Originally published on Technavio:Analysis of the Directed Energy Weapons Market in North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East, and Africa - US, Canada, China, Japan

The projected growth of the directed energy weapons (DEW) market is USD 5.31 billion, expected to expand at a CAGR of 19.4% from 2023 to 2028. The market's upward trajectory is influenced by various factors, including the development and procurement of advanced technologies, the significant focus on ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) operations by military organizations, and the growing adoption of asymmetric warfare concerning directed energy weapons. Our market report delves into historic data from 2018-2022 while analyzing the current and forecasted market scenario.

Market Forecasting and Size

Market Dynamics
Our researchers conducted a comprehensive study of market research and growth data, using 2023 as the base year and 2028 as the estimated year, to present the key drivers, trends, and challenges for the market.

Trends - Development of lightweight equipment
With a growing emphasis on convenience, there have been increasing efforts from both defense organizations and private suppliers to develop lighter and more potent equipment. Nations are making substantial investments in developing sophisticated, technologically advanced directed energy equipment capable of repelling targets by shooting and causing pain without inflicting harmful damage. Another crucial aspect is the development of lightweight UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). As UAVs become more prevalent in modern warfare, directed energy solutions can be mounted on UAV platforms.

Challenge - Stringent regulatory norms
Players in the directed energy weapons (DEW) market must adhere to stringent regulatory norms in different countries. Most vendors collaborate with government organizations and defense departments worldwide, necessitating compliance with stringent regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. Market players are required to abide by various regulatory norms, including restrictions to control soil, air, and water pollution.

Moreover, adherence to rules regarding the storage, use, and release of harmful substances is crucial. These stringent regulations, compounded by incidents of civilian injury and death, have led many countries to ban the use of directed energy weapons such as microwave, sonic, particle beam, and plasma weapons. Such factors are expected to restrain market growth during the forecast period.

Market Segmentation by Application, Type, and Geography
Application Segment Analysis:
The defense segment is poised to account for a significant share of the market's growth during the forecast period. Directed energy weapons in the defense segment are employed by military forces globally. DRDO, for instance, is developing different DEW variants up to 100-kilowatt power in collaboration with domestic players. These variants range from chemical oxygen-iodine and high-power fiber lasers to a secretive Kali particle beam for soft kills against incoming missiles and aircraft.

Directed Energy Weapons Market Size

The defense segment, valued at USD 1.93 billion in 2018, witnesses military forces equipping themselves with directed energy weapons to enhance their combat capabilities. In September 2020, DRDO announced its plan to develop DEWs such as high-energy lasers and high-powered microwaves. Drought early warning systems (DEWS) will be part of the national program in India, featuring short-, medium-, and long-term goals. These factors will contribute to the growth of the defense segment and the directed energy weapons market during the forecast period.

Type Segment Analysis:
Non-lethal weapons, also known as less-lethal weapons, offer reduced intensity to avoid fatalities. They find application in military and law enforcement for riot control, crowd management, and self-defense to limit the escalation of violence. Examples include the PHASR rifle developed by the US Air Force Research Laboratory and the Active Denial System (ADS), which induces discomfort with millimeter wave technology. The ADS, being non-toxic and effective, is increasingly adopted globally for crowd control in response to rising violence and political instability. Thus, factors within the non-lethal segment will boost market development during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis
Directed Energy Weapons Market Share by Geography

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North America is estimated to contribute 34% to the growth by 2028. Technavio's analysts have provided extensive insight into market forecasting, detailing regional trends and drivers influencing the market's trajectory throughout the forecast period. Advances in directed energy weapons have proven beneficial for several countries in the region, with the US leading global military investments and transforming the way military units operate on the battlefield.

With a wide range of technologies, the US Armed Forces have become highly efficient and possess significant combat capabilities. Increased US involvement in anti-terrorist missions is expected to lead to simultaneous development and procurement of advanced arms and weapons. These factors will contribute to the growth of the directed energy weapons (DEW) market in this region during the forecast period.

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Companies are implementing various strategies, including strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Airbus SE: The company offers directed energy weapons such as the New Generation Fighter, providing the fighter with unprecedented firepower, ranging from stand-off kinetic loads to directed energy weapons to electronic warfare capabilities. We also provide detailed analyses of the market’s competitive landscape and information on 20 market companies, including Elbit Systems Ltd., General Atomics, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Leidos Holdings Inc., Leonardo.

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