Threats of 2024: unmanned aerial vehicles

A single drone can cause damage several hundred times its cost.

Just a few years ago, many esteemed security professionals did not take drones seriously. However, over the past four years, the situation has changed significantly, and UAVs have become one of the most pressing security threats. Moreover, solutions to protect various types of facilities are now in high demand in the market.

Key Indicators of the Russian UAV Market

The total volume of the Russian drone market in 2023 exceeded RUB 8 billion, as presented by Rostelecom at SPIEF. However, the growth rate of this market could be even higher due to three key factors.

Firstly, several regions introduced restrictions on UAV flights in 2022 for safety reasons, primarily affecting commercial organizations using such devices. Secondly, the regulation of the drone sector currently requires "fine-tuning" to meet present challenges. Thirdly, the supply of drones on the Russian market does not fully cover the needs of potential customers. As a result, the Aeronext association estimates that due to regulatory complexities and restrictions, revenues from drone services will decrease by more than a third in 2023.

Where UAVs Are Used

Each year, drones are increasingly utilized by both government agencies and businesses. Approximately 40 percent of the projects involving UAVs are related to remote monitoring, another 40 percent are related to security, and 10 percent are related to logistics functions. Specifically, unmanned systems are actively employed for monitoring real estate, controlling construction progress and land use, monitoring wildfires and natural disasters, ensuring stable communication, and delivering cargo to hard-to-reach areas.

Challenges and Prospects of the Russian UAV Market

Rostelecom experts estimate that if the current annual growth rate of 60% is maintained, the domestic UAV market will reach RUB 13 billion by 2024 and RUB 81 billion by 2028. In 2025-2026, deferred growth caused by the need to adapt the market to new challenges is expected to materialize.

In the medium term, further technological improvements in unmanned systems are anticipated. UAV developers face ambitious challenges, such as increasing the range, payload, and endurance of the vehicles. Solutions may involve the broader use of high-strength composite materials and the introduction of hybrid engines. The development of systems for controlling large numbers of UAVs is also promising and will be in demand by both government customers and businesses.

The development of the UAV market will be driven by private investment, increased state support, and government agency orders. Key investment areas will include microelectronics, production infrastructure, and software development.

State Support Measures

On January 1 of this year, the Russian Federation launched the national project "Unmanned Aviation Systems," which allocates more than RUB 696 billion by 2030 for the development of the domestic civil UAV industry. This comprehensive project aims to develop not only production but also the scientific base, infrastructure, and personnel training, ensuring a cumulative effect for the entire industry. The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia expects that, as a result of this national project, the domestic market of unmanned systems will reach about 180,000 vehicles by 2030, with domestic products comprising at least 70% of the market.

Developing UAV Countermeasures

An equally critical task is the development of new and improved UAV countermeasures. It is unrealistic to cover all significant industrial, infrastructure, and social facilities with anti-aircraft missile and small arms systems. Therefore, it is crucial to increase the production of hardware complexes capable of suppressing a drone as it approaches and safely landing it outside the protected facility.

Why Manufacturers Need to Participate in Securika Moscow

Given the current challenges, solutions in the field of UAVs and UAV countermeasures are in high demand. Accordingly, the dynamic growth of this market presents broad opportunities for both new entrants and experienced players looking to enter new segments. Participation in Securika Moscow, an international exhibition of security and fire protection equipment, offers an excellent opportunity to make a statement and showcase your products to potential customers.

The significance of this event is underscored by its high demand among the target audience. In 2024, 20,379 specialists from 81 regions of Russia and 22 countries attended the exhibition. Notably, 93% of the visitors influence purchasing decisions, and 64% hold managerial positions, greatly facilitating communication between potential partners.

For example, companies such as Prime Radar Technologies, YUMIRS, FSUE Russian Broadcasting and Alerting Networks, Shvabe Holding, ESTER Solutions, Diagnostika M LLC, Free Cooperation Network, STILSOFT, Spetslab, and Special Control Technologies participated in the "UAVs and UAV Control Methods" exhibition at Securika Moscow 2024.

The business program also included a session titled "UAVs - How to Detect and How to Fight?" co-organized by Kaspersky Antidrone.

If your company manufactures or supplies UAVs or countermeasures against them, participating in Securika Moscow will help you find new partners and customers, as well as expand your sales geography.