Direct Energy Weapon Market

Direct Energy Weapon Market Snapshot (2022-2032)

The global direct energy weapon market is currently valued at US$ 1,810.2 Million and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 22.3%. Owing to the growing support from various governmental organizations, the market is likely to propel to US$ 13,551.6 Million by 2032.

“Increased demand for precise weapon systems and increasing investments in weapon development and demonstration are likely to drive the growth of the direct energy weapon market in the forecast period.”

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Direct Energy Weapon Revenue Analysis 2017-2021 vs. Future Outlook 2022-2032

According to market research and competitive intelligence provider PMR, the direct energy weapon industry grew at a CAGR of 21.7% from 2017 to 2021. As countries strengthen their military capabilities, investments in furthering energy weapons are rising, with increased procurement of weapon elements such as automatic gun fire control systems, missile control systems, multiple weapon release systems and jettison systems to name a few.

Governments today are heavily reliant on weapon systems which offer a high degree of precision while engaging in warfare. From laser guided bombs, infrared controlled projectiles to electro-optical weapons, countries are allocating copious amounts of budgets. Even during the pandemic crisis, reports suggest that global military spending accelerated by over 2%, as countries attempted to stockpile weapons in case of any eventuality. This heightened prospects for direct energy weapon.

In the post-pandemic era, as the world reverts to normalcy, defence expenditure is only slated to increase. This is especially important in the current financial year, as countries apprehend further escalation of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting them to discover alternative sources for procuring military equipment.

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What Market Trends Are Influencing the Direct Energy Weapon Market?

Increased Defence Spending to Bolster Demand for Direct Energy Weapons

Due to various military and government applications, the market for direct energy weapons is having lucrative opportunities in the forecasted period. Upsurge in the military spending by prominent countries has been observed in the last five years. The defence against terrorist attacks, CBRN [chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear] threats, and nuclear aggressions to protect civilian lives and national security are the key factor expected to drive the market during the forecast period.

Direct energy weapons such as lasers, high-intensity microwaves, and electromagnetic weapons are deployed to restrict or deter attacks from threats such as ballistic missiles, anti-satellite weapons, and nuclear weapons, among others. The growing instances of extremist attacks and several territorial disputes in different parts of the world are among the main reasons for an increase in demand for direct energy weapons. The increasing demand for precise and non-lethal weapons is boosting the directed energy weapons market across the world.

Technological Advancements in Warfare to drive the Direct Energy Weapon Market Growth

Increasing adoption of visual and infrared techniques such as laser and other technologies are expected to encourage the growth of the direct energy weapon market.

Situations such as political conflicts, territorial disputes, and cold wars are expected to positively impact the direct energy weapon market. The increasing popularity of small electronic systems that can be integrated within platforms such as unmanned systems is also expected to drive direct energy weapon market growth. Also, investing in the integration of advance weapons systems such as high-energy laser weapons mounted on vehicles, is driving the directed energy weapons market growth.

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What are the Challenges Faced by the Direct Energy Weapon Industry?

Stringent Rules and Regulations Related to R&D May Impede the Growth of the Market

Lack of technical know-how, adaptability to the new technology, and the laws formed to limit the investment dedicated to the R&D in this sector in some regions are included among a few restraints that negatively impact the growth of the global direct energy weapon market.

Arms transfer protocol along with high weight cost is expected to restrain the direct energy weapon market growth over the forecast period. Also, the shifting priorities of many nations’ budgets from procuring advanced weaponry and boosting overall defence and military capabilities is likely to impede growth prospects for the direct energy weapon industry in forthcoming years.

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Country-wise Analysis

How will North America Perform in the Global Direct Energy Weapon Industry Landscape?

The Presence of Leading Direct Energy Weapon Providers in The Region Provides Opportunity for The Growth of the Market

North America is among the top markets for direct energy weapons exhibiting a CAGR of 21.6% through forecast period. Increasing investments in the expansion of the military sector are encouraging product development, which is expected to augment the growth of the market in North America.

Technological breakthroughs and continuing military modernization projects in numerous countries are creating opportunities in the region which are projected to boost demand for direct energy weapon over the forecast period. For instance, in July 2022 – Lockheed Martin delivered the first Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270A2 launcher to the U.S. Army in a ceremony today at the Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas.

Increasing technological advancements and R&D initiatives in the US and Canada by leading manufacturers also led to major advances. Also, the presence of leading direct energy weapon providers in North America boosts the growth of the market in the region. As Lockheed Martin is the leader in design, development and delivery of end-to-end direct energy weapon solutions to the U.S.

Why is Europe emerging as an Opportunistic Direct Energy Weapon Market?

Widespread Use of Direct Energy Weapons in Many Countries in Europe to Drive the Growth of the Market

In 2022, Europe is predicted to lead the direct energy weapon market and will continue to do so throughout the forecast period. Currently, the Europe direct energy weapon market accounts for 20.8% of the global market share. Increasing defense investments by the major economies including the U.K., Germany, France, and Russia are expected to increase the procurement of advanced weapon systems, thereby, supporting the market on a positive note.

Europe dominates the market mainly due to the sizable defense budget and favorable regulatory scenario in the UK. Continued technological development initiatives by key market players have fuelled direct energy weapons demand globally. For instance, in June 2021, the British Ministry of Defence employed Rafael’s DRONE DOME counter-UAV system to protect world leaders during the G7 Summit in Cornwall, England from unmanned aerial threats.

