Airborne Stand-Off Jammer Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Capability (Attack, Protection, and Support), By Solutions (Stand-off Jamming, Escort Jamming, and Stand-in Jamming), By Platform (Aircrafts and UAVs), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The airborne stand-off jammer market size was valued at USD 0.83 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 0.87 billion in 2024 to USD 1.52 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period.

A standoff jammer (SOJ) is a jammer system installed on a dedicated airborne mission platform (or one or more external PODs) to reduce the long-range radar coverage on friendly intruders and defense systems, thereby delaying their engagement. This allows the intruder package to invade enemy territory. The SOJ system can automatically intercept and process received radio frequency signals. Electronic attack techniques, which can be categorized as interference, are widely available.

In addition, the upgradation of jammer systems can provide high-precision jamming, expanded broadband capacity, improved interoperability, and threat coverage against a diverse range of radio frequency (RF) transmitters. For instance, in April 2023, the South Korean government approved a development plan for Electronic Warfare (EW) aircraft. The program will develop four aircraft to serve as "standoff jammer" platforms and improve fighter survival by jamming the enemy’s air defense, command, and communication systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a slight impact on the global defense industry. It caused supply chain disruptions affecting the production and distribution of the airborne stand-off jammer pods. Additionally, restrictions on movement, lockdowns, and border closures in various countries disrupted the flow of raw materials, components, and finished products. This delayed jamming sensors manufacturing and delivery impacted ongoing space missions and projects, postponing.

Airborne Stand-Off Jammer Market Trends

Development and Adoption of Advanced Technologies in Jammers to Catalyze Market Growth

The landscape of airborne jammers is constantly evolving, driven by the need to develop systems with enhanced capabilities and countermeasures against increasingly sophisticated threats. To overcome enemy signal processing algorithms and achieve better jamming effectiveness, the use of advanced techniques, such as applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for the analysis of enemy radar signals in real-time or dynamically adjusting levels of jamming and power with flexible pulse shapes and modulation techniques is growing.

Furthermore, the seamless integration of electronic intelligence (ELINT) capabilities into SOJ systems to passively detect and identify enemy radar signals will enable precise targeting and efficient resource allocation.  In addition, standoff decoys were deployed on UAVs for extended range, covert missions, and enhanced situational awareness in contested areas.

For instance, in August 2022, the U.S. Army started the development of the Multi-Function Electronic Warfare-Air Large (MFEW-AL) system. The MFEW-AL is a pod designed for electronic attack jamming, electronic support, and sensing. An electronic or communication intelligence asset used for deep sensing shall accompany the pod.

Airborne Stand-Off Jammer Market Growth Factors

Focus on Modernization and Technological Advancements in Jammers to Boost Market Growth

Many military and government organizations are undertaking various modernization programs to replace the aging ASOJ systems with new and more effective ones by incorporating advanced technologies, such as cognitive jamming, AI-powered targeting, miniaturized components, and so on. Moreover, technological advancement in areas, such as GaN amplifiers, AESA antennas, and software-defined radios offers enhanced capabilities and operational efficiency, thereby driving the demand for upgraded systems.

For instance, in April 2022, Hensoldt made technological breakthroughs in the development of products for aircraft electronic protection. By combining Artificial Intelligence (AI), digitization, and AESA (Active Electronically Scanning Array) technologies, HENSOLDT developed a jamming system called Kalaetron Attack. Kalaetron Attack can be expanded at any time to be used as a self-defense system or as a concomitant range-jamming jammer.

Increased Government Investment in Electronic Warfare Capability Systems to Bolster Market Growth

Rising tensions and ongoing conflicts in various regions are driving investments in electronic warfare capabilities, including next-generation airborne stand-off jammer systems. Emerging countries are strongly focusing on protecting their air assets and disrupting enemy radars, communication systems, and other electronic devices for tactical advantages. Furthermore, countries such as India, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Israel, and others are heavily investing in indigenous manufacturing programs and Research, Testing, Development, and Evaluation (RTD&E) initiatives. For instance, in February 2021, the DRDO Research Institute in India was working on various EW systems for use in airborne, spacecraft, and surface systems. Further, the DRDO is jointly working with Bharat Electricals Limited (BEL) to produce the most indigenous EW systems.

