What are the latest news in the counter-UAS market?
Download our beautiful pitch about the counter-UAS market
In our counter-UAS market deck, you will find everything you need to understand the market
The counter-UAS market is moving fast, and this article tracks the latest and biggest counter-drone news for readers who want a simple view of the industry.
We constantly update this blog post so investors, founders, and operators can follow the most important counter-UAS market changes in one place.
In the latest counter-UAS market news, large acquisitions, U.S. government contracts, European tenders, and new defense technologies show that drone defense is becoming a major security priority.
And if you want to better understand this new industry, you can download our pitch covering the counter-UAS market.
Insights
- The counter-UAS market now has a clear acquisition benchmark, because Motorola Solutions agreed to buy D-Fend Solutions for $1.5 billion.
- U.S. public funding is becoming a major demand driver for the counter-UAS market, with several $500 million programs or contracts appearing in the latest news.
- The counter-UAS market is shifting from one-off military tools to full protection systems for bases, cities, stadiums, and public events.
- Europe is becoming a more active counter-UAS market, with the Netherlands, France, Denmark-linked Terma, and Nordic startup Stendr all appearing in recent news.
- Drone defense buyers now seem to prefer layered counter-UAS systems that combine sensors, software, interceptors, directed energy, and electronic warfare.
- Directed energy is becoming more visible in the counter-UAS market, with laser and high-power microwave systems moving from prototypes toward field tests.
- The counter-UAS market is not only for large defense primes, because startups and specialist vendors are still winning funding, contracts, and partnerships.
- Government procurement speed is becoming a competitive advantage in the counter-UAS market, especially through new marketplaces and faster buying channels.
This chart, featured in our counter-UAS market deck, shows why DroneShield is winning in counter-UAS
Summary table of the latest news in the counter-UAS market
We define the counter-UAS market as solutions purpose-built to detect, track, and identify unmanned aircraft and to defeat or neutralize them within a protected area.
We include UAS-specific sensors and data fusion, command-and-control/engagement software, and mitigation effectors, both kinetic and non-kinetic, plus integration and sustainment required to operate the system.
We exclude drone and robotics manufacturing, general-purpose security or air-defense capabilities not configured for small UAS, and detection-only offerings sold without a credible path to interdiction.
You can also read our detailed analysis to understand what are the quarterly updates in the counter-UAS market.
| Piece of news | Category | Exact date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DroneShield won a $24.9 million U.S. counter-UAS contract | Customer wins | June 2, 2026 | DroneShield |
| Motorola Solutions agreed to buy D-Fend Solutions for $1.5 billion | M&A | June 1, 2026 | Motorola Solutions |
| Perennial Autonomy won a $500 million U.S. counter-UAS contract | Customer wins | May 18, 2026 | U.S. Department of War |
| DHS and FEMA listed $500 million for local counter-UAS capacity | Regulations & Policies | May 13, 2026 | Grants.gov |
| Anduril won a Dutch counter-UAS contract and expanded in Europe | Customer wins | May 7, 2026 | Anduril |
| AeroVironment completed a homeland-defense laser counter-UAS test | Breakthrough | May 6, 2026 | AeroVironment |
| DroneShield and Terma partnered on layered counter-UAS systems | Partnerships | May 4, 2026 | DroneShield |
| AeroVironment launched Halo_Shield for drone and missile defense | Product launches | April 28, 2026 | AeroVironment |
| The Pentagon’s counter-UAS marketplace made its first $13 million purchases | New tech and infrastructure | April 15, 2026 | U.S. Department of War |
| Stendr raised $5.4 million for Nordic AI drone defense | Fundraisings | April 15, 2026 | Stendr |
| France opened an €18.7 million tender for counter-UAS interceptor drones | Strategic Investments | April 9, 2026 | Unmanned Airspace |
| Epirus, GDLS, and Kodiak unveiled an autonomous microwave counter-drone vehicle | New tech and infrastructure | March 24, 2026 | Epirus |
Latest news of the counter-UAS market
DroneShield won a $24.9 million U.S. counter-UAS contract
Customer wins
What happened?
DroneShield announced a $24.9 million contract supporting Joint Interagency Task Force 401 in the United States. The win is important because DroneShield is an Australian counter-UAS company building stronger credibility in the U.S. defense market.
