PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1760144
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1760144
Inertial Reference Systems (IRS) are advanced navigation solutions that use gyroscopes, accelerometers, and electronic components to provide accurate data on an object's attitude, velocity, and position. These systems allow aircraft and other vehicles to track their movement through space independently, making them crucial in environments where GPS signals may be absent or unreliable.
The primary components of an inertial reference system include accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and others. Accelerometers are sensors that measure changes in velocity and direction by detecting acceleration forces. They help determine an object's movement, tilt, and vibration, which are vital for navigation, aircraft stability, and autonomous vehicles. These sensors detect shifts in position relative to a reference point, ensuring accurate motion tracking. IRS are integrated into various platforms, including aircraft, marine vessels, spacecraft, and land vehicles, and are applied in navigation, control, stabilization, and other uses. They cater to industries such as aerospace and defense, automotive, marine, and more.
The inertial reference system market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides inertial reference system market statistics, including the inertial reference system industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with a inertial reference system market share, detailed inertial reference system market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the inertial reference system industry. This inertial reference system market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The inertial reference system market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $11.61 billion in 2024 to $12.34 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the rising adoption of inertial navigation systems in defense applications, the demand for more precise and reliable navigation in aerospace, the expansion of satellite-based navigation systems, the integration of IRS in missile guidance systems, and the increasing need for accuracy in navigation and positioning.
The inertial reference system market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $15.85 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the rising demand for inertial reference systems (IRS) in autonomous vehicles, increased applications in commercial aviation for safety and efficiency, growing need for IRS in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the demand for IRS in GPS-denied environments, and the growing interest in space tourism. Major trends in the forecast period include the miniaturization of IRS for space and UAV applications, the integration of IRS with artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced navigation, the development of hybrid IRS solutions combining micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and fiber optic technologies, the growing demand for low-cost and high-performance IRS solutions in commercial sectors, and the increasing use of IRS in smart transportation.
The rising frequency of satellite launches is anticipated to drive the expansion of the inertial reference systems (IRS) market. These launches involve placing satellites into orbit for diverse functions, including communication, navigation, weather observation, and scientific exploration. This upward trend is fueled by the escalating demand for improved global connectivity, spurred by advancements in communication technology and the need for dependable satellite-based systems. Consequently, inertial reference systems have become essential in such missions, delivering accurate orientation and navigation information to maintain the correct path and positioning of spacecraft and rockets. For example, in January 2024, a report from the Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in the U.S., indicated that over 2,800 satellites were launched in 2023-an increase of 23% compared to 2022. Thus, the growing number of satellite launches is playing a key role in accelerating the inertial reference systems market.
Leading players in the inertial reference systems (IRS) market are increasingly investing in the development of autonomous system technologies to improve operational efficiency and minimize dependence on human input. Autonomous systems are machines or devices engineered to carry out tasks and make decisions independently, using sensors, control systems, and decision-making algorithms. For example, in April 2025, Thales Group, a France-based aerospace and defense firm, introduced a new inertial measurement unit (IMU) as part of its TopAxyz product line. This unit is designed to deliver robust navigation capabilities across multiple applications. The advanced IMU integrates ring laser gyro (RLG) and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer technologies, ensuring high precision and reliability in a compact, lightweight form. It is also tailored for large-scale production, offering similar navigation performance to the existing TopAxyz IMU, while using less power and requiring less space. This innovation meets the rising demand for autonomous systems by improving navigation accuracy and enhancing system durability in demanding operational environments.
In December 2024, Viavi Solutions Inc., a U.S.-based provider of network testing, monitoring, and assurance solutions, acquired Inertial Labs Inc. for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is intended to strengthen Viavi's presence in the inertial navigation and positioning systems market, enhancing its offerings across defense, aerospace, and industrial sectors. The move supports Viavi's broader strategy to deliver integrated solutions for clients requiring precise inertial navigation and measurement technologies. Inertial Labs Inc. is a US-based specializing in developing advanced inertial navigation and sensing technologies.
Major players in the inertial reference system market are Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., BAE Systems plc, Safran Group, Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Analog Devices Inc., Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Trimble Inc., Moog Inc., Viavi Solutions Inc., Groupe Gorge, KVH Industries Inc., MEMSIC Group, EMCORE Corporation, iMAR Navigation GmbH, VectorNav Technologies LLC, Gladiator Technologies Inc., and SKYbrary Aviation Safety.
North America was the largest region in the inertial reference system market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in inertial reference system report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the inertial reference system market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The inertial reference system market consists of sales of products such as standalone inertial navigation units, integrated global positioning system (GPS) and inertial navigation system (INS) systems, strapdown systems, attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS), and tactical-grade and navigation-grade inertial measurement units (IMUs). Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Inertial Reference System Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on inertial reference system market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for inertial reference system ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The inertial reference system market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
1) By Accelerometers; Mechanical Accelerometers; Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Accelerometers; Fiber Optic Accelerometers; Piezoelectric Accelerometers