The global airborne countermeasures market was valued at USD 20.34 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 22.74 billion in 2024 to USD 31.67 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period. North America led the market with a 35.05% share in 2023, driven by strong defense spending and rapid technological advancements.
Market Overview
Airborne countermeasures are advanced defense systems designed to detect, deceive, and neutralize threats from radar and missile systems, thereby enhancing the survivability of military and civilian aircraft. These systems are vital in modern warfare and perform the following key functions:
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Detection of infrared-guided and heat-seeking missiles.
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Deception of incoming threats via flares, jammers, and DIRCM systems.
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Neutralization of missile threats by disrupting or destroying their guidance mechanisms.
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Enhanced situational awareness through integrated warning systems.
The market is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by the integration of Electronic Warfare (EW) suites, Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM), Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM), and emerging sensor technologies like multi-band lasers and high-resolution imaging systems.
Key Players
Major companies driving the airborne countermeasures market include:
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Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)
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Raytheon Technologies Corporation (U.S.)
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Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)
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BAE Systems plc (U.K.)
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Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel)
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Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Ltd. (Israel)
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Thales Group (France)
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Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy)
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Saab AB (Sweden)
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Bird Aerosystems Ltd. (Israel)
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L3Harris Technologies Inc. (U.S.)
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ASELSAN A.Ş. (Turkey)
These players focus on R&D and product innovation, incorporating technologies such as AI, laser systems, and miniature EW devices to maintain competitive advantage.
Source: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/airborne-counter-measures-market-107233
Market Segmentation Overview
By Product
The Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) segment led the global airborne countermeasures market in 2023. This growth is attributed to rising military modernization initiatives, the growing threat of infrared-guided missiles, and innovations in countermeasure systems. DIRCM systems are increasingly benefiting from the integration of artificial intelligence, high-powered laser technologies, and miniaturization, making them more efficient and suitable for both legacy and new-generation aircraft fleets worldwide. Other key product segments include Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM), jammers, self-protection electronic warfare (EW) suites, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAWS), Laser Warning Receivers (LWR), Radar Warning Receivers (RWR), and Electronic Counter Countermeasure (ECCM) systems.
By Application
The jamming segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2023 and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The segment’s growth is fueled by rapid advancements in electronic warfare (EW) technologies, especially digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) jamming systems. These innovations are critical in countering advanced radar and missile threats. For instance, in October 2024, Raytheon secured a USD 192 million contract from the U.S. Navy to develop the Next-Generation Jammer Mid-Band Expansion (NGJ-MBX), which will be integrated into the EA-18G Growler to address evolving RF and microwave threats. Additionally, in November 2024, BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace entered into a partnership to co-develop next-generation jamming technologies for combat aircraft.
By Platform
The military aircraft segment is projected to exhibit the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the growing need to enhance aircraft survivability and integrate next-generation countermeasure systems across tactical and strategic platforms. Countries are increasingly equipping their fighter jets and surveillance aircraft with advanced EW systems to protect against emerging threats. In June 2023, Elbit Systems introduced the ECM-Nano SPEAR, a lightweight electronic countermeasure system equipped with digital receivers and RF memory, designed for seamless integration into existing military aircraft platforms.
Market Dynamics
Drivers
The airborne countermeasures market is witnessing significant growth due to rising investments in research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E), the procurement of next-generation airborne platforms, and sustained military modernization programs. With direct military conflicts and asymmetric warfare on the rise, nations are actively investing in countermeasure systems that can shield aircraft from radar-guided and infrared (IR) missile threats. Defense companies are responding by launching more compact, digital, and AI-enhanced systems tailored to modern battlefield needs. A notable example includes the June 2023 launch of the ECM-Nano SPEAR by Elbit Systems, showcasing the industry shift toward miniaturized and high-performance electronic warfare solutions.
Restraints
One of the major challenges facing the airborne countermeasures market is the rapid advancement of missile technologies, including the development of precision-guided munitions and hypersonic weapons. These evolving threats require highly advanced and adaptive countermeasure systems, putting immense pressure on defense contractors to innovate at an accelerated pace. For example, in January 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense increased its missile defense budget by 12%, signaling a heightened urgency to develop technologies capable of neutralizing these sophisticated threats.
Opportunities
There is significant growth potential in the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into airborne countermeasure systems. These technologies enable faster detection, classification, and response to threats, greatly improving operational efficiency and effectiveness. AI-driven systems reduce reliance on manual intervention, allowing for more autonomous and responsive threat neutralization. In April 2023, L3Harris Technologies launched an AI-based electronic warfare system tailored for military aircraft, capable of real-time threat assessment and automatic deployment of countermeasures, setting a benchmark for future innovations in the sector.
Regional Insights
North America
North America remained the largest regional market in 2023, supported by:
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High defense expenditure
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Leading defense contractors (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon)
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Extensive adoption of advanced countermeasure systems across fixed- and rotary-wing platforms
The U.S. military continues to invest in MANPADS protection, DIRCM systems, and next-generation jammers for frontline and support aircraft.
Recent Developments
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November 2024 – Elbit Systems Ltd. secured a five-year contract from Airbus Defense and Space to supply DIRCM and IR missile warning systems for Canada's MRTT A330 refueling aircraft.
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November 2024 – RTX Corp. (Raytheon) was awarded a USD 192 million contract by the U.S. Navy to expand its Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) capabilities under the new NGJ-MBX program.
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