Aerospace and Defense Radar Market Analysis | 2026-2032

Market Size & Opportunities

Global Demand Analysis & Sales Opportunities in Aerospace and Defense Radar Market 

• The annual demand for aerospace and defense radar was USD 14.5 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 15.5 billion in 2026, up 7.5% than the value in 2025. 

• During the forecast period (2026-2032), the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4%. The annual demand will reach USD 22.6 billion in 2032, which is almost 4.4 times the demand in 2026. 

• North America accounted for the largest share of the aerospace and defense radar market in 2025, representing the highest regional market.

• Ground-based radar is expected to remain the dominant platform type during the forecast period.

• Among the technology types, pulsed radar is expected to maintain its leading position, while X-band radar is projected to remain the dominant and fastest-growing band type.

• By application type, military is expected to remain dominant, supported by continued investments in air defense, surveillance, and military modernization.

“According to the Senior Analyst at Stratview Research, the global aerospace and defense radar market will generate a cumulative sales opportunity worth USD 133.4 billion during 2026–2032. During the next five years, ground-based radar, military applications, and North America are some of the high-opportunity segments to bank upon.”

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Market Statistics

Have a look at the sales opportunities presented by the aerospace and defense radar market in terms of growth and market forecast. 

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Market Dynamics

The aerospace and defense radar market is witnessing increasing adoption of advanced radar systems for air surveillance, threat detection, target tracking, and integrated air and missile defense. Growing investments in military modernization, next-generation aircraft, naval platforms, and space-based surveillance are expanding market demand across defense and aerospace applications. A key trend shaping the market analysis is the shift toward electronically scanned array radars and advanced signal-processing technologies, which enhance detection accuracy, tracking capabilities, and operational performance across complex environments

Market Drivers

Rising Defense Expenditure and Military Radar Modernization

Rising defense expenditure and the replacement of aging surveillance infrastructure are supporting market growth as governments invest in radar systems capable of detecting aircraft, missiles, and unmanned aerial threats. Modernization programs across land, air, and naval platforms are increasing procurement of advanced radar systems with improved detection range, tracking accuracy, and multi-target capabilities.

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced radar replacement contracts with RTX and Indra in January 2026 as part of its air traffic control modernization initiative. The FAA noted that many existing radars date back to the 1980s, highlighting the need to replace aging detection infrastructure. Although focused on civil aviation surveillance, the program demonstrates how legacy-system replacement is generating demand for modern radar equipment.

• In March 2026, India's Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth approximately INR 1,950 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited for two indigenously developed Mountain Radars for the Indian Air Force. The procurement supports air-defense modernization and strengthens domestic radar manufacturing, illustrating how military investment translates into contracts for surveillance systems and associated equipment.

Growing Demand for Advanced AESA and Multi-Mission Radar Systems

The increasing complexity of aerial and maritime threats is accelerating market demand for advanced radar systems that can detect multiple targets, track emerging threats, and operate in challenging environments. Active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology and software-driven signal processing are improving radar sensitivity, detection range, and response speed, encouraging defense forces to upgrade existing platforms and adopt next-generation systems.

• In July 2026, Raytheon received a USD 1.8 billion contract extension for hardware production and sustainment of its SPY-6 naval radar family. The systems are expected to be deployed on more than 50 U.S. Navy ships over the next decade, supporting detection of air, surface, and ballistic threats. This long-term deployment program sustains demand for advanced naval radar hardware, production capacity, and ongoing system support.

• In October 2026, Raytheon received a contract from the U.S. Office of Naval Research to develop advanced signal-processing algorithms and software upgrades for naval radar systems. The work aims to extend detection range, increase sensitivity, and improve target classification, with testing and development continuing through 2031. These improvements demonstrate how software-enhanced radar capabilities are expanding modernization requirements beyond hardware replacement alone.

Market Challenges

High Development Costs and Complex System Integration

The development of advanced aerospace and defense radar systems involves substantial investment in specialized electronics, signal processing, testing, and platform integration. These requirements can constrain market growth, particularly when radar upgrades must meet stringent military qualification standards and operate with legacy aircraft, naval platforms, and air-defense networks.

Supply Chain Constraints and Specialized Component Availability

Aerospace and defense radar production depends on specialized semiconductors, radio-frequency components, and other precision electronics with demanding performance requirements. Limited supplier availability, sourcing restrictions, and long procurement cycles can affect market demand fulfilment by delaying production and delivery schedules.

Segments’ Analysis

By Platform Type

“Ground-based radar is expected to remain the dominant platform type during the aerospace and defense radar market forecast period.”

• Based on platform type, the aerospace and defense radar market is segmented into Ground-Based, Airborne, Naval, and Others.

