Military Communications Market Forecast, Size, Share and Insights, 2024–2032
- Rishika Chavan
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global military communications 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.
This substantial growth is fueled by the increasing adoption of secure wireless communications, satellite-based networks (SATCOM), and battlefield management systems, enabling real-time, multi-domain communication for defense forces worldwide. The rising need for situational awareness, secure data exchange, and mission-critical coordination continues to accelerate the demand for modern communication infrastructure.
Key Market Insights
North America dominated the market in 2023 with a 31.49% share, led by advanced infrastructure, high defense budgets, and the presence of top-tier defense contractors.
The U.S. military continues to invest heavily in satellite-based communications and secure tactical radio systems to enhance battlefield connectivity and coordination.
Technologies such as SATCOM, HF/VHF/UHF communications, and data links are driving strategic transformation, especially in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) and combat operations.
Key Market Players
The market is highly consolidated, with companies focusing on R&D, joint ventures, and defense contracts. Prominent players include:
ASELSAN AS (Turkey)
Cobham PLC (UK)
General Dynamics Corporation (USA)
Honeywell International Inc. (USA)
Iridium Communications Inc. (USA)
L3Harris Technologies Inc. (USA)
Lockheed Martin Corporation (USA)
Northrop Grumman Corporation (USA)
Raytheon Technologies Inc. (USA)
Rohde & Schwarz (Germany)
Thales Group (France)
Viasat Inc. (USA)
BAE Systems PLC (UK)
These firms are deploying both organic growth strategies (e.g., new product launches) and inorganic strategies (e.g., acquisitions and partnerships) to solidify their global footprint.
Information Source:
Market Segmentation
By Component:
The market is segmented into hardware and software. In 2023, the hardware segment dominated the global market and is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by the rising demand for advanced communication devices such as radios, SATCOM systems, transceivers, and antennas used across ISR missions, logistics operations, and combat scenarios. The software segment, while smaller, plays a crucial role by enabling secure protocols, encryption, and control systems that ensure the safe transmission of sensitive military information.
By Hardware:
Among hardware components, the antenna segment held the largest market share in 2023 and is projected to grow at the fastest rate. This is due to the increasing deployment of antennas across various military communication applications, including SATCOM, electronic warfare, surveillance, and navigation. Their ability to provide reliable connectivity in diverse conditions makes them vital to modern defense systems.
By Technology:
The SATCOM (Satellite Communication) segment emerged as the dominant technology in 2023. Its critical role in ISR and combat operations, along with the ability to provide secure, high-bandwidth, and long-range communication capabilities, contributes significantly to its market leadership. SATCOM ensures real-time situational awareness and data sharing in mission-critical defense operations across air, sea, and land platforms.
By Platform:
The ground-based platform segment led the military communications market in 2023. This leadership is attributed to the widespread use of ground communication technologies such as VHF/UHF and high-frequency systems that enhance threat detection and real-time coordination. Ground forces rely heavily on these systems for effective command and control, making them a key area of investment.
Key Growth Drivers
Increasing Defense Procurement of Advanced Communication Systems:
Governments across the globe are investing heavily in advanced military communication systems to ensure the secure and real-time transmission of classified information. This is crucial for minimizing risks during high-stakes operations and enhancing operational efficiency in hostile or unpredictable environments.
Adoption of Wireless Technologies:
The shift from traditional wired communication systems to modern wireless infrastructure is significantly transforming military operations. Wireless communication allows for greater mobility, flexibility, and ease of deployment, which is essential in dynamic combat scenarios where rapid response and adaptability are critical.
SATCOM Integration in Network-Centric Warfare:
Satellite communication (SATCOM) has become a cornerstone of network-centric warfare strategies. It provides seamless interoperability among various military units and platforms while improving situational awareness and mission coordination. The use of SATCOM ensures that forces remain connected across geographically dispersed areas, making it vital for modern defense operations.
Restraining Factors
High Development & Deployment Costs:
The development and deployment of military communication systems, especially satellite-based infrastructure, require substantial capital investment. For example, the cost of developing a single military communication satellite can reach up to USD 1 billion, excluding launch and operational expenses. These high costs can limit procurement and slow down modernization efforts in countries with constrained defense budgets.
Maintenance Challenges in Harsh Environments:
Military communication equipment is often deployed in extreme and unpredictable environments, including deserts, mountains, and combat zones. These conditions demand highly durable systems with minimal maintenance needs. However, ensuring consistent performance under such stress adds to the overall lifecycle costs, posing a challenge for sustained operations and long-term system reliability.
Regional Insights
North America (USD 10.43 Billion in 2023):North America accounted for the largest share of the military communications market in 2023, primarily led by the United States—the world’s top military spender. The region benefits from strong government defense funding, cutting-edge technological infrastructure, and the presence of major communication system manufacturers such as General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, RTX Corporation, and Honeywell International Inc.
Europe:Europe is anticipated to experience rapid growth during the forecast period due to rising geopolitical tensions and increased defense spending by key nations such as the UK, France, and Germany. The region also benefits from a strong industrial base with major players like Cobham Plc and Thales Group, supporting the development of advanced airborne and naval communication systems.
Asia Pacific:Asia Pacific holds the position as the second-largest market, driven by significant increases in defense budgets by countries such as China and India. The region is seeing widespread adoption of network-centric warfare strategies and major investments in military modernization. Persistent regional conflicts and cross-border tensions further fuel the demand for advanced military communication solutions.
Middle East & Africa:This region is projected to witness moderate growth, supported by increased defense procurement and modernization initiatives in countries like UAE, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Growing regional security threats have also encouraged investment in secure communication infrastructure.
Latin America:Latin America is expected to show gradual market growth, with rising defense budgets in Brazil, Mexico, and other nations. The adoption of modern communication technologies in response to growing national security needs is helping to drive demand in this region.
Recent Industry Developments
March 2024 – The U.S. Space Force awarded Boeing a USD 439.6 million contract to develop the WGS-12 military communications satellite, part of the Wideband Global SATCOM constellation.
June 2023 – The Indian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with ICOMM Tele for 1035 radio communication containers to meet the Indian Army’s need for mobile and secure communication units.
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