Directed Energy Weapons Market - By Type (Lethal, Non-lethal), By Technology (High Energy Laser, High Power Microwave, Particle Beam), By Application (Defense, Homeland Security), By End Use (Airborne, Sea, Land, Space), & Global Forecast, 2023 - 2032

Directed Energy Weapons Market Size

Directed Energy Weapons Market size valued at 4.5 billion in 2022 and is estimated to register over 15% CAGR between 2023 and 2032.

The rapid increase in military spending by developed and emerging countries due to the rising geopolitical tensions is augmenting the acquisition of new air, land, and sea platforms. The integration of advanced weapon systems such as directed energy weapons on board vehicles by armed forces is driving market growth.

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The growing threats posed by rockets, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and other weapons are accelerating the directed energy weapons market development. Currently, most countries are focused on integrating counter-UAV laser systems into their armed forces, which can then be scaled up to complete air defense systems.

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Directed energy refers to any technology that generates a concentrated beam of electromagnetic energy such as microwaves, radio waves, and lasers. This technology is employed in weapons to disable, damage, or destroy adversary equipment, facilities, and personnel. High-energy laser weapons, high-power radiofrequency, or microwave devices, and charged or neutral particle beam weapons are the common variants. These weapons have numerous advantages over conventional munitions such as the high-speed transmission of lethal force, minimal effects of gravity or atmospheric drag, and stealth-like performance with noise-free & invisible beams. As a result, directed energy weapons are deployed in military ships, land vehicles, aircraft, and Unmanned Vehicles (UMVs).

Directed energy weapons technology is still in its early stage, and several challenges need to be overcome before these weapons can be widely deployed. Among these challenges are the need for more powerful lasers, more efficient power sources, and more effective beam control systems. The use of directed energy weapons is governed by several regulations. These restrictions vary by country, creating difficulties in the deployment of directed energy weapons in certain areas.

COVID-19 Impact

The directed energy weapons market was largely unaffected by the COVID-19 outbreak as the global defense industry remained operational. The lack of workers led to a decline in the pace of technology & product development, impeding the global directed energy weapons industry growth.

Directed Energy Weapons Business Trends

The growing use of directed energy weapons to protect civilians from a variety of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies is fueling market growth. The emergence of various military-based UAVs & drones equipped with directed energy weapons for long-range precision targeting and remote operations is propelling the global market. The introduction of advanced solutions such as High-Energy Laser (HEL) power to intercept cruise missiles will catalyze the global market for directed energy weapons. Although the directed energy weapons market is in the nascent stage, the technology is advancing quickly. As directed energy weapons become more advanced & affordable, militaries and law enforcement organizations worldwide are forecast to extensively adopt them.

Directed Energy Weapons Market Analysis

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Based on type, the lethal segment held approximately 55% of the market share in 2022 and is expected to grow at a lucrative pace by 2032. The segment growth has been led by the rising demand for lethal & accurate weapons. On account of rising demand for precision technology in lethal weapons from military forces around the world, the directed energy weapons market is witnessing exponential growth. Automated shotguns, electromagnetic bombs (e-bombs), gun-launched guided projectiles, microwave guns, navy laser cannons, plasma cannons (electrothermal accelerator), plasma grenades, and rail guns are a few examples of lethal directed energy weapons.

Based on application, the defense segment accounted for USD 2.5 billion in 2022. The rising spending on defense by countries including China, India, Brazil, and South Korea will increase the sector revenue. However, the homeland security segment is anticipated to expand at the fastest rate. The growing political tensions, local riots, and non-lethal weapon demand are some factors bolstering the homeland security sector.

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Based on end use, the land segment captured around 35% of the directed energy weapons market share in 2022 and is predicted to observe around 15% growth rate by 2032. Programs, such as Active Denial System, Iron Beam, and the WB-1 Microwave directed energy weapon, are responsible for the increasing popularity of land-based directed energy weapon systems. These systems are significantly more effective than other conventional weapon systems against ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mortars. The demand for land-based directed energy weapon systems is likely to increase significantly owing to an increase in the number of advanced laser weapon system programs around the globe.

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North America dominated nearly 10% of the directed energy weapons market share in 2022. The region currently dominates the market due to the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD) substantial investments in integrating directed energy weapon technology into the army, navy, and air force. The government has signed contracts with various directed energy manufacturers, such as Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Boeing, in recent years to develop & deploy directed energy weapons. The expansion of funding by funneling money to state-owned businesses has expedited the development of directed energy mechanisms.

Directed Energy Weapons Market Share

Some major players operating in the directed energy weapons market are Applied Companies,

• BAE Systems Plc
• L3harris Technologies Inc.
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Moog Inc.
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Qinetiq Group PLC
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Rheinmetall Aktiengesellschaft
• Textron Inc
• The Boeing Company

These players focus on strategic partnerships and new product launches & commercialization for market expansion. They are heavily investing in research to introduce innovative products and garner maximum revenue in the market.

Directed Energy Weapons Industry News

• In April 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense announced spending roughly USD 1 billion annually on the development of directed energy weapons. These weapons include extremely powerful lasers that can be used to shoot drones out of the sky. The use of directed energy technology could assist the U.S. armed forces in increasing national security.
• In July 2022, Elbit Systems Ltd received a contract of USD 80 million to deploy Infrared-based Passive Airborne Warning Systems (IR-PAWS), EW systems, and C-MUSIC-directed infrared treatment to an undisclosed Asia Pacific country. This transaction will be completed in the next two years.

The directed energy weapons market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD million from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments

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By Type

• Lethal
• Non-lethal

By Technology

• High-energy laser
  • Fiber
  • Chemical
  • Free electron
  • Solid-state
• High-power microwave
• Particle beam  

By Application

• Defense
• Homeland security

By End Use

• Airborne
• Sea
• Land
• Space

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Turkey
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Israel
  • Egypt
  • South Africa