Airborne Optronics Market Size, Share, COVID-19 Impact Analysis, and Russia-Ukraine War Impact, By Applications (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Search and Rescue, Navigation, Situational Awareness, and Others), By Aircraft (Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), By Point of Sale (OEM and Aftermarket), By End User (Commercial, Military, and Civil), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030.

Airborne optronics refers to the optical and electrical systems in an aircraft used for various purposes like remote sensing, imaging, reconnaissance, and other activities. Airborne optronics are used in both commercial and military industries, each with different goals and workings.

Key Market Insights:

The market is driven by the growing technological advancements, and the need for better equipment for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), remote sensing, and other such tasks. The surfacing of new players, and increasing demand and production are factors positively impacting the market.

The airborne optronics technology has several applications in both commercial and military industries such as improved situational awareness, better imaging, search and rescue, improved navigation capabilities, and many others. The sensors and the optics used differ according to the type of aircraft, i.e., fixed wing, rotary wing, or an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The system initiates when the sensors detect something. The data is then transferred to the computer on board through the wires and other electrical equipment and board, and the computer displays the data to the pilot after simplification. This helps the pilot fly the aircraft better while reducing the work load on him/her.

Restraints for the market include the high cost associated with the development, installation, and maintenance of the equipment, and the regulations laid down by the governments of different countries for the production of these systems.

Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Global Airborne Optronics Market:

The Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February 2022. Both the nations since then have invested extensively in their militaries to improve the capabilities on the battlefield. The global airborne optronics market saw a period of steep growth during the war. The deployment of drones and UAVs saw a sharp increase during this period. UAVs and drones require optronics to provide visuals and other crucial data to the user. Increased retrofits on the older military aircrafts on both sides also saw an increased demand for optronics. Overall, the war has had a positive impact on the airborne optronics market, increasing demand and accelerating research of the technology.

Impact of the COVID-19 on Global Airborne Optronics Market:

COVID-19 impacted industries across the world. Travel restrictions were imposed, which led to a decrease in production and disrupted supply chains. The aviation industry faced a heavy impact too. The number of passengers in 2020 fell by 65.9%, compared to 2019. With such less passengers low cargo transport due to restrictions, entire aircraft fleets were grounded. This also led to a decrease in the demand for new aircrafts, and a subsequent decrease in the demand for airborne optronics. The research and development of the technology also slowed down during the period. Original equipment manufacturers faced huge losses, and many small players and start-ups looked at the possible situation of bankruptcy during the pandemic.

The global airborne optronics market is segmented into four broad categories- by application, by aircraft, by point of sale, and by end user. Based on the applications, the market is divided into Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue navigation, situational awareness, and others. Based on the type of aircraft, the market is divided into Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Based on the point of sale, the market is divided into Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket. Based on the end user, the market is trifurcated into commercial, military, and civil. On the basis of region, we can divide it into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

Key Insights:

The report will describe the following key insights:

• The report analyzes a detailed industry overview, including qualitative and quantitative information.


• The report analyzes an overview and forecast of the Global Airborne Optronics Market based on various segments.


• The report also analyzes comprehensive PEST analysis for all four regions, i.e. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World, after evaluating economic, social, political and technological factors affecting the global airborne optronics market in these regions.

Regional Analysis:

A dominant region for the market is North America. The region has a large passenger traffic, and a high aircraft density. The presence of multiple big players like Northrop Grumman Corporation and Lockheed Martin Corporation boosts the research and development of airborne optronics systems. The region also sees a considerable military expenditure. In April 2022, Northrop Grumman Corporation’s RQ-4D Phoenix Global Hawk was handed over to NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS). The system is specifically designed to provide enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to NATO nations.

Asia Pacific is a future hub for the market. The region is witnessing a significant growth in passenger count. Many airlines are also expanding their fleets, which is good for the market. Nations such as India, China and South Korea are also investing in their militaries due to the growing conflicts in the region. Such situations also encourage the emergence of new companies in the market, and accelerates the market growth in the region.

Key Players Covered:

Some of the major players in the Global Aircraft Computers Market are Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales Group, SAFRAN, Elbit Systems Ltd., BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, Leonardo S.p.A., and Aselsan A.S., and others.

Segmentation:

Key Industry Developments:

• In November 2022, SAFRAN signed a contract with Leonardo S.p.A. for the development and production of the Euroflir 610 high performance airborne optronic system for the Eurodrone program. The Euroflir 610 is a 25-inch airborne optronic system that provides enhanced intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities for the European Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV (MALE UAV). 


• In September 2022, Thailand signed a contract with Israeli defence manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd. to buy the Hermes900 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for USD 107.67 Million. The Hermes900 is medium sized drone, and is to be delivered for usage to the Thai Navy.