• Among these, ground-based radar is expected to maintain its dominant position due to its extensive use in air surveillance, air defense, border monitoring, missile detection, and battlefield surveillance. Its role in providing continuous situational awareness and supporting integrated air defense networks sustains its adoption across military applications.

• Continued investments in air defense infrastructure, surveillance systems, and military modernization are expected to support demand for ground-based radar systems.

By Application Type

“Military is expected to remain the dominant application segment during the aerospace and defense radar market forecast period.”

• Based on application type, the aerospace and defense radar market is segmented into Civil and Military.

• Among these, the military segment is expected to maintain its dominant position due to the widespread use of radar in air defense, target tracking, missile warning, battlefield surveillance, and threat detection. Military radar systems are essential for monitoring airspace, detecting hostile objects, and supporting tactical and strategic defense operations.

• Continued defense modernization programs and investments in advanced surveillance, electronic warfare, and integrated air defense capabilities are expected to sustain demand for military radar systems.

By Technology Type

“Pulsed radar is expected to remain the dominant technology type during the aerospace and defense radar market forecast period.”

• Based on technology type, the aerospace and defense radar market is segmented into Continuous Wave (CW) Radar and Pulsed Radar.

• Among these, pulsed radar is expected to maintain its dominant position due to its ability to detect and track targets over long distances by transmitting short bursts of electromagnetic energy and measuring the returned signals. Its suitability for air surveillance, target tracking, and military air defense supports its widespread adoption.

• The continued deployment of long-range surveillance and defense radar systems is expected to support demand for pulsed radar technology.

By Component Type

“Antennas are expected to remain the dominant component type during the aerospace and defense radar market forecast period.”

• Based on component type, the aerospace and defense radar market is segmented into Antenna, Receiver, and Transmitter.

• Among these, antennas are expected to maintain their dominant position due to their critical role in transmitting electromagnetic signals and receiving reflected signals for target detection, tracking, and positioning. Antenna performance directly influences radar coverage, resolution, and detection accuracy.

• The growing deployment of phased-array antennas and electronically scanned radar systems is expected to support demand for advanced radar antenna components.

Regional Analysis

“North America is expected to remain the dominant regional market for aerospace and defense radar during the forecast period.”

• Based on region, the aerospace and defense radar market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World.

• Among these, North America is expected to maintain its dominant position due to substantial defense spending, established aerospace and defense manufacturers, and continued investments in advanced radar technologies. The region's focus on air and missile defense, space-based surveillance, next-generation combat aircraft, and naval modernization supports radar procurement across military platforms.

• Ongoing defense modernization programs and investments in integrated air defense, advanced surveillance, and next-generation radar systems are expected to sustain regional demand.

“Analysis suggests that the top 10 countries account for >80% of the annual sales in the aerospace and defense radar market. These countries represent major demand centers, shaping regional market dynamics and offering attractive business opportunities for industry stakeholders.”

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Competitive Landscape

The market is fragmented with the presence of less than 100 global and regional players. Some of the major players also manufacture aerospace and defense radar and its related parts. Leading players hold excellent market positions with a vast product portfolio, a wide distribution network, and years of track record.  

The following are the key players in the aerospace and defense radar market. 

• RTX Corporation

• Lockheed Martin Corporation

• Thales Group

• Leonardo S.p.A

• SAAB Group

• Indra Sistemas

• BAE Systems plc.

Note: The above list is not an exhaustive list of the key players in the market. If your company is active in this market and would like to be considered for inclusion in future editions of this study, please contact us at [email protected].   

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Recent Developments/Mergers & Acquisitions

Recent mergers & acquisitions and other developments in the aerospace and defense radar market reflect evolving market trends, and impact the market. Below given are a few recent developments in the market – 

Recent Developments

• In October 2026, Raytheon, an RTX business, received a contract from the U.S. Office of Naval Research to develop advanced target-detection capabilities for naval radar systems, improving radar sensitivity and detection of complex targets.

• In October 2026, Leonardo DRS launched its cxMHR fully digital C-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and began initial production for integrated air and missile defense.

• In October 2026, Israel Aerospace Industries announced plans to unveil POINT@AIR, a mobile aerostat-based tactical radar designed to provide persistent aerial surveillance.

• In October 2026, SRC developed its Gryphon R1810 radar for Northrop Grumman's Raid Hunter program, expanding radar capabilities for counter-unmanned aircraft systems and air defense.

• In October 2026, Thales was selected by Ireland to strengthen national air surveillance using its Ground Master 400 Alpha long-range radar and Ground Master 200 Multi Mission All-in-One radar systems.

• In October 2026, Echodyne received a USD 250 million JIATF-401 counter-unmanned aircraft systems contract to supply radar-enabled capabilities for detecting and tracking unmanned aerial threats.