When was it?
The contract was announced on June 2, 2026.
Why is it big news?
The counter-UAS market is becoming more international, and DroneShield showed that non-U.S. drone defense companies can still win meaningful U.S. government work.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, this contract gives DroneShield stronger validation in the world’s largest defense market.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, this news shows that credibility, compliance, and procurement access matter as much as strong technology.
As this chart shows, and as featured in our counter-UAS market deck, search interest in counter-UAS has been trending upward
Motorola Solutions made the counter-UAS market’s biggest recent exit with D-Fend Solutions
M&A
What happened?
Motorola Solutions agreed to buy D-Fend Solutions for $1.5 billion. D-Fend Solutions builds non-kinetic counter-drone systems that detect rogue drones and take control of them without broad jamming or shooting.
When was it?
The deal was announced on June 1, 2026.
Why is it big news?
The acquisition gives the counter-UAS market a large valuation signal and shows that counter-drone systems are becoming part of mainstream public-safety security.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, Motorola Solutions’ acquisition gives a clear sign that large buyers value proven counter-drone revenue and deployments.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, this deal shows that buyers value safe, civilian-ready counter-UAS systems that can fit into wider security platforms.
This chart, featured in our counter-UAS market deck, compares the main business model options for counter-drone defense system companies
Perennial Autonomy won a huge $500 million U.S. counter-UAS contract
Customer wins
What happened?
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 awarded Perennial Autonomy a three-year contract with a $500 million ceiling. The contract covers AI-enabled counter-UAS systems, including drone interceptors and related platforms.
When was it?
The contract was announced on May 18, 2026.
Why is it big news?
The U.S. government is moving from small counter-UAS trials to large buying vehicles that can scale drone defense systems quickly.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, a $500 million government contract can turn a smaller defense-tech supplier into a much larger platform company.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, this contract shows that the U.S. government is rewarding field-tested systems that can scale fast.
This market map, featured in our counter-UAS market deck, highlights top companies and startups in the counter-UAS market
DHS and FEMA put $500 million behind local counter-UAS capacity
Regulations & Policies
What happened?
The DHS and FEMA Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program listed $500 million in total funding. The first $250 million is prioritized for U.S. states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 events and for the National Capital Region during America 250 events.
When was it?
The grant opportunity was updated on May 13, 2026.
Why is it big news?
The counter-UAS market is moving beyond military bases and into cities, stadiums, transport hubs, and public events.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, this grant program creates a clearer public-sector budget path for vendors serving local agencies.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, this news shows that non-military customers may become an important part of counter-drone demand.
This chart, featured in our counter-UAS market deck, breaks down revenue by customer segment in the counter-UAS market
Anduril won a Dutch counter-UAS contract and deepened its European push
Customer wins
What happened?
The Dutch Ministry of Defence awarded Anduril a contract for counter-UAS systems. Anduril said the company will deliver integrated air-defense systems that can detect, track, and defeat drone incursions.
When was it?
The contract was announced on May 7, 2026.
Why is it big news?
The win shows that the counter-UAS market is growing quickly in Europe and that NATO customers want integrated drone defense systems.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, European defense budgets are opening for newer counter-drone platforms, not only traditional defense primes.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, Anduril’s win shows that European customers want full systems, not isolated sensors.
This chart, featured in our counter-UAS market deck, shows annual VC investment in counter-UAS startups
AeroVironment completed a first-of-its-kind homeland-defense laser counter-UAS test
Breakthrough
What happened?
AeroVironment said the LOCUST system completed a counter-UAS laser test with the U.S. Department of War and the FAA. AeroVironment described the test as a directed-energy milestone for homeland defense.
When was it?
The test was announced on May 6, 2026.
Why is it big news?
Laser counter-UAS systems could lower the cost of defeating cheap drones, especially when many drones attack at once.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, directed energy could become a large category if laser systems prove reliable and safe.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, this test shows that validation with government and aviation authorities is critical near civilian airspace.
This chart, featured in our counter-UAS market deck, shows annual funding in counter-UAS startups
DroneShield and Terma teamed up on layered counter-UAS systems
Partnerships
What happened?
DroneShield and Terma signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on layered counter-UAS capabilities. The companies want to combine their technologies for stronger detection, command, and response.
When was it?
