PUBLISHER: Market Research Future | PRODUCT CODE: 1801276
PUBLISHER: Market Research Future | PRODUCT CODE: 1801276
Global Targeting PODs market Research Report by Type (FLIR & Laser Designator, Laser Spot Tracker), by Component [FLIR Sensor, Charge Coupled Device (CCD) Camera, Environmental Control Unit (ECU), Moving Map System (MMS), Video Datalink, High Definition (HD) TV, Others], by Platform (Combat Aircraft, Helicopters, UAV), by Fit (OEM Fit, Upgrade), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America) Forecast till 2027
Industry Overview
The global targeting PODs market is expected to attain a value of USD 5,259.4 million, growing steadily at a 5.78% CAGR by the end of 2027. Targeting PODs are specialized external pods integrated into combat aircraft to support precision strike missions by providing real-time target detection, tracking, and laser designation. These systems combine advanced imaging technologies such as infrared and electro-optical sensors to enable operations in both day and night conditions. Their deployment significantly enhances situational awareness and ensures more accurate engagement of enemy assets.
The growth of the global targeting PODs market is strongly supported by increasing defense expenditure across major economies. Despite the pandemic situation that caused the GDP to contract in 2020, the worldwide military spending saw an increase and reached USD 1,981 billion. This fact clearly demonstrates the priority of national security. The US, China, India, and other top spenders did not only focus on modernization of equipment, but also aircraft upgrades and advanced targeting systems, thereby ensuring consistent demand for precision strike technologies like targeting pods over the forecast period.
Major Company Development
Thales Group continues to enhance its defense portfolio with notable advancements in targeting pod technology. In October 2020, the company launched new ideas for future targeting pods for Rafale, where pilot support was one of the main goals by providing permanent vision, a better recognition system, and intuitive situational awareness solutions. Getting along with this, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) gave its green light in November 2018 to resource the TALIOS pod for the Rafale F3-R, enabling integration. These milestones clearly indicate that Thales' continuous focus on ground-breaking technology and its great importance in helping the operational potential of today's air forces.
Major players in the global targeting PODs market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Aselsan A.S., Thales Group, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Ultra, Israel Aerospace Industries, Moog Inc., Teledyne FLIR LLC, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
Report Attribute Details
Market Size 2020 USD 3,886.2 Million
Market Size 2027 USD 5,259.4 Million
CAGR (2021-2027) 5.78%
Base Year 2020
Market Forecast Period 2021-2027
Historical Data 2018-2020
Industry Segmentations
By Type: FLIR & Laser Designator - 5.70%, Laser Spot Tracker - 5.97%.
By Component: FLIR Sensor - 5.60%, Charge Coupled Device (CCD) Camera - 6.05%.
By Platform: Combat Aircraft - 5.68%, Helicopters - 5.86%.
By Fit: OEM Fit - 5.71%, Upgrade - 5.90%.
North America still is the biggest market for targeting pods, and the United States is the main source of demand there, with large-scale modernization programs and defense procurement being the main drivers of demand. The North American targeting pods market in 2020 was largely dominated by the U.S. at USD 705.0 million, while Canada added USD 130.6 million to the regional total.
Asia-Pacific is becoming a fast-expanding market figure as terrorism, regional conflicts, and anti-government protests are affecting the region. The crisis in Afghanistan and the unrest in countries such as Pakistan and North Korea have escalated the need for constant monitoring. In Asia-Pacific, China led with USD 320.3 million, followed by Japan at USD 246.0 million and India at USD 212.7 million, marking the region's rising defense investments.
Europe accounts for a substantial market share, with the demand increasing due to the rise of separatist movements and security missions. Operations under the EU leadership, like Atalanta and Althea, are an example of the dependence on the most advanced targeting solutions for non-combat and peacekeeping missions. Europe's market strength came from the UK (USD 242.0 million), Germany (USD 229.9 million), and France (USD 214.2 million), reflecting balanced regional demand.
Targeting pod adoption in the Middle East & Africa is strongly linked to regional instability, terrorism, and geopolitical conflicts. State and non-state actors, including extremist groups, have created persistent threats requiring aerial reconnaissance. Rising violence and protests are expected to sustain the region's high demand during the forecast period.
Latin America presents a growing opportunity for targeting pod suppliers, particularly in countering riots, political protests, and drug cartel activities. Countries like Brazil and Mexico require surveillance pods to strengthen cross-border monitoring and law enforcement efforts.