Directed Energy Weapons Market By Technology (High Energy Lasers, High Power Microwaves), By Deployment (Airborne, Land Based, And Naval), By Weapon Type (Lethal And Non-Lethal), and Region - Global Forecast to 2029

The global directed energy weapons market is expected to be valued at over US$ 16 Bn in 2020, and is expected to register a CAGR of 30.2%. The global directed energy weapons market is segmented on the basis of technology, weapon type, deployment, and region.

Global Directed Energy Weapons Market: Introduction

Directed energy weapons are systems that use directed energy primarily as a direct means to damage or destroy enemy’s equipment, personnel, missiles, vehicles, and optical devices, with minimum collateral damage. Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) generate streams of electromagnetic energy that can be precisely aimed over long distances to disable or destroy targets. DEW is capable of selecting targets which are discrete. DEW operates at the speed of light and can cause disruptive effects to personnel and facilities.

Global Directed Energy Weapons Market: Dynamics

A major factor driving growth of the global directed energy weapons market is rising demand for directed energy weapons, owing to their ability to damage targets with minimum indemnity damage is expected to fuel growth of the global directed energy weapons market. In addition, increasing need for high-performance military weapons to strengthen defense mechanism, and preparedness, and protect from any threats is a major factor expected to drive growth of the target market over the forecast period. Rising investments by governments of various countries and private players in an increasing number of projects, coupled with increasing R&D activities in order to design and manufacture high energy laser defense systems are among some of the other major factors expected to support growth of the target market.

Increasing adoption of UAVs and drones in the defense sector by all countries across the globe, coupled with the increasing need to maintain a protective shield against UAVs and drones that trespass anti-drone or security areas. Increasing expenditure by governments on defense sector in developed and developing countries for the development of weapons using high-end technology in order to have a comparatively advanced defense system to sustain in the war zone is among other key factors expected to support growth of the target market over the next few years.

However, adoption of directed energy weapons is relatively low as most weapons are in the initial development stage and required more R&D and testing before being used for major operations, which is a major factor expected to hamper growth of the global market. In addition, directed energy weapons required energy to recharge and have a limitation regarding reloading with ammunition as compared to conventional weapons, which may limit adoption of DES and restrain growth of the global market over the forecast period.

Market analysis by Technology:

On the basis of technology segmentation, the high energy lasers segment is expected to contribute major revenue share, and is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. The high energy lasers segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR of over 32.1%.

Market analysis by Weapon Type:

Among the weapon type segments, the non-lethal segment is expected to contribute major revenue share, and is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. The non-lethal segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR of over 30.6%.

Market analysis by Deployment:

Among the deployment segments, the land based segment is expected to contribute major revenue share, and is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. The airborne segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR of over 32.6%.

Market analysis by region:

North America market is expected to dominate in the global directed energy weapons market, and is projected to register highest CAGR of higher than 32% over the next 10 years. Rising warfare activities across the globe, coupled with growing demand for weapons that damage targets with minimum indemnity are among some of the major factors expected to drive growth of the target market in North America. Rising need to strengthen military forces with advanced weapons, coupled with increasing government expenditure on defense sector for development of advanced weapon systems are major factors expected to drive growth of the market in North America. In 2017 for instance – according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute – US military expenditure was US$ 610 Bn and 20.6 Bn in Canada for the same year. In addition, increasing investments by government and private players to undertake various projects, coupled with increasing R&D activities in order to develop high energy lasers and high power microwave systems in weapons are among other factors expected to further support growth of the target market in this region to certain extent. In March 2018, the US Navy awarded a major contract to Lockheed Martin Corporation, which is a US-based advanced technologies company, in order to develop, manufacture, and deliver two high power laser weapon systems, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and Counter-Unmanned Aerial System capabilities by 2020.

The Europe market is projected to record second-largest revenue share in the market. Increasing demand from army and navy forces for advanced weapon systems that are capable of targeting multiple areas and targets from long distances and impacting with high precision is a major factor expected to drive growth of the Europe directed energy weapon market. in addition, increasing government spending on defense sector for development of advanced weapon technology that aid in strengthening armed forces’ capability and defense is a major factor expected to drive growth of the target market in Europe. For instance, according to the European Parliament report, the UK, France, Germany, and Italy are major countries with high defense expenditure in the European Union. In 2016, defense expenditure by the UK was US$ 48,871.8 Mn, followed by France with US$ 38,456.0 Mn, Germany with US$ 33,119.9 Mn, and Italy with US$ 23,895.2 Mn.

Market Segmentation:

Global Directed Energy Weapons Market Segmentation, by Technology:

• High Energy Lasers
• High Power Microwaves
• Particle Beams

Global Directed Energy Weapons Market Segmentation, by Weapon Type:

• Lethal
• Non-Lethal

Global Directed Energy Weapons Market Segmentation, by Deployment:

• Airborne
• Land Based
• Naval

Global Directed Energy Weapons Market Segmentation, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• The Boeing Company
• Raytheon Company
• L-3 Technologies Inc.
• Qinetiq Group plc
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
• Leonardo SpA