Military Antenna Market

[301 Pages Report] The Military Antenna volume data is projected to grow from 146,432 units in 2024 to 183,921 units by 2029. The Military Antenna Market is projected to reach USD 5.6 billion by 2029, from USD 4.5 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period.  The market is a changing and progressive field due to rapid technological advancements and stringent regulatory requirements. Some of the key drivers include increased demand for maritime military antennas, growing adoption of electronically steered phased array antennas as well as increased need for customized communication solutions for unmanned ground vehicles. However, high costs associated with the development and support of underlying infrastructure are hampering Military Antenna Industry growth.

Market potential includes developing ultra-compact communication terminals for advanced combat vehicles, increasing demand for high data rate transmissions, and the growing use of unmanned vehicles. Challenges such as electromagnetic compatibility issues with satellite antennas and design constraints are impacting market progress. There have been technological developments which focus on improving communications,intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities. For modern military operations to be effective they require robust secure reliable communication systems that can ensure mission success and safety of personnel. In response, governments are spending heavily on advanced antenna systems. Innovations including 3D printing RF equipment miniturization of antenas metamaterials etc have led to more.

Military Antenna Market Forecast to 2029

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Military Antenna Market Dynamics:

Driver: Growing adoption of electronically steered phased array antennas

Electronically steered phased antennas (ESPAs) are widely used due to the growing need for communication on-the-go (COTM) solutions for platforms like commercial vehicles, military vehicles, trains, and boats. Even when platforms, like military vehicles, trains, or boats, are in motion, these antennas are still able to track and maintain satellite connections. These phased array antennas for COTM employ hybrid beam steering, which uses mechanical beam steering for azimuth and electrical beam steering for elevation. Getting a satellite link is mostly dependent on the antenna terminal steering, and an ESPA removes mechanical motion.

Restraint: High costs associated with the development and maintenance of infrastructure to support military antennas

Developing and maintaining earth station infrastructure comes at a considerable expense, which is one of the key things impeding market expansion. The majority of the necessary components are usually expensive and must be either custom-fabricated or acquired from commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) vendors. Furthermore, skilled workers must devote numerous hours to the design, development, and production of antennas and their component parts. The skill level necessary in and of itself is a major barrier to entrance. Significant financial outlays are also needed for the value chains of these systems' R&D, production, system integration, and assembly phases.

Opportunity: Development of ultra-compact communication terminals for advanced ground combat vehicles

Ultra-compact communication terminals can provide data speeds of up to 2 Mbps for any IP-based voice, video, or data Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLoS) application. They are specifically made to work with the latest generation of Ka-band high-throughput satellites. Modern ground combat vehicles are adopting more and more of the new Ka-band high-throughput satellite generation. Hence, full-duplex satellite communication can be integrated with ultra-compact communication terminals to connect cutting-edge ground combat vehicles to ground control stations. While the return link transmits sensor data, the forward link offers command and control functions. These integrated terminals are made up of terminal technologies with extremely small apertures.

Challenge: Electromagnetic compatibility-related challenges of satellite antennas

Electrical systems and components, and contemporary communication spacecraft in particular, require careful consideration of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) design. Due to the widespread usage of high-power communication and external sources spanning in frequency from UHF to Ka, military antennas face substantial EMC-related issues. Compatibility issues with antenna systems, plasma charging, electrostatic discharge, conducted and radiated emissions, and electromagnetic interferences between electronic components are a few of the issues associated with EMC for satellites. Electromagnetic interference from various sources of electrical noise or radiofrequency can cause compatibility issues in a given setting.

Ecosystem Map For The Military Antenna Market

Based on the platform, the ground segment of the military antenna market is expected to lead the market.

The ground segment is estimated to lead the market based on the platform. This is because of the heavy use of antennas in military base stations. These bases serve multiple critical functions beyond simply housing military equipment and personnel. They function as command centers where strategic decisions are made and operations are planned and executed. In addition to providing shelter and security, these bases are pivotal in facilitating the training and development of defense personnel, ensuring they are prepared for various scenarios and missions. The comprehensive facilities and resources available at military bases support both the operational readiness of the armed forces and the execution of complex military operations.

Based on technology, the array antenna segment will grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The array antenna segment is forecasted to grow at the highest CAGR. These antennas consist of multiple individual antennas that are interconnected to function as a unified system. This setup allows array antennas to achieve a higher directive gain compared to a single dipole antenna. The increased directive gain enhances the antenna's ability to focus its signal in a specific direction, making it more effective for long-range communication and precision targeting. As a result, array antennas are widely utilized in military applications, including on aircraft, at military bases, and on ships, where their superior performance in directing and receiving signals is crucial for operational success.

