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

Directed Energy Weapons Market Size
Directed Energy Weapons Market size was worth 4.5 billion in 2022 and is estimated to achieve more than 15% CAGR from 2023 to 2032.

The acceleration of military expenditures by developed nations and emerging markets as a response to increasing geopolitical tensions is further fueling the procurement of new air, ground, and maritime platforms. The adoption of innovative weapon systems such as directed energy weapons on military vehicles by the military is powering market growth.

To obtain leading market trends

The increasing dangers emanating from rockets, missiles, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and other weapons are fast-tracking the market growth of directed energy weapons. Today, it is a top priority for almost all nations to incorporate counter-UAS laser-based systems within their military forces that can then be expanded to entire air defense systems.

Directed Energy Weapons Market Report Attributes
Report Attribute Details
Base Year 2022
Directed Energy Weapons Market Size in 2022 USD 4.5 Billion
Forecast Period 2023 to 2032
Forecast Period 2023 to 2032 CAGR 15%
2032 Value Projection USD 15 Billion
Historical Data for 2017 to 2021
No. of Pages 271
Tables, Charts & Figures 316
Segments covered Type, Technology, Application, End-Use
Growth Drivers
Technological developments like enhanced power generation and beam control
Growing investments in military modernization plans
Emerging menace of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones
Cost-effectiveness related with directed energy weapons
Pitfalls & Challenges
Growing technical challenges like power constraints, beam divergence
Regulatory and legal obstacles based on conformity to international agreements
What are the opportunities for growth in this market?

Directed energy is any technology producing a focused beam of electromagnetic radiation like microwaves, radio waves, and lasers. Directed energy technology is used in weapons for the purpose of disabling, damaging, or destroying enemy equipment, facilities, and personnel. High-energy laser weapons, high-power radiofrequency, or microwave devices, and charged or neutral particle beam weapons are the typical variants. These weapons possess many benefits over traditional munitions like the high-speed delivery of lethal energy, negligible effects of gravity or atmospheric drag, and stealth-like operation with noise-free & invisible beams. Therefore, directed energy weapons are installed in military ships, land vehicles, aircraft, and Unmanned Vehicles (UMVs).

Directed energy weapons technology is in its nascent phase, and many hurdles must be cleared before such weapons can be deployed on a large scale. These include requirements for more efficient lasers, efficient power sources, and better beam control systems. The deployment of directed energy weapons is regulated by various laws. These laws are different across different nations, which poses problems for the deployment of directed energy weapons in some locations.

COVID-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic had little impact on the directed energy weapons market since the global defense sector continued to function. The absence of employees resulted in a reduction in the rate of technology & product development, hindering the growth of the global directed energy weapons industry.

Directed Energy Weapons Business Trends
The increasing adoption of directed energy weapons for the defense of civilians against a range of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) crises is driving market expansion. The development of different military-oriented UAVs & drones with directed energy weapons for precise long-range targeting and remote warfare is driving the global market. The entry of sophisticated solutions like High-Energy Laser (HEL) power to counter cruise missiles will drive the worldwide market for directed energy weapons. Even though the market for directed energy weapons is in its infancy, the technology is developing rapidly. As directed energy weapons continue to become more sophisticated & cost-effective, militaries & law enforcement agencies across the globe are projected to widely use them.

Directed Energy Weapons Market Analysis
Find out more about the dominant segments influencing this market

According to type, the deadly segment accounted for about 55% of the market share in 2022 and is projected to expand at a profitable rate through 2032. The growth of the segment has been driven by increasing demand for deadly & precise weapons. Due to increased need for precision technology in deadly weapons by all kinds of military forces globally, the market for directed energy weapons is experiencing explosive growth. Shotguns with automation, e-bombs, gun-launched guided projectiles, microwave guns, navy laser cannons, plasma cannons (electrothermal accelerator), plasma grenades, and rail guns are some of the deadly directed energy weapons.

On the basis of application, the defense segment generated USD 2.5 billion in 2022. The increasing expenditure on defense by nations such as China, India, Brazil, and South Korea will boost the sector revenue. Yet, the homeland security segment is expected to grow at the highest rate. The increasing political tensions, domestic riots, and demand for non-lethal weapons are some factors that are supporting the homeland security sector.

Find out more about the most important segments driving this market

Land-based directed energy weapons (DEWs) were the market leaders in 2022, taking a massive 35%. And here’s the surprise: this trend is set to continue, with analysts forecasting a 15% boost in popularity by 2032. Why the overnight success of land-based DEWs? Well, systems such as the Active Denial System, Iron Beam, and the WB-1 Microwave DEW have been game-changers. They’ve opened everyone’s eyes to the fact that these systems are much more capable than ordinary weapons in destroying ballistic missiles, drones, and mortars. And don’t forget the upsurge of high-end laser weapon programs globally. This only boosts the demand for land-based DEWs, making them the preferred defense weapon against new threats.

North America held around 10% of the directed energy weapons market share in 2022. The region is leading the market as of now because of the heavy investments made by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in incorporating directed energy weapon technology into the army, navy, and air force. The government has contracted different directed energy producers like Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Boeing over the past few years to develop & deploy directed energy weapons. The increase in funding by diverting funds into state-owned enterprises has accelerated directed energy mechanism development.

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.