Counter-drone US$63bn Total Addressable Market
The global Counter-Uncrewed Systems (CUxS) market is entering a phase of accelerated expansion. In 2025, DroneShield estimates the TAM at US$63 billion, highlighting the urgency of airspace security as drone threats escalate across defence, government, and civilian sectors.
Military Vehicles
This is the single largest sub-segment, reflecting the widespread integration of counter-drone systems into armoured vehicles, tactical transports, and mobile command units. As drones are increasingly used for reconnaissance and attack in contested environments, mounted CUxS capabilities are becoming standard across NATO and Indo-Pacific forces. Based on an estimated 1.2 million vehicles globally, but assuming a focused rollout to only ~15 per cent of frontline-capable platforms, ~180,000 vehicles are considered viable for CUAS integration. This results in an addressable market of $20.3B.
Military Portables (Infantry Units)
Portable counter-drone systems are essential for dismounted operations, particularly in urban and asymmetric warfare scenarios. These systems enable infantry units to detect and neutralise drones in real time, enhancing force protection and situational awareness. Rather than focusing solely on Western forces, a global model estimates that 5 per cent of ~26 million active-duty troops fall within high-readiness or infantry roles. Equipping ~125,000 squads result in a $4.7B TAM.
Fixed Bases
Permanent military installations are high-value targets for drone incursions. Fixed-site CUxS systems provide layered defence for airfields, logistics hubs, and command centres, ensuring operational continuity and asset protection. Installations such as logistics hubs, FOBs, and airfields are frequent targets of surveillance and drone-enabled attack. With an estimated 5,000 global bases, this segment contributes $2.3B to the market.
Naval Vessels
The maritime domain is increasingly vulnerable to drone threats, including aerial and surface-based systems. Naval vessels are being equipped with integrated CUxS suites to defend against reconnaissance and loitering munitions. The global naval fleet includes hundreds of combat vessels including frigates, destroyers, and corvettes. At least 470 ships are likely candidates for CUAS integration, yielding a TAM of approximately $61.8M.
Military Helicopters
Rotary-wing platforms are particularly susceptible to drone interference during takeoff, landing, and low-altitude operations. Onboard and ground-based CUxS systems are being deployed to mitigate these risks. With ~18,000 helicopters across global militaries, and their inherent vulnerability during take-off and hover, this domain adds another $1.4B to the addressable market.
Law Enforcement Portables
Police forces are adopting portable counter-drone tools for use at public events, protests, and critical infrastructure sites. These systems are designed for rapid deployment and minimal disruption to civilian environments. Instead of equipping every officer, only ~1,950 units are assumed deployed to specialised tactical teams or critical response elements in high-risk jurisdictions. This aligns with a $550M TAM.
Government & Intelligence Facilities
Sensitive government buildings, including parliaments, ministries, and embassies, are increasingly protected by CUxS systems to prevent espionage and disruption. There are approximately 4,500 strategic government sites including houses of parliament, executive offices, key ministries, embassies and consular missions worldwide that are potential targets for surveillance or protest-driven drone incursions. These require fixed-site detection systems, representing a TAM of $1.8B. Secure Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) require stringent protection against surveillance drones. CUxS systems here are tailored for stealth and precision SCIFs and intelligence nodes are high-priority sites for drone-borne surveillance. Approximately 2,000 facilities globally could require protection, equating to $625M in TAM.
VIP & Protective Security
High-profile individuals and diplomatic convoys are now routinely protected by mobile CUxS units, particularly in volatile regions or during major events. The VIP and high-net-worth individual market is small but growing. Detection-only solutions are expected to address privacy and personal security. With ~2,600 deployments, this yields $732M.
Border Protection
Global land border infrastructure is extensive, but only ~1,200 Tier-1 fixed sites (ports of entry, patrol stations, checkpoints) are considered relevant for CUAS. This is based on U.S. CBP counts (~492).
Power & Energy Infrastructure
Power generation and distribution infrastructure is a prime target for drone-based sabotage. CUxS systems are being deployed to secure substations, transmission lines, and control centres from aerial threats. Rather than including every power station, the estimate now targets ~6,000 critical infrastructure nodes, including substations and nuclear facilities. This still constitutes a substantial $6.4B opportunity.
Shipping & Maritime
Commercial shipping faces growing risks from piracy and surveillance via drones. Freighters and cargo vessels are being equipped with maritime CUxS solutions to ensure safe passage through high-risk zones. Rather than assuming universal rollout across all 109,000 ships, a realistic 30 per cent deployment (32,700 vessels) gives a still-strong TAM of $4.3B.
Data Centres
As data becomes a strategic asset, Tier III and IV data centres are investing in drone defence to prevent espionage and service disruption. These facilities often require discreet, automated CUxS systems. A refined estimate of 12,000 Tier III+ or hyperscale sites yields a TAM of $3.8B.
Correctional Facilities
Drones are increasingly used to smuggle contraband into prisons. Correctional institutions are deploying perimeter-based CUxS systems to detect and neutralise such threats. With approximately 9,000 global facilities, the market here totals $2.5B.
Ports
Approximately 800 high-volume seaports exist globally, and each may require perimeter detection and C2 integration. The TAM here is $105M.
Oil & Gas Infrastructure
Refineries, pipelines, and offshore rigs are high-value targets for drone attacks. The sector is adopting ruggedised CUxS solutions capable of operating in harsh environments. This includes LNG terminals, refineries, and strategic energy sites. With 2,025 target locations, this contributes $2.2B to the addressable market.
Civilian Helicopters / Heliports
Urban air mobility and emergency services rely on safe airspace. Heliports and civilian helicopters are being equipped with CUxS systems to prevent mid-air collisions and unauthorised surveillance. Targeting emergency, law enforcement, and VIP flights, a 15,000-airframe deployment footprint produces a TAM of $2.3B.
Stadium & Event Venues
High-profile stadiums and event venues are increasingly seen as soft drone targets. Large public gatherings are increasingly protected by temporary or permanent CUxS installations. These systems are critical for crowd safety and incident prevention. The 7,000 venues in this segment contribute $3.6B to the market.
Airports
Although a smaller segment by value, airports are high-priority sites for drone defence due to the catastrophic risk posed by drone incursions. Regulatory mandates are accelerating adoption. Only large international airports are considered viable CUAS candidates in this analysis. With 3,000 airports globally, the market here is estimated at $3.2B.
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