Futuristic Trends and Innovative Technologies for Mitigating IED Threats Emanating from Sea, Air, and Land

Introduction

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) remain one of the most pervasive and adaptable threats in modern conflict and terrorism, evolving from simple roadside bombs to sophisticated weapons delivered via land, sea, and air vectors. As non-state actors and insurgents increasingly incorporate emerging technologies like drones, autonomous systems, and advanced materials, the need for innovative mitigation strategies has never been more urgent.

Futuristic trends focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, sensor networks, and directed energy weapons to pre-empt, detect, and neutralize IEDs across domains. This chapter explores these trends exhaustively, drawing on developments from 2024-2026, including AI-enhanced prediction, autonomous countermeasures, and integrated ecosystems.

By addressing threats from land (e.g., vehicle- and person-borne IEDs), sea (e.g., underwater and boat-borne), and air (e.g., drone-delivered), it highlights how these technologies are reshaping counter-IED (C-IED) operations for enhanced security and reduced casualties.

Evolving IED Threats Across Domains

Estimates from Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) indicate that IEDs caused 83,529 civilian casualties (killed and injured) from 2015 to 2024 across 94 countries, based on reported incidents in English-language media. While this figure represents a significant undercount due to unreported events, it highlights the persistent lethality of IEDs, with civilians comprising 73% of casualties and 92% of civilian harm occurring in populated areas. Delivery methods have diversified beyond traditional land-based tactics, including VBIEDs and PBIEDs, often enhanced by emerging technologies such as 3D-printed components or AI-guided emplacement.

Sea-based threats involve underwater IEDs (UIEDs) and boat-borne variants that exploit vulnerabilities in ports and waterways. In the air, drones enable precision delivery, with groups like ISIS and insurgents in Ukraine adapting commercial UAVs for IED drops. From 2024–2026, trends show increasing reliance on dual-use technologies—such as commercial drones and AI—lowering entry barriers for terrorists while amplifying lethality and necessitating advanced counter-IED innovations.

Mitigating Land-Based IED Threats

Land-based IEDs, including VBIEDs and buried devices, dominate asymmetric warfare, accounting for significant casualties in regions like West Africa and Afghanistan. Futuristic mitigations emphasize proactive detection and disruption through AI and autonomy.

AI-Enhanced Threat Prediction and Detection

AI and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing land-based counter-IED (C-IED) operations by analysing satellite imagery, drone feeds, and multi-sensor data to predict and detect potential IED placements. These technologies enable real-time anomaly detection, pattern recognition, and threat forecasting, significantly reducing false positives and supporting pre-emptive actions. Systems developed by companies like Northrop Grumman integrate ML into electronic warfare platforms, such as the JCREW/DRAKE series, to enhance signal processing and counter radio-controlled IEDs alongside emerging drone threats, with ongoing advancements in AI integration noted in U.S. Navy contracts through 2025–2026.

By 2026, portable AI-enhanced handheld devices are expected to advance C-IED capabilities through multi-sensor fusion (including electromagnetic, infrared, and acoustic inputs) for high accuracy in complex urban environments. While specific products like HENSOLDT’s GMJ9500—unveiled in 2025—focus primarily on man-portable jamming against radio-controlled IEDs (with wideband coverage from 20 MHz to 6 GHz and advanced algorithms), broader trends point to evolving handheld detectors incorporating AI-driven analysis for improved detection reliability and operator safety.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Autonomous ground robots, like those from QinetiQ, perform remote reconnaissance and disposal, minimizing human risk. Swarms of micro-robots could scan vast areas, using AI to map threats collaboratively. NATO’s C-IED Centre of Excellence envisions networked ecosystems where man-portable, vehicle-mounted, and aerial sensors share data in real-time by 2026.

Directed Energy and Jamming Technologies

High-energy lasers and microwave systems neutralize IED triggers from afar, with prototypes like those from BAE Systems achieving standoff distances of 1 km. Electronic warfare advancements, including RF jamming, disrupt remote detonations, integrated into modular vehicle systems.

Emerging Technologies for C-IED

By 2026, new technologies will make counter-IED operations safer and more effective. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) will analyze satellite and drone data, cutting undetected IEDs by half. Autonomous robots will handle disposal and scanning tasks, reducing operator risk by 70%. Directed energy systems, such as high-powered lasers, will neutralize triggers instantly at distances over one kilometre.

