European First Responders C3I Market Assessment

Greater Focus on Civil Security Makes the European First Responders C3I Market Lucrative

Command and control, communications and intelligence (C3I) equipment is the main requirement for first responders, which helps first responders in providing vital services during a crisis. The European departments and ministries responsible for first responders do not want to compromise on civilian safety despite unclear policies and budgetary constraints that are challenging in procuring these technologies to achieve this capability. An increasing budget outlay exclusively for first responders is anticipated in the coming years, with attractive and long-term business opportunities for the market participants. "There is a growing trend towards greater communication security and interoperability," says the analyst of this research. "All segments of C3I will experience exponential growth in the long-term even as certain technologies such as satellite communication are expected to overtake their competitors due to greater end-user need."

Large projects to equip first responders are usually the responsibility of a central leadership or national authority. However, all other systems, particularly the smaller ones, procured and used by first responders, are locally paid for at the individual level. This is applicable to law-enforcement agencies, fire-fighting services and medical emergency units. Additionally, this market is significantly project-driven and largely cyclical, making it difficult for new entrants. Market participants should be aware that the demand for first responder C3I systems is likely to increase due to various geopolitical factors. Targeting this market, therefore, will yield returns.

However, this market is characterised by stiff competition with existing participants enjoying an advantage. At the same time, the first responders' C3I market is highly fragmented with a conflict of interest at the end-user level. "The overall market scenario is unclear due to the lack of a unified procurement policy across agencies as well as within an agency," concludes the analyst. "This is compounded by the fact that even funding is often not handled by those who frame procurement policies."

Technologies

• The following technologies are covered in this research:
• Command and control systems
• Satellite communications
• Communication terminals
• Small/mini UAVs
• CCTVs
• IP video surveillance