Airborne Radar Market - By Component, By Dimension, By Technology, By Range, By Installation Type, By Frequency Band, By Application, By End Use and Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Airborne Radar Market Size

The global airborne radar market was valued at USD 17.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2025 to 2034.
 

Governments worldwide are prioritizing the modernization of military and defense aircraft to enhance operational capabilities and address emerging security threats. Significant investments are being made to upgrade aging fleets with advanced radar systems, sensors, avionics, and communication technologies. For instance, Thales has expanded its airborne radar portfolio, building on the proven master series, to enhance detection and surveillance for maritime, air, and land environments. Their advanced radars, including AirMaster C, I-Master, and SEARCHMASTER, incorporate technologies like AESA, CCD, and AI, and are used across various platforms such as aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. These upgrades aim to improve combat effectiveness, mission flexibility, and survivability in complex environments.
 

The integration of next-generation radar systems, including airborne radar, ensures enhanced detection, targeting, and tracking capabilities. As defense budgets increase and military requirements evolve, these investments are essential for maintaining technological superiority and ensuring readiness for a wide range of tactical and strategic missions.
 

The increasing need for effective Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities is driving demand for airborne radar systems. ISR missions are crucial for gathering real-time intelligence, monitoring enemy activities, and providing situational awareness in both military and civilian applications. For instance, In September 2024, Lockheed Martin is enhancing the U.S. Air Force's advanced radar threat system variant 3 (ARTS-V3) with X-band and C-band radar capabilities to improve aircrew training against advanced threats.
 

The inclusion of C-band technology is a key milestone for the program. Airborne radar, as a key ISR tool, enables long-range detection, tracking, and identification of targets, even in challenging weather or terrain conditions. This demand is particularly high in regions with ongoing conflicts or territorial disputes, where surveillance plays a critical role in ensuring national security. Additionally, ISR applications are expanding into border patrol, counterterrorism, and disaster management, further increasing the market for advanced radar technologies.
 

Airborne Radar Market Trends

The global market for airborne radar systems is experiencing rapid growth driven by the increasing need for enhanced security and defense capabilities. As military forces modernize their fleets, investments in cutting-edge radar technologies, such as AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) and AI-driven systems, are becoming pivotal. These advancements offer improved detection, tracking, and targeting, especially in complex, multi-domain environments.
 

Additionally, rising geopolitical tensions and the need for comprehensive surveillance capabilities are fueling demand for advanced airborne radar in both defense and civilian applications, including border security, search and rescue, and disaster response. For instance, Honeywell's RDR-84K radar combines advanced hardware and software for enhanced performance. Its phased-array design uses electronically-steered beams, reducing size, weight, power consumption, and complexity. The system is software-adaptable, allowing users to customize operations, adjust range, and focus on specific targets. It can also distinguish between different types of objects, offering flexibility and precision.
 

Commercial applications of airborne radar systems are also expanding, driven by the growing demand for precision monitoring and data collection. Civilian sectors, including aviation, weather forecasting, and environmental monitoring, are adopting radar technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency. The integration of radar with other sensor technologies such as LiDAR and infrared cameras is creating more versatile systems capable of performing a wide range of tasks.
 

For instance, Thales' I-Master is a compact, lightweight airborne radar that offers all-weather surveillance, pattern monitoring, change detection, and wide area coverage. It can accurately detect and locate moving and stationary targets at long ranges over both land and sea. This convergence of technologies is opening new avenues for radar manufacturers, prompting increased investment in research and development to meet the needs of diverse industries and regions.
 

Airborne Radar Market Analysis

The airborne radar industry faces constraints such as high development and maintenance costs, which limit accessibility for smaller defense industry participants. Technical challenges related to radar integration and operational complexity can also impede adoption. However, opportunities exist in increasing defense budgets, technological advancements in radar systems, and growing demand for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across various sectors. Regulatory frameworks are evolving globally, with governments emphasizing cybersecurity and safety standards for military and commercial applications. This creates an environment conducive to innovation while ensuring compliance with international defense and aviation regulations.

Based on installation type, the market is segmented into new installation, retrofit. In 2024, the new installation segment accounted for the largest market share with 64.1% share.
 

The new installation segment of the airborne radar market is driven by the modernization of military fleets and the increasing demand for advanced surveillance systems. Armed forces are prioritizing the integration of next-generation radar technologies, such as AESA and AI-enhanced systems, into new aircraft, UAVs, and helicopters. This trend is particularly prevalent in defense budgets globally, where investments are made to improve detection, targeting, and combat effectiveness for both tactical and strategic missions.
 

New installations are also expanding in the commercial sector, with airlines and aviation authorities adopting cutting-edge radar systems for enhanced safety and operational efficiency. These systems are integrated into new aircraft models to improve weather monitoring, navigation, and collision avoidance. Additionally, advancements in radar technology are enabling better performance in challenging conditions, leading to increased demand in the aviation industry, particularly for aircraft operating in remote or high-risk environments.
 

Based on end-use, the market is divided into commercial aircraft, military aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), business jets, urban air mobility (UAM). The urban air mobility (UAM) segment is the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period.
 

The urban air mobility (UAM) segment is rapidly growing, driven by advancements in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. UAM applications, including air taxis and cargo drones, are increasing the demand for airborne radar systems to ensure safe, efficient operations in urban environments. Radar plays a crucial role in collision avoidance, traffic management, and enhancing situational awareness in congested airspace.
 

