Military Antenna Market Size, Share, Russia-Ukraine War Impact, & Industry Analysis, By Frequency (High Frequency, Ultra-High Frequency, Super High Frequency, and Extremely High Frequency), By Type (Dipole Antenna, Aperture Antenna, Traveling Wave Antenna, Loop Antenna, and Array Antenna), By Platform (Airborne, Marine, and Ground), By Application (Communication, Surveillance, SATCOM, Electronic Warfare, and Telemetry), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global military antenna market size was valued at USD 4.05 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 4.32 billion in 2024 to USD 7.77 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period.

An antenna is a device that converts radio frequency into alternating current using a transformer. India, the U.S., and China have witnessed a surge in demand for antennas for air, sea, and ground military operations. Companies and governments focus on aerial applications to provide technologically advanced antennas to their respective military forces.

Antenna terminal control is critical in establishing a satellite connection, and ESPA eliminates mechanical movement. In addition, the factors driving the global market are increased military expenditure and the adoption of multi-function radar systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic damaged the economies of several countries. Production processes were disrupted due to disruptions in the supply chain. Exposure to COVID-19, the operational level of manufacturing operations, and import and export regulations affected the continuation of manufacturing operations. To overcome the pandemic, companies focused on long-term contracts after 2020.

In September 2021, Smiths Interconnect received a five-year contract to manufacture 74 high gain high sensitivity (HGHS) antenna systems from Lockheed Martin Corporation. The contract will help integrate these antenna systems into the U.S. Navy ships. The contract is under the Navy Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP).

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR IMPACT

Positive Impact of Russia-Ukraine War on the Procurement of Military Antennas

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine changed the undercurrents of the European defense industry in 2022 & 2023. NATO and European countries supply Western Ukraine with ammunition, ground surveillance radars, fire detection weapons, and other systems through Poland. More than 25 countries have linked to support the military crisis in Ukraine. These countries provide funding, weapons, special military operations, and more. Thus, the growth of the market for military antennas has been observed recently.

Russia has more nuclear weapons than any other country. Its attack on Ukraine significantly boosted NATO as the U.S. and other member states poured tens of billions of military equipment into Ukraine. Previous arms deliveries have included antennas, radars, drones, and anti-tank missiles such as the U.S.-made Java. The U.S., Germany, and Britain have pledged to supply state-of-the-art tanks, antennas, and surveillance systems in the latest moves.

Military Antenna Market Trends

Rise in the Development of Technological Advancement in Smart Antennas for Improved Field of Monitoring Capabilities

An intelligent antenna system combines multiple antennas with signal-processing algorithms to optimize its reception pattern and radiation in response to changing signal conditions. Adaptive array antennas and switched radio antennas are two types of antennas. Smart antennas improve the quality of wireless communications by reducing errors and controlling incoming signals. In addition, it allows soldiers to adapt data signals to their needs, thus improving operational efficiency. The market is expected to grow due to the demand for high-speed and high-frequency wavelengths, advanced field tracking capabilities, and communication systems.

For instance, in March 2021, Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions (CAES), a mission-critical electronic solutions provider, was awarded a U.S. government contract to develop advanced antenna technology solutions for hypersonic applications. Work will be conducted from CAES facilities in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and Exeter, New Hampshire.

Military Antenna Market Growth Factors

Rising Demand for Satellite Communication Equipment Due to Growing Space Exploration Programs Will Aid Market Growth

Satellite communications (SATCOM) are widely used to integrate existing satellite communications into existing communications and intelligence architectures. As usage needs grew and technological improvements advanced rapidly, the need for bandwidth exploded.

Therefore, C4ISR relies primarily on satellites to address today's forces' challenges. The development of satellite infrastructure has helped to create new terrestrial communication networks, which allows for greater operational flexibility. As a result, the market for satellite and military antennas will grow significantly as satellite communications infrastructure expands.

For instance, in April 2021, Smiths Interconnect won a contract from Mitsubishi Electronic Company to develop an integrated G-Band satellite-based antenna system for Japan Space Agency.

