The global market for smart weapons was worth USD 17.17 billion in 2020, and it is expected to reach USD 30.12 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.02% between 2021 and 2028. The COVID-19 pandemic had a slightly negative impact on the demand for smart weapons worldwide, affecting all regions. However, the market is expected to recover and continue its growth trajectory in the coming years.
Informational Source:
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/smart-weapons-market-104058
Key Companies Covered in Smart Weapons Market are:
Smart weapons, also known as precision-guided munitions, are advanced military weapons designed with sophisticated technology to increase accuracy, minimize collateral damage, and improve overall effectiveness. These weapons utilize various guidance systems, sensors, and advanced technologies to precisely locate and engage targets with high precision.
Types of Smart Weapons:
a. Guided Bombs: Guided bombs, such as Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), combine satellite-based navigation systems with inertial guidance to accurately hit targets, even in adverse weather conditions.
b. Cruise Missiles: Cruise missiles are unmanned, self-propelled weapons that can fly at low altitudes and navigate over long distances using GPS, terrain mapping, and radar systems to strike specific targets with high accuracy.
c. Precision-Guided Artillery: These weapons use GPS, laser, or radar guidance systems to improve the accuracy of artillery shells, reducing collateral damage and increasing effectiveness.
d. Anti-Tank Missiles: Anti-tank missiles employ advanced guidance systems, such as laser or infrared, to track and hit armored targets with precision, even in challenging environments.
e. Anti-Ship Missiles: These weapons are designed to target and destroy naval vessels using radar, infrared, or active seeker guidance systems for accurate targeting.
Guidance Systems:
a. GPS-Based Guidance: Global Positioning System (GPS) enables smart weapons to determine their precise location and navigate towards targets using satellite signals.
b. Inertial Navigation Systems: Inertial guidance systems use sensors to measure changes in velocity, acceleration, and position to calculate the weapon's trajectory and guide it towards the target.
c. Laser Guidance: Laser-guided weapons use laser designators to illuminate the target, and the weapon homes in on the reflected laser energy to hit the designated target accurately.
d. Imaging Infrared Seekers: Infrared seekers detect the heat emitted by targets, allowing smart weapons to track and engage them, particularly useful for engaging moving targets.
e. Radar Guidance: Radar-guided weapons utilize radar systems to detect and track targets, providing accurate guidance for engagement.
Sensor Technologies:
a. Imaging Systems: Advanced imaging technologies, such as electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, provide real-time visual information to identify and track targets effectively.
b. Target Recognition Systems: Smart weapons employ sophisticated target recognition algorithms and machine learning to distinguish between intended targets and decoys, reducing the risk of engaging non-target objects.
c. Proximity Sensors: Proximity sensors detect the distance between the weapon and the target, allowing for precise detonation at the optimal moment to maximize the weapon's effectiveness.
d. Data-link Systems: Data-link systems enable communication between the weapon and the operator or other platforms, allowing for real-time updates, target retasking, and increased situational awareness.