Military Airborne Radar Market Trends

Global Military Airborne Radar Market Overview

Military Airborne Radar Market Size was valued at USD 2687.77582 Million in 2024, The Military Airborne Radar Market industry is projected to grow from USD 2854.9619 Million in 2025  to USD 4914.34 million by 2034, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2 % during the forecast period (2025 - 2034).


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

The Military Airborne Radar Market is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by the Increasing geopolitical tension & Conflicts, and Proliferation of advanced aerial platforms. Increasing investments in defense and aerospace modernization programs globally contribute to market growth. Governments and defense organizations allocate budgets for upgrading their airborne platforms with state-of-the-art radar systems to maintain a technological edge and ensure national security. The continuous development and procurement of new manned and unmanned aircraft propel the demand for advanced airborne radar systems, fostering market expansion.

However, the high cost of development and production, stringent regulatory environment and limited availability of raw material hampering the market growth. Nevertheless, modernization and upgradation of existing systems, technological advancement and increasing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles offer an opportunity for market expansion during the forecast period.

Military Airborne Radar Market Opportunity

Modernization and Upgradation of Existing System

Modernization activities of military equipment and legacy systems across the globe are creating new avenues for market expansion. The modernization and upgrading of current systems are major drivers forming the military airborne radar market today. As defence forces globally intend to enhance their operational skills and maintain supremacy in increasingly complex environments, the demand for advanced radar systems has grown. This demand is fuelled by several key factors.

The technological innovations play a vital role. The innovation in radar technology at rapid space has enabled substantial improvements in detection reliability, range and accuracy. Modern radar systems integrate state-of-the-art signal processing, multi-band operation, and stealth detection abilities, enabling military aircraft to detect and track threats with unmatched precision.

Furthermore, the need to alter to evolving threats drives continuous upgrades. As adversaries develop more superior tactics and technologies, military forces must continuously upgrade their radar systems to stay effective and resistant. Upgrades often include integrating new radar modes, enhancing electronic warfare capabilities, and improving interoperability with other defence systems.

In addition, cost-effectiveness and lifecycle management are important considerations. Upgrading existing radar systems can be less expensive than purchasing whole new systems, especially when new deployments entail significant infrastructure and training costs. Military organizations can integrate state-of-the-art technologies into their platforms and prolong their operational lifespan by utilizing upgrades. Overall, the need to improve operational performance, manage costs, react to changing threats, and integrate with cutting-edge defence networks is driving the modernization and upgrade of current systems in the military airborne radar market. These characteristics highlight a dynamic market where technological innovation, and strategic imperatives intersect to influence the future of airborne radar capabilities in military operations.

Military Airborne Radar Market Platform Segment Insights

Military Airborne Radar Type Insights

Based on Type, the Military Airborne Radar Market segmentation includes Surveillance Early Warning Radar, Airborne Warning and Control System (AEACS), Missile Warning Radars, Targeting and Reconnaissance Radars, Fire Control Radars (FCR), Navigational Radars, Weather Radars, and Others. Airborne Warning and Control System (AEACS) holds the major share in 2023, contributing around 20.5% to the market revenue. The Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) provides air combat management with air surveillance, airborne early warning, control and command competencies that surpass the limitations of ground-based air conflict management systems. An AWACS aircraft implements radar and other sensors to detect and discover other aircraft, missiles, and surface vehicles.

Military Airborne Radar Component Insights

Based on the Component, the Military Airborne Radar Market segmentation is Antenna, Transmitter, Receiver, Power Amplifier. The Antenna segment by component dominates the market in the year 2023. A radar antenna is a device that sends radio waves and detects their echoes. An antenna's ability to pinpoint an object's precise location determines how well it performs. The increasing need for improved military surveillance radars and tracking systems is likely to drive segment growth. Antennas are utilized in surveillance since they are devoted to a single target and follow its changing direction automatically. In a radar system, the antenna is a crucial part. The market is anticipated to increase as a result of more advanced driving assistance systems being required.

Military Airborne Radar Range Insights

Based on the Range, the Military Airborne Radar Market segmentation is upto Short Range, Medium Range, Long Range. The long-range category dominated the global market in 2023 and is expected to continue to do so over the projection period. Vast-range military radars are radar systems that can detect targets from vast distances, generally hundreds to thousands of kilometers. They use extremely long wavelengths with unique propagation characteristics. Long-range military airborne radars' tremendous growth is being driven by their major benefits.

Military Airborne Radar Application Insights

Based on the Application, the Military Airborne Radar Market segmentation is Manned Aircraft {Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing}, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS){Male, Hale, Tactical}. Manned Aircraft is further segmented into fixed wing, and rotary wing. Whereas, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is segmented into male, hale, and tactical. In 2023 the military airborne market was dominated by manned aircraft.

