Microwave Devices Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Active and Passive), By Frequency (Ku-Band, Ka-Band, S-Band, C-Band, X-Band, L-Band, and Others), By End-use Industry (Telecommunication, Space, Defense, Industrial, Healthcare, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global microwave devices market size was valued at USD 5.85 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 6.09 billion in 2022 to USD 9.88 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.15% during the forecast period. North America dominated the microwave devices market with a market share of 33.33% in 2021.

Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of 7.5% in 2020 as compared to 2019. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with microwave devices experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Microwave devices are an integral part of the microwave system that operates on various frequency bands depending on the application. They offer benefits such as high data transfer rates, secure connections, and minimal power consumption. As a result, these devices are widely used in a variety of applications, including satellite communications and navigation, radar, electric warfare, medical, location, and commercial communications. Communication satellites are equipped with devices that operate at shorter wavelengths compared to radio waves. Microwaves can pass directly through the ionosphere atmospheric layer, while the ionosphere reflects radio waves.

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The use of radio frequency (RF) and microwave technologies for military and aerospace applications, such as weapons, communications, surveillance, and sensors, is required with more enhanced capabilities in an increasingly cluttered spectrum, while end-users around the world are demanding smaller size, lightweight, less power consumption, and lower cost devices with the ability to perform in harsh environments.

In February, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) announced that it awarded a USD 26 million contract to Leidos [LDOS] to develop the company’s Mjölnir High Power Microwave (HPM) weapon against adversary drones.

In July 2021, CAES, a leading provider of mission-critical electronic solutions, announced that it was awarded multiple contracts to provide RF and microwave rotary joints and waveguide products for a U.S. missile defense program. CAES rotary joints and waveguides will be fitted with the system’s missile seeker, providing industry-leading performance and reliability.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR IMPACT

Due to border conflicts, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine led to a severe impact on the avionics and electronic industry around the world. These war crises around the globe, including Russia, launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine and border dispute between China and India and had suddenly raised the demand for semiconductor devices for defense applications in countries such as India, the U.S., China, and Russia. Moreover, the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has totally disrupted the supply chain and distribution network for the defense and commercial aviation sector.

Microwave devices are one of the major components of any avionics or electronic system. With the ongoing war, there is a supply chain disruption of raw materials. Ukraine is a provider of 70% neon gas. Lighting, vacuum tubes, high-voltage indicators, lightning arresters, wave meter tubes, television tubes, and helium-neon lasers are all examples of neon applications. Ukraine also supplies 90% semiconductor-grade neon to the U.S. The war will have a major impact on the market in forthcoming years as it will take time to modify the supply chain and distribution network around the world.

MICROWAVE DEVICES MARKET TRENDS

Increase in Demand for 5G Network Services to Boost Market Growth

5G is widely regarded as a wireless product that will enable communication and networking devices to grow into a new set of applications, cases, and direct markets. It will contribute to driving autonomous vehicles by connecting them to millions of industrial sensors and network stations around the world. Over the last few years, microwave technology, such as E-Band, has become an essential part of 5G wireless backhaul support as E-Band enables the 5G network to make its presence around the world. Moreover, these microwave technology bands are low in cost and aid in less expensive microwave connections, which is considered a crucial factor in building 5G infrastructure in developing countries. North America witnessed microwave devices market growth from USD 1.90 Billion in 2020 to USD 1.05 Billion in 2021.

microwave devices will be an essential need for 5G network connections in urban, rural, and suburban areas around the world. For instance, 5G subscriptions reached 580 million by the end of 2021 and are continuously in demand due to the growing need for high-speed data and network services. Moreover, the growing demand for 5G services has led telecom operators to invest in and leverage innovative microwave technology with traditional frequencies in multi-band solutions to make 5G network connections available in all parts of the world.

Microwave Devices Market GROWTH FACTORS

Increasing Demand for Medical Instruments Equipped Microwave Devices to Boost Market Growth

There is rapid growth in the healthcare industry to increase the demand for medical equipment equipped with microwave technology, as these devices provide test results with a high degree of precision or accuracy. Microwave tomography, a form of medical imaging that uses microwave technology, is now widely used for detecting cancer. Microwaves play an important role in the fight against cancer, providing a new way to treat the disease. Microwave ablation is often used to remove unwanted tissue, for example, liver tumors, lungs, and prostate ablation, and to treat large tumors. In recent years, cancer disease has been the second-largest cause of death in the world.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. The increase in the number of cancer patients is due to the late detection of the disease. Therefore, the demand for cancer detection systems has highly increased across the world as early diagnostic methods with suitable treatments improve the survival rates significantly.

