Air Defense Radar Market Size, Share, Growth by 2030

The air defense radar sector is anticipated to achieve a market value of approximately US$ 9,368.34 million by the year 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% projected from 2022 to 2030.

The expansion of the air defense radar market is primarily fueled by escalating investments from governments worldwide. Nations including the United States, Canada, Germany, Morocco, and Hungary are actively upgrading their fighter aircraft with advanced radar technologies. For instance, in 2021, Canada enhanced a component of its Boeing CF-18 vintage Hornet by integrating new electronically scanned array (AESA) radar systems. Additionally, Raytheon Technologies Corporation supplied 36 AN/APG-79(V)4 radar systems for integration into the Royal Canadian Air Force's CF-18s. Other significant advancements are also influencing the air defense radar market. In January 2022, the Hungarian government partnered with SAAB AB to incorporate the SAAB PS-05/A Mk 4 radar into 14 aircraft, including two D-model trainers, for the Hungarian Air Force. This upgrade is expected to greatly enhance aircraft performance, tracking range, and the ability to detect small air-to-air targets.

Manufacturers are innovating various products, ranges, and systems to fulfill the needs of end users. Rigorous quality control measures are enforced throughout the manufacturing process to ensure that the final products meet established standards. This includes thorough inspections of raw materials, precise verification of dimensions, and assessments of attack detection and sensory characteristics of the air defense radar systems. Such measures facilitate the early detection, tracking, and interception of aerial threats, including missiles, aircraft, and drones. Key players in the air defense radar market include BAE Systems, General Dynamics Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Israel Aerospace Industries Inc., Leonardo S.p.A, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, SAAB AB, and Thales Group. These factors collectively contribute to the growth and expansion of the air defense radar market.

The rise of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) presents new challenges for air defense systems due to their compact size, minimal radar cross-section, and capability to operate at low altitudes. The increasing deployment of UAVs for various applications, such as surveillance, weapon delivery, and disruption, poses a significant global threat. Air defense radar systems are essential for detecting and tracking UAVs, providing early warnings and situational awareness. The growing prevalence of UAVs necessitates the implementation of advanced radar systems with enhanced detection capabilities to effectively address these threats. Counter-UAV systems typically integrate multiple sensors, including radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and electronic warfare technologies. Air defense radar systems are a vital component of these integrated counter-UAV solutions, delivering crucial detection and tracking functionalities. As the risks associated with UAVs become increasingly apparent, governments and defense organizations around the globe are prioritizing the development and procurement of air defense systems to counter this evolving challenge. In April 2023, the US Army awarded a contract worth US$ 237 million to Raytheon Technologies for the provision of Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensors and Coyote effectors aimed at detecting and neutralizing unmanned aircraft. The KuRFS radar systems are specifically designed to enhance detection capabilities against UAS threats.

In Europe, there is a notable increase in the acquisition of various defense systems. According to the WDMMA and Global FPI, Europe currently operates 627 fleets, which include frigates, corvettes, destroyers, aircraft carriers, and submarines. Furthermore, in 2023, the region secured an additional 134 fleets for future procurement. This growing demand for defense fleets is expected to significantly boost the air defense radar systems market during the forecast period. Additionally, the presence of major air defense radar market players such as Leonardo S.p.A, Thales Group, Rheinmetall, and HENSOLDT is propelling the growth of the air defense radar market.

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) focuses on high-resolution imaging of stationary targets, while moving target indicator (MTI) radar specializes in detecting and tracking moving targets while minimizing stationary clutter. SAR is less affected by adverse weather conditions such as fog, clouds, or darkness. Unlike optical sensors that depend on visible light, SAR utilizes microwave frequencies that can penetrate through clouds, smoke, and other atmospheric barriers. This capability to operate in all weather conditions makes SAR ideal for continuous monitoring and imaging. Various leading air defense radar market players are enhancing their offerings by integrating SAR and MTI radar systems.

Multi-functional radar systems enhance operational efficiency by consolidating multiple radar capabilities into a single platform. By merging functionalities such as surveillance, tracking, target acquisition, and fire control, these radars simplify operations, reduce hardware complexity, and optimize resource utilization. The ability to perform various tasks with a single system boosts operational efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, factors such as cost efficiency, space optimization, operational efficiency, improved situational awareness, flexibility, integration with sensor networks, and the need to address emerging threats are driving the demand for multi-functional radar systems across diverse sectors, including defense, security, aerospace, and maritime applications. For example, in October 2022, Hensoldt, a German sensor solutions provider, delivered the first TRML-4D radar system to equip Diehl Defence's IRIS-T SLM air defense system. The IRIS-T SLM is a surface-launched medium-range air defense system designed to counter aerial threats. The integration of the TRML-4D radar enhances the system's detection and tracking capabilities, thereby improving its effectiveness in identifying and engaging targets, which in turn supports the growth of the air defense radar market.

The air defense radar market is categorized by product type into synthetic aperture radar, moving target radar, surveillance radar, airborne early warning radar, multi-functional radar, weather radar, and others. The combination of SAR's high-resolution imaging of stationary targets and MTI's ability to track moving targets provides comprehensive surveillance and intelligence capabilities, making them invaluable in military and security operations. Surveillance radar systems are crucial for situational awareness, enhancing airspace and maritime security, and supporting activities such as coastal surveillance, border protection, and marine domain awareness. These segments are instrumental in driving the growth of the air defense radar market.