PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1887073
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1887073
The global surface radar market is witnessing significant expansion driven by rising geopolitical tensions, increased defense budgets, and rapid advancements in radar technologies. According to the 2024 industry report, the global surface radar market size was valued at USD 17.66 billion in 2024. This value is expected to rise to USD 19.94 billion in 2025 and further reach USD 31.18 billion by 2032, reflecting a strong growth trajectory supported by modernization programs, evolving battlefield requirements, and the increasing threat of drones and missile systems. North America dominated the market in 2024, holding 35.9% of the global share, backed by major defense investments and the presence of industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman.
Market Insights and Growth Drivers
Surface radar systems play a crucial role in modern defense by detecting, tracking, and identifying aerial and ground threats. These systems are deployed for border surveillance, airspace monitoring, coastal security, and integrated air and missile defense missions. Growing national security concerns and the need for early-warning systems are major drivers for global procurement. The rise in global defense expenditure has further accelerated demand. The global defense budget surged to USD 2.46 trillion in 2024, up from USD 2.24 trillion in 2023, marking a 7.4% annual growth. Nations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are prioritizing radar procurement to strengthen situational awareness and counter increasingly complex threats such as hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft, and UAV swarms.
A key technological trend reshaping the market is the widespread adoption of Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technologies. These advancements enhance radar power output, range, target discrimination, and resilience against electronic warfare tactics. Systems like Raytheon's LTAMDS, Thales' GM400a, and Lockheed Martin's 3DELRR represent the next generation of high-performance radars.
Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The Russia-Ukraine war has dramatically increased global demand for advanced surface radar systems, particularly in Europe. Ukraine's procurement of systems such as the Thales Ground Master 200 and Blighter counter-UAS radars demonstrates the urgent need to address low-altitude drone and missile threats. European nations have accelerated modernization programs to reinforce their air defense networks and improve interoperability with NATO systems. The conflict emphasized the necessity for radars with 360° threat detection, jamming resistance, and rapid deployment capabilities-driving significant market growth throughout the forecast period.
Market Trends: Rise of GaN and AESA Technologies
GaN-based radar modules are quickly becoming the industry standard due to their superior thermal performance and higher power density. Defense companies such as Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are scaling production of GaN radars to meet rising global demand. AESA technology is equally transformative, enabling radars to track multiple targets simultaneously with electronic beam steering and enhanced reliability. These innovations support increased adoption of 4D and multi-mission radars, which deliver faster data processing and improved accuracy across land and naval platforms.
Regional Overview
North America leads the global surface radar market, reaching USD 6.34 billion in 2024, driven by aggressive investments in missile defense, border surveillance, and radar modernization for the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. Systems such as LTAMDS, AN/SPY-6, and AN/TPY-4 continue to expand across U.S. and allied fleets.
Europe is another pivotal region, driven by NATO initiatives, rising defense expenditure, and regional security challenges intensified by the Russia-Ukraine war. Significant programs, such as the U.K.'s USD 359.23 million radar support contract for the Royal Navy, highlight strong regional modernization activity.
Asia Pacific is growing rapidly due to rising territorial tensions and increasing defense budgets in China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The region is heavily investing in multi-mission radars for missile defense, border monitoring, and maritime security.
Emerging regions-including Latin America and the Middle East-are upgrading their air defense infrastructure, with countries such as Brazil and the UAE acquiring advanced systems like the GM200 MM/A for tactical surveillance.
Conclusion
With rising global security threats, technological advancements, and strong government investments in defense, the surface radar market is positioned for significant and sustained growth through 2032. The industry's shift toward GaN-based AESA radars, multi-mission platforms, and counter-UAV capabilities is expected to reshape defense networks worldwide.
Segmentation
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