• In October 2026, SRC secured a three-year, USD 500 million Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract under the JIATF-401 Domestic Shield program, including an initial USD 10.24 million order for Gryphon radar systems.

• In September 2026, SRC received an order from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for two AN/TPQ-49A radars configured with air-surveillance software to support ground-based sense-and-avoid capabilities for unmanned aircraft operations.

• In September 2026, Indra Group was selected to supply Thailand with a long-range LANZA 3D radar to strengthen the country's air surveillance capabilities.

• In September 2026, Kongsberg selected Echodyne's MESA radar for integration into counter-unmanned aircraft weapon systems, expanding the use of electronically scanned radar in defense applications.

• In August 2026, Raytheon completed a USD 50 million expansion of its Mississippi manufacturing facility, strengthening production capacity for advanced defense systems, including radar-related technologies.

• In August 2026, Firefly's SciTec received a USD 94 million U.S. Space Force contract to advance a ground-based radar digitization program, supporting modernization of radar data processing and missile-warning capabilities.

• In July 2026, SRC received additional orders for more than 150 SR Hawk radar systems to support expanded U.S. southern border surveillance operations.

• In July 2026, Raytheon received a USD 1.8 billion hardware production and sustainment contract for its SPY-6 family of naval radars, supporting continued production and operational readiness.

• In June 2026, Robin Radar Systems partnered with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) to industrialize airborne radar for ground surveillance and search-and-rescue applications.

• In March 2026, SRC received a follow-on contract to supply SR Hawk radar systems to the Polish Armed Forces, supporting continued deployment of surveillance radar for defense operations.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• In October 2026, Indra Group acquired Dares Technology, integrating its synthetic aperture radar technology into the TARSIS family of unmanned aircraft systems to strengthen radar-based ground surveillance and defense capabilities.

• In October 2026, BAE Systems and several private equity firms were reported to be considering bids for Robin Radar Systems, a Dutch developer of radar-based drone detection technology, in a potential transaction valued at approximately EUR 2 billion. The deal remained under consideration and had not been announced as completed.

• In July 2026, CHAOS Industries acquired Atropos Group to expand its defense technology portfolio into autonomous aircraft and related capabilities.

• In July 2026, Lockheed Martin announced a definitive agreement to acquire Ultra Maritime for USD 3.45 billion, expanding its maritime defense portfolio, including sensing and related technologies.

• In July 2026, Ondas acquired DZYNE Technologies to expand its defense portfolio across intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and autonomous defense technologies.

• In June 2026, GALT Aerospace acquired North Star Scientific, a designer and manufacturer of defense electronics specializing in communications, radar, and radio-frequency systems for airborne early warning and command-and-control missions. The financial terms were not disclosed.

Report Scope

Market Definition 

The aerospace and defense radar market comprises radar systems and associated components used to detect, track, identify, and monitor aircraft, missiles, naval vessels, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other potential threats. These systems operate by transmitting electromagnetic waves and analysing the reflected signals to determine an object's range, speed, direction, and position. The market includes ground-based, airborne, and naval radar systems deployed across military and civil applications. Key technologies include pulsed radar and continuous wave radar, while major components include antennas, transmitters, and receivers. These systems support air surveillance, missile defense, target tracking, navigation, and situational awareness across aerospace and defense operations. 

Report Structure 

This report provides market intelligence most comprehensively. The report structure has been kept so that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. 

The following are the key features of the report: 

• Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis. 

• Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis. 

• Market trend and forecast analysis. 

• Market segment trend and forecast. 

• Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Service portfolio, New Product Launches, etc. 

• Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities. 

• Emerging trends. 

• Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players. 

• Key success factors. 

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Segmentation

The report provides detailed insights into the market dynamics to enable informed business decision-making and growth strategy formulation based on the opportunities present in the market. 

The aerospace and defense radar market is segmented into the following categories: 

Aerospace and Defense Radar Market, By Platform Type

• Ground-Based

• Airborne

• Naval

• Others

Aerospace and Defense Radar Market, By Application Type

• Civil

• Military

Aerospace and Defense Radar Market, By Technology Type

• Continuous Wave (CW) Radar

• Pulsed Radar

Aerospace and Defense Radar Market, By Component Type

• Antenna

• Receiver

• Transmitter

Aerospace and Defense Market, By Region

• North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico) 

• Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, The UK, Russia, and the Rest of Europe) 

• Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: Japan, China, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific) 

• Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil and Others)

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Research Methodology

This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s aerospace and defense market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period. 

The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner to provide a panoramic view of the market. 

The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants and investors in identifying the low-hanging fruits available in the market and formulating growth strategies to expedite their growth process. 

This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools. 

More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data. 

We conducted more than 10 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights. 

Customization Options

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Company Profiling 

• Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players) 

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Competitive Benchmarking 

• Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Service portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances 

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