As UAM networks develop, the need for reliable, compact radar systems to detect obstacles and monitor surrounding traffic is becoming essential. Airborne radar enhances safety by providing real-time data in all weather conditions, improving navigation, and helping to manage high-density urban air traffic. The segment's growth is fueled by both technological innovation and the push for sustainable, efficient transportation solutions in major cities.
 

North America is expected to reach over USD 14 billion by 2034. North America, particularly the U.S. is a key player in the airborne radar market, driven by significant investments in defense modernization and technological innovation. The U.S. military is upgrading its radar systems to enhance surveillance, targeting, and ISR capabilities. Civilian applications are expanding, with increasing adoption of radar in aviation for safety, weather monitoring, and UAM projects. The region’s focus on technological advancements, coupled with robust defense budgets, fuels market growth.
 

China is heavily investing in airborne radar technologies as part of its broader military modernization efforts. The country is focusing on advanced radar systems for long-range detection, targeting, and surveillance, particularly to counter emerging threats and improve its capabilities in both air and maritime domains. As tensions rise in the Asia-Pacific, China is also advancing radar systems for UAVs and stealth detection. Additionally, China is exploring radar applications for civil aviation and urban air mobility to support its growing tech-driven infrastructure.
 

Germany is enhancing its airborne radar systems as part of broader defense modernization initiatives, particularly within NATO. The country is focused on upgrading its radar technologies for air and missile defense, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), and maritime surveillance. Germany is also advancing radar systems for the commercial sector, especially in aviation and UAM, aiming to integrate cutting-edge technologies for weather monitoring, collision avoidance, and air traffic management. This investment is crucial for improving both defense readiness and urban infrastructure.
 

Japan is investing in state-of-the-art airborne radar systems to address growing security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region. Focused on enhancing its defense capabilities, Japan is improving its radar technologies for surveillance, targeting, and anti-stealth operations. Additionally, the country is expanding its radar systems for civilian uses, including weather monitoring, environmental surveillance, and disaster response. Japan’s commitment to technological innovation is seen in its radar integration for both defense and commercial applications, strengthening national security and infrastructure resilience.
 

South Korea is modernizing its airborne radar systems to enhance its military capabilities, focusing on advanced detection, targeting, and surveillance, especially in light of regional security challenges. The country is investing in radar systems for its air force, naval platforms, and UAVs to bolster defense readiness. Additionally, South Korea is exploring radar technologies for commercial applications, including aviation safety and urban air mobility, aiming to improve air traffic management, weather monitoring, and overall operational efficiency within its growing tech ecosystem.
 

Airborne Radar Market Share

Raytheon Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Leonardo SPA are key contributors to the airborne radar industry, each playing a significant role in advancing radar technologies for defense and civilian applications. Raytheon Technologies develops high-performance radar systems used in military operations, air traffic management, and UAM, focusing on enhancing detection, targeting, and surveillance capabilities. Lockheed Martin specializes in radar systems for advanced defense platforms, emphasizing ISR and threat detection. Leonardo SPA delivers cutting-edge radar solutions, integrating AI and advanced processing for defense, security, and aviation sectors, bolstering operational efficiency and situational awareness.
 

Airborne Radar Market Companies

Major players operating in the airborne radar industry are:

• Ainstein Radar Systems
• Airbus S.A.S.
• BAE Systems PLC
• Bharat Electronics Ltd.
• Elbit System, Inc.
• Garmin Limited
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Hensoldt AG
• Honeywell International Inc. 
• Indra Sistemas, SA
• Israel Aerospace Industries Inc.
• JSC Radar MMS
• L3Harris Technologies, Inc. 
• Leonardo SPA
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Metasensing
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Optimare Systems GmbH
• Raytheon Technologies.
• Saab AB
• SRC, INC.
• Telephonics Corporation
• Thales Group
• The Boeing Company
   

Airborne Radar Industry News

• In September 2024, the European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) was successfully tested on a UK Typhoon aircraft, marking a key milestone in its development. The radar, developed by Leonardo UK, was operated on the Typhoon at BAE Systems' facility in Lancashire. The ECRS Mk2 enhances the Typhoon's capabilities by combining traditional search and targeting functions with advanced electronic warfare, allowing it to neutralize enemy radar through jamming while staying beyond adversary threats.
   
• In November 2024, Raytheon’s advanced AESA radar was selected by Boeing to provide next-generation capabilities for the U.S. Air Force’s F-15E Strike Eagle. The contract includes radar development, production of test assets, and options for retrofitting 224 F-15E aircraft in the U.S. Air Force fleet, enhancing the aircraft’s capabilities with cutting-edge radar technology.
   

This airborne radar market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Component

• Antennas
• Transmitters
• Duplexers
• Receivers
• Power amplifiers
• Digital signal processors
• Graphic user interfaces
• Stabilization systems
• Others

Market, By Dimension

• 2D
• 3D
• 4D

Market, By Technology

• Software-Defined Radars (SDRs)
• Conventional radars
• Quantum radars

Market, By Range

• Very Short-range (<10km)
• Short-range (10km to 50km)
• Medium-range (50km to 200km)
• Long-range (200km to 500km)
• Very Long-range (Above 500km)

Market, By Installation Type

• New installation
• Retrofit

Market, By Frequency Band

• L-band
• S-band
• C-band
• X-band
• KU-band
• KA-band
• Multi-band

Market, By Application

• Air to ground
• Air to sea
• Air to air

Market, By End Use

• Commercial aircraft
• Military aircraft
• Helicopters
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• Business jets
• Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa