Report Overview

The Saudi government’s increasing focus on thwarting rising security threats from drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and surging defense spending are expected to drive Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market during the forecast period between 2025 and 2031.

Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2031

Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market size was estimated at USD 44.8 million in 2024. During the forecast period between 2025 and 2031, Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 29.5% reaching a value of USD 273.62 million by 2031. Prominent drivers of the market include rising security threats, increasing drone-related incidents, and growing technological advancements in UAVs. Following the 2019 drone attacks on the Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities, Saudi Arabia initiated the development of a comprehensive national counter-drone system in partnership with international players. This modular system, featuring radars, command-and-control units, and advanced networking capabilities, is designed to intercept drones of various sizes—from small commercial UAVs to militarized threats—and can be deployed in both stationary and mobile formats, depending on the security environment. The increasing use of drones across sectors such as agriculture, energy, media, and scientific research has raised concerns about potential misuse, including terrorism, smuggling, and espionage. This, in turn, is driving the demand for counter-UAV systems to safeguard critical infrastructure and public spaces. The growing number of incidents involving drones near commercial aircraft and airports, along with rising cases of unauthorized aerial surveillance and illicit activities, is further fueling the need for advanced anti-drone technologies. As a result, market players are focusing on developing high-performance systems capable of countering multiple threats simultaneously, contributing to the rapid growth of the Saudi Arabia anti-drone system market.

Anti-Drone System – Overview

An anti-drone system, also known as a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS), is a technology designed to detect, track, identify, and neutralize unauthorized or potentially dangerous drones. These systems use a combination of sensors such as radar, radio frequency detectors, and electro-optical cameras, along with mitigation tools like jammers, lasers, or kinetic interceptors. Anti-drone systems are deployed to protect critical infrastructure, public events, military sites, and airspace from surveillance, smuggling, or attacks carried out using drones.

Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market

Growth Drivers

Government’s Increasing Focus on Defense Modernization

Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market is experiencing robust growth, primarily driven by the government’s increasing focus on national security, innovations, and defense modernization. As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, the Kingdom has positioned drone and anti-drone technologies as critical enablers of economic diversification and infrastructure protection. Following high-profile drone attacks on strategic oil facilities in 2019, the government accelerated its investments in developing an integrated, multi-layered counter-drone defense strategy, including radar-based detection, electronic warfare systems, laser interceptors, and AI-powered threat identification. Government-led initiatives such as the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center and advanced testing at Prince Sultan Air Base underscore Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities through international collaboration. Regulatory reforms by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) are also paving the way for broader commercial drone adoption while ensuring safety and compliance. Institutions like the Prince Sultan Advanced Technology Research Institute (PSATRI) are leading R&D efforts in signal processing, radar systems, and electronic countermeasures, further demonstrating state-backed support for innovation in this domain. Moreover, the Saudi government is actively fostering partnerships with global defense technology providers to co-develop and localize advanced counter-UAS systems, including recent collaborations with firms specializing in drone detection, jamming, and interception technologies. These initiatives are not only strengthening the country’s defense infrastructure but are also expected to spur job creation, enhance technical education, and build local manufacturing capabilities. With rising adoption of drones across sectors such as oil and gas, construction, mining, logistics, and smart cities, the need for comprehensive drone defense solutions has become more urgent. By prioritizing regulatory clarity, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation, the Saudi government is playing a pivotal role in propelling the growth of the anti-drone system market and positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in aerial defense innovation.

Challenges

High Costs of Deployment

The high costs associated with deploying advanced anti-drone systems are a significant restraint on the growth of Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market. These systems often require sophisticated technologies such as radar, jamming devices, laser interceptors, and AI-driven threat detection, which demand substantial capital investment and ongoing maintenance. Additionally, the need for skilled personnel and infrastructure to support these technologies further adds to the financial burden. Small and mid-sized organizations, particularly in non-defense sectors, may find such investments prohibitive, limiting widespread adoption. This cost barrier hinders market penetration and slows the pace of nationwide deployment across various applications.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions can significantly impact Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market by intensifying the need for robust aerial defense mechanisms. Heightened regional conflicts and cross-border threats, particularly involving hostile drone activities, prompt the government to accelerate investments in advanced counter-drone technologies. These tensions drive defense modernization efforts and stimulate partnerships with global defense firms for localized system development. However, geopolitical instability can also disrupt supply chains and delay technology transfers. While the overall effect may lead to market expansion, associated risks such as rising procurement costs and regulatory uncertainties can pose short-term challenges to sustained market growth.

Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market

Segmental Coverage

Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market – By Technology

Based on technology, Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market is divided into Hard-Kill Systems, Soft-Kill Systems, and Directed Energy Weapons segments. The soft-kill systems segment holds the highest share in Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market by technology. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) is developing a new national counter-drone system equipped with advanced soft-kill options, underscoring the growing reliance on non-destructive neutralization methods. These systems, which include jamming and electronic warfare capabilities, are being prioritized for their versatility and effectiveness in protecting both civilian and military infrastructure. The modular nature of the system allows deployment across diverse settings, from borderlines to urban centers. The emphasis on soft-kill technology in current defense initiatives reflects its dominance in the Saudi anti-drone system market.

Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market – By Platform

Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market by platform is divided into Ground-based Systems, Vehicle-mounted Systems, and Handheld/Portable Systems segments.

Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market – By End user

On the basis of end user, Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market is segmented into Defense & Armed Forces, Homeland Security & Law Enforcement, and Commercial & Civilian Use. The defense & armed forces segment holds the highest share in Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market by end user. The dominance is driven by the country’s strategic imperative to safeguard critical infrastructure and maintain national security amid escalating drone threats. High-profile attacks on vital oil facilities, such as the Abqaiq and Ras Tanura incidents, have underscored the vulnerability of key assets and accelerated government investment in advanced counter-drone technologies. The defense sector is leading the deployment of multi-layered solutions—ranging from radar systems and jammers to kinetic interceptors and AI-enabled threat analysis. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and international partners are actively developing integrated platforms tailored for military use, further cementing the segment's market leadership. Moreover, compliance with High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS) standards and the implementation of robust physical barriers like anti-drone fencing reinforce the defense sector’s pivotal role. These initiatives not only address immediate threats but also position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in drone defense innovation.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in Saudi Arabia Anti-Drone System Market include Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), Advanced Electronics Company (AEC), Military Industries Corporation (MIC), MARSS Group, Fortem Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics, and L3Harris, along with BAE Systems, Saab, Thales, Israel Aerospace Industries, Northrop Grumman, ELBIT, and Airbus. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025 - At IDEX 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Haris SA-3B VTOL drone was recognized as a Top 20 Innovation Trail Award winner by the UAE's ADNEC Group, reflecting its advanced design and strategic relevance. Developed by Haris Unmanned Systems, the drone features extended endurance, AI-driven autonomy, and vertical takeoff capabilities. Alongside the SA-3B, the company showcased a range of technologies including loitering munitions, midlift UAVs, and advanced anti-drone systems aimed at neutralizing aerial threats.

Scope of the Report

By Technology

• Hard-Kill Systems

• Soft-Kill Systems

• Directed Energy Weapons

By Platform

• Ground-based Systems

• Vehicle-mounted Systems

• Handheld/Portable Systems

By End user

• Defense & Armed Forces

• Homeland Security & Law Enforcement

• Commercial & Civilian Use