Significant Demand to Replace Conventional Equipment with Technologically Advanced Military Equipment Drives the Market Growth

The need to upgrade conventional military equipment increased as warfare and battlefield management changed. Modernization of defense systems is necessary to keep pace with technological developments on the battlefield, and this demand is also projected to drive the global Market. The transformation aims to improve quality, overcome capacity gaps, and lower overall costs. Major defense companies and the U.S. government have increased contracts to upgrade military systems such as tactical radar systems, traveling wave antennas, loop antennas, mobile tactics, light weapons, advanced antennas, and other equipment. Countries are expected to upgrade their antenna systems in the near future. For example, in 2022, India plans to increase its defense budget by about 5% for military transformation programs. In the next 5-7 years, it will focus on spending 130 billion dollars to modernize its military and improve its combat capabilities.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High-Cost Associated with Research and Development (R&D) of Military Antenna Hampers the Market Growth

Military antennas are used for surveillance and communications applications, C5ISR, electronic warfare, and other needs. As the technological development of defense equipment increases, the antenna must be developed for compatibility with other devices. However, due to the complexity of the design and high costs related to the R&D of antenna technology. Development, cross-segment integration, and maintenance of these devices are very expensive. Hence, these factors are expected to affect the market growth negatively.

Satellite communication equipment is used to communicate with very complex defense systems, which hinders the system's operation. The services must be accurate, reliable, long-lasting, energy-efficient and recognize different objects. To maintain market leadership and competitiveness, companies in the sector must build highly functional and efficient facilities.

Military Antenna Market Segmentation Analysis

By Frequency Analysis

Due to Rising Demand Super-High Frequency Segment to Grow at Faster Pace

Based on frequency, the market is classified into high frequency, ultra-high frequency, super high frequency, and extremely high frequency. The high-frequency segment accounted for a major part of the market growth of military antennas in 2023. Behind the dominant position is the relatively lower cost of the high-frequency band-based system and its military applications, such as surveillance and combat. For instance, in December 2021, China used "the world's largest antenna" for submarine operations. China has been deploying what is believed to be the world's largest antenna to improve surveillance and communications capabilities and enable long-range communications with submarines.

The super high-frequency segment is expected to register a higher CAGR in 2024-2032 due to its wide use in space-based and weather-forecasting applications. In addition, the growth of satellite-based systems and the proliferation of 5G-based radar systems will accelerate the growth of the market.

By Type Analysis 

Increasing Demand for Radar will facilitate the Demand for Array Antenna Segments in 2022

Based on type, the market is segmented into slot antennas, dipole antennas, array antennas, traveling wave antennas, and loop antennas. The array antenna segment is expected to project a significant CAGR during the forecast period due to the increasing number of remote sensing and defense radar applications. For instance, in May 2020, Raytheon Technologies received a USD 238 million contract from the U.S. Navy. The company will supply the U.S. Navy with a ship planning antenna with this contract.

The dipole antenna segment held the largest market share in 2023. This type of antenna is widely used in most military radar systems.

By Platform Analysis

Rising Demand for Next-generation Fighter Aircraft is Boosting the Airborne Segment Growth

Based on platform, the market is divided into ground, airborne, and marine. The airborne segment is projected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period due to increasing demand for next-generation fighter aircraft equipped with advanced antenna-based systems in developed and emerging economies. For instance, in May 2023, South Korea signed a contract with Malaysia for 18 FA-50 light aircraft.

The ground segment holds the largest market share and is expected to hold during the forecast period. The administrative position is due to the increase in cross-border security issues and the modernization of existing military radar systems with technologically advanced radar systems.

In addition, the marine segment is expected to grow significantly by the end of the forecast period due to the popularity of Ultra High-Frequency antennas in submarines and other vessels. For instance, in May 2023, Babcock Canada signed two technical cooperation agreements with Korea's Hanwha Ocean and H.D. Hyundai Heavy Industries to cooperate on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). 

By Application Analysis

Growing Demand for Advance Battlefield Operations Will Increase the Development of the Electronic Warfare Segment 

By application, the market is categorized into SATCOM, communications, surveillance, electronic warfare, and telemetry. The electronic warfare segment is anticipated to rise at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to augmented demand for advanced military radar and antenna systems.

