Aerospace and Military Fiber Optic Market Overview

The Aerospace and Military Fiber Optic Market is anticipated to reach a valuation of US$ 7,208.36 million by the year 2028, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2022 to 2028.

Demand for Advanced Communication Systems

In the aerospace and defense sectors, the need for sophisticated communication systems is paramount to ensure effective and continuous communication between personnel stationed at various locations and the central base or ground station. This ongoing requirement drives a robust demand for high-speed communication systems that are technologically advanced. The primary advantage of these high-speed data transfer solutions is their ability to provide real-time information with minimal risk of data loss. Consequently, aircraft manufacturers are increasingly turning to fiber optic solutions, which is significantly boosting the growth of the aerospace and military fiber optic market.

Long-Haul Flights and Network Infrastructure

With the rise in passenger traffic, commercial airlines are increasingly opting for long-haul flights. These flights necessitate high-speed communication and uninterrupted connectivity. Over the years, Ethernet has emerged as the preferred network infrastructure protocol among commercial airlines due to its exceptional performance, reliability, and status as a universally accepted open standard. However, Ethernet networks have limitations when it comes to transmitting high-bandwidth data over extended distances. This limitation has prompted several manufacturers of aircraft cabling systems to explore the fiber-optic cable sector, thereby driving the growth of the aerospace and military fiber optic market.

Regional Insights: North America

North America stands at the forefront of technological advancements and investment in aerospace technologies, which significantly propels the market in this region. The increasing adoption of aerospace and military fiber optics is largely attributed to the growing demand for tactical data link systems within the aerospace and military domains. For example, in 2019, the US government allocated US$716 billion for national security, which supported military modernization and secure communication among armed forces. In the US, general aviation aircraft accumulate approximately 25.5 million flight hours annually, with two-thirds of this traffic attributed to business purposes. Major airlines in the US and Canada, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, have placed substantial orders for commercial aircraft scheduled for delivery between 2021 and 2025. This surge in aircraft orders for both commercial and military applications is further stimulating the aerospace and military fiber optic market.

Growth Drivers: Fiber Optic Cables and Connectors

The escalating demand for reliable fiber optic cables and connectors for communication systems is another critical factor driving the aerospace and military fiber optic market. For instance, in February 2021, Raytheon supplied radar system kits for the US Navy's Poseidon aircraft, which included production kits and support for both Navy and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Such initiatives are enhancing the growth of the aerospace and military fiber optic market in North America.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

In North America, the US leads in military spending, followed by Canada and Mexico. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly hindered investments in the development and acquisition of new military technologies. The pandemic caused a complete halt in the production, manufacturing, and supply chain of military and aerospace equipment due to extended lockdowns imposed by various governments. Consequently, the aerospace and military fiber optic market experienced a downturn during this period.

Labor shortages further contributed to the decline in revenue for key players in the North American aerospace and military fiber optic market. Nevertheless, as the region's military and defense sectors resumed procurement of aerospace and military fiber optics during the post-COVID-19 recovery phase, the market began to regain its momentum. This positive trend is expected to persist in the coming years, supporting the growth of the aerospace and military fiber optic market.

Expansion of Military UAVs

The military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) sector has seen significant growth since the technology's inception. Numerous companies in the military UAV industry provide defense forces with a variety of options. Many military UAV manufacturers are equipping their models with advanced payloads, including communication systems, surveillance, monitoring systems, and sensors. Global defense forces are making substantial investments in UAVs due to their critical role in defense operations. Traditionally, military UAVs utilized conventional cabling for data transmission; however, fiber optic cables have increasingly replaced these systems in recent years. This shift is due to fiber optics' capability to transmit real-time data at higher speeds and over longer distances, which is driving the aerospace and military fiber optic market's expansion.

Emerging Trends: Tethered Drones

In recent years, the adoption of tethered drones among military forces has surged, leading to increased demand for fiber optics among tethered drone manufacturers. In 2021, UAVForDrone developed a multi-rotor tethered UAV equipped with an optical fiber system capable of transmitting data and video links via fiber cables from aerial units to ground stations. Thus, advancements in military UAV technology, combined with the availability of fiber optic suppliers for UAVs, are contributing to significant growth trends in the aerospace and military fiber optic market.

Key Market Players

Notable players in the aerospace and military fiber optic market include:

• Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (US)


• TE Connectivity (US/Switzerland)


• AFL (US)


• W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc. (US)


• Amphenol FSI (US)


• Prysmian Group (Italy)


• Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US)


• Prysmian S.p.A. (Italy)


• Nexans S.A. (France)


• Radiall (France)


• Glenair, Inc. (US)

Research Methodology

The overall size of the aerospace and military fiber optic market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. This approach also aimed to provide an overview and forecast of the aerospace and military fiber optic market across all segments. Additionally, multiple primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the data and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants typically included VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, national sales managers, and external consultants specializing in the aerospace and military fiber optic market.