DroneShield Launches SentryCiv as US$3B Counter-Drone Market Heads Toward US$15B by 2030
Image Source: DroneShield
Australian defence technology company DroneShield Ltd has launched SentryCiv, an artificial intelligence-driven system for detecting unauthorized drones in civilian airspace, extending its military-oriented products to commercial applications as drone threats to infrastructure grow.
The product, unveiled on Aug. 11, 2025, is available through a subscription model without upfront hardware costs, targeting sectors where high-end military counter-unmanned aircraft systems have proven prohibitively expensive.
Product Details and Features
SentryCiv functions as a fixed-site, passive detection platform employing radio frequency sensors to deliver comprehensive airspace monitoring without emitting signals that might disrupt communications. It incorporates DroneShield's RFAI engine, which uses AI and machine learning for real-time identification of various drone models via encrypted threat detection.
The system integrates with the Sentry-C2 Civ command-and-control platform, providing features such as real-time alerts, threat prioritization, customizable detection zones and data logging, alongside compatibility with external security systems. Subscriptions include quarterly software updates to enhance AI capabilities, broaden the drone database and add functionalities against new threats.
DroneShield CEO Oleg Vornik said the system addresses escalating drone risks by offering scalable detection and awareness that fits into existing security setups without operational interference. Tom Adams, the firm's director of public safety, highlighted its affordability for non-military users in fields like aviation and utilities.
Company Background and Strategic Shift
Founded in 2014 by scientists Dr. Brian Hearing and John Franklin, who holds an M.Sc. in Applied Physics from Johns Hopkins University, DroneShield initially developed acoustic-based technologies before shifting to drone security amid increasing UAV proliferation in both conflict and urban settings. The Sydney-based entity, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange as DRO, now has approximately 300 employees and operates in over 70 countries, with a U.S. facility in Warrenton, Virginia.
Under CEO Vornik since 2017, the company has focused on RF sensing combined with AI analytics and sensor integration, primarily for defence clients before broadening to civilian markets to meet resource-constrained demand. This pivot aligns with industry trends where defence firms adapt technologies for commercial use amid budget disparities.
Market Context and Drivers
SentryCiv's debut responds to rising unauthorized drone activities at key sites, including energy plants and public events, spurred by the affordability of commercial UAVs and their misuse for surveillance or disruption. Industry observers point to civilian delays in C-UAS adoption due to cost barriers in military-grade options, a void filled by AI-optimized, software-as-a-service approaches.
Growth in the sector is supported by regulatory developments, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for nationwide C-UAS operations released in 2025 under the Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018, which focuses on detection and limited mitigation for authorized federal entities. AI's role in automating identification reduces operator dependency and boosts precision in varied conditions.
Potential Impact and Challenges
The subscription structure may broaden C-UAS access for facilities like prisons and corporate campuses, mitigating risks from drone-borne contraband or espionage. Nonetheless, its RF focus limits efficacy against non-emitting or autonomous drones, a noted limitation in sector analyses.
Third-party views suggest this could spur competitors toward AI-enhanced integrations with broader security ecosystems. Widespread use depends on adapting legal standards, as civilian drone interventions often need approvals to comply with aviation rules.
Future Trends in AI-Driven C-UAS
The C-UAS market is forecast to grow from approximately US$3 billion in 2024 to between US$10 billion and US$15 billion by 2030, driven by AI progress in threat classification, multi-sensor fusion and obstacle navigation.
Emerging patterns include AI with machine learning for behaviour prediction using past data, potentially aiding areas like urban air mobility. For companies like DroneShield, this may enable expansion, though hurdles remain in privacy compliance and global norms. Expansion is expected in regions like North America and Europe with heightened infrastructure investments.
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