Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Research Report: By Platform (Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)), By Technology (Radar, Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems, Electronic Support Measures (ESM)), By Range (Short-Range, Medium-Range, Long-Range), By Applications (Air-to-Air Combat, Air-to-Ground Surveillance, Maritime Surveillance, Electronic Warfare) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forecast to 2032.

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Overview

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Size was estimated at 13.59 (USD Billion) in 2023. The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry is expected to grow from 15.4  (USD Billion) in 2024 to USD 18.92 Billion by 2032. The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 5.5 % during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).


Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Key Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Trends Highlighted

The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is poised for significant growth due to increasing military expenditure and technological advancements. Governments worldwide are investing heavily in defense capabilities, leading to a demand for advanced target acquisition systems to enhance situational awareness and combat readiness. Innovations in radar technology, electro-optical sensors, and data fusion algorithms are driving market growth.Key market drivers include the need to counter stealth aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and advanced missile threats. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into target acquisition systems is expected to create opportunities for enhanced detection, tracking, and identification capabilities.Recent trends in the market include the adoption of multi-mode sensors for improved target detection in various scenarios, the use of passive radar systems for covert operations, and the integration of network-centric capabilities to enable real-time information sharing. These advancements are shaping the market landscape and creating new opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers to cater to the evolving needs of military forces around the globe.

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Drivers

Advancements in Airborne Radar Technology

The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry is being driven by advancements in radar technology, particularly in the field of airborne radar. The development of active electronically scanned array radars has increased the performance of radar systems in several key areas, such as better range, resolution, accuracy, and improved reliability. An airborne target acquisition system requires the best performance possible for detecting and tracking targets, and the enhanced capabilities of AESA radars make them ideal for this type of application.In addition to the development of AESA radars, there have been other recent developments in the field of radar technology that have contributed to the growth of the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry, such as the development of multi-function radars and the use of radar warning receivers. These recent mostly radar technology advancements have helped newer generations of airborne target acquisition systems to be capable of performing an ever-increasing number of missions, such as air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attack, and electronic warfare, leading to their continued demand and growth in future years.

Increasing Demand for Airborne Surveillance and Reconnaissance

Another major driver of demand for the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry is the increasing need for airborne surveillance and reconnaissance. Airborne surveillance and reconnaissance systems are used to collect intelligence on enemy forces and terrain and provide an early warning of threats. Airborne target acquisition systems are a vital part of such systems, as they provide the ability to detect and track targets of interest.Several factors are driving the need for such systems. They include the emergence of UAVs and drones, which are increasingly being used to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions. These can be flown for long periods of time and are relatively cheap to operate. As such, most military organizations, many law enforcement agencies, and a number of others can afford to use them. Deregulation of the market for the systems also benefits demand.However, while the increasing use of drones and suchlike is driving demand, the need to counter terrorism and other threats is also driving demand. Many governments are trying to beef up their ability to detect and track threats, and airborne systems are a vital part of their efforts.

Growing Investment in Defense Spending

Another factor that is positively impacting the growth of the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry is the rising investment in defense spending. Governments around the world are increasing their defense budgets as a result of several key factors, including the prevalence of terrorism and the growing tensions between world powers. This rise in defense spending is creating more demand for airborne acquisition systems, as these are important in the safeguarding of airspace, as well as the deterrence of any potential threats.

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Segment Insights:

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Platform Insights  

The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is segmented based on Platform into Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Helicopters, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Among these, the Fixed-Wing Aircraft segment held the largest market share in 2023 and is expected to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for advanced fighter jets and surveillance aircraft, which are equipped with sophisticated target acquisition systems. The Helicopters segment is expected to witness a significant growth rate during the forecast period.

This growth can be attributed to the rising demand for helicopters for military and homeland security applications. Helicopters are increasingly being used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions, owing to their ability to operate in confined spaces and hover over targets for extended periods of time. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) segment is expected to experience the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of UAVs for military and commercial applications is driving the growth of this segment.The growth of the market can be attributed to the increasing demand for advanced target acquisition systems across various military and commercial applications.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Technology Insights  

Radar technology dominated the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems market in 2023, accounting for over 60% of the revenue. Radar systems provide long-range detection and tracking capabilities, making them ideal for airborne surveillance and target acquisition applications. Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) systems are expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to their ability to provide high-resolution images and videos in both day and night conditions. Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systems are also gaining traction due to their ability to detect, identify, and locate radar and communication signals emitted by enemy platforms.The increasing adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is further driving the growth of the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems market.

