Military Communication Market Size, Share, Trends and Outlook, 2024–2032
- Rishika Chavan
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global military communication market size was valued at USD 33.12 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 34.74 billion in 2024 to USD 60.40 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period.
The market growth is driven by rising defense investments in secure, real-time, and multi-domain communication systems, the increasing adoption of SATCOM (Satellite Communication), and the integration of wireless tactical networks to enhance battlefield situational awareness.
North America Leads with 31.49% Market Share
North America dominated the market in 2023, accounting for 31.49% of the global share, owing to its robust defense budgets, advanced technological infrastructure, and the presence of major defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris Technologies. The U.S. military continues to prioritize SATCOM-based systems, secure tactical radios, and encrypted communication protocols to ensure seamless coordination between commanders, forces, and allied partners.
Key Growth Drivers
1. Increasing Defense Procurement of Advanced Communication SystemsGlobal governments are ramping up spending on advanced communication infrastructure to ensure the secure transmission of classified information in high-risk operations. These systems improve decision-making speed, reduce operational risks, and support rapid deployment in combat environments.
2. Rapid Adoption of Wireless TechnologiesThe shift from wired to wireless communication systems allows greater mobility and operational flexibility. Wireless infrastructure is critical for quick deployment and uninterrupted connectivity during dynamic battlefield operations.
3. SATCOM Integration for Network-Centric WarfareSATCOM enables real-time situational awareness and interoperability among different military branches, even across geographically dispersed zones. This technology plays a crucial role in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), naval communications, and long-range operations.
Information Source:
Restraining Factors
High Development and Deployment Costs: Military-grade communication satellites can cost up to USD 1 billion to develop and launch.
Maintenance in Harsh Environments: Equipment must endure extreme weather and combat conditions, increasing lifecycle and maintenance expenses.
Market Trends
Rising Demand for Next-Generation Military SATCOM SystemsNaval, air, and ground forces are emphasizing network-centric warfare, where SATCOM forms the backbone for linking sensors, weapons, and command platforms.
Connected Soldier Systems are gaining traction, enabling real-time data sharing, location tracking, and mission coordination.
Market Segmentation Overview
By Component:The hardware segment—comprising radios, SATCOM systems, antennas, and transceivers—held the dominant share of the market in 2023, driven by rising demand for robust and secure communication infrastructure. The software segment, which includes encryption tools, communication protocols, and control systems, is also witnessing steady growth due to increasing emphasis on cybersecurity and system integration.
By Technology:SATCOM emerged as the largest technology segment, primarily fueled by the growing need for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and high-bandwidth communication. Other significant technologies include HF/VHF/UHF communications, which remain vital for long-range and mission-critical operations, and data links, which enable real-time data exchange between platforms.
By Platform:In 2023, ground-based systems accounted for the largest market share, supported by ongoing modernization programs and infrastructure upgrades. Airborne systems are expected to witness robust growth due to expanding use in military and commercial aviation, while naval systems are gaining momentum with increased adoption in maritime security and defense operations.
Regional Insights
North America – USD 10.43 billion in 2023; fueled by U.S. defense R&D and modernization programs.
Europe – Rapid growth due to rising defense spending in the UK, France, and Germany.
Asia Pacific – Second-largest market; driven by China and India’s military modernization initiatives.
Middle East & Africa – Moderate growth from defense procurement and modernization in the UAE, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
Latin America – Gradual adoption of secure military communication technologies in Brazil and Mexico.
Competitive Landscape
The market is highly consolidated, with leading players focusing on defense contracts, partnerships, and technological innovation.
Major Players Include:
ASELSAN AS
Cobham PLC
General Dynamics Corporation
Honeywell International Inc.
Iridium Communications Inc.
L3Harris Technologies Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Raytheon Technologies Inc.
Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co KG
Thales Group
Viasat Inc.
BAE Systems PLC
Recent Industry Developments
In March 2024, the U.S. Space Force awarded Boeing a USD 439.6 million contract to develop the WGS-12 military communications satellite. Announced by the Ministry of Defense on March 1, the WGS-12 will be the twelfth addition to the Wideband Global SATCOM geostationary constellation, delivering advanced communications capabilities to the U.S. and allied forces.
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