The DRONE DOME’s advanced technology allows it to effectively address drone and UAV threats through detection, identification, and neutralization. When DRONE DOME identifies a threat, it allocates the target to the laser, locks onto the target, tracks it, and carries out either a soft or hard kill with its unique, integrated laser technology. This laser system operates reliably in any weather condition and results in minimal environmental damage.

How is the Asia Pacific Contributing to the Growth of the Direct Energy Weapon Market?

Military Capability Modernization Drives to Widen Growth Scope in the Future

Asia Pacific was the largest market for direct energy weapons with a revenue share of 19.9% and is anticipated to continue this trend in the estimated period. China, India, Japan, and South Korea, are among the largest players investing in defence operations. Growing tensions between the countries in the region and the need to strengthen the defence capabilities are likely to create scope for the market.

This region has an advantage over others due to ongoing armament upgrades and technological investments. Significant defence investments have also been essential in keeping this region at the forefront. The ongoing growth in Chinese spending is due in part to the country’s long-term military modernization and expansion plans, in line with a stated desire to catch up with other leading military powers. Consequently, deployment of advanced direct energy weapon is rising significantly across the East Asian giant.

Recently, in January 2022, the Chinese government announced its intention to equip its J-20 Mighty Dragon Fighters with high-end laser weapons. These 5th generation stealth fighters are likely to be equipped with Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)

Country-wise Forecast CAGRs for the Direct Energy Weapon Market

Category-wise Insights

By Technology, which segment generates high revenue in the Direct Energy Weapon Market?

High Energy Laser Technology to generate High Revenue in The Direct Energy Weapon Market

Based on technology high-energy laser technology segment is projected to account for CAGR of 18.3% in 2032 The growth of the segment is due to the easy installation and low power consumption of high-energy laser weapons.

The high energy laser segment dominates market growth as it offers tactical options of mounting on land, sea, or air-based platforms. Considerable development and research are being conducted in the high-energy laser systems category. High energy laser systems work with chemical lasers, free-electron laser, fiber lasers, or solid-state lasers.

HPM weapons fulfil most of today`s requirements in military sector owing to their features such as delivery with the speed of light, capability to destroy the opponent`s electronic systems in all weather conditions, ability to cover multiple targets, simplified tracking, beam pointing, a deep magazine and minimum collateral damage.

By Platform, which is the most prominent segment in the Direct Energy Weapon Market?

Ground-based DEWs to be Most Sought After

In 2022, the ground platform segment accounted for the largest share of 18.6% and is expected to continue this trend over the forecast period. Increasing investment in defence operations across the globe, majorly for ground activities is expected to support the demand for direct energy weapon on a positive note.

Ground defence operations are expected to increase in light of political and territorial conflicts between major economies across the globe, thus are expected to support the industry in the estimated time.

Start-up Scenario

Epirus, Rebellion Defense, and Fortem Technologies are some of the start-ups in the direct energy weapon market

• Epirus - provider of AI-powered counter UAV systems. It offers a software-defined electromagnetic pulse system for defence and public safety applications. It has an in-built high-power microwave beam emitter to detect and disable neutralize single drones or entire swarms even in crowded spaces. It also offers precision detection systems to detect unauthorized vessels in waterways.

Competitive Landscape

Lockheed Martin Corporation, Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, BAE Systems, Honeywell International Inc., Rheinmetall AG, and Moog, Inc. are some of the key companies in the direct energy weapon market.

These players are continuously adopting various strategies such as new product launches, facility expansions, mergers, collaborations, partnerships, and acquisitions to increase their revenue share and gain a competitive edge in the market. for instance,

• In November 2022 –Royal Norwegian Air Force selected the Lockheed Martin TPY-4 next-generation ground-based air surveillance radar to enhance the country’s long-range surveillance capability.
• In October 2022 – Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT are joining forces to offer a readily-available, state-of-the-art and mature solution to the Luftwaffe’s requirement of airborne electronic warfare capabilities with Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in 2028. The exclusive teaming agreement was signed in Tel Aviv on the 18th of October, by Thomas Müller, CEO HENSOLDT, and Maj. Gen (ret.) Yoav Har-Even, President and CEO of RAFAEL.
• In August 2022, Lockheed Martin delivered its 60-plus-kW high scalable energy laser with integrated optical dazzler and surveillance (HELIOS) to the US Navy. The high-energy laser will be tested on the destroyer Preble in 2023.
• In September 2022: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has completed the acquisition of Pearson Engineering Ltd. (PER). The acquisition was executed under a stock purchase agreement (SPA), transferring 100% of the ownership. The acquisition includes PER’s subsidiary company Responsive Engineering Ltd.
• In November 2022 - BAE Systems has signed a follow-on contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for two new CV90 variants, which are being added to the Swedish CV90 RENO upgrade program.

Report Scope

Key Segments Covered in the Direct Energy Weapon Market Industry Survey

Direct Energy Weapon Market by Technology

• Laser
  • High Energy
  • Low Energy
• Microwave
• Particle Beam
• Others

Direct Energy Weapon Market by Range

• Less Than 1 Mile
• More Than 1 Mile

Direct Energy Weapon Market by Application

• Ground
• Naval
• Airborne

Direct Energy Weapon Market by Platform

• Armored Vehicles
• Unmanned Systems
• Handheld Systems
• Aircraft Systems
• Ships and Submarines
• Others

Direct Energy Weapon Market by Region

• North America Direct Energy Weapon Market
• Latin America Direct Energy Weapon Market
• Europe Direct Energy Weapon Market
• Asia Pacific Direct Energy Weapon Market
• Middle East & Africa Direct Energy Weapon Market