Motorola Solutions pushes defence, counter-drone expansion

Motorola Solutions is targeting further growth in defence communications and counter-drone security while expanding its recently acquired Silvus Technologies and D-Fend Solutions businesses, chief operating officer Jack Molloy said at a Truist conference.

The company forecasts 2026 growth of 10% to 11% in mission-critical networks, about 11% in video security and roughly 15% in command-centre software. Motorola said the outlook is supported by modernisation across public-safety and federal infrastructure.

Silvus, which provides mobile ad hoc network communications for congested and contested environments, is expected to generate about US$850 million in 2026 sales at current capacity, according to Molloy. Motorola has added a production line in California, more than doubled Silvus’ sales force and increased research and development investment. A Salt Lake City facility is due to begin contributing in the first quarter of 2027.

Motorola is also expanding D-Fend Solutions across public safety, airports, critical infrastructure and venues. D-Fend uses cyber-based technology intended to take control of and safely land threatening drones, rather than destroy them in the air.

Molloy said D-Fend was selected as the only cyber-mitigation counter-unmanned aircraft system vendor for a US Department of Homeland Security counter-drone grant programme worth US$1.5 billion. The figure refers to the overall programme; the source does not state Motorola’s or D-Fend’s share.

Motorola’s broader offering combines communications networks, command-centre software and video-security products. The growth forecasts and Silvus sales estimate are company projections or management statements, rather than independently verified results.