Search and Rescue (SAR) Equipment Market Size - By Equipment, Platform, Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Search and Rescue Equipment Market Size

The global search and rescue equipment market was valued at USD 128.6 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2034. Real-time communication technologies are enhancing search and rescue equipment operations through improved coordination and response times. Satellite communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) integration, and data-sharing platforms enable direct communication between rescue teams, aircraft, vessels, and command centers.
 

This connectivity provides essential situational awareness during operations in challenging environments. GPS tracking systems, live video streams, and immediate data transmission from SAR drones and wearable devices help teams locate and assist people in distress. Real-time information flow supports rapid decision-making, reduces response times, and improves operational success rates. The increasing demand for efficient rescue operations has made real-time communication systems fundamental to SAR equipment development.
 

As natural disasters grow more frequent and intense, the global demand for Search and Rescue (SAR) equipment is witnessing a notable uptick. Climate change and environmental degradation have heightened the prevalence of hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. Such calamities often leave communities urgently seeking rescue and relief, underscoring the need for advanced SAR equipment to ensure timely and efficient responses.
 

In response, governments, humanitarian organizations, and defense forces are heavily investing in technologies like drones, advanced communication systems, and thermal imaging devices, bolstering their disaster management capabilities. This heightened focus on preparedness and swift action is driving the SAR equipment market, as nations increasingly prioritize the protection of lives and assets in the face of mounting environmental challenges.
 

Search and Rescue Equipment Market Trends

The market is experiencing significant technological advancement. Autonomous systems, including AI-powered drones and unmanned ground vehicles, are being integrated into SAR operations for reconnaissance and supply delivery in hard-to-reach areas. Wearable technologies with sensors and biometric monitoring capabilities help rescuers track their health status while improving situational awareness. The market also sees increased adoption of augmented reality (AR) for team training and real-time operational decision-making. The implementation of renewable energy solutions, including solar-powered drones and portable chargers, improves mission sustainability by reducing dependence on conventional fuel sources. These technological improvements enhance overall operational efficiency and effectiveness.
 

While military and coast guard operations remain primary users of SAR equipment, the market is expanding into non-military sectors. Disaster management organizations, humanitarian relief agencies, and environmental monitoring groups are implementing SAR technologies. Environmental agencies use SAR drones for wildlife tracking during crises and locating missing individuals in remote areas. The offshore oil and gas industry incorporates SAR systems to enhance worker safety. Municipal governments are investing in SAR equipment for urban rescue operations during building collapses, fires, and floods, responding to increased urbanization and climate-related risks. This broadening application scope beyond traditional defense and coast guard operations contributes to market growth and expands the global customer base.
 

The search and rescue equipment market faces constraints due to high equipment costs, which limit access for smaller organizations and emerging economies. The market presents growth opportunities through artificial intelligence, drone technology, and real-time communication systems that enhance rescue operations in challenging environments. Established regulatory frameworks, including mandatory safety standards and equipment certifications, ensure operational reliability. Government emphasis on compliance with international rescue protocols continues to drive market innovation and equipment adoption.
 

Search and Rescue Equipment Market Analysis

Based on equipment, the market is segmented into rescue equipment, search equipment, communication equipment, medical equipment, and others. In 2024, the rescue equipment segment accounted for the largest market share with 47.7% share.
 

Rescue equipment plays a vital role in search and rescue operations, with increasing demand for advanced tools that improve operational efficiency and safety. The market encompasses essential items such as stretchers, life rafts, rescue baskets, and harnesses, which are fundamental for victim extraction from dangerous situations. Recent developments in lightweight materials, ergonomic designs, and durability have enhanced the effectiveness of these rescue devices. The adoption of modular systems enables customization based on specific environments and rescue scenarios, providing versatility across mountain, flood, and maritime rescue operations.
 

The integration of technology has significantly improved rescue equipment capabilities. GPS systems, communication devices, and thermal imaging technologies enable more precise victim location and real-time operation management. The emergence of automated solutions, including remotely operated systems, has expanded operational capabilities in hazardous environments where human access is restricted. These technological improvements have reduced response times and broadened the scope of rescue operations worldwide.
 

Based on application, the search and rescue equipment market is divided into combat SAR, urban SAR. In 2024, the combat SAR segment is the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period.
 

Combat search and rescue operations are essential for military forces, focusing on the rapid recovery of personnel from hostile environments. This military segment requires specialized equipment and immediate deployment capabilities. Military organizations invest in advanced technologies, including tactical drones, armored rescue vehicles, and specialized SAR teams to extract injured personnel and downed pilots from high-risk zones. These operations prioritize minimizing casualties and ensuring personnel safety in combat areas.
 