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Range Insights  

The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is segmented by Range into Short-Range, Medium-Range, and Long-Range. In 2024, the Short-Range segment held the largest market share, accounting for over 40% of the market revenue. The Medium-Range segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to increasing demand for medium-range airborne target acquisition systems from emerging economies. The Long-Range segment is expected to witness steady growth, driven by advancements in long-range radar technologies and the growing need for long-range surveillance and target acquisition capabilities.Key insights from the Range segmentation include Short-Range airborne target acquisition systems, which are primarily used for short-range air defense and counter-UAV applications. Medium-Range airborne target acquisition systems are gaining popularity due to their versatility and ability to detect and track targets at longer ranges. Long-Range airborne target acquisition systems are essential for long-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions, enabling early detection and tracking of potential threats.

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Applications Insights  

The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market segmentation by applications covers Air-to-Air Combat, Air-to-Ground Surveillance, Maritime Surveillance, and Electronic Warfare. Air-to-Air Combat accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023, and it is projected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The increasing demand for advanced fighter jets and the need for effective air-to-air combat capabilities are driving the growth of this segment. Air-to-Ground Surveillance segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to the rising demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.Maritime Surveillance segment is also anticipated to exhibit steady growth owing to the increasing need for maritime security and border protection. Electronic Warfare segment is projected to contribute a notable share of the overall market revenue, driven by the growing adoption of electronic warfare systems for defense and security applications.

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Regional Insights  

The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with a CAGR of 8.46% from 2023 to 2032. Regionally, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA. Among these regions, North America is expected to hold the largest market share in 2023, followed by Europe and APAC. The growth in North America is attributed to the presence of major defense contractors and the increasing demand for advanced airborne target acquisition systems. Europe is also a significant market for airborne target acquisition systems due to the presence of several leading defense companies and the growing need for the modernization of defense systems.The APAC region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, owing to the increasing defense spending and the growing demand for airborne target acquisition systems in countries such as China and India. South America and MEA are expected to grow at a steady pace during the forecast period.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Key Players And Competitive Insights:

Airborne target acquisitions systems market major players are continuously working on innovating and developing new technologies to stay ahead of the competition. Leading players in the airborne target acquisition systems market invest heavily in researching and developing, and they are about to introduce advanced systems with improved functionalities. The airborne target acquisition systems market is highly fragmented and has several prominent players. These players hold the majority of the market share and have a strong presence in the market. Moreover, their products and services are wide-ranging.

The companies competing within the industry are expected to remain highly fragmented as new entrants will join the market, and the existing players will expand. Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems are some of the key players in the airborne target acquisition systems market. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a significant player engaged in the airline target acquisition systems market.Northrop Grumman Corporation is a significant manufacturer of avionics and is known operationally for surveillance systems. It is also a prominent player in the airline target acquisition systems market. Besides, its products include, among many others, sensors, radars, electronic warfare, and so on. In addition, the corporation is known for its strong customer base in the market. Particularly, its customers include the United States Department of Defence and the United States Air Force. We are confident that the Northrop Grumman Corporation will continue to be a major player in the airborne target acquisition systems market.Lockheed Martin Corporation is another leading player and supplier of an airline target acquisitions system, with a wide range of aviation, space systems, and missile defense systems in the market.

The headquarters is based in Maryland, United States. Lockheed Martin Corporation, being one of the leading manufacturers in the industry, also has a strong customer base in other markets where it operates. These include the United States Air Force and the Department of Defence. We are optimistic that the Lockheed Martin Corporation will remain a key player in the airborne target acquisition systems market.

Key Companies in the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Include:

• Thales Group


• Lockheed Martin


• Saab AB


• Raytheon Technologies


• General Dynamics


• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited


• Leonardo SpA


• Airbus


• BAE Systems


• L3Harris Technologies


• Boeing


• Northrop Grumman


• Elbit Systems


• Israel Aerospace Industries

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry Developments

The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems market is expected to grow from USD 1107.05 billion in 2023 to USD 2300.0 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.46%. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing demand for advanced airborne target acquisition systems by defense forces around the world. The rising geopolitical tensions and the need for effective air defense systems are driving the demand for these systems.Recent news developments in the market include the launch of new products by leading companies, such as the AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) by Northrop Grumman and the EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar by Elta Systems. These new products offer advanced capabilities, such as improved detection and tracking performance, and are expected to drive the growth of the market in the coming years.

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Segmentation Insights

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Platform Outlook

• Fixed-Wing Aircraft


• Helicopters


• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Technology Outlook

• Radar


• Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems


• Electronic Support Measures (ESM)

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Range Outlook

• Short-Range


• Medium-Range


• Long-Range

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Applications Outlook

• Air-to-Air Combat


• Air-to-Ground Surveillance


• Maritime Surveillance


• Electronic Warfare

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Regional Outlook

• North America


• Europe


• South America


• Asia Pacific


• Middle East and Africa

Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Report Scope