How Paradigm Shift in the Maritime Defense Strategies is Leading to Fleet Modernization By Best Combat Management System Companies

The Combat Management System (CMS) serves as sophisticated software designed to unify the onboard systems of naval vessels and submarines. Its primary function is to gather, analyze, and distribute real-time operational data, providing operators with a cohesive interface for commanding and controlling tasks. Additionally, it goes by the name Naval Theatre Management System (NTMS).

The demand for next-generation intelligent combat systems is fueled by the emergence of AI-powered combat systems, virtualization, naval fleet modernization, automation of combat sub-systems, and integrated management of naval combat missions. Virtualization of combat systems consolidates mission computers and consoles into physical servers, boosting energy efficiency, productivity, and flexibility.

As per a report by Fortune Business Insights™, The market for combat management system reached USD 5.85 billion in 2022 and is set to reach USD 26.56 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 22.6% during the forecast period. The market also reached USD 6.39 billion in 2023.

Fortune Business Insights™ Profiles 10 Best in the Combat Management System Companies in the Market

1. BAE Systems plc

In May 2023, Lockheed Martin Australia, BAE Systems Australia, Saab Australia, and the Ministry of Defence Australia signed a vital agreement to develop a sovereign Combat System Integration capability for the Navy's major surface combatants, boosting Australia's naval shipbuilding. In October 2022, BAE Systems secured a five-year contract to provide management, engineering, maintenance, and IT support services to the Surface Combat Systems Center, focusing on testing, training, and supporting deployable surface combat systems for the Navy.

2. Elbit Systems Ltd 

In January 2022, Elbit Systems Sweden AB secured a contract from the Swedish Defence Material Administration to supply the Albatross Combat Management Systems for the Royal Swedish Navy, to be completed in 34 months. In July 2020, Elbit Systems won a USD 53 million contract to provide and integrate intelligence suites for a Southeast Asian country's navy, including electro-optical payloads, electronic intelligence systems, jamming capabilities, mounted sonars, underwater communication systems, combat management systems, and tactical communication intelligence systems.

3. Leonardo S.p.A.

In June 2023, the Italian Navy unveiled plans to enhance its existing warships by integrating Leonardo's cutting-edge SADOC 4 (ATHENA Mk2) Combat Management System (CMS), already operational on its latest vessels such as PPA, UNPAV, LHD, LSS, and U212 NFS. Leonardo was awarded a contract in February 2023 to incorporate ATHENA MK2/U CMS into Italy's U-212 NFS submarines, featuring nine versatile consoles with specialized carbon fiber construction, water-cooling for noise mitigation, and 27" 4K vertical multi-touch displays. Additionally, in January 2021, Leonardo DRS, Inc. secured a significant contract, valued at up to USD 211.5 million, from the U.S. Navy to provide essential system hardware and comprehensive life-cycle support for AEGIS and Ship Self Defense System Combat Management Systems.

4. Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lockheed Martin, some of the best combat management system companies, was awarded a USD 23 million contract by the U.S. Navy in September 2023 to develop an integrated combat system. Their role involves crafting a warfare system architecture to enable real-time software updates across the Navy's surface fleet, spanning Aegis cruisers, frigates, carriers, destroyers, and amphibious ships. Additionally, in June 2023, Lockheed Martin delivered its specialized Aegis Software package to the U.S. Navy's newest warship, the FFG 62 Constellation Class Frigate, tailored to suit the vessel's distinct mission requirements and to facilitate seamless integration with the Aegis weapon system.

5. Raytheon Technologies Corporation

Raytheon unveiled the SPY-6 naval defense system in October 2023, with the USS Jack H. Lucas being the inaugural vessel to deploy it. Featuring SPY-6(V)1 radar technology, it excels at detecting and tracking a wide array of threats, including jets, drones, rotorcraft, and missiles, while remaining resilient against interference such as rough seas. In June 2019, Raytheon, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, concluded final developmental tests for the Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) Integrated Combat System on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) aircraft carrier.

6. Kongsberg Gruppen

In June 2022, Kongsberg announced its intentions to modernize the combat systems aboard Norway's Skjold-class corvettes. The upgrade would focus on implementing a new combat management system, harmonized with those utilized on the Nansen class frigates. Additionally, the company is likely to enhance tactical data links and other features within the combat system.

7. Thales Group

In October 2023, Thales contracted with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa to supply the TACTICOS integrated combat management system, air-surveillance, sonars, fire-control radars, and a 360° infrared sensor for the MIECZNIK Frigate program of the Polish Navy. This aims to enhance detection, identification, command, control, and decision-making capabilities. In May 2023, Thales and Team Vigilance launched the Royal Canadian Navy's next-generation offshore patrol vessel, with Thales providing Combat Systems Integration and Electronic Systems Integration for efficient performance in domestic and international missions.

8. Northrop Grumman Corporation

In April 2023, Northrop Grumman Corporation teamed up with Crescent Systems, Inc., Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Long Wave Inc. to devise a solution for fulfilling the US Navy's E-XX TACAMO requirement.

9. ATLAS ELEKTRONIK

In November 2022, Thales Netherlands awarded ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH the contract to equip the frigate 126 with anti-submarine warfare mission modules. The agreement includes the provision of two shipboard ASW mission modules and a corresponding shore facility for training support for the German Navy.

10. LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED

In December 2021, Larsen & Toubro Defence introduced the SOV400 midget submarine, featuring advanced conformal array sonar and radio-electronic sensors for surveillance and interception purposes. Through an integrated combat management system, it will facilitate the dissemination of tactical information for command and control.

Navigating the Future of Naval Warfare

The naval combat systems market is undergoing significant evolution driven by advancements such as AI-powered systems and fleet modernization. These trends adopted by best combat management system companies are fostering a paradigm shift in maritime defense strategies, emphasizing enhanced data analysis, operational efficiency, and mission effectiveness. With virtualization streamlining infrastructure and AI optimizing decision-making, the market is poised for dynamic growth and adaptation to meet evolving defense needs.