©Skysense – The Skysense Counter-UAS enables the tracking of drones and pilots and supports security forces in protecting airspace.
Axis Communications, the global market leader in network video surveillance, is expanding its security portfolio with a new strategic component: airspace protection. This summer, the Swedish company acquired anti-drone specialist Skysense – a move that further strengthens Axis’ position in the field of integrated security solutions.
Focus on airspace surveillance
Skysense, founded in 2015 by Robby de Candido and Magnus Lundmark, specialises in systems for monitoring and managing threats from unmanned aerial vehicles. The company develops counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) solutions that are used to detect, track and classify drone activity at an early stage.
Its core product is the Skysense Counter-UAS, a sensor for detecting drones and their pilots. The system can detect aircraft within a range of up to two kilometres, provides 3D position data and identifies the location of the operator. The solution thus supports security forces in active airspace protection – for example at airports, in industrial facilities or at major events.
While the brand name Skysense was previously less well known among experts, the company has already gained a foothold in the industry with another brand: Validrone. Under this name, the technology was presented as a market-ready anti-drone system back in 2019 – in cooperation with Stanley Security, which now operates under the name Securitas Technology.
A market with strong growth potential
The global market for anti-drone technology is still in its infancy, but it is growing at an enormous rate. In view of increasing incidents involving civilian drones, for example at airports in Denmark and Norway, more and more security managers are recognising the urgency of effective airspace surveillance.
According to an analysis by market research company MarketsandMarkets, the global market for anti-drone systems will grow to £14.5 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 26.5 per cent.
This development underscores the need for integrated security solutions that cover physical, digital and now also aeronautical security dimensions.
Strategic gain for Axis Communications
Although the acquisition has not yet been officially announced, Björn Hallerborn, Manager Corporate Communications at Axis Communications, confirmed the strategic rationale behind the acquisition: ‘We are seeing increased demand for airspace surveillance, and Skysense’s anti-drone technology fits well with our other product offerings.’
With the integration of Skysense technologies, Axis will be able to offer an even more comprehensive security ecosystem in the future – from video surveillance and access control to detection and defence against threats from the air.
According to its latest published annual report (December 2024), Skysense generated revenue of approximately SEK 7.5 million and is considered one of the most innovative providers in the growing European anti-drone segment.
Conclusion
With the acquisition of Skysense, Axis Communications is positioning itself early in a market that is likely to play a central role in protecting critical infrastructure in the coming years. The integration of counter-UAS technology into the Axis portfolio opens up new opportunities for holistic security solutions that provide protection both on the ground and in the air.
