Inertial Navigation System Market Size - By Component (Accelerometers, F Gyroscopes, Algorithms & Processors), By End User (Commercial & Government, Military & Defense), By Technology, By Platform & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Inertial Navigation System Market Size

Inertial Navigation System Market size was valued at USD 10.2 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 5% between 2024 and 2032. With the rise of electronic warfare capabilities including GPS jamming, there is a growing demand for reliable navigation solutions for such threats. The defense sector increasingly relies on autonomous systems for reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions, creating a growing need for highly accurate and reliable navigation solutions.
 

For instance, in June 2024, BAE Systems unveiled its NavStorm-M, a gun-hardened integrated anti-jamming and Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for artillery rounds, bombs, missiles, and unmanned systems. It consists of a next-generation Assured-Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) device with M-Code GPS technology that supports warfighters for successful mission completion.
 

There is a rising demand for compact, lightweight, and low-power inertial navigation systems, supported by the need for integration into smaller platforms such as drones, wearable devices, and portable electronics. Miniaturization ensures broader adoption across a range of applications including consumer electronics, healthcare, and industrial automation. Micro-electromechanical System (MEMS) technology continues to advance, with the striking development of high-performance inertial sensors with reduced size, cost, and power consumption. MEMS-based gyroscopes and accelerometers are increasingly used in navigation systems, offering improved performance, reliability, and affordability.
 

Achieving and maintaining high accuracy is essential for the effectiveness of an inertial navigation system. Their accuracy refers to how closely these navigation systems estimate the true position, velocity, and orientation of the platform they are installed on. Gyroscopes are prone to drift due to imperfections in the mechanical or optical components, as well as temperature variations and aging effects. Gyroscopic drift leads to errors in estimating orientation and results in position errors over time.
 

Inertial Navigation System Market Trends

The proliferation of autonomous vehicles including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), autonomous cars, and unmanned maritime vessels requires highly accurate and reliable navigation systems for various autonomous operations. GPS and GNSS-enabled INS systems play a vital role in autonomous vehicle navigation by providing accurate position, velocity, and orientation information, enabling safe and efficient autonomous navigation. GPS and GNSS-enabled INS systems are widely used in surveying, mapping, and geospatial applications, where accurate positioning and navigation are essential. These systems enable precise terrain mapping, infrastructure monitoring, land surveying, and geodetic measurements, supporting various industries such as construction, mining, agriculture, and urban planning.
 

For instance, in January 2023, Inertial Labs, a developer of GPS-Aided Inertial Navigation and Measurement Units, released an upgraded version of the INS-U GPS-aided navigation system, a revolutionary unit due to its extended version of differential pressure sensor and embedded air data computer, which allows to measure airspeed with up to 600 KNOTS to enhance high dynamic applications.
 

The global increase in air travel and the expansion of commercial and defense airline fleets necessitate advanced navigation systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and precision in aircraft operations. INS provides reliable navigation data, particularly in environments where GPS signals may be compromised, such as during takeoff, landing, and flight over polar regions. For instance, in January 2023, the U.S. Army completed the first flight of Honeywell’s Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (EGI) equipped with M-Code for the U.S. Army’s EAGLE-M program.
 

Inertial Navigation System Market Analysis

Based on component, the market is segmented into accelerometers, gyroscopes, and algorithms & processors. The gyroscopes segment is the fastest growing segment with a CAGR of over 7% between 2024 and 2032.
 

• Continuous improvements and development in gyroscope technology, particularly in MEMS and Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOGs), have relatively enhanced their performance, reliability, and miniaturization. These advancements make gyroscopes more suitable for a wide range of applications driving their usage in different sectors. The rise of autonomous vehicles and robotics relies heavily on precise navigation and orientation capabilities. Gyroscopes provide essential data for maintaining stability, controlling movements, and ensuring accurate navigation in autonomous cars, drones, and industrial robots.
   

