As per Intent Market Research, the Airborne Surveillance Market was valued at USD 8.2 billion in 2023 and will surpass USD 12.9 billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 6.6% during 2024 - 2030.
The airborne surveillance market is growing rapidly, driven by technological advancements in surveillance systems and the increasing demand for enhanced security and defense capabilities. Airborne surveillance systems, including radar, electro-optical/infrared, sonar, and communication intelligence systems, play a vital role in monitoring and gathering intelligence from the sky. These systems are used by military, homeland security agencies, and commercial sectors to provide real-time situational awareness, track moving objects, and detect potential threats. The expansion of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and satellite technologies is further revolutionizing the market, offering enhanced capabilities for surveillance across vast areas.
The increasing global need for advanced surveillance technologies, combined with the rise in geopolitical tensions, is driving the demand for airborne surveillance systems. Additionally, the growing reliance on defense and military applications, as well as the need for enhanced border security and disaster management, is fueling market growth. The adoption of hybrid and integrated systems is also gaining traction as these technologies offer superior flexibility and efficiency in gathering intelligence from the air. With advancements in data analytics and communication systems, airborne surveillance is expected to play an even more significant role in global security and surveillance strategies in the coming years.
Radar Systems Are Largest Owing to Their Versatility in Surveillance Applications
Radar systems are the largest segment in the airborne surveillance market, owing to their versatility and widespread use in both military and commercial applications. Radar systems provide long-range detection and tracking of objects in various weather conditions, making them indispensable for surveillance operations. These systems are used extensively in defense and military sectors to detect incoming threats, track aircraft, and monitor airspace. Radar's ability to function in all weather conditions, coupled with its capacity to detect both moving and stationary targets, has made it the preferred choice for a wide range of airborne surveillance applications.
Radar technology is also being increasingly integrated with other sensors, such as electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems, to provide a more comprehensive and precise surveillance capability. The development of advanced radar technologies, including phased-array and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), has further enhanced their capabilities, making them essential for both military defense and civilian applications. As countries continue to invest in national defense, airspace monitoring, and security, radar systems are expected to maintain their position as the largest segment in the airborne surveillance market.
UAVs Are Fastest Growing Owing to Their Cost-Effectiveness and Operational Flexibility
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are the fastest growing segment in the airborne surveillance market, driven by their cost-effectiveness, operational flexibility, and ability to access hard-to-reach areas. UAVs, also known as drones, are being increasingly adopted for both military and commercial surveillance applications. They offer real-time data collection capabilities, often at a lower cost compared to traditional manned aircraft, making them an attractive option for defense and security agencies. UAVs can be equipped with a variety of surveillance systems, including radar, EO/IR sensors, and communication intelligence tools, providing highly accurate and versatile surveillance capabilities.
The growing demand for UAVs in surveillance operations is also fueled by advancements in drone technology, such as enhanced battery life, improved navigation systems, and the ability to operate autonomously or remotely. Additionally, the use of UAVs for border patrol, disaster monitoring, and environmental surveillance has expanded their applications beyond traditional military roles. With the growing use of drones in various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and commercial security, UAVs are expected to remain the fastest growing segment in the airborne surveillance market.
Defense and Military End-Use Industry Is Largest Owing to Increased Investment in Security and Surveillance
The defense and military end-use industry is the largest segment in the airborne surveillance market, driven by increasing defense budgets and the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities in national security. Airborne surveillance plays a crucial role in military operations, from intelligence gathering and reconnaissance to battlefield management and threat detection. The growing complexity of modern warfare, along with the rise in asymmetric threats, has amplified the need for advanced airborne surveillance systems that provide real-time situational awareness and intelligence.
Furthermore, as defense organizations focus on improving their surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, the adoption of sophisticated radar, EO/IR, and hybrid systems is on the rise. Countries are investing heavily in advanced airborne surveillance technologies to enhance border security, monitor airspace, and defend against evolving threats. The defense and military sector’s substantial investment in these technologies ensures that this segment will remain the largest in the airborne surveillance market.
Homeland Security Is Fastest Growing Owing to Rising Threats and Need for Advanced Monitoring
The homeland security end-use industry is the fastest growing segment in the airborne surveillance market, driven by increasing concerns over terrorism, border security, and public safety. Airborne surveillance is becoming an essential tool for homeland security agencies as they look to monitor borders, critical infrastructure, and public spaces to prevent and respond to threats. With the growing use of drones and satellite-based surveillance, homeland security organizations can gain real-time intelligence and improve their ability to respond to emergencies or detect illicit activities.
Additionally, the integration of advanced surveillance systems, such as radar and EO/IR sensors, with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is enhancing the effectiveness of homeland security operations. These technologies provide comprehensive surveillance across vast areas, allowing security agencies to monitor multiple locations simultaneously. The increasing adoption of these technologies, combined with the growing focus on national security, is making homeland security the fastest growing sector in the airborne surveillance market.