Table 1: Emerging Technologies for Land-Based C-IED

Mitigating Sea-Based IED Threats

Sea-borne IEDs, including UIEDs and vessel-borne devices, threaten ports, waterways, and critical infrastructure, with incidents like the USS Cole bombing highlighting vulnerabilities. Emerging technologies focus on underwater autonomy and sensor networks.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Swarms

UUVs, such as those from the U.S. Navy’s programs, use AI for autonomous mine hunting and IED disposal. By 2026, swarms of low-cost UUVs will provide persistent surveillance, detecting anomalies via sonar and hyperspectral imaging.

Sensor Networks and AI Integration

Integrated maritime monitoring systems combine AI with sensor networks for real-time threat detection. Quantum sensors could enhance underwater detection by 2026, identifying magnetic signatures of IEDs at greater depths. Osmotic power systems, while primarily energy-focused, may support persistent sensor arrays in remote sea areas.

Directed Energy for Surface Threats

By 2026, directed energy systems will play a major role in countering surface-based explosive threats. High-powered lasers mounted on ships can neutralize boat-borne IEDs with precision, as demonstrated by systems developed by Boeing and others. These technologies provide instantaneous mitigation, reducing risks in crowded maritime zones.

Table 2: Emerging Technologies for Sea-Based C-IED

Together, these innovations promise safer seas through faster detection and decisive action.

Mitigating Air-Based IED Threats (Drone-Delivered)

Air-borne IEDs via drones represent the fastest-evolving threat, with commercial UAVs adapted for precision strikes in conflicts like Ukraine. Mitigation trends emphasize counter-UAS (C-UAS) innovations.

AI-Driven Detection and Autonomous Interceptors

AI integrates with radar, RF sensors, and hyperspectral imaging for drone detection up to 2 km. Autonomous interceptor drones, like those in Ukraine’s arsenal, achieve 70-80% success rates using AI navigation. By 2026, quantum radar could counter stealth drones.

Non-Kinetic Countermeasures

RF cyber-takeover, as in D-Fend Solutions, commandeers drones for safe landing, preserving intelligence. Directed energy weapons (DEWs), including lasers and microwaves, neutralize swarms en masse. Static defenses like netting provide low-cost protection.

Swarm and Networked Defenses

By 2026, swarm-based and networked defenses will reshape counter-IED and counter-drone operations. UAV swarms, integrated with 5G and IoT, will create layered protection systems capable of rapid response and coordination. Artificial intelligence will guide interceptors to neutralize hostile drones with up to 80% success rates, while Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) will disrupt entire swarms at range.

Radio Frequency (RF) takeover methods will allow safe, non-destructive mitigation by extracting intelligence from captured drones. Together, these technologies promise a resilient, adaptive defense ecosystem, ensuring faster detection, smarter neutralization, and stronger protection against evolving aerial and explosive threats.

Cross-Domain Integration and Future Trends

By 2026, Counter-IED (C-IED) systems are expected to work across land, sea, and air, using artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and advanced energy storage to stay active for longer missions. These integrated ecosystems will allow faster detection and neutralization of threats.

Modular platforms, such as Netline’s C-Guard, already show how IED jamming can be combined with counter-drone (C-UAS) capabilities. Future developments may also involve hypersonics and biotechnology, which could influence how IEDs are built, making strong global regulations essential.

Organizations like NATO and the UN stress the need for agile systems supported by monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) processes to adapt quickly to evolving threats.

Table 3: Emerging Technologies for Air-Based (Drone-Delivered) IED Threats

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Counter-IED efforts face several challenges. High costs make advanced technologies difficult to deploy widely, and adversaries constantly adapt to new defenses, creating a cycle of innovation and response.

Ethical use of artificial intelligence is another concern. Systems must be designed to avoid bias, misuse, or unintended harm, ensuring they serve security goals responsibly.

Future threats like quantum computing also demand preparation. Post-quantum cryptography will be vital to protect secure systems. International cooperation, guided by frameworks such as UNIDIR guidelines, is essential to balance innovation, ethics, and global security needs in tackling evolving explosive threats.

Conclusion

Future Counter-IED (C-IED) technologies could change the way the world deals with explosive threats. With advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and new energy solutions, detection and neutralization will become faster and more reliable. These tools aim to reduce the damage caused by IEDs and protect both civilians and security forces.

By 2026, integrated systems may cut global casualties by nearly half. However, this will only happen if strategies remain flexible and agencies work together. Technology alone is not enough — cooperation and adaptation are essential.

As threats grow more complex, defenses must evolve even faster. Building resilience across all domains will help ensure a safer future.