Growing Need for Improved Communications Services to Aid Growth

Microwave devices use microwave data links to provide point-to-point communication, allowing the end-user to access precise information quickly and securely. As a result, microwave lines are used by the defense industry, space agencies, and a number of other national security agencies to transport classified information between their organizations. It also provides robust telecommunications protection, which benefits a wide range of space communications applications. The growing trend of space satellite launches to enhance space communication network services is driving the market growth in both developed and emerging countries. A state-of-the-art satellite communication system used by the U.S. Space Force is used to transmit secure information over the air, land, atmosphere, and shipping systems through microwave equipment.

Currently, operational U.S. satellite sensors, such as the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) on one NASA satellite (Aqua) and four NOAA (15–18) satellites and the special sensor microwave/imager (SSMI/S) on Department of Defense Satellite F-16, make use of this frequency range.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Risk of Communication Jamming is a Major Challenge for Market

The increased threat of communication jamming and congestion due to the changing nature of warfare is expected to limit the market growth. The worldwide radiation or magnetic field exposure to prevent the efficient use of the electromagnetic spectrum is known as electromagnetic (EM) jamming. It is a new form of electronic attack that is an integral part of the electric war. Electronic attack (EA) is a significant component of electronic warfare and refers to a range of technologies and tactics for attacking individuals, facilities, or equipment using electromagnetic energy or anti-radiation weaponry. EA is most typically employed to influence how an opponent uses the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS).

Electronic attack uses EM energy, direct energy, or anti-radiation weapons to confuse, disable, or destroy an enemy’s electronic systems. Weapons used for electronic attack leverage lasers, electro-optical, infrared, and RF/microwave technologies. With an increase in the adoption of microwave devices for military communication, the risk of communication jamming is also increasing. Moreover, the growing cyber threats and interruptions are one of the major factors hindering the market growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Supply Chain Disruption Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Started Recovering Due to Rise in Demand for Microwave Devices Led to Market Growth

The delay in satellite launch and major space mission cancellation led to disruption of supply chains around the world. Thus, the outbreak of COVID-19 had a significant impact on the market. Several key players are involved in designing and developing microwave solutions for various end-use industries such as commercial, space, defense, healthcare, and others. Amongst these, the space industry witnessed a decline in demand for microwave devices in 2020, but their demand for usage in space applications increased in 2021 and 2022 to provide satellite communication, navigation, and homeland security purposes. For instance,

• In April 2022, the National Reconnaissance Office launched a spy satellite that successfully ascended into orbit higher up than a reusable SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite will play a major role in providing assistance in securing vital intelligence data and receiving critical intelligence data from the Western Range, which has teamed up with the National Reconnaissance Office.

MICROWAVE DEVICES MARKET SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Type Analysis

Active Segment to Dominate the Market Owing to Increased Demand for Telecom and Networking Services

Based on type, the market is bifurcated into active and passive. The active segment registered the largest market share in 2021. Active devices, such as transistors, amplifiers, oscillators, tubes, diodes, and integrated circuits, are widely used in electrical systems. This large share of active devices is due to the increase in development of advanced microwave systems that are used in various industries such as telecommunications and networking. Microwave radio transmission is commonly used in point-to-point communication systems on the earth's surface, in satellite communications, and in deep space radio communications. Thus, this segment is expected to remain the largest component during the study period.

In addition, the passive segment is expected to grow at a significant annual growth rate between 2022-2029. Passive microwave passive devices are used in measuring instruments and to combine instruments to create more complex measurement systems. The growing demand for measuring devices with higher accuracy and precision is expected to boost the segment growth in the forthcoming years.

By Frequency Analysis

Rising Adoption of Ku-Band for Space and Defiance Applications to Drive Segment Growth During 2022-2029

Based on frequency, the market is segmented into Ku-Band, Ka-Band, S-Band, C-Band, X-Band, L-Band, and others. The Ku-Band segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period owing to increasing satellite launches, and investment in space research & development activities is expected to drive the market growth. Moreover, the rising usage of Ku-Band systems and devices for defense applications is expected to fuel the market growth in the near future.

The L-Band segment held the largest market share in 2021. The dominance of the segment is due to the growing adoption of advanced L-Band microwave systems for Global Positioning Systems (GPS), radio, telecommunications, and aircraft surveillance applications.

Due to the rising usage of these bands for numerous applications, such as telecom, mobile phones, Bluetooth, GPS, radio communication, and space telemetry, the S-Band, X-Band, C-Band, and Ka-Band are expected to have a significant market share during the projected period.

By End-use Industry Analysis

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Rising Demand for Telecommunication Services to Boost Segmental Growth

In terms of end-use industry, the market is divided into telecommunication, space, defense, industrial, healthcare, and others. The telecommunication segment is expected to hold a 23.26% share in 2021.

The telecommunication segment is estimated to be the largest segment in 2021. The dominance of the segment is due to the growing adoption of point-to-point communication links, wireless networks, microwave radio relay networks, radar, satellite, and spacecraft communication. Thus, higher growth numbers are anticipated in the near future. 

The space segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing satellite launches and investment in space research & development activities in developed and developing economies are anticipated to propel the market growth.