In November 2023, to provide comprehensive electronic support for future combat scenarios, the Indian Air Force announced that it would be actively working on the development of an indigenous jamming pod for the TEJAS MK-1A fighter jet. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has announced that the Advanced Systems Development and Integration Center (CASDIC) and the Defense Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) have collaborated to develop new electronic warfare airborne stand-off jammer in a joint venture for the TEJAS MK-1A, a suite dedicated to light attack aircraft.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Several Challenges and High Investment Costs to Restrain Market Growth

The sheer density of the spectrum makes it difficult to detect enemy systems operating in various frequency bands, which is one of the challenges faced by the Army. It is difficult to detect these RF signals, sense them, and understand them at a rapid rate of operation. Furthermore, the deployment costs of jammers are also increasing due to their complexity and performance requirements in relation to Electronic Warfare Systems. Massive investment is needed to upgrade and modernize electronic warfare techniques, which is not possible for most developing economies. A high deployment cost, high investment in the early stage for R&D, and many other challenges are holding back the airborne stand-off jammer market growth.

Airborne Stand-Off Jammer Market Segmentation Analysis

By Capability Analysis

Attack Segment Propelled Market Growth Owing to Increasing Adoption of These Systems for Special Military Aircrafts

By capability, the airborne stand-off jammer market is segmented into attack, protection, and support.

The attack segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023 and is estimated to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period of 2024-2032. The increasing adoption of attack systems for fighter aircraft to detect enemy radar, communication systems, and so on and offer protection against threats is driving the segment’s growth. For instance, in August 2023, the U.S. Air Force revived the B-52 jammer proposal in case of a Chinese threat. The Air Force has not yet selected an exercise or a specific month to conduct airborne stand-off jammer experiments. Demonstration of this capability on the B-52 is in the early evaluation stages.

The protection segment is anticipated to be the second fastest-growing segment during the forecast period of 2024-2032. The early adoption of protection systems for UAVs, specific mission aircraft, fighter aircraft, and so on to protects squadrons from external threats will catalyze the segment’s growth.

By Solutions Analysis

Stand-Off Jamming Segment Dominated Market Owing to Their Increasing Use for Reduced Long-Range Radar Coverage

By solutions, the market is segmented into stand-off jamming, stand-in jamming, and escort jamming.

The stand-off jamming segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The increasing integration of these solutions into fighter jets allows them to protect themselves and other friendly assets from enemy radars and disrupt other electronic equipment in the enemy territory. For instance, in April 2022, the EA-18G Growler was one of the most advanced Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) aircraft and was derived from the F/A-18 Hornet. When in use, the aircraft performs a variety of missions, including standoff & escort interdiction, surveillance, and attack.

By Platform Analysis

Aircraft Segment Dominate Market Owing to Rising Demand for Airborne Jamming Capabilities in the Warfield

By platform, the market is segmented into aircraft and UAVs.

The aircraft segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period of 2024-2032. This is due to the rising demand for dedicated electronic warfare capability aircraft that use radar jamming and deception techniques to reduce the effectiveness of enemy radar and radio systems. Furthermore, the increasing investment by governments, key players, and military organizations in EW aircraft will boost the segment’s growth. For instance, in September 2022, BAE Systems designed, tested and delivered key components for the U.S. Air Force's first EC-37B Compass Call aircraft. This delivery paved the way for the development and operational flight testing of Compass Call's three baseline configurations in 2023. It is the Department of Defense's only long-range, full-spectrum airborne stand-off jammer electronic warfare platform.

The UAVs segment is anticipated to record the second-highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2024-2032. The growth of the segment is due to the increasing development of specially equipped EW payload unmanned systems that generate electromagnetic energy to saturate enemy radar receivers (target acquisition, target-tracking, and fire control radars) and inform the exact location of the enemy. For instance, in March 2021, Turkey's defense industry launched a airborne stand-off jammer/Remote Jammer (SOJ) drone project to equip Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

In terms of geography, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

North America holds the largest airborne stand-off jammer market share. The regional market is consolidated with major players, such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Technologies, L3Harris Technologies, and others. The U.S. government is prioritizing the upgradation of SOJ systems and other electronic warfare platforms with advanced capabilities.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. The growth of the regional market is due to the increasing focus on domestic production. Emerging countries in Asia Pacific are incentivizing domestic airborne stand-off jammer development and manufacturing to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and ensure technological control. Furthermore, rising tensions in the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, and other regions is fueling investments in SOJ for self-protection, strategic deterrence, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities.

