According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global airborne radar market size was valued at USD 13.66 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 15.14 billion in 2025 to USD 30.36 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period. North America dominated the market in 2024 with a share of 38.36%, driven by robust investment in next-generation air dominance and radar modernization programs.
Airborne Radar Market Overview
The global airborne radar market is undergoing robust expansion, propelled by rising geopolitical tensions and large-scale defense modernization programs. The increasing focus on air superiority, integration of advanced ISR capabilities, and development of sixth-generation combat aircraft is significantly boosting demand for sophisticated airborne radar systems. These radars are critical in a wide range of platforms including fighter jets, bombers, AWACS, UCAVs, helicopters, and maritime patrol aircraft.
Key Companies Profiled
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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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Thales Group (France)
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Saab AB (Sweden)
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Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy)
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Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (Israel)
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Indra Sistemas S.A. (Spain)
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Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)
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Hensoldt AG (Germany)
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BAE Systems plc (U.K.)
Source:
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/airborne-radar-market-113126
Market Segmentation
By Platform
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Military Aircraft (Dominated in 2024):
Driven by increasing geopolitical tensions and modernization programs, the military aircraft segment led the market. Technological advancements, long-term procurement contracts, and retrofitting of legacy fleets further contributed to growth. -
Others: Helicopters, UAVs, Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Aerostats
By Application
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Commercial and Civil (Dominated in 2024):
Radar modernization, weather/environmental monitoring, and infrastructure planning fueled growth. Increasing use of airborne radar for disaster management and civilian aviation compliance contributed significantly. -
Defense and Border Security
By Range
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Very Long Range (>500 km) (Fastest Growing):
Demand driven by ICBM tracking, stealth detection (e.g., quantum radar), and orbital coordination. DARPA’s quantum radar trials in October 2023 reinforced interest in this segment. -
Other Ranges:
Very Short (<10 km), Short (10–50 km), Medium (50–200 km), Long (200–500 km)
By Frequency Band
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K/Ka/Ku Band (Highest CAGR):
Growth supported by applications in missile guidance, SATCOM, and hyperspectral analysis. In August 2023, USAF's Ku-band radar upgrade for the F-22 enhanced its survivability and lethality. -
Other Bands:
HF/VHF/UHF, L/S/C/X Band
By Antenna Type
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Digital AESA (Dominated and Fastest Growing):
AI-integrated targeting, dynamic beam steering, stealth capability, and multi-functionality are driving adoption. For instance, Northrop Grumman secured a USD 300 million contract in May 2024 to retrofit F-16s with SABR AESA radars. -
Other Types: PESA, Hybrid AESA, AESA Tile, Mechanical
By Solution
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Line Fit (Dominated in 2024):
Driven by demand for seamless platform integration and next-generation aircraft radar solutions. In March 2024, Boeing’s T-7A training aircraft was integrated with Raytheon’s AESA radar system. -
Retro Fit
Market Dynamics
Drivers
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Rising Geopolitical Tensions:
Conflicts in Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East are fueling defense radar upgrades. Initiatives like NATO’s Allied Future Surveillance and Control and the European Sky Shield highlight the urgency of modern radar integration. -
Commercial Air Traffic Surge:
Increased demand for safety, surveillance, and weather monitoring systems is driving commercial and civil radar investments.
Restraints
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Power Limitations of AESA in UAVs:
High power demands reduce UAV endurance and complicate cooling. For example, integration of AN/APY-8 Lynx radar reduced MQ-1C’s endurance by 25%. Retrofits on legacy platforms add significant cost and weight, as seen in the USD 200 million cost overrun for Predator B upgrades in 2024.
Opportunities
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Quantum Radar Development:
Quantum radar's capability to detect stealth and hypersonic threats is revolutionary. DARPA and China's Wukong Radar have demonstrated early success. Lockheed Martin and Xanadu aim for deployable solutions by 2026 under NATO’s Quantum Sensing initiatives.
Regional Insights
North America (Largest Market in 2024):
Driven by programs like NGAD, F-35/F/A-18 radar upgrades, SAR-equipped MQ-9B drones, and Skyborg autonomy program. FAA regulations also demand radar-based collision avoidance.
Asia Pacific (Second Largest & High CAGR):
India, Japan, and Australia increasing investments in airborne ISR and combat radar. Projects include Tejas MK-1A, KF-21, Philippines' ISR drones, and Australia’s environmental monitoring radars.
Europe (Fastest Growing):
Fueled by FCAS and Tempest 6th-gen fighter projects, ISR radars for EU MALE RPAS, and border surveillance. Eurofighter upgrades and wildfire monitoring across Southern Europe are key initiatives.
Middle East:
Saudi Arabia and UAE are upgrading F-15s, Rafales, and TB2 drones. Indigenous radar solutions by Edge Group and SAMI aim for regional self-reliance.
Rest of the World:
Africa and Latin America use radar-equipped UAVs for poaching control, narcotics surveillance, and crop monitoring. Brazil’s Embraer and South Africa’s Denel are developing localized radar systems.
Competitive Landscape
The airborne radar market is moderately fragmented with both global and regional players. The top five companies—Lockheed Martin, RTX (Raytheon), Thales, Northrop Grumman, and Saab AB—are focusing on integration of Advanced AESA, GaN-based systems, and quantum radar technologies to maintain competitive dominance.
Key focus areas include:
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NGAD radar development (Lockheed Martin)
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RBE2-AA radar for Rafale (Thales)
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Quantum radar R&D (Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin)
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Advanced Early Warning Systems like Erieye ER (Saab AB)
Recent Industry Developments
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April 2025:
Thales signed a USD 93 million contract with Sweden to deliver GM200 MM/C radars by 2026, replacing obsolete PS-871 systems. -
January 2025:
The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a USD 118.4 million contract to develop radar systems capable of tracking enemy aircraft, UAVs, and missiles under strategic modernization initiatives.
