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The directed energy weapons (DEW) market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.31 billion, at a CAGR of 19.4% between 2023 and 2028. The market growth analysis depends on several factors, such as the development and procurement of advanced technologies, the significant focus on ISR operations by military organizations, and the growing adoption of asymmetric warfare with respect to directed energy weapons. Our market report examines historic data from 2018-2022, besides analyzing the current and forecasts market scenario.
The defense industry is highly advanced in North America. The US is the main contributor to the market in the region. The US has developed multiple application-specific programs for military laser systems. Advances in directed energy weapons have been beneficial for several countries in the region. BAE Systems Plc company offers laser-directed energy weapons with synthetic training, modeling, combat systems and platform integration. DRDO company offers products such as laser dazzler, a non lethal weapon for stopping suspicious vehicles, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles from approaching secured areas.
Market Forecast 2024-2028
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Our researchers studied the market research and growth data for years, with 2023 as the base year and 2023 as the estimated year, and presented the key drivers, trends, and challenges for the market.
Top defense spenders globally, such as Russia, the US, and China, have already made significant advances in the research and development of directed energy weapons. This is encouraging other countries to make investments in developing similar DEW technologies to stay on par with their allies and adversaries. India has been actively developing advanced directed energy weapons.
Also, in 2020, the Country DRDO confirmed that the Country is developing Energy directed weapons. In addition, in 2017, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense also announced its plan to develop a laser weapon capable of intercepting UAVs. This was prompted after a fleet of aerial drones on a suspected reconnaissance mission hovering near the Country’s borders. Such factors are expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Due to the growing focus on convenience, there have been increasing efforts among both defense organizations and private suppliers to develop light and more potential equipment. Nations are investing hugely in developing sophisticated, technologically advanced directed energy equipment, which is capable of repelling targets by shooting and causing pain while preventing harmful damage. Another important component is the development of lightweight UAVs. As UAVs become more prevalent in modern warfare, directed energy solutions can be mounted on UAV platforms.
Further, the weight that each piece of equipment adds to the carry-bag or backpack of a soldier is inversely proportional to the speed and flexibility of the soldier on the field. Earlier, thermal weapon sights used relatively heavier components that increased the weight that a soldier had to carry. To reduce the burden on the soldiers, direct energy manufacturers are focusing on developing lightweight equipment. Such factors are expected to propel the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Directed energy weapons (DEW) market players are required to adhere to the stringent regulatory norms of different countries. Most of the vendors work with government organizations and defense departments within various countries. Therefore, the manufacturers in the market are required to comply with stringent regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. Market players have to abide by various regulatory norms, such as restrictions to control soil, air, and water pollution.
Moreover, market players should also adhere to rules with respect to the storage, use, and release of harmful substances. These stringent regulations have a negative impact on the directed energy weapons market. Incidences of civilian injury and death have further rigidified such regulatory norms. Thus, many countries have banned the use of directed energy weapons, such as microwave, sonic, particle beam, and plasma weapons. Such factors are expected to restrain the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The defense segment will account for a major share of the market's growth during the forecast period.?In the defense segment, directed energy weapons are used by military forces all over the world. DRDO is developing different DEW variants of up to 100-kilowatt power in collaboration with domestic players. Such variants range from chemical oxygen-iodine and high-power fiber lasers to a secretive Kali particle beam for soft kills against incoming missiles and aircraft.
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The defense segment was valued at USD 1.93 billion in 2018. Military forces equip themselves with directed energy weapons to enhance their combat capabilities. In September 2020, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) announced its plan to develop DEWs such as high-energy lasers and high-powered microwaves. Drought early warning systems (DEWS) will be a part of the national program in India, which will have short-, medium-, and long-term goals. The above factors will increase segment growth and the directed energy weapons market during the forecast period.
Non-lethal weapons, also known as less-lethal weapons, offer reduced intensity to avoid fatalities. They're utilized by military and law enforcement for riot control, crowd management, and self-defense, limiting violence escalation. Examples include the PHASR rifle, developed by the US Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Active Denial System (ADS), which induces discomfort with millimeter wave technology. The ADS, non-toxic and effective, is increasingly adopted globally for crowd control due to rising violence and political instability. Thus, such factors under the non-lethal segment will boost the development of the market during the forecast period.
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North America is estimated to contribute 34% to the growth by 2028. Technavio's analysts have provided extensive insight into the market forecasting, detailing the regional trends and drivers influencing the market's trajectory throughout the forecast period. Advances in directed energy weapons have been beneficial for several countries in the region. Over the years, the US has been leading global military investments and has transformed the way military units perform on the battlefield.
Additionally, with the use of a wide range of technologies, the US Armed Forces have become highly efficient and possess significant combat capabilities. With the greater involvement of the US in anti-terrorist missions, it is expected that there will be simultaneous development and procurement of advanced arms and weapons. Thus, such factors will increase the directed energy weapons (DEW) market growth in this region during the forecast period.
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
We also have detailed analyses of the market’s competitive landscape and offer information on 20 market companies, including:
Elbit Systems Ltd., General Atomics, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Leidos Holdings Inc., Leonardo S.p.A., Lockheed Martin Corp., Moog Inc., QinetiQ Ltd., Radiance Technologies Inc., Rheinmetall AG, RTX Corp., Saab AB, Teledyne Technologies Inc., Thales Group, The Boeing Co., Bharat Electronics Ltd, and Northrop Grumman Corp.
Technavio market forecast the an in-depth analysis of the market and its players through combined qualitative and quantitative data. The analysis classifies companies into categories based on their business approaches, including pure-play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified. Companies are specially categorized into dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak, based on their quantitative data analysis.
The market analysis and report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2018 to 2028.
The market experiences robust growth amid escalating military expenditure globally, driven by geopolitical tensions in both developed and emerging countries. These weapons, deployed across air, land, and sea platforms, showcase advanced capabilities, including counter-UAV laser systems and air defense systems. Offering a cost-effective, high-speed, and highly accurate method to counter aerial threats, DEWs are increasingly favored over expensive missiles for tackling moderate-level threats and small drones. In the sea segment, naval vessels like combat ships, destroyers, and frigates are equipped with DEWs to neutralize enemy ships efficiently.
Leading initiatives like the US Navy's High Energy Laser Counter-ASCM Program (HELCAP) and European Defense Agency (EDA) studies underscore the significance of DEWs, with ongoing developments such as Solid-State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL-TM) and Surface Navy Laser Weapon System (SNLWS) ensuring readiness for future challenges. The installation and deployment of DEWs on naval ships and unmanned vehicles represent a pivotal shift towards directed energy weapon (DEW) technology, marking a transformative era in modern warfare.
Directed Energy Weapons Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
168 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018-2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 19.4% |
Market Growth 2024-2028 |
USD 5.31 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
18.85 |
Regional analysis |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
North America at 34% |
Key countries |
US, Canada, China, Japan, and Germany |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
Airbus SE, BAE Systems Plc, DRDO, Elbit Systems Ltd., General Atomics, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Leidos Holdings Inc., Leonardo S.p.A., Lockheed Martin Corp., Moog Inc., QinetiQ Ltd., Radiance Technologies Inc., Rheinmetall AG, RTX Corp., Saab AB, Teledyne Technologies Inc., Thales Group, The Boeing Co., Bharat Electronics Ltd, and Northrop Grumman Corp. |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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