China Dominates Global Growth in Counter-Drone Patents Amid Rising Security Concerns

Global Investment in Counter-Drone Technology Increases

Recent data indicates a significant rise in global investment in counter-drone technology, driven by the increasing use of small unmanned aircraft. Research from intellectual property law firm Mathys & Squire reveals that patent applications for anti-drone technologies surged by 27% in the year ending March 31, 2025, with a total of 126 applications filed, up from 99 the previous year.

China led the way with 82 applications, followed by the United States with 22, and South Korea in third place. This trend underscores a growing emphasis on systems designed to detect, disrupt, or disable drones.

Emerging Threats Prompt Demand for New Solutions

The uptick in patent activity aligns with the expanding role of drones in both military and civilian contexts. In Ukraine, small drones have become integral to battlefield operations, prompting security planners to seek more cost-effective countermeasures. Additionally, unauthorized drone incidents have disrupted civilian infrastructure, with European airports experiencing temporary shutdowns due to drone sightings, highlighting vulnerabilities in critical transport hubs.

These developments have led to an increased demand for counter-drone systems capable of rapid response and scalability.

Shift Toward Non-Kinetic Countermeasures

The patent data indicates a shift in innovation from traditional interception methods to electronic and directed-energy approaches. Signal interference and jamming technologies accounted for the largest share of new filings, with 49 patents aimed at disrupting communication links between drones and their operators.

Laser-related inventions reached 39 patents, while microwave systems accounted for 24. These directed energy technologies are designed to disable drones without physical impact, reflecting a broader industry trend toward solutions that can engage multiple targets at a lower cost per use. Companies like Epirus are developing high-power microwave systems to counter drone swarms, demonstrating the transition from research to practical application.

China’s Patent Dominance and R&D Activity

China’s dominance in patent filings highlights its substantial investment in counter-drone technologies, with 82 of the 126 applications during the studied period. However, it is important to note that patent filings represent research and development efforts rather than deployed systems or market share. Some counter-drone technologies, particularly those related to defense programs, may not be publicly patented. Companies such as Dedrone, Anduril Industries, and DroneShield have active deployments in commercial and government sectors, particularly in the United States and allied nations.

Expanding Use Cases Beyond Military Applications

The demand for counter-drone solutions is increasingly extending beyond military applications. Systems are being developed for various environments, including:

• Airports
• Energy infrastructure
• Ports
• Prisons
• Large public events

These settings require reliable and scalable methods to detect and mitigate drone activity without disrupting surrounding operations. The growing number of patent filings reflects this shift toward commercial and infrastructure protection.

Evolving Regulatory and Deployment Landscape

In the United States, the legal framework governing counter-drone operations is evolving in response to increasing security demands. Historically, only a limited number of federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Defense, had clear authority to address drone threats.

This framework is changing with the passage of the Safer Skies Act, included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which expands counter-UAS authority to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement after appropriate training and certification.

Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is enhancing its role in preparing non-federal partners through counter-UAS training programs, prioritizing regions hosting major events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These initiatives aim to address capability gaps where local agencies lacked the legal authority or technical training to respond to drone threats.

A Growing Global Technology Race

The increase in patent filings signifies a broader shift in how governments and industries are addressing airspace security. According to Andrew White, Partner at Mathys & Squire, drones have transitioned from a niche concern to a mainstream security challenge, and the rise in patent filings reflects this change. He noted that laser and microwave systems are gaining traction in the counter-drone market, indicating the beginning of a broader shift in countering airspace threats.

Overall, the data suggests that counter-drone technology is entering a new phase characterized by accelerated innovation, expanding use cases, and a move toward more scalable and cost-effective solutions.