PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1887059
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1887059
The global airborne radar market continues to expand amid rising geopolitical tensions, rapid defense modernization, and growing commercial applications. According to the latest industry assessment, the market was valued at USD 13.66 billion in 2024, driven by strong demand for advanced radar systems across military aircraft, UAVs, helicopters, and emerging urban air mobility platforms. By 2025, the market is expected to reach USD 15.14 billion, supported by accelerated investments in AESA radar upgrades, AI/ML-integrated surveillance systems, and GaN-powered high-performance radar solutions. The global market is projected to achieve USD 30.36 billion by 2034, growing at a robust 8.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
In 2024, North America led the market with a 38.36% share, driven by large-scale U.S. defense spending, modernization programs for AWACS, upgrades across F-35/F-16/F-15 fleets, and adoption of AESA and GaN radar technologies. Strategic investments in border surveillance and air traffic management also contributed to regional dominance.
Market Drivers
Increasing conflicts across Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East are driving major countries to prioritize air defense upgrades. Initiatives such as NATO's Allied Future Surveillance and Control program and the European Sky Shield Initiative highlight global multi-billion-dollar investments in radar modernization. Platforms such as the U.S. F-35, India's Tejas Mk-1A, Europe's Eurofighter, and Japan's F-15Js rely heavily on advanced AESA and GaN-based radar systems.
Moreover, commercial air traffic growth-highlighted by the January 2025 Reagan National midair collision-has accelerated investments in air traffic control and weather radar systems. The FAA's modernization initiatives and IP-based network transition contribute to sustained market growth.
The rapid proliferation of UAVs for defense and civil applications is a major growth driver. AI-enabled systems used in UAVs for reconnaissance, border surveillance, and precision targeting are boosting demand for compact airborne radars. Countries including the U.S., China, India, and Iran are expanding drone deployments, necessitating advanced SAR, GMTI, and AI-driven sense-and-avoid radar systems. FAA's USD 18.5 billion Air Traffic Control Modernization Plan further supports airborne radar adoption in the drone ecosystem.
Market Restraints
Despite strong growth, the market faces technical and financial challenges. AESA radars are highly power-intensive, increasing retrofitting costs for legacy aircraft and reducing UAV endurance. Programs such as Global Hawk AESA upgrades were canceled due to rising integration costs. Emerging economies face budget constraints that limit adoption of high-end radar systems, while strict regulatory standards-such as FAA/EASA DO-365C certifications-cause timelines to extend by up to 18 months.
Market Opportunities
Quantum Radar Development
Quantum radar technology presents a major opportunity for future growth. With breakthroughs in quantum sensing, countries such as the U.S., China, and EU nations are investing heavily in quantum radar R&D to counter stealth aircraft and hypersonic threats. DARPA, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and CETC are among early leaders in this emerging field, with the potential to disrupt radar surveillance architectures by 2030.
Segmentation Highlights
By Platform
Military aircraft dominated the market in 2024 due to fleet upgrades and 6th-generation fighter programs.
UAVs are expected to grow fastest due to radar miniaturization and rising demand for AI-enabled drones.
By Application
The commercial and civil segment led in 2024, driven by air traffic control modernization, weather monitoring, wildfire mapping, and infrastructure development.
Defense and border security will grow fastest amid rising UAV threats, hypersonic detection needs, and cross-border tensions.
By Range
Medium-range radars held the largest 2024 share due to demand for coastal monitoring, SAR operations, and aviation safety.
Very-long-range radars will grow fastest, supported by stealth tracking, ICBM monitoring, and quantum radar innovations.
North America (2024 Market Size: USD 5.24 Billion)
The region remains dominant due to U.S. defense modernization, radar-equipped drones for border security, and upgrades in AWACS and NGAD platforms.
Asia Pacific
The second-largest market, supported by rising defense budgets in India, Japan, China, and South Korea. Radar-equipped UAVs and 5th-gen fighter programs fuel growth.
Europe
Expected to grow fastest with major 6th-generation fighter programs-FCAS and Tempest-driving AESA and GaN radar adoption.
Conclusion
With the market rising from USD 13.66 billion in 2024 to USD 30.36 billion by 2034, the airborne radar sector is poised for sustained expansion. Defense modernization, UAV proliferation, AI/ML integration, and quantum radar development will shape the global growth trajectory through the next decade.
Segmentation
By Platform
By Application
By Range
By Frequency Band
By Antenna Type
By Solution
By Region