North America Is Largest Region Owing to High Defense Budgets and Advanced Surveillance Technology Adoption
North America is the largest region in the airborne surveillance market, driven by substantial defense budgets, high adoption of advanced surveillance technologies, and the growing need for enhanced border and national security. The United States, in particular, is a key player in this market, investing heavily in airborne surveillance systems for both military and homeland security purposes. The U.S. military's focus on modernizing its surveillance capabilities, coupled with the increasing use of UAVs for surveillance operations, has positioned North America as the largest market for airborne surveillance systems.
The region's advanced technological infrastructure and the presence of key market players in the defense, aerospace, and security industries further contribute to North America's dominance in the airborne surveillance market. With the ongoing emphasis on national security and defense capabilities, North America is expected to maintain its leadership position in the market, continuing to invest in cutting-edge airborne surveillance technologies.
Leading Companies and Competitive Landscape
The airborne surveillance market is highly competitive, with several key players offering a range of advanced systems designed to meet the growing demand for surveillance and intelligence gathering. Leading companies in the market include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, Thales Group, and Leonardo, all of which provide cutting-edge radar, electro-optical, and communication intelligence systems. These companies are at the forefront of innovation, developing advanced technologies to improve detection capabilities, enhance system integration, and provide real-time data analytics.
In addition to these major players, the market is also seeing increased competition from smaller companies specializing in UAVs and satellite surveillance systems. With the growing demand for integrated, hybrid surveillance systems, companies are investing in research and development to offer more efficient, cost-effective solutions. The market is expected to remain dynamic, with continued technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and increased defense spending driving competition among players.
Recent Developments:
- In November 2024, Lockheed Martin Corporation unveiled a new radar system designed to enhance surveillance capabilities for military operations in complex environments.
- In October 2024, Northrop Grumman Corporation received a contract to provide advanced airborne surveillance systems for NATO’s surveillance operations.
- In September 2024, Thales Group introduced a new electro-optical/infrared system to improve real-time situational awareness for defense and commercial sectors.
- In August 2024, Airbus Defence and Space launched an updated UAV-based airborne surveillance platform for enhanced border security applications.
- In July 2024, Boeing announced the integration of hybrid surveillance systems in its aircraft for improved defense and homeland security monitoring.
List of Leading Companies:
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- Thales Group
- Raytheon Technologies Corporation
- Airbus Defence and Space
- Boeing
- General Dynamics Corporation
- BAE Systems
- Leonardo S.p.A.
- Saab AB
- FLIR Systems, Inc.
- L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
- Elbit Systems Ltd.
- Dassault Aviation
Report Scope:
Report Features |
Description |
Market Size (2023) |
USD 8.2 billion |
Forecasted Value (2030) |
USD 12.9 billion |
CAGR (2024 – 2030) |
6.6% |
Base Year for Estimation |
2023 |
Historic Year |
2022 |
Forecast Period |
2024 – 2030 |
Report Coverage |
Market Forecast, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Recent Developments |
Segments Covered |
Airborne Surveillance Market By Product Type (Radar Systems, Electro-Optical/Infrared Systems, Sonar Systems, Communication Intelligence (COMINT)), By Platform Type (Aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Satellites), By Technology (Active Systems, Passive Systems, Hybrid Systems), By End-Use Industry (Defense and Military, Homeland Security, Aerospace, Commercial Applications) |
Regional Analysis |
North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East & Africa) |
Major Companies |
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales Group, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Airbus Defence and Space, Boeing, General Dynamics Corporation, BAE Systems, Leonardo S.p.A., Saab AB, FLIR Systems, Inc., L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems Ltd., Dassault Aviation |
Customization Scope |
Customization for segments, region/country-level will be provided. Moreover, additional customization can be done based on the requirements |
1. Introduction |
1.1. Market Definition |
1.2. Scope of the Study |
1.3. Research Assumptions |
1.4. Study Limitations |
2. Research Methodology |
2.1. Research Approach |
2.1.1. Top-Down Method |
2.1.2. Bottom-Up Method |
2.1.3. Factor Impact Analysis |
2.2. Insights & Data Collection Process |
2.2.1. Secondary Research |
2.2.2. Primary Research |
2.3. Data Mining Process |
2.3.1. Data Analysis |
2.3.2. Data Validation and Revalidation |
2.3.3. Data Triangulation |
3. Executive Summary |
3.1. Major Markets & Segments |
3.2. Highest Growing Regions and Respective Countries |
3.3. Impact of Growth Drivers & Inhibitors |
3.4. Regulatory Overview by Country |
4. Airborne Surveillance Market, by Product Type (Market Size & Forecast: USD Million, 2022 – 2030) |
4.1. Radar Systems |