The healthcare segment is anticipated to witness significant growth due to the ongoing pandemic situation. Increased adoption of the product for cancer cell detection and treatment of major diseases is likely to drive significant growth in the healthcare sector.

MICROWAVE DEVICES MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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North America dominated the microwave devices market share in 2021. The market stood at USD 1.95 billion in 2021. The rise in the adoption of advanced communication systems in defense, aviation, and the industrial and commercial industry is expected to fuel the North America market growth. In addition, large defense spending and the presence of several key players in the U.S. are supporting the microwave devices market growth in North America.

The Europe market is projected to grow moderately during the forecast period. Increasing automotive, semiconductor, manufacturing, and healthcare industries in Germany, the U.K., and France are expected to drive the market growth in Europe.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the quickest rate in the market. This increase can be ascribed to increased government spending on communication and networking services in China, Japan, India, and Australia, which is anticipated to foster the market growth during 2022- 2029. In addition, the growing aerospace and defense industries in the region support the market growth during the forecast period.

The market in the rest of the world witnessed moderate growth amid the pandemic due to increased defense spending and the rising commercial aviation sector in the Middle Eastern countries. Moreover, the market is anticipated to grow owing to considerable developments in the telecommunications industry in Brazil and the UAE.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players are Focusing on Providing Cost-efficient and Pocket-sized Products

The industry is highly fragmented, with companies, such as Analog Devices Inc., Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Thales Group, Communications & Power Industries LLC, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., and Qorvo Inc., among the leading participants. These companies concentrate on developing low-cost, small-scale microwave devices for use in the space, communication, commercial, and defense industries. In addition, corporations are focusing on expanding their capabilities and maintaining their market position through R&D investment, smart acquisitions, and collaborations. For instance, in August 2021, Analog Devices Inc. announced the acquisition of Maxim Integrated Products Inc. The acquisition was carried out for USD 20.8 billion. This acquisition will strengthen Analog’s market position as a high-performance semiconductor organization.

List of Top Microwave Devices Companies:

• Analog Devices Inc. (U.S.)
• Communications & Power Industries LLC (U.S.)
• General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.)
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (U.S.)
• L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (U.S.)
• MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. (U.S.)
• Microsemi Corporation (U.S)
• Microwave Technology, Inc. (U.K.)
• Qorvo Inc. (U.S.)
• Richardson Electronics, Ltd. (U.S.)
• Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (U.S.)
• Thales Group (France)
• TMD Technologies Ltd (U.K.)
• Toshiba Corporation (Japan)
• Cytec Corporation (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS :

• June 2024 - Communications & Power Industries (CPI) announced the spin-off of its Electron Device Business, now operating as a separate entity. This division focuses on developing and manufacturing a broad array of RF and microwave products for critical defense and commercial applications.
• February 2025 - Kratos Defense reported increased revenues in its Microwave Products division, attributed to organic growth in its Turbine Technologies, C5ISR, and Defense Rocket Support sectors. This growth underscores the company's expanding role in microwave technologies for defense applications.
• February 2025 - L3Harris introduced the RF-9850W HCLOS Microwave Radio System, designed for high-capacity line-of-sight communications. This system is part of their mission systems solutions, catering to tactical communication needs in defense operations.
• June 2024 - MACOM showcased its extensive RF and microwave capabilities at IMS2024, including GaN-on-SiC MMIC Ka-Band Power Amplifiers and 300 W X-band power amplifiers. These products are aimed at enhancing performance in aerospace and defense applications.
• May 2025 - Microchip Technology, which acquired Microsemi, announced cost-optimized PolarFire® Core FPGAs and SoCs. These devices deliver high performance with a 30% lower price tag, catering to applications requiring secure and reliable processing, including microwave systems.
• April 2025 - Qorvo expanded its portfolio with new RF front-end modules designed for 5G infrastructure and defense applications. These modules integrate advanced filtering and amplification technologies to enhance performance in microwave frequency bands.
• March 2025 - Teledyne introduced advanced microwave imaging solutions for industrial and security applications. These systems leverage high-frequency microwave technologies to provide detailed imaging capabilities in challenging environments.
• January 2025 - Thales launched a new line of microwave communication systems aimed at enhancing secure military communications. These systems offer improved bandwidth and resistance to electronic warfare tactics.
• February 2025 - TMD Technologies announced the development of compact, high-precision inertial guidance systems utilizing advanced microwave components. This development aims to improve navigation accuracy in defense and aerospace applications.

MICROWAVE DEVICES MARKET REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Microwave Devices Market

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The global microwave devices market research report offers detailed research of the industry. It maps essential topics such as R&D capabilities and manufacturing process optimization. Moreover, this research report provides information about new market trends as well as key industrial developments. In addition to the elements mentioned above, the study focuses on a number of other aspects that have aided the developed market's rise in recent years.

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