The partnership was announced on May 4, 2026.
Why is it big news?
Counter-UAS buyers increasingly want layered systems that combine multiple sensors, command software, and defeat options.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, partnerships can help vendors sell larger systems and reach more defense customers.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, this partnership shows that standalone products may struggle unless the products integrate with larger defense architectures.
In our counter-UAS market deck, we tell you what to focus on
AeroVironment launched Halo_Shield for full-spectrum drone and missile defense
Product launches
What happened?
AeroVironment launched Halo_Shield, a modular counter-UAS system designed to predict, detect, track, identify, and defeat threats. AeroVironment said Halo_Shield can address Group 1 to Group 5 drones, swarms, and subsonic cruise missiles.
When was it?
The product was announced on April 28, 2026.
Why is it big news?
The counter-UAS market is expanding from small-drone defense toward broader low-altitude air defense.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, vendors that cover more threat types may capture larger defense budgets.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, Halo_Shield shows that customers may prefer modular systems of systems over single-purpose tools.
In our counter-UAS market deck, we identify pain points entrepreneurs should prioritize
The Pentagon’s counter-UAS marketplace made its first $13 million purchases
New tech and infrastructure
What happened?
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 announced the first purchases through a new counter-UAS marketplace. The first four orders totaled $13 million and included defeat effectors, sensors, radars, and electronic warfare systems.
When was it?
The purchases were announced on April 15, 2026.
Why is it big news?
The counter-UAS marketplace can make drone defense procurement faster by helping approved buyers compare systems and place orders more easily.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, marketplace access can become a strong sales channel for approved vendors.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, getting into procurement catalogs may matter as much as building strong technology.
In our counter-UAS market deck, we dentify risks investors and builders need to be aware of
Stendr raised $5.4 million to build Nordic AI drone-defense systems
Fundraisings
What happened?
Stendr raised a $5.4 million pre-seed round to build AI-driven defense systems. Stendr said the company’s first focus is drone defense, using multi-sensor technology and cost-efficient hardware.
When was it?
The fundraising was announced on April 15, 2026.
Why is it big news?
The funding shows that the counter-UAS market is attracting early-stage venture capital in Europe, not only government procurement money.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, Stendr shows that new startups can still enter the industry with focused technology and regional defense demand.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, this round shows that early teams can raise money by focusing on AI, speed, and sovereign defense needs.
In our counter-UAS market deck, we ensure you have the latest information
France opened an €18.7 million tender for 1,000 counter-UAS interceptor drones
Strategic Investments
What happened?
France’s DGA issued a tender linked to the ELISA program for 1,000 counter-UAS interceptor drones. The reported tender value is about €18.7 million.
When was it?
The tender was reported on April 9, 2026.
Why is it big news?
France is creating a specific budget for lower-cost counter-UAS interceptors that can be produced in quantity.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, this tender shows that European ministries are funding specific counter-drone interceptor programs.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, France’s tender shows that governments want scalable systems that can improve over time.
In our counter-UAS market deck, we like to quantify things to make things easier to understand
Epirus, GDLS, and Kodiak unveiled an autonomous microwave counter-drone vehicle
New tech and infrastructure
What happened?
Epirus, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Kodiak AI unveiled Leonidas AGV. The system combines Epirus’ high-power microwave counter-UAS technology with Kodiak’s autonomous driving software on a vehicle integrated by General Dynamics Land Systems.
When was it?
The system was unveiled on March 24, 2026.
Why is it big news?
Mobile and autonomous counter-UAS systems could protect larger areas and defeat drones without firing interceptors.
Why should you care?
If you’re an investor in the counter-UAS market, mobile autonomous platforms could become a high-value segment of drone defense.
If you’re an entrepreneur in the counter-UAS market, this launch shows that strong counter-drone products may need partnerships across sensors, effectors, autonomy, and vehicle integration.
Related blog posts
- The latest update in the counter-UAS market
- How strong is fundraising in the counter-UAS market right now?
- How big is the counter-UAS market today?
- The evolution of funding activity in the counter-UAS market
- The main fundraising trends in the counter-UAS market
- All funding deals in the counter-UAS market
- A complete list of business models in the counter-UAS market
- Which startups have raised the most funding in the counter-UAS market?
- Which startups are the most valued in the counter-UAS market?