Based on end user, the inertial navigation system market is segmented into commercial & government, and military & defense. The military & defense segment dominated the market and expected to reach over 9 billion by 2032.
 

• The military sector is continuously adopting autonomous systems such as UAVs, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). inertial navigation systems are critical for these autonomous platforms, providing reliable & precise navigation and control capabilities essential for their operation in GPS-denied environments. Moreover, the growing interest in space-based defense initiatives including satellite navigation, missile defense, and space situational awareness, drives the demand for these systems. Furthermore, ongoing development by various organizations is driving the market.
   

 Asia Pacific inertial navigation system market is estimated to reach USD 5 billion by 2032. Several countries in the region, such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea, are increasing their defense budgets. This increase is aimed at modernizing their military capabilities, which includes the adoption of advanced inertial navigation systems for aircraft, naval vessels, ground vehicles, and missiles.  
 

In Asia Pacific region, Japan's robust automotive industry is at the forefront of developing autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. INS technology provides critical data for navigation, stability, and control in these vehicles, enhancing their safety and reliability. The push towards smart and autonomous cars is a significant driver for INS adoption Asia Pacific countries are heavily investing in space exploration and satellite navigation systems. Various programs, such as China’s BeiDou, India’s NavIC, and Japan’s QZSS, are creating a robust infrastructure for GNSS, which, when integrated with inertial navigation systems, provides highly precise solutions.
 

The South Korean government and private sector are considerably investing in the development of autonomous vehicles and drones. INS is crucial for these applications to maintain accurate positioning, especially in areas where GPS signals may be weak or unavailable. This trend is driving demand for advanced INS solutions.
 

North America, particularly the United States, is a global leader in technology and innovation. The presence of major technology companies, research institutions, and with a strong focus on R&D facilitates continuous advancements in INS technologies, the region is witnessing growth in INS. The rapid urbanization and development of smart cities in the region create demand for advanced navigation and positioning technologies.
 

Inertial Navigation System Market Share

Honeywell International Inc. Solutions and Northrop Grumman Corporation together held over 20% market share of the inertial navigation system industry in 2023. Honeywell International Inc. is a diversified technology and manufacturing company with a strong presence in various industries including aerospace, building technologies, performance materials, and safety & productivity solutions. Honeywell is a key player in the inertial navigation system market, providing advanced navigation solutions for a variety of applications, particularly in the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors.
 

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. It offers advanced solutions for autonomous systems, cyber security, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), space, strike, and logistics & modernization.
 

Inertial Navigation System Market Companies

Major companies operating in the inertial navigation system industry are:

• Honeywell International Inc.
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Safran Electronics & Defense
• Thales Group
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• General Electric Company
• Collins Aerospace
   

Inertial Navigation System Industry News

• In March 2024, Exail, a leading provider of subsea navigation and positioning technologies, launched its latest product, the Phins 9 Compact. This new compact high-performance inertial navigation system is designed for all UUVs and offers a blend of navigation performance, reliability, and Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) efficiency.
   
• In May 2023, ANELLO Photonics announced the world’s smallest optical gyro-inertial navigation system, ANELLO GNSS INS. Its unique optical gyroscope technology and AI-based sensor fusion engine deliver robust, high-accuracy positioning and orientation for applications in agriculture, construction, trucking, and autonomous vehicles.
   

The inertial navigation system market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Platform

• Aircraft
  • Fixed wing
  • Rotatory wing
• Missiles
  • Ballistic
  • Cruise
• Space launch vehicle
• Marine
  • Merchant ships
  • Naval ships
• Military armored vehicles
• UAVs
• UGVs
• Unmanned marine vehicles

Market, By Component

• Accelerometers
• Gyroscopes
• Algorithms & processors

Market, By End User

• Commercial & Government
• Military & Defense

Market, By Technology

• Mechanical gyro
• Ring laser gyro
• Fiber optic gyro
• Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)
• Others

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

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