared to other regions, as the economic and political stability of the region influences the speed of technological adoption.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global anti-drone market has rapidly evolved into a highly competitive with several dominant competitors controlling the market. Major defense companies like Raytheon Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and others have developed sophisticated anti-drone systems, such as electronic warfare devices, jamming systems, and directed-energy weapons. These companies leverage their expertise in advanced radar, sensors, and communication systems to provide integrated solutions that detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones.

Additionally, firms like DroneShield, and Dedrone in the anti-drone market focus on developing specialized counter-drone technologies. They offer products like radar systems, acoustic sensors, and software that can detect and identify drones from long distances. These companies often collaborate with government agencies, law enforcement, and airports to deploy anti-drone solutions for critical infrastructure protection.

Recent Developments in the Global Anti-drone Market

1. In 2023, Elbit Systems has been awarded a USD 55 million contract to supply multi-layered ReDrone Counter-UAS solutions to the Netherlands, to be delivered over four years. The system integrates radar, SIGINT sensors, EO payloads, and electronic attack capabilities for detecting and neutralizing drones.
2. In September 2024, Thales showcased its advanced C-UAS anti-drone systems at MSPO, designed to counter threats from micro and mini UAVs. Through this, the company expands its brand awareness and increases its profitability.
3. In November 2024, the company integrated its Q-53 radar with Anduril's Lattice C2 system during the US Central Command's Desert Guardian exercise to enhance drone detection and tracking capabilities. This collaboration strengthens operational decision-making and prepares for further exercises in the Middle East.