4.2. Electro-Optical/Infrared Systems |
4.3. Sonar Systems |
4.4. Communication Intelligence (COMINT) |
4.5. Others |
5. Airborne Surveillance Market, by Platform Type (Market Size & Forecast: USD Million, 2022 – 2030) |
5.1. Aircraft |
5.2. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) |
5.3. Satellites |
5.4. Others |
6. Airborne Surveillance Market, by Technology (Market Size & Forecast: USD Million, 2022 – 2030) |
6.1. Active Systems |
6.2. Passive Systems |
6.3. Hybrid Systems |
7. Airborne Surveillance Market, by End-Use Industry (Market Size & Forecast: USD Million, 2022 – 2030) |
7.1. Defense and Military |
7.2. Homeland Security |
7.3. Aerospace |
7.4. Commercial Applications |
7.5. Others |
8. Regional Analysis (Market Size & Forecast: USD Million, 2022 – 2030) |
8.1. Regional Overview |
8.2. North America |
8.2.1. Regional Trends & Growth Drivers |
8.2.2. Barriers & Challenges |
8.2.3. Opportunities |
8.2.4. Factor Impact Analysis |
8.2.5. Technology Trends |
8.2.6. North America Airborne Surveillance Market, by Product Type |
8.2.7. North America Airborne Surveillance Market, by Platform Type |
8.2.8. North America Airborne Surveillance Market, by Technology |
8.2.9. North America Airborne Surveillance Market, by End-Use Industry |
8.2.10. By Country |
8.2.10.1. US |
8.2.10.1.1. US Airborne Surveillance Market, by Product Type |
8.2.10.1.2. US Airborne Surveillance Market, by Platform Type |
8.2.10.1.3. US Airborne Surveillance Market, by Technology |
8.2.10.1.4. US Airborne Surveillance Market, by End-Use Industry |
8.2.10.2. Canada |
8.2.10.3. Mexico |
*Similar segmentation will be provided for each region and country |
8.3. Europe |
8.4. Asia-Pacific |
8.5. Latin America |
8.6. Middle East & Africa |
9. Competitive Landscape |
9.1. Overview of the Key Players |
9.2. Competitive Ecosystem |
9.2.1. Level of Fragmentation |
9.2.2. Market Consolidation |
9.2.3. Product Innovation |
9.3. Company Share Analysis |
9.4. Company Benchmarking Matrix |
9.4.1. Strategic Overview |
9.4.2. Product Innovations |
9.5. Start-up Ecosystem |
9.6. Strategic Competitive Insights/ Customer Imperatives |
9.7. ESG Matrix/ Sustainability Matrix |
9.8. Manufacturing Network |
9.8.1. Locations |
9.8.2. Supply Chain and Logistics |
9.8.3. Product Flexibility/Customization |
9.8.4. Digital Transformation and Connectivity |
9.8.5. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance |
9.9. Technology Readiness Level Matrix |
9.10. Technology Maturity Curve |
9.11. Buying Criteria |
10. Company Profiles |
10.1. Lockheed Martin Corporation |
10.1.1. Company Overview |
10.1.2. Company Financials |
10.1.3. Product/Service Portfolio |
10.1.4. Recent Developments |
10.1.5. IMR Analysis |
*Similar information will be provided for other companies |
10.2. Northrop Grumman Corporation |
10.3. Thales Group |
10.4. Raytheon Technologies Corporation |
10.5. Airbus Defence and Space |
10.6. Boeing |
10.7. General Dynamics Corporation |
10.8. BAE Systems |
10.9. Leonardo S.p.A. |
10.10. Saab AB |
10.11. FLIR Systems, Inc. |
10.12. L3Harris Technologies, Inc. |
10.13. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) |
10.14. Elbit Systems Ltd. |
10.15. Dassault Aviation |
11. Appendix |
A comprehensive market research approach was employed to gather and analyze data on the Airborne Surveillance Market. In the process, the analysis was also done to analyze the parent market and relevant adjacencies to measure the impact of them on the Airborne Surveillance Market. The research methodology encompassed both secondary and primary research techniques, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the findings.
Secondary Research
Secondary research involved a thorough review of pertinent industry reports, journals, articles, and publications. Additionally, annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations of industry players were scrutinized to gain insights into their market positioning and strategies.
Primary Research
Primary research involved conducting in-depth interviews with industry experts, stakeholders, and market participants across the E-Waste Management ecosystem. The primary research objectives included:
- Validating findings and assumptions derived from secondary research
- Gathering qualitative and quantitative data on market trends, drivers, and challenges
- Understanding the demand-side dynamics, encompassing end-users, component manufacturers, facility providers, and service providers
- Assessing the supply-side landscape, including technological advancements and recent developments
Market Size Assessment
A combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches was utilized to analyze the overall size of the Airborne Surveillance Market. These methods were also employed to assess the size of various subsegments within the market. The market size assessment methodology encompassed the following steps:
- Identification of key industry players and relevant revenues through extensive secondary research
- Determination of the industry's supply chain and market size, in terms of value, through primary and secondary research processes
- Calculation of percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns using secondary sources and verification through primary sources
Data Triangulation
To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the market size, data triangulation was implemented. This involved cross-referencing data from various sources, including demand and supply side factors, market trends, and expert opinions. Additionally, top-down and bottom-up approaches were employed to validate the market size assessment.
NA