U.S. Dismounted Counter-UAS Market

U.S. Dismounted Counter-UAS Market Overview

Introduction of U.S. Dismounted Counter-UAS

Implementing the U.S. dismounted counter-unmanned aerial systems represents a significant step in creating more agile and flexible defensive systems, providing substantial operational flexibility and deployment capabilities. These systems are differentiated by their mobility and ease of use in various tactical settings, making them especially useful for ground soldiers traversing diverse terrains. Unlike fixed or larger-scale systems, U.S. dismounted counter-UAS technologies allow for faster responses to aerial threats, improving the security of mobile soldiers and important assets. This strategy to drone defense is becoming increasingly important as unmanned aircraft systems become more common in surveillance and combat, emphasizing the importance of adaptable and efficient U.S. dismounted counter-UAS countermeasures.

Market Introduction 

In the initial stages of the U.S. dismounted counter-UAS sector, defense and homeland security focused on mitigating risks from advancing drone technologies. The deployment of U.S. dismounted counter-UAS capabilities became pivotal in countering the threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which were significant for surveillance and direct attacks on critical assets and personnel. Early efforts in the U.S. dismounted counter-UAS initiatives predominantly utilised modified electronic warfare technologies to neutralize or take over enemy drone communications. However, these initial U.S. dismounted counter-UAS systems often faced limitations in range, target differentiation, and accurately identifying enemy from friendly UAVs. Recognizing the need for enhanced U.S. dismounted counter-UAS solutions, significant R&D, led by agencies like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), aimed to equip U.S. forces and homeland security with portable, advanced U.S. dismounted counter-UAS tools for diverse operational scenarios. This need spurred rapid market growth, fostering innovations across the defense sector, including advanced radar, directed-energy weapons, and cyber-based technologies for UAS interception, reflecting the critical evolution and expanding capability landscape of the U.S. dismounted counter-UAS domain.

The current landscape of the U.S. dismounted counter-UAS sector showcases a significant evolution, underscored by the integration of advanced technologies and strategic partnerships between defense entities and technology firms. Modern U.S. dismounted counter-UAS systems boast enhanced detection, identification, and neutralization features, leveraging algorithms, machine learning, and sophisticated sensors for superior accuracy and effectiveness. The infusion of AI into U.S. dismounted counter-UAS solutions has revolutionized the automatic detection and engagement of threats, improving response efficiency for U.S. operatives. Efforts to miniaturize U.S. dismounted counter-UAS technologies ensure portability and versatility in deployment across varying terrains. With the DoD’s Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Strategy emphasizing the critical role of U.S. dismounted counter-UAS technologies, the focus remains on promoting innovation, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring swift deployment to safeguard national interests and protect U.S. personnel.

Industrial Impact

The U.S. dismounted counter-UAS market represents a significant milestone in modern military strategy, fundamentally altering the industrial and operational paradigms within the U.S. defense forces and homeland security apparatus. Specifically designed to neutralize the threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the U.S. dismounted counter-UAS integrates advanced detection, identification, and neutralization technologies that boast portability and rapid deployability by ground forces across diverse operational scenarios. The industrial impact of the U.S. dismounted counter-UAS has been profound, catalyzing innovations in radar, electronic warfare, and kinetic interception technologies. Consequently, manufacturers and defense contractors are motivated to develop more sophisticated, reliable, and scalable counter-UAS solutions to meet the evolving demands of the U.S. armed forces and homeland security. This leads to a dynamic and rapidly expanding sector dedicated to UAS threat mitigation. The technological progression driven by the U.S. dismounted counter-UAS elevates the operational efficacy of U.S. military and homeland security entities and carves out a crucial domain of technological and industrial advancement and global defense cooperation.

Market Segmentation:

Segmentation 1: by End User
•    Defense
•    Homeland Security

Defense to Dominate the U.S. Dismounted Counter-UAS Market (by End User)

The defense segment leads the U.S. dismounted counter-UAS market, with a 78% share in 2022, due to its special operating requirements for mobility and adaptability and the necessity to mitigate the changing threats posed by unmanned aerial systems in a range of locations. These technologies provide soldiers with the capacity to identify, track, and eliminate drones, which may be utilized for surveillance or as direct threats to the battlefield.

Segmentation 2: by Type
•    RF Jamming
•    Radar
•    Net Launcher
•    Kinetic Countermeasure
•    Others

RF Jamming Segment to Witness the Highest Growth between 2023 and 2033

The RF jamming segment dominated the U.S. dismounted counter-UAS market (by type) in 2022, with a 37% share. It provides a quick and effective way to interrupt the control and navigation signals of enemy drones, rendering them inoperable without inflicting physical damage.

Recent Developments in the U.S. Dismounted Counter-UAS Market

•  In October 2023, WhiteFox Defense Technologies stated that AFWERX awarded them a $1.25 million small business innovation research (SBIR) Phase II contract for Scorpion 3, a lightweight, portable drone detection and mitigation system to solve the most pressing concerns in the U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF).
• In March 2024, DroneShield signed a contract with a U.S. Government client for a repeat order of $4.3 million for several of its portable counter-UAS systems. The delivery is scheduled to be completed within the next 15 days utilizing the available stock. DroneShield has been working with this customer for years, having previously completed many smaller purchases. This is the customer's initial material contract, with several larger purchases planned soon. The exact timing and quantity of future orders will be communicated to the market as further information becomes available.
• In February 2022, Northrop Grumman was chosen to equip the U.S. Marine Corps with the next-generation handheld targeting system (NGHTS). This compact aiming gadget offers exceptional precision and can operate in GPS-denied conditions. Northrop Grumman's NGHTS can conduct quick target acquisition, laser terminal guiding, and laser spot imaging operations. Its high-definition infrared sensors provide precision and grid capability across long distances. Other features include a high-definition colour display and day/night celestial compasses.

Demand – Drivers and Limitations

Market Driver: Increased Military Drone Proliferation

The widespread use of military drones, particularly those capable of surveillance, reconnaissance, and direct engagement, demands improved countermeasures to safeguard troops and key assets. Drones' capacity to operate in a variety of tough locations highlights the need for portable, dismounted counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems that can be deployed quickly and used in various circumstances. This necessity increases the demand for systems that are not only effective at neutralizing threats but also adaptable and easily portable.

Market Restraint: Competition from Alternative Technologies

A growing market for integrated defense systems provides capabilities beyond dismounted counter-UAS. Systems integrating aircraft observation, ground-based radar, and missile defense provide a multifaceted approach to airspace security. The U.S. Army's integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS) is an example of this since it provides a complete network capable of managing threats broader than single man-portable systems.

Market Opportunity: AI and ML Integration

Artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques dramatically increase dismounted counter-UAS systems' capacity to recognize and distinguish between friendly, neutral, and hostile UAVs in complicated situations. This accuracy lowers false positives and allows for more efficient countermeasures application. Companies may use this to provide solutions with greater operational effectiveness, attracting military and security-conscious commercial clients.

Analyst’s Thoughts

According to Debraj Chakraborty, Principal Analyst, BIS Research, “The rise of U.S. dismounted counter-UAS is largely driven by the growing demand for flexible and adaptive defense measures against the growing danger of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Drone technological breakthroughs, the proliferation of commercial drones that may be used for criminal purposes, and increased security concerns about protecting key infrastructure and workers all contribute to this expansion. The future of the dismounted C-UAS industry in the U.S. looks promising, with ongoing technical innovation and greater investment expected. Compared to its global competitors, the U.S. is a pioneer in developing and deploying dismounted counter-UAS systems, demonstrating its dedication to preserving military dominance.”