UK Counter-UAS Market, By Platform (2018-2027)

Growth Outlook

• The UAS Market, By Platform (2018-2027) portion of the UK Counter market is on a steady long-term growth path. Segment value stands at roughly USD 139 Mn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 177 Mn by 2027 — a gain of about 28% over the forecast period, translating to a CAGR in the double digits.
• What the regional split looks like (2026): Ground leads, holding roughly 55% of segment value — the single largest regional share. Naval is the second-largest contributor. Air make up the remainder, in descending order.
• By 2027, Ground alone is expected to reach USD 98 Mn, with Naval at USD 44 Mn.

Market Dynamics

The UK Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) market is witnessing a significant growth due to the increasing incidents of illegal use of drones and rising security concerns in the country. Counter-UAS is a system used to detect, identify, and intercept unauthorized or hostile drones, providing protection against potential threats and ensuring the safety and security of public spaces, critical infrastructure, and events.

The demand for counter-UAS systems in the UK is primarily driven by the increasing use of drones for commercial and recreational purposes. The UK has one of the highest numbers of commercial drone operators in Europe, which has led to a rise in the number of incidents involving drones flying in restricted areas. These incidents have raised concerns about potential security threats, including terrorism, espionage, and privacy invasion, leading to an increased demand for counter-UAS systems.

Another major factor contributing to the growth of the UK Counter-UAS market is the increasing investments by the government in the development and deployment of advanced and sophisticated technologies to counter the threat of illegal drones. The UK government has recognized the potential security risks posed by drones and has taken proactive measures to address them. In 2019, the UK government announced a £2 million fund for the development of new technologies to detect and disrupt the misuse of drones.

Additionally, the rising adoption of drones by terrorist organizations and criminal groups has further fueled the demand for counter-UAS systems in the UK. These groups are increasingly using drones for surveillance, carrying explosives, and attacking critical infrastructure, posing a significant threat to national security. This has led to an urgent need for more advanced and effective counter-UAS technologies to prevent such attacks and protect the public.

In terms of platform, the demand for ground-based counter-UAS systems is expected to dominate the market due to their effectiveness and cost-efficiency compared to other platforms such as airborne and naval-based systems. However, with the increasing use of drones for maritime and airborne operations, there is a growing demand for naval and airborne counter-UAS systems as well.

In conclusion, the UK Counter-UAS market is witnessing a rapid growth due to the increasing threat of illegal drones and the government's efforts to ensure public safety. This market is expected to further expand in the coming years, as the country continues to invest in advanced technologies to tackle the evolving threat landscape.