Combat SAR operations incorporate real-time communication systems and GPS tracking to improve coordination between ground and aerial units. The integration of advanced medical equipment enables immediate care during evacuation procedures. Military forces worldwide continue to develop their combat SAR capabilities, focusing on improving operational speed, safety, and precision in hostile environments.
 

North America search and rescue equipment market is expected to reach over USD 65 billion by 2034. North America's demand for search and rescue equipment is increasing due to the rising frequency of natural disasters and heightened safety requirements. The United States is investing in advanced technologies, including drones and thermal imaging systems, to enhance disaster response capabilities and rescue operations. Federal agencies, including FEMA and the Coast Guard, are implementing SAR technologies to respond to hurricanes, wildfires, and other emergencies. Partnerships between government agencies and private companies support technological development, ensuring rescue teams have access to modern equipment.
 

China is investing heavily in SAR equipment to address frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. The country is improving its capabilities through AI-enabled drones, robotics, and advanced communication systems to enhance rescue operations. State-run agencies work with private tech firms to develop SAR technology. China's maritime safety initiatives have led to the deployment of SAR vessels and aerial systems in coastal areas, ensuring emergency preparedness across its geographical and maritime zones.
 

Germany prioritizes innovation in SAR equipment, with a focus on disaster response and urban rescue solutions. The country invests in robotics, thermal imaging systems, and communication technologies to improve operations during floods and other emergencies. Public-private partnerships support research and development, particularly in drone technology and AI-based rescue systems. Germany maintains robust infrastructure for emergency management and training programs to ensure effective use of SAR technologies in protecting communities during crises.
 

Japan's SAR equipment development responds to the country's vulnerability to earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. The government integrates AI-powered drones, robotics, and advanced imaging technologies to strengthen disaster response capabilities. Japan invests in real-time communication systems to improve emergency coordination. Partnerships between government agencies, research institutions, and technology companies drive the development of SAR solutions, preparing the country for large-scale natural disasters.
 

South Korea enhances its SAR capabilities by implementing AI-driven drones, thermal sensors, and communication systems. The country invests significantly in SAR vessels and aerial systems for urban and maritime rescue operations. Government agencies, universities, and private tech companies collaborate to advance SAR equipment innovation. South Korea emphasizes training programs to increase rescue teams' operational efficiency, improving emergency and disaster response outcomes.
 

SAR Equipment Market Share

Leonardo S.P.A., Thales Group, and Elbit Systems Ltd. develop search and rescue (SAR) equipment for critical rescue operations. Leonardo specializes in integrated helicopter systems and avionics to improve operational efficiency. Thales develops communication systems and MEOSAR solutions to enhance real-time connectivity and global SAR network integration. Elbit Systems provides unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), thermal imaging, and command-and-control systems for rescue missions in challenging environments. These companies conduct research and form partnerships to create reliable solutions for various search and rescue applications.
 

Search and Rescue Equipment Market Companies

Major players operating in the search and rescue equipment industry are:

• Acr Electronics, Inc
• Aeromarine Srt
• Cubic Corporation
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Garmin Ltd.
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Leonardo S.P.A.
• Raytheon Company
• Rockwell Collins, Inc.
• Thales Group
   

Search and Rescue Equipment Industry News

• In March 2023, Thales  in collaboration with VIETTEL and MKE, was selected by VINAMARINE to provide Vietnam with a MEOLUT Next ground station. This station will be integrated into the COSPAS-SARSAT global MEOSAR search-and-rescue network, enhancing the country's SAR capabilities.
   
• In March 2023, Elbit Systems showcased a wide range of advanced defense solutions at DSEI Japan, including unmanned systems like the Hermes 900 UAV, ROOK robotic vehicle, and Seagull naval platform. They also presented E-LynX radios for secure, adaptive communication, advanced data link systems, and versatile Search and Rescue (SAR) solutions designed for diverse mission requirements.
   

This search and rescue equipment market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) volume (units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Equipment

• Rescue Equipment
• Search Equipment
  • Radar
  • Sonar
  • Cameras
  • Beacons
• Communication Equipment
  • Telecommunications Equipment
  • Portable Radios
  • Transponders
  • Repeaters
• Medical Equipment
• Others

Market, By Platform

• Airborne
  • Fixed Wing
  • Rotary Wing
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVS)
• Marine
  • Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVS)
  • Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVS)
  • Amphibious Crafts
  • Life Rafts
  • Special Boat Unit (SBU) Crafts
• Ground-based
  • Ambulances
  • Fire & Rescue Vehicles
  • Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVS)

Market, By Applications

• Combat SAR
• Urban SAR

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