Airborne Radar Market Growth, Size, Share, Insights and Forecast, 2025–2034
- Rishika Chavan
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global airborne radar market size was valued at USD 13.66 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 15.14 billion in 2025 to USD 30.36 billion by 2034, exhibiting a robust CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period. North America led the global market in 2024 with a share of 38.36%, driven by substantial investments in next-generation air dominance programs and radar modernization initiatives.
Market Overview
The global airborne radar market is witnessing accelerated growth, fueled by rising geopolitical tensions, large-scale defense modernization programs, and the growing importance of air superiority. Advanced radar systems are becoming integral to platforms such as fighter jets, bombers, AWACS, UCAVs, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft.
Growing emphasis on ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) integration, alongside the development of sixth-generation combat aircraft, is further propelling demand. Modern airborne radars are vital for detecting stealth platforms, neutralizing UAV threats, enhancing missile defense systems, and ensuring dominance across multiple domains.
Key Companies Profiled
Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)
Raytheon Technologies Corporation (U.S.)
Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)
Thales Group (France)
Saab AB (Sweden)
Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy)
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (Israel)
Indra Sistemas S.A. (Spain)
Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)
Hensoldt AG (Germany)
BAE Systems plc (U.K.)
These companies are focusing on AESA integration, GaN-based systems, and quantum radar technologies to gain a competitive edge.
Information source:
Market Segmentation
By Platform
The airborne radar market is segmented into military aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, UAM, aerostats, and others. Military aircraft dominated the market in 2024, driven by fleet modernization, geopolitical conflicts, and technological upgrades. For example, in March 2024, Northrop Grumman secured a USD 1.2 billion contract to supply AN/APG-83 AESA radars for NATO’s F-16 upgrades. Helicopters accounted for 27.97% of the market share in 2024, supported by enhanced mission-specific radar integration. UAVs are expected to be the fastest-growing segment, propelled by miniaturized radars and asymmetric warfare needs. In April 2024, General Atomics launched the Lynx Multi-Domain Radar for MQ-9B drones, expanding maritime and land surveillance capabilities.
By Application
The market is divided into commercial & civil and defense & border security applications. The commercial & civil segment led in 2024, fueled by demand for weather monitoring, air traffic control, and infrastructure development. For instance, in May 2025, Thales introduced the Trac Sigma radar, designed for multi-mission air traffic control. The defense & border security segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR as nations enhance border surveillance and hypersonic missile detection. In August 2024, Raytheon secured a USD 2 billion U.S. Army contract for LTAMDS radars, including a Foreign Military Sale to Poland.
By Range
Medium-range radars (50–200 km) dominated in 2024, widely used for aviation safety, SAR operations, and coastal monitoring. Very long-range radars (above 500 km) are anticipated to witness the highest CAGR, driven by applications in ICBM tracking, orbital coordination, and stealth detection. DARPA’s 2023 quantum radar trials demonstrated the capability to detect stealth drones, highlighting future growth potential.
By Frequency Band
L/S/C/X band radars led the market in 2024, supported by storm tracking, fire control systems, and Earth observation. For example, in December 2024, ICEYE launched two SAR satellites with SpaceX to expand Earth monitoring capabilities. K/Ka/Ku band radars are expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, driven by missile guidance, SATCOM links, and hyperspectral analysis. In August 2023, the USAF upgraded F-22 Raptors with Ku-band radar and infrared defensive systems to enhance targeting and survivability.
By Antenna Type
Digital AESA radars held the largest share in 2024 and are projected to grow the fastest, supported by AI-driven smart targeting, dynamic beam steering, and stealth compatibility. PESA radars continue to see strong demand due to cost-effectiveness and proven reliability. For instance, in 2024, India awarded USD 80 million in contracts for MiG-29 radar upgrades.
By Solution
Line-fit radars dominated in 2024, driven by integration into next-generation aircraft such as Boeing’s T-7A with Raytheon AESA radars. Retrofit solutions are expected to grow at the fastest rate, supported by fleet modernization programs. In November 2023, South Korea announced a USD 450 million F-15K radar retrofit project, highlighting the increasing demand for upgraded airborne radar capabilities.
Market Dynamics
Drivers
Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts in Ukraine, Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East are accelerating radar upgrades. Programs like NATO’s Allied Future Surveillance highlight radar modernization urgency.
Commercial Air Traffic Surge: Growing demand for collision-avoidance systems, weather radars, and airspace management is boosting commercial adoption.
Restraints
AESA Power Limitations in UAVs: High energy consumption reduces UAV endurance. For instance, AN/APY-8 integration cut MQ-1C endurance by 25%, raising cost and operational challenges.
Opportunities
Quantum Radar Development: Capable of detecting stealth aircraft and hypersonic threats, quantum radar is emerging as a game-changer. Programs by DARPA, Lockheed Martin, and Xanadu are expected to deliver deployable solutions by 2026.
Regional Insights
North America led the market in 2024 at USD 5.24 billion, fueled by the NGAD program, hypersonic missile defense, and UAV radar integration. The U.S. Air Force’s transition from AWACS to Boeing E-7A AEW&C platforms is a key driver.
Asia Pacific ranked second, supported by India, Japan, and Australia’s defense spending and initiatives such as Tejas MK-1A and KF-21 Boramae radar integration.
Europe will be the fastest-growing region, propelled by 6th-gen fighter programs (FCAS and Tempest) and Eurofighter Typhoon radar upgrades.
Middle East shows steady growth, driven by UAE and Saudi Arabia’s radar modernization and pipeline security UAV deployment.
Rest of the World will see notable adoption, particularly in Latin America and Africa for anti-trafficking surveillance, anti-poaching, and agricultural monitoring.
Competitive Landscape
The airborne radar market is moderately fragmented, with top players including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Thales, and Saab AB. Companies are focusing on AESA advancements, quantum radar R&D, and multi-mission ISR solutions.
Recent highlights:
In April 2025, Sweden entered into a contract with Thales valued at USD 93 million to acquire the Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact radar (GM200 MM/C). The initial deliveries are scheduled for 2026. This medium-range radar will enhance the Swedish Armed Forces’ air and surface surveillance capabilities, replacing the outdated PS-871 radar system.
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