The communication segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. The administrative position is due to military forces' increased use of military equipment and systems throughout combat operations.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The report comprises the global market at a regional level.

North America was the dominant region in 2023. The region's growth is being driven by U.S. military dominance, increased investment in development and testing, and increased budget spending. For instance, in November 2020, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the U.S. Navy tested the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system against an ICBM target. Additionally, in May 2019, the U.S. Department of Defense (MOD) appealed to the U.S. government for an additional USD 100 million in fiscal year 2020 to progress an advanced missile defense system. 

Europe is projected to grow significantly due to increasing awareness of high-tech antenna systems. The region's growth is due to the increase in the public sector, the demand for technological development, and the acquisition of defense systems. For instance, in 2022, GISS supplied the Polish Army with 100 COBALT Manpak terminals. The Polish Munitions Agency will receive 100 Manpak terminals from the Polish-based manufacturer GISS. The USD 8.8 million contract provides for delivering portable SHF satellite terminals at the tactical level, which will be reliable, highly mobile, and capable of deployment within the territory. Unlimited satellite communication

The Asia Pacific is projected to rise at the fastest CAGR due to increasing military spending by India and China. In addition, market players in the region are investing heavily, increasing the demand for antennas. In the fiscal year 2023-2024, India's total defense expenditure is USD 72.6 billion. A fund of USD 22.26 billion was earmarked for the acquisition of new weapons and military platforms. The Indian Air Force will receive USD 7.43 billion in new weapons, the Navy USD 6.36 billion, and the Army USD 4.28 billion. 

South America and Middle East & Africa had relatively lower market shares due to OEMs and defense activities. Additionally, growth in development and testing is also helping boost the Market in the region with the increase in defense spending.

List of Key Companies in Military Antenna Market

Key Players Focus on the Development of Technological Advancement in Smart Antennas to Gain a Competitive Advantage in the Market

The industry is fragmented, with many companies designing and building antennas. Companies want to develop technologically superior products and build strong partnerships with governments in developed and developing countries. Raytheon Technologies, Rohde and Schwarz, and L3Harris Technologies are key players in the market. Other major competitors such as Antcom Corporation and Comrod Communication AS have good military antenna market share. In March 2021, Cobham Advanced Electronic Solution (CAED) received a contract from the U.S. government to develop advanced antenna technology solutions for hypersonic applications.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• Antcom Corporation (U.S.)


• Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions (U.K.)


• Comrod Communication AS (Norway)


• Eylex Pty Ltd. (Australia)


• Hascall-Denke (U.S.)


• L3Harris Technologies Ltd. (U.S.)


• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)


• MTI Wireless Edge Ltd. (Israel)


• Raytheon Technologies Corporation (U.S.)


• Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co KG (Germany)


• Terma A/S (Denmark)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• January 2023 - CAES, a leading provider of mission-critical advanced R.F. technology, announced that Northrop Grumman had been awarded a more than USD 24 million contract to provide M-Code GPS antennas to support Precision Guidance Instruments (PGK).


• July 2022 - MDA Ltd. won a contract to build Ka-Band steerable antennas for satellites from York Space Systems, according to a statement from MDA. The work will help support space security and communications constellations. The work is expected to be completed within 24 months.


• March 2022 - ThinKom Solution Inc. successfully unveiled a new Ka-band phased-array satellite antenna for communications-on-the-move (COTM) applications. This new product will enable governments and end-users to optimize mission-critical communications.


• December 2021 – Raytheon Technologies received a contract worth USD 1,300 million from the U.S. Navy. Under this contract, the company will develop ESSM Block 2 anti-air missiles. It's a medium-range, semi-active homing missile that makes flight corrections via radar. A radome-protected antenna is used for semi-active homing and a warhead.


• April 2021 - Smiths Interconnect wins contract from Mitsubishi Electronic Company to develop integrated G-Band satellite-based antenna system for Japan Space Agency.

REPORT COVERAGE

This research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key parameters such as major companies, product types, surveillance electronic warfare market, and major antenna applications, such as the electronic military surveillance system. In addition, the report provides an overview of market trends and highlights key developments in the industry. Apart from the factors mentioned above, the report covers several factors that have influenced the military antenna market growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation