The defense integrated antenna market size is expected to grow from US$ 1,257.41 million in 2022 to US$ 2,018.18 million by 2028; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2022 to 2028.
Numerous military forces across the world are searching for antenna technologies to enhance their operations. One example is the US Navy, which is exploring phased array fed reflector antennas and active electronically steered antennas (AESA) to achieve high wideband UHF through SHF transmit capability and high isotropic radiated power and over-temperature gain. These features are essential for carrying out electronic attack operations, communications, and electronic support through the same antenna array.
Manufacturers in the defense integrated antenna market are involved in various processes, such as designing, assembling, and producing, to convert raw materials into finished products and incorporate the components into complete devices. Global defense integrated antenna manufacturers like L3Harris Technologies Inc., Thales Group, and Honeywell International Inc. provide high-quality defense integrated antenna and systems to end-users, which they install in various devices such as communication and radar systems. The end-users of these products are diverse, ranging from military component manufacturers to SATCOM equipment manufacturers.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Defense Integrated Antenna Market
According to reports, Asia's critical technological supply chain is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, which could worsen the global military electronics production shortage. China, Japan, and Taiwan are among the economies that are vital in manufacturing electronics, packaging, and component testing, and they are currently facing their highest number of cases since the onset of the pandemic. This development poses a threat to the global technology supply chain, particularly for antennas and next-generation electronics components. Additionally, the global shortage of semiconductors and the increasing demand for defense electronics products have severely impacted the Asian electronic industry. This has caused a decline in the global defense integrated antenna market in FY 2020 compared to 2019. However, in the second half of 2021, companies began implementing new operational strategies and supply chain measures to stabilize the situation, enabling market vendors to recover from the losses incurred during the pandemic.
In the North American defense integrated antenna market, Canada holds the second-largest market share. The Canadian military forces are investing heavily in communication systems for military applications, and the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) are seeking extremely wideband multi-functional antennas for vehicle- or soldier-based communication that are low profile and electromagnetic-invisible. To achieve this goal, the Canadian Armed Forces have provided funding to organizations such as the University of British Columbia to develop low-profile, electromagnetic-invisible, agile, polymer-based (LEAP) gateway antennas. The presence of major defense contractors like Bombardier, General Motors Defense, CAE Inc, Magellan Aerospace Corp, Northstar Aerospace Inc, and SNC-Lavalin Group across the country is also contributing to the procurement of antenna-related systems, which is driving the businesses of defense integrated antenna market players.
In terms of defense integrated antenna market growth, Asia Pacific is expected to register highest CAGR during the forecast period. Based on country, the Asia Pacific defense integrated antenna market is segregated into Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. In 2022, India is expected to be accounted for the second-largest defense integrated antenna market share Asia Pacific.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India had the third-largest military expenditure in 2021, spending US$ 76.6 billion on its military. The Indian military is investing heavily in building its infrastructure for military communication and UAV-based applications, which requires components like defense integrated antennas, thereby driving the demand for defense integrated antennas in the region. For example, in January 2021, the Indian Army signed a contract with ideaForge for the procurement of a high-altitude variant of SWITCH1.0 unmanned aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to strengthen its surveillance on the Line of Control (LOC). In March 2022, the Indian defense ministry issued a MoD to seek information from vendors of high-capacity radio relays (HCRR) with up to 800 units as a procurement order. Such radio relays use robust antenna systems to maintain communication with the military base. The procurement of such systems and electronic warfare systems for its defense forces is driving the growth of the defense integrated antenna market players across the country. Additionally, India's plans to establish a robust aerospace and defense manufacturing base are expected to create significant opportunities for market vendors in the future.
L3Harris Technologies Inc; Thales Group; Honeywell International Inc.; General Dynamics Corporation Rhode & Schwarz, Terma; Aselsan AS; Raytheon Technologies Corporation; Viasat, Inc., and Lockheed Martin Corporation are among the players operating in the global defense integrated antenna market and profiled in this market study.
The analysis of the defense integrated antenna market size has been conducted using primary and secondary sources. Secondary research was carried out using internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. The research process aimed to obtain an overview and market forecast of the defense integrated antenna market growth for all market segments. Additionally, multiple primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate the data and gain analytical insights into the topic. The participants included industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders, who specialize in the defense integrated antenna market.