Military Communications Market Size, Share, Outlook, Forecast 2024–2032

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global military communications market 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 compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period. This significant growth is primarily driven by the rapid integration of wireless communication systems, secure satellite networks, and modern battlefield management tools across defense forces worldwide.

Fortune Business Insights highlights that the growing importance of real-time, secure, and multi-domain communication infrastructure is a key force behind this market expansion. In 2023, North America dominated the global military communications market, accounting for a market share of 31.49%, attributed to robust defense spending, advanced technological infrastructure, and the presence of major defense contractors.

Key Market Players

The market is highly consolidated, with key players focusing on R&D, strategic collaborations, and government defense contracts to expand their portfolio. Leading companies 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 adopting a mix of organic growth strategies (such as new product development) and inorganic strategies (including mergers and acquisitions) to strengthen their global footprint.

Source: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/military-communications-market-102696

Market Segmentation

• By Component:
  The market is segmented into Hardware and Software. Hardware dominates the segment due to the high demand for radios, antennas, and rugged communication systems in defense operations, while software is gaining traction for enabling encryption, network management, and signal processing.

• By Technology:
  Technologies include HF Communication, VHF/UHF/L-Band, Data Link, and SATCOM. SATCOM is emerging as the fastest-growing segment, driven by its ability to provide secure long-range communication. VHF/UHF systems are widely used in tactical field communication, while data links ensure real-time data exchange between platforms.

• By Platform:
  Based on platform, the market is categorized into Ground, Airborne, Naval, and Space. Ground-based communication holds the largest share due to widespread land force deployments, followed by airborne and naval systems. Space-based platforms are gaining prominence with increasing satellite communication programs.

• By Application:
  The key application areas are Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR), Command & Control, Situational Awareness, Routine Operations, and Others. ISR leads the segment as defense agencies prioritize data-driven decision-making, while command & control systems are essential for mission coordination.

Key Growth Drivers

According to the report, the increasing reliance on wireless and satellite-based communication technologies is transforming the defense sector. Armed forces are prioritizing interoperability, mobility, and encryption, with a strong shift from traditional wired systems to UHF, VHF/UHF/L-Band, and SATCOM platforms.

Key drivers include:

• Rising global defense spending and cross-border tensions prompting rapid modernization.

• Growing need for real-time intelligence sharing, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities, and situational awareness in active combat zones.

• Rising demand for command and control (C2) systems to support joint operations across ground, air, sea, and space.

• Integration of AI, software-defined radios (SDRs), and secure IP-based tactical networks.

However, the report also notes that high initial development and deployment costs, particularly for advanced SATCOM infrastructure, may pose a restraint on market growth—especially for lower-income defense markets.

Rising Trend: SATCOM Drives Strategic Transformation

One of the most prominent trends, as highlighted by Fortune Business Insights, is the growing use of SATCOM (Satellite Communication) technology to support encrypted, long-range, and real-time communications in remote or contested environments. SATCOM systems are increasingly being adopted to facilitate:

• Global military coordination

• Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations

• Secure naval fleet communications

• Cross-theater tactical coordination

Regional Analysis

North America: Market Leader

North America is expected to dominate the global market due to the presence of major defense contractors and communication technology providers such as:

• Raytheon Technologies

• Honeywell International

• Northrop Grumman

• L3Harris Technologies

• Collins Aerospace

The United States, in particular, is heavily investing in multi-domain operations (MDO), network-centric warfare, and space-based communications to maintain strategic superiority.

Europe: Strong Growth via Modernization

Europe is projected to hold the second-largest market share, driven by rising defense budgets in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. The presence of established players like Thales Group and Cobham PLC, who offer advanced naval and airborne communication solutions, further supports market growth.

Asia-Pacific: Fastest Growing Region

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing the fastest market growth, driven by increasing military expenditures and aircraft procurements in India, China, and South Korea. The region is focusing on network-enabled capabilities and expanding indigenous defense production to support long-term strategic autonomy.

Recent Developments

According to Fortune Business Insights, one of the most significant developments in the market occurred in March 2024, when the U.S. Space Force awarded Boeing a USD 439.6 million contract to manufacture the WGS-12 military communication satellite.

WGS-12 is the twelfth satellite in the Wideband Global SATCOM constellation, delivering critical high-capacity communication services to U.S. forces and allies. The satellite is designed to support high-throughput, resilient communication links, including anti-jam capabilities, across multiple domains.

Additionally, in January 2021, the Thales Group introduced the Javelin Combat Net Radio, enhancing tactical C2 (command and control) communications in digitally enabled military formations.

According to the report, countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and UAE are increasing their investments in military modernization, satellite communications, and border surveillance systems, presenting notable growth opportunities.