Europe will also experience substantial growth during the forecast period. The product’s demand is increasing due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resultant regional instability, particularly in Eastern Europe. This is increasing investments in jammers to enhance their air defense capabilities and protect critical infrastructure. Moreover, collaborations between the European Union and NATO will drive the demand for next-generation jammer systems for related platforms and communication systems. Furthermore, key players, such as Leonardo, BAE System, Thales, Airbus Defense, SAAB, and others are intensely focused on the upgradation and development of programs for airborne stand-off jammer.

The rest of world includes the Middle East & Africa and Latin America. During the forecast period, the market’s growth in the Middle East & Africa will be moderate. This is due to the increased investment by emerging countries, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and so on. These countries are heavily investing in military modernization. Also, rising integration of airborne stand-off jammer systems with UAVs, existing fighter jets, and dedicated EW aircraft to acquire electronic warfare systems will drive the regional market’s growth.

List of Key Companies in Airborne Stand-Off Jammer Market

Leading Players to Focus on Technological Advancements in Next-Generation Jammers for Various Aircrafts

The global market is relatively consolidated with key players, such as Airbus S.A.S., L3Harris Technologies Inc., Northrop Grumman Corporation, and others. To increase their market share and maintain competition, these players are focusing on technological developments, product innovations, and mergers & acquisitions. For instance, in September 2023, MBDA released details regarding the CONOPS Spear-EW standoff jammer as the U.K. Department of Defense allocated funds for its development. Spear-EW, the airborne Electronic Warfare (EW) system being developed by MBDA for use in the U.K.'s F-35 fleet, is set to receive additional funding from the country’s Ministry of Defense to expedite the design phase.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Aselsan (Turkey)


• BAE System (U.K.)


• CPI Aerostructures Inc. (U.S.)


• Hensoldt AG (Germany)


• Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel)


• L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (U.S.)


• MBDA (France)


• Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)


• The Raytheon Company (RTX) (U.S.)


• SAAB AB (Sweden)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2023 - Sweden's Saab confirmed that the Luftwaffe had selected the Saab Alexis Electronic Warfare (EW) suite to cater to its Eurofighter Elektronischer Kampf (EK) requirement. The Eurofighter EK's role is focused on providing escort-jamming capabilities. The other elements of the system include standoff jammers and backup jammers.


• April 2023 - In its budget plans, the United States Navy has added funding for a vital airborne Electronic Attack capability, which it expects will increase range and address certain gaps. In fiscal year 2024, the Navy is requesting an increase of USD 32.5 million for research and development of the Next Generation Jammer Midband Extended NGJMBX. The EA-18G Growler will be fitted with the next-generation system, which replaces the older ALQ-99 systems.


• June 2023 – Airbus Defense and Space GmbH was developing a Standoff Jammer (SOJ) adaptation of its A400M Atlas Airlifter as a potential solution for Germany's Luftgestätze Wirkung im Elektromagnetischen Spektrum (luWES) program.


• July 2023 - The EC-37B Compass Call Electronic Warfare (EW) aircraft was being developed to provide the U.S. Air Force (USAF) with an enhanced electronic attack capability based on the Gulfstream G550 commercial business aircraft. The EC-37B Compass Call aircraft is expected to provide enhanced standoff jamming capabilities compared to the U.S. Air Force's existing EC-130H Compass Call aircraft. The country’s Air Force plans to purchase 10 EC-37B Compass Call aircrafts to replace its 14 EC-130H fleet.


•  August 2023 - L3Harris Technologies introduced the Next Generation Jammer – Low Band (NGJ-LB) to the U.S. Navy's EA-18G Growler fleet. It is the company’s latest flagship tactical Electronic Warfare (EW) jammer. The new jammer provides a broader standoff range, simultaneous attack on multiple targets, and better electronic attack effectiveness.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a thorough market analysis. It comprises all major aspects, such as R&D capabilities, supply chain management, competitive landscape, and optimization of the manufacturing capabilities and operating services. Moreover, it offers insights into the market trends, growth analysis, and size, and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, the report focuses on several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation