How Have Advancements in Autonomous Precision Guided Munitions Helped Defense Companies Maximize their Profits?

Key takeaways:

• Introduction
• Miniaturization of PGMs
• Swarming technology and autonomous precision guided munition
• Innovative product launches in the industry

The rising geopolitical tensions across the globe and the growing threat of terrorist attacks in various countries have forced governments around the world to increase their defense budgets drastically. Among conventional weapons, there is an increasing focus on weapons that have precision targeting capabilities to neutralize enemy soldiers or terrorists without harming civilian life. As a result, the demand for autonomous precision guided munitions has surged significantly in the last few years. These independent systems are able to detect, lock, and destroy targets without any human intervention. Hence, these weapons are sometimes known as fire & forget munitions. Their efficiency and uniqueness make them one of the most sought defense solutions globally.

Transition toward miniaturization of precision guided weapons

A major advancement in weapon manufacturing is the shift toward miniaturization of autonomous precision guided munition systems. Technological progress in semiconductor production has led to designing electronic components and circuits at the nanoscale level. Moreover, the advent of several new insulations as well as electrical packaging materials has helped in the development of new devices. Over the years, precision guided weapons, which were first used in the Gulf War of 1991, have become much more sophisticated with such modern technologies.

The main benefit of miniaturization is that the performance is boosted at every level of computing. Engineering studies have shown that the use of smaller semiconductors helps in developing more powerful microprocessor chips that have higher processing power and storage capacity. Furthermore, the energy consumption of such systems is substantially lower than that of conventional weapons, thereby increasing their efficiency. Secondly, miniaturization helps in developing portable munitions that can be easily transported and deployed even in hilly border regions. This increases the utility of these systems as it enables military forces to efficiently guard and defend even their remotest territories.

Integration of swarming technology revolutionizing the autonomous precision guided munition systems

In the past few years, unmanned aerial vehicles have become one of the most preferred weapon carriers in modern warfare. In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, both sides have used a huge number of drones that are capable of carrying autonomous precision guided munitions to destroy tanks, military installations, and critical infrastructure. The topmost reason behind deploying UAVs is that they can be controlled remotely which helps in reducing the human casualty rate. However, at the same time, advancements in radar technology have made it possible to effectively track and shoot down drones.

To counter the problem of detection, high-tech unmanned aerial vehicles have been integrated with swarming technology which refers to a collective behavior of artificial self-organized systems. Since such drones can act in coordination with each other, they are generally launched against an enemy target to overwhelm their radar systems. While earlier swarm UAVs were deployed for search and rescue missions, lately these solutions are also fitted with autonomous precision guided munitions to destroy rival camps, bunkers, and outposts with accuracy.

In February 2023, a leading press agency reported that the US was developing an Autonomous Multi-Domain Adaptive Swarms-of-Swarms system that could independently handle an entire war theatre. The news further added that the stunning developments made by Russia and China in the field of hypersonic missile technology alarmed the US government, which, in turn, invested heavily in swarming technology drone systems. A spokesperson from the US military wing also stated that the defense department was working on integrating artificial intelligence in these munitions to improve their precision, autonomy, and efficiency.

EDGE and Baykar announce collaboration to expand the scope of the industry

Along with governments and public sector entities, many private companies, too, have invested heavily in different defense technologies including precision guided weapons. For instance, in January 2024 EDGE, a defense contractor company, announced a partnership with Baykar, a Turkish military equipment manufacturer. The collaboration is part of an overarching Strategic Alliance Agreement between the two enterprises focusing on developing advanced defense solutions. Under the program, both companies have agreed to integrate EDGE’s Desert Sting 16 precision-guided munition with the Bayraktar TB2 UAV, a long-endurance, medium-altitude, tactical drone. The alliance between these two industry giants is expected to play a major role in strengthening the position of the autonomous precision guided munition landscape in the coming period.

In August 2024, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli weapon manufacturer, unveiled the latest variant of the Spice 250 air-to-surface next-generation precision-guided munition. The upgraded variety can target even moving targets, that too in GPS-denied environments. Such advanced systems have truly transformed the industry and opened new avenues of growth for the sector.

To sum it up, the rising number of international conflicts and terrorist attacks have compelled several countries to upgrade their defense systems to counter external threats. The emergence of autonomous precision guided munition is the latest trend in the sphere of modernization of military forces. The different advantages offered by these weapons and the advancements in electronics and telecommunication technology have created favorable conditions of growth for the landscape.

For more insights into the upcoming trends in the autonomous precision guided munitions industry, feel free to contact us.

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