Global Radar Market Size By Type (Continuous Wave Radar, Frequency-modulated Continuous Wave Radar, Pulse Radar), By Band, By Range, By End-User Industry, By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Radar Market Size and Forecast

Radar Market size was valued at USD 21.65 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 74.38 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 18.4% from 2026 to 2032.

Radar, or "Radio Detection and Ranging," is a technology that uses electromagnetic waves to detect, locate, and track objects over long distances. It sends radio waves that reflect off things and return echoes with information about the object's distance, direction, and speed. This characteristic enables radar systems to operate well in various environments, including inclement weather, where optical systems may fail.

Radar has a wide range of applications, including military surveillance and targeting, air traffic control to monitor aircraft, marine navigation to avoid collisions, and weather forecasting to track storms.

Furthermore, radar is also used in automobile systems to avert collisions, in space exploration to track celestial bodies, and in geological studies to conduct ground-penetrating observations.

lobal Radar Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the radar market include:

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Demand for Radar Systems in Automotive Safety Applications: The development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and the increasing focus on vehicle safety are propelling the radar market. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 36,096 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2019. The European Union has mandated that all new cars be fitted with modern safety features, such as emergency braking systems, which frequently rely on radar technology, by 2022. This regulation is projected to considerably increase demand for automobile radar systems.

Rising Investments in Defense and Military Modernization: Governments worldwide are increasing their defense resources to improve military capabilities, such as radar systems. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military expenditure reached USD 1981 Billion in 2020, up 2.6% from 2019. The US, the top spender, committed USD 778 Billion to its military in 2020, a 4.4% increase over 2019. This development is increasing the demand for improved radar systems for monitoring, threat identification, and missile defense.

Growth in Air Traffic and Modernization of Air Traffic Management Systems: The increasing volume of air traffic necessitates more sophisticated radar systems in air traffic control. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), despite the impact of COVID-19, worldwide air passenger traffic is predicted to rebound and rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% between 2019 and 2039. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently implementing the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), which includes modernizing radar equipment to increase air traffic management efficiency and safety. Between 2007 and 2016, the FAA invested more than USD 7.5 Billion in NextGen programs, and it intends to continue doing so until 2030.

Key Challenges:

High Development and Maintenance Costs: The development and maintenance of modern radar systems are excessively expensive. This covers costs for research and development, as well as continuing operational expenses like calibration, upgrades, and repairs. Such financial penalties limit radar technology adoption, especially in smaller enterprises or developing nations where budget constraints prevent investment in sophisticated radar technologies.

Interference and Clutter Issues: Radar systems are susceptible to interference from a variety of sources, including weather and electronic gadgets. Clutter, or undesired echoes from non-target items such as rain, birds, or terrain, greatly impairs the system's capacity to distinguish between many targets. This difficulty needs advanced filtering techniques and complicates radar system design and deployment, reducing operational efficiency.

Key Trends:

Advancements in Radar Technology: The advancement of technology such as Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) systems, and Digital Beam Forming (DBF) is improving radar capabilities. MIMO improves signal quality and coverage by simultaneously transmitting uncorrelated signals, whereas DBF processes multiple beams without mechanical movement. These advancements result in increased resolution, longer tracking ranges, and better performance in a variety of applications, including military and civilian sectors.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: The introduction of AI and machine learning algorithms into radar systems has transformed data processing and target detection. These technologies allow radars to evaluate massive volumes of data in real-time, increasing detection accuracy and lowering false alarms. AI-powered cognitive radar systems can adapt to changing settings and dangers, making them more useful for defense, security, and self-driving vehicles.

Miniaturization and Cost Reduction: Radar system reduction in size is being driven by advances in semiconductor technology, including the use of Gallium Nitride (GaN) power amplifiers. This trend reduces the size and weight of radar equipment while also lowering production and maintenance expenses. Smaller, more efficient radar systems can be used in a broader range of applications, from car safety features to small drones, making radar technology more accessible to many industries.

Global Radar Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the radar market:

Asia Pacific:

According to Verified Market Research, the Asia Pacific region is estimated to dominate in radar market over the forecast period. Many Asia-Pacific countries are rapidly expanding their defense budgets, which is boosting demand for modern radar systems. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), military spending in Asia and Oceania was USD 528 Billion in 2020, up 2.5% from 2019. China, the region's largest spender, raised its military spending by 1.9% to USD 252 Billion in 2020. India, the region's second-largest spender, boosted its spending by 2.1%, reaching USD 72.9 Billion. This significant expenditure is accelerating the acquisition of sophisticated radar systems for a variety of military applications.

Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a tremendous increase in air travel, demanding sophisticated radar systems for air traffic control. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), regardless of the impact of COVID-19, the Asia-Pacific region is forecast to be the fastest-growing aviation sector, with passenger numbers projected to reach 3.1 billion by 2039, rising at a 4.8% annual pace. China alone intends to build 216 new airports by 2035 to meet this expansion, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This increase is creating a huge demand for radar equipment in the region's aviation industry.

North America:

North America is estimated to exhibit substantial growth within the market during the forecast period. North America, particularly the United States, is a big contributor to the global defense budget, which fuels demand for modern radars. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the United States remained the world's leading military spender in 2021, with an estimated USD 801 Billion set aside for defense. This was a 2.9% rise from 2020. The United States Department of Defense's fiscal year 2022 budget request proposed $2.3 billion for expenditures in radar and electronic warfare capabilities. This enormous investment is accelerating the research and procurement of cutting-edge radar technologies for a variety of military applications, thereby considerably contributing to regional market growth.

Furthermore, the North American automobile industry is quickly adopting radar technology for self-driving cars and advanced driver assistance systems. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 76 businesses reported automated vehicle testing on US public roads in 2021. The NHTSA also stated that 93% of new vehicles sold in the United States in 2020 included at least one advanced driver assistance technology. Many of these systems use radar technology. The increasing rise of automotive applications is a primary driver of the radar market in North America.

Global Radar Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Radar Market is segmented based on Type, Band, Range, End-User Industry, and Geography.

Radar Market, By Type

• Continuous Wave (CW) Radar
• Frequency-modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Radar
• Pulse Radar

Based on Type, the market is segmented into Continuous Wave (CW) Radar, Frequency-modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Radar, and Pulse Radar. The continuous wave (CW) radar segment is estimated to dominate the radar market due to its popularity in applications that need exact velocity measurements and constant monitoring, such as speed detection in law enforcement and motion sensors. CW radar systems are especially prized for their ability to give real-time data without the need for extensive signal processing, making them appropriate for a variety of industrial and defense applications requiring dependability and accuracy.

Radar Market, By Band

• X-Band
• S-Band
• HF-Band
• VHF-Band
• UHF-Band
• Others

Based on Band, the market is segmented into X-Band, S-Band, HF-Band, VHF-Band, UHF-Band, and Others. The X-band segment is estimated to dominate the radar market owing to its extensive applications in defense, aviation, and maritime activities. X-band radars, which operate at frequencies ranging from 8 to 12 GHz, are noted for their excellent resolution and precision, making them ideal for applications such as air traffic control, weather monitoring, and military surveillance. The growing demand for advanced surveillance systems, as well as the increased emphasis on national security, are important drivers driving the X-Band segment's market domination.

Radar Market, By Range

• Long Range
• Mid-Range
• Short Range

Based on Range, the market is segmented into Long Range, Mid-Range, and Short Range. The long-range segment is estimated to dominate the radar market. Long-range radars are essential for monitoring and tracking objects over long distances, making them useful in applications such as air traffic control, maritime surveillance, and early warning systems. Long-range radars are in high demand due to the necessity for extensive coverage as well as the capacity to identify and track targets across great distances, notably in defense and military applications.

Radar Market, By End-User Industry

• Aerospace and Defense
• Automotive
• Maritime
• Meteorology
• Mining
• Oil and Gas
• Industrial Automation
• Environmental Monitoring
• Healthcare
• Others

Based on the End-User, the market is divided into Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Maritime, Meteorology, Mining, Oil & Gas, Industrial Automation, Environmental Monitoring, Healthcare, and Others. The aerospace & defense segment is estimated to dominate the market over the forecast period due to the rising demand for improved radar systems for military purposes such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and air traffic control. Global geopolitical tensions and rising defense budgets have fueled advances in radar technology, which improves threat detection and situational awareness. As a result of its vital role in national security and defense operations, this segment is projected to maintain its market leadership position.

Radar Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the world

Based on Geography, the Radar Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the world. The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the radar market during the forecast period due to considerable investments in the defense and aerospace sectors, especially in nations such as China, India, and Japan, where radar technology is critical for military and surveillance purposes. Rapid development and rising demand for advanced radar systems in the automotive and maritime sectors strengthen the region's market leadership.

Key Players

• The "Radar Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Raytheon Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Thales Group, Leonardo S.p.A., Saab AB, Israel Aerospace Industries, Northrop Grumman Corp., BAE Systems plc, Airbus Defence and Space, and Hensoldt AG.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

• Radar Market Recent Developments

Radar Market Key Developments

• In May 2024, HENSOLDT UK was chosen by Navantia UK to deliver essential systems for three new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships in the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The new warships will have Quadome Naval 3D Air and Surface Surveillance Radar, Air Traffic Management (ATM), and Kelvin Hughes Integrated Navigation Bridge Systems (INBS).