Critical infrastructure protection fuels growth in maritime counter-drone market
SeaEagle Maritime Systems is a component of Chess Dynamics’ maritime surveillance portfolio. (Photo: Chess Dynamics)
Operational lessons are pushing navies towards counter-uncrewed aerial systems at sea, creating a fast-emerging industrial opportunity for radar and effector makers.
Uncrewed aerial threats that have dominated land warfare since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine are increasingly appearing at sea, and naval forces and the companies that equip them are racing to catch up.
Interviews conducted by Shephard at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, France with two counter-uncrewed aerial systems (CUAS) suppliers, Chess Dynamics and Robin Radar, pointed to a migration of drone threats from the ground to the maritime domain, driven by lessons from Ukraine’s Black Sea campaign and reinforced by attacks on shipping and offshore infrastructure elsewhere.
That shift is opening what both companies described as a substantial, if even more
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV]()
RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV
RTX told Shephard that the Hadalus UUV has been procured by the US Marine Corps and the Office of Naval Research for operational experimentation as the company prepares additional demonstrations with the US Navy, NATO and AUKUS partners.
-
![The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement]()
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.
-
![Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?]()
Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?
Rheinmetall has unveiled its first next-generation frigate design, showing ambitions to compete as a surface combatant prime contractor. While the company is targeting North America, analysts believe the concept may be better positioned for future European programmes.
-
![US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production]()
US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