FIGURE 2: GLOBAL MILITARY AIRBORNE RADAR MARKET, BY APPLICATION, 2023 VS 2033 (USD MILLION)

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

Military Airborne Radar Aircraft Type Insights

Based on the Component, the Military Airborne Radar Market segmentation is Fighter Aircraft, Attack Aircraft, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Transport Aircraft, and Others. The Attack Aircraft segment by component dominates the market in the year 2023. Attack aircraft are military aircraft that help ground troops by conducting strafing and low-level bombing strikes against enemy ground units, tanks, armored vehicles, and installations. Attack aircraft are often slower and less maneuverable than air combat fighters, but they can carry a huge and varied load of armaments (automatic cannon, machine guns, rockets, guided missiles, and bombs) and fly close to the ground.

Military Airborne Radar Regional Insights

By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America. In 2023, the North America Military Airborne Radar market commands a significant share of the global market at approximately 43.0%. In North America, the United States is an active developer and user of modern military radar systems. In airborne military radar market North America is most likely to dominate the regional market as a result of the United States' considerable military budget. For instance, US military defense budget increased 2.3% from 2022 to USD 916 billion in 2023. The increased investments in technologically better armament are in response to China and Russia's expanding threat assessments, which drives demand for radar systems in the country.

Furthermore, growing defense spending in the United States is resulting in active procurement of various military radar systems to strengthen its defense capabilities, driving up demand for this market in the area. For instance, the US Air Force declared in October 2023 that it was developing homeland security radars that would be able to identify a new class of Russian cruise missiles. As part of the Over-The-Horizon Radar effort, the United States plans to purchase four long-range radars from RTX Corporation that can detect, monitor, and report on airborne and surface threats. Canada also plans to purchase two of these radar systems through the same program. In general, it is projected that these advancements will propel the market's demand in North America throughout the projected period.

FIGURE 3: MILITARY AIRBORNE RADAR MARKET SIZE, BY REGION 2023 VS 2032

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

Military Airborne Radar Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Military Airborne Radar Market is characterized by the presence of global and regional market players. The growing investment on defense is creating favorable condition for the growth of the market. Growing geopolitical tensions, increasing procurement of defense and surveillance equipment’s across the region have been some of the key driving factor for the market. Some of the major market players working in the market with significant market share are deploying various strategies to gain competitive edge over others. They are forming partnerships, collaborations and launching new and innovative products to maintain and enhance their market share.

The players in the markets have advanced their products to use enhanced materials and technologies that will give them an advantage over their rivals. It is also noted that most of such companies are eyeing government and defense departments. AI and machine learning advancements are also being used by these companies. It has resulted in enhanced performance of their products as well as increased efficiency due to integration of sophisticated technologies into manufacturing processes.

Key Companies in the Military Airborne Radar market include

• Lockheed Martin Corporation


• Thales S.A.


• Northrop Grumman Corporation


• Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.


• RTX Corporation


• Elbit Systems Ltd.


• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.


• Leonardo


• Saab


• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Military Airborne Radar Industry Developments

• In July 2023, Elbit Systems has unveiled the Nano SPEAR™ at The Paris Airshow, an advanced, digital and miniature system designed as a countermeasure against radar-guided air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles that threaten aircrews and their platforms.


• In August 2023, MAG Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies secure a U.S. Army contract to deliver advanced ISR aircraft for the ATHENA-R program. The Bombardier Global 6500-based system aims to enhance long-range precision capabilities amidst evolving global threats.


• In July 2023, L3Harris Technologies and ELTA Systems expanded their partnership to offer advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) solutions using Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, integrating ELTA's cutting-edge AEW systems for enhanced operational efficiency and multi-domain mission capabilities.

Military Airborne Radar Market Segmentation

• Surveillance Early Warning Radar


• Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)


• Missile Warning Radars


• Targeting And Reconnaissance Radars


• Fire Control Radars (FCR)


• Navigational Radars


• Weather Radars


• Others

Military Airborne Radar, By Component Outlook (USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Antenna


• Transmitter


• Receiver


• Power Amplifier

Military Airborne Radar, By Range Outlook (USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Short Range


• Medium Range


• Long Range

Military Airborne Radar, By Application Outlook (USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Manned Aircraft
  
  
  
  • Fixed Wing
  
  
  • Rotary Wing
  
  
  
  


• Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)
  
  
  
  • MALE
  
  
  • HALE
  
  
  • Tactical
  
  
  
  

Military Airborne Radar, By Aircraft Type Outlook (USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Fighter Aircraft


• Attack Aircraft


• Maritime Patrol Aircraft


• Transport Aircraft


• Others

Military Airborne Radar Market Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Austria
  
  
  • Netherlands
  
  
  • Belgium
  
  
  • Sweden
  
  
  • Denmark
  
  
  • Norway
  
  
  • Poland
  
  
  • Portugal
  
  
  • Turkey
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Middle East and Africa
  
  
  
  • Saudi Arabia
  
  
  • UAE
  
  
  • Qatar
  
  
  • South Africa
  
  
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  


• South and Central America
  
  
  
  • Brazil
  
  
  • Argentina
  
  
  • Chile
  
  
  • Rest of Central & South America