The North American region is to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

North American region, including the US and Canada, is home to several manufacturers of military antennas including L3harris Corporation (US), RTX (US), and Honeywell International Inc. (US). One of the major factors expected to drive the military antenna market in North America is the increasing demand for surveillance systems and radar from the defense forces of different countries in the region.

Different types of radar are deployed on the ground and marine platforms for surveillance activities. Countries in the North American region is increasingly investing in the development and deployment of different types of military radar for quick and accurate identification of targets. Apart from this, since military radar is considered an integral part of various types of platforms such as aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), armored vehicles, and soldiers (handheld, manpack, and body-worn antennas), an increase in the number of these platforms in the North American region is expected to drive the military antenna market in the region.

Military Antenna Market by Region

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Key Market Players

The major players in the Military Antenna Companies are L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), RTX (US), BAE Systems (UK), Thales (France), and Honeywell International Inc. (US). These players have adopted various growth strategies to expand their presence in the military antenna market.

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Scope of the Report

Military Antenna Market Highlights

This research report categorizes the military antenna market based on component, platform, technology, frequency band, application, point of sale, and region.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, BAE Systems secured contracts worth USD 133 million to supply AN/ALR-56M Advanced Radar Warning Receivers with advanced antennas to the U.S. Air Force. These receivers would enhance situational awareness and self-defense for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft by providing broad-spectrum threat detection and integrating with jammers and other avionics.
• In June 2024, L3Harris Technologies completed the sale of its antenna and related businesses to an affiliate of Kanders & Company for USD 200 million. This divestment is part of L3Harris’ strategy to shed non-core assets. The transaction includes USD 175 million in cash and a USD 25 million seller note.
• In May 2024, Thales acquired Get SAT (Israel), a leading manufacturer of multi-beam antennas for satellite communications, particularly serving the defense, civil aeronautics, and emergency services sectors. This acquisition is aimed at enhancing Thales’ Satcom business globally, strengthening its secure satellite communication offerings, and solidifying its position in communications integration.
• In April 2024, Thales completed the USD 1.1 billion acquisition of Cobham Aerospace Communications (AeroComms), a supplier of cockpit communication and connectivity systems. Cobham Aerospace Communications specializes in L-Band satellite communication systems, digital audio and radio management solutions, and passive antenna systems, supporting safer, greener, and more efficient aviation operations. This acquisition enhances Thales’s Satcom business and supports projects like Airbus’s HBCplus program, strengthening its position in satellite connectivity for aircraft.
• In February 2024, BAE Systems completed its acquisition of Ball Aerospace, now the Space & Mission Systems sector of BAE’s US business. This acquisition enhances BAE’s space and defense capabilities, aligning with US strategic priorities. Ball Aerospace, known for its expertise in spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, conformal antennas, and electronically steered arrays, strengthens BAE’s offerings.
• In January 2024, RTX secured a contract to the value of USD 48.1 million to support the AN/MPQ-64 Enhanced Sentinel A3 radar systems. The radar, which featured a 3D X-band phased array antenna and AESA technology, enhanced air defense against UAVs, missiles, and aircraft.
• In December 2023, RTX received a contract worth USD 31.3 million from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren division to design, build, and test two high-power microwave antenna systems for directed energy defense. These systems, rugged and transportable, was intended for frontline deployment. Raytheon would deliver prototypes to the US Navy and Air Force under the DEFEND program over the next three years.
• In November 2023, BAE Systems was awarded a contract to equip the Eurofighter Typhoon with its Digital GPS Anti-jam Receiver (DIGAR) as part of the Phase 4 Enhancements (P4E) program. DIGAR, featuring advanced antenna electronics and digital beamforming, would protect against GPS jamming and RF interference. The contract also includes the new GEMVII-6 GPS receiver to further enhance the Typhoon's anti-jamming capabilities.
• In August 2023, L3Harris Technologies was selected to upgrade Milwaukee’s communications network. The project includes replacing the city’s radio system with Project 25-compliant technology and providing enhanced coverage for over 80 hubs. L3Harris would deliver more than 4,000 radios, install Two47™ base stations, and modernize antenna sites for improved public safety connectivity.
• In July 2023, BAE Systems Australia acquired Radio Frequency Systems (Australia) from its German parent, preserving capabilities in HF radar and communications antenna designs. The acquisition would support projects like the Jindalee Operational Radar Network and Project Nullarbor, with key antenna design experts joining BAE Systems.
• In March 2023, Thales and CNRS (France) developed a novel quantum RF antenna using superconducting SQUIDs for precise magnetic field detection from DC to 30 GHz. Designed to replace traditional antennas, it offers distortion-free signal detection for submarines, ships, aircraft, and drones, though it's currently in early development stages.

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