Airborne Surveillance Market size is evaluated at USD 6.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to cross USD 15.03 billion by the end of 2037, registering more than 6.2% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of airborne surveillance is estimated at USD 7.3 Billion.
Technological developments in surveillance systems are a major factor propelling the airborne surveillance market's expansion. Advances in radar systems, infrared sensors, and high-definition imagery have improved the capabilities of aerial surveillance aircraft. Improved object tracking, identification, and detection are made possible by these technologies and are essential for military, law enforcement, and commercial uses. For example, in September 2024, HENSOLDT a leading manufacturer of defense and security electronics worldwide HENSOLDT announced the debut of the ARGOS-15, a next-generation aerial imaging system, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo. This eagerly awaited system is expected to become the standard for contemporary intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It is a major leap in multispectral sensor technology.
Another important factor is the growing need for maritime and border security. Countries are putting more and more effort into fortifying their borders against illicit operations including human trafficking, smuggling, and illegal immigration. Massive border areas and marine regions are being monitored by airborne surveillance platforms, which include drones and manned planes fitted with advanced monitoring gear. The increased emphasis on safeguarding the country and averting international dangers is driving up demand for aerial surveillance systems.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
Base Year |
2024 |
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
CAGR |
6.2% |
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 6.9 billion |
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 15.03 billion |
Regional Scope |
|
Application (Commercial, Military & Government)
Commercial segment is predicted to hold airborne surveillance market share of over 88.4% by the end of 2037. Border surveillance, search and rescue, infrastructure monitoring, environmental observation, and disaster management are all applications in the commercial section of the market. The need for sensors and imaging systems is being driven by commercial drones. Additionally, it is anticipated that growing investments in the development of sophisticated radars, sensors, and cameras will support airborne surveillance market expansion. For instance, in November 2020, the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) has granted a USD 93.3 million contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to improve unmanned aircraft's autonomous sensing capabilities.
Businesses operating in the energy, agricultural, and logistics sectors depend more and more on cutting-edge aerial surveillance systems to maximize resource management, guarantee operational safety, and improve operational efficiency. Drones with LiDAR, high-resolution cameras, and other sensors are frequently employed for aerial mapping, crop monitoring, and pipeline inspection. The commercial sector is adopting airborne surveillance systems due to the growing need for real-time data and the ability to cover broad areas rapidly and economically. Furthermore, factors driving this segment's growth are developments in sensor technology, data analytics, and regulatory frameworks.
Product Type (Manned System, Unmanned System)
In airborne surveillance market, manned system segment is expected to dominate revenue share of around 63.9% by the end of 2037. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft fitted with cutting-edge surveillance gear are examples of conventional aircraft used in manned airborne surveillance systems. Pilots and crew members use these technologies to carry out surveillance missions for both government and private clients. As they can carry larger payloads and last longer, manned systems are favored for some activities. Additionally, having human decision-makers on board can be quite important in dynamic scenarios. Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft and P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft are two examples. The manned systems component is still essential, especially for missions involving a large amount of human participation and for nations with developed infrastructure and experience with piloting these kinds of aircraft.
Our in-depth analysis of the global airborne surveillance market includes the following segments:
Component |
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Product Type |
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Application |
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North America Market Analysis
North America in airborne surveillance market is likely to hold more than 35.8% revenue share by 2037, owing to its substantial R&D expenditures and sophisticated defense infrastructure. To maintain military superiority around the world, the U.S. Department of Defense allows significant expenditures for the purchase and modernization of surveillance equipment. In addition, there is a thriving commercial UAV sector in the area, with uses in public safety, construction, energy, and agriculture. For instance, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that there were 863,728 registered drones in the U.S. as of January 2024. 352,222 of these are intended for business usage, and 506,635 are for personal use. By 2026, the FAA predicts that there will be 858,000 commercial drones in use.
The U.S. dominates the world airborne surveillance market owing to its large defense budget and commitment to preserving its technological dominance. The U.S. military widely uses UAVs, manned aircraft, and satellites for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes. The nation is home to a flourishing commercial drone industry, which uses drones for everything from environmental monitoring to emergency response and agriculture & infrastructure inspection. To safely integrate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the national airspace and assist airborne surveillance market growth, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a key player in this regard.
Canada's emphasis on border security and environmental monitoring is also helping the sector flourish. The region's technological prowess and well-suited legislative environments facilitate the widespread uptake and development of aerial surveillance technologies.
Asia Pacific Market Analysis
Asia Pacific is expected to experience a stable CAGR during the forecast period due to rise in demand for UAVs as more people become aware of their advantages. Furthermore, the airborne surveillance market in the area is anticipated to be driven by the growing need for aerial investigation from the military and defense sectors of nations like China and India. For example, the High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) called ABHYAS, with an enhanced booster configuration has completed six consecutive developmental trials from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha, according to the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). By doing this, ABHYAS has effectively finished ten developmental trials that show the system's dependability.
Driven by its ambitious defense modernization plans and growing demand for commercial UAV uses, China is quickly boosting its capabilities for airborne surveillance. The government is making significant investments in the creation and implementation of cutting-edge military, border, and maritime surveillance systems. With widespread applications in logistics, construction, and agriculture, China's booming commercial drone sector is also boosting the airborne surveillance market. A wide range of surveillance platforms and components are produced and exported by the nation thanks to its robust industrial base and technical breakthroughs.
Growing as a major player in the aerial surveillance business, South Korea is concentrating on strengthening its defenses and utilizing UAV technology for a range of purposes. To defend against regional threats and maintain national security, the South Korea government is investing in cutting-edge ISR systems. The nation is also investigating the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and disaster management. Modern airborne surveillance solutions are developed and implemented thanks to South Korea's dedication to innovation and cooperative efforts with foreign partners.
The following is a list of the leading companies in the airborne surveillance market. Collectively, these companies command the majority of the market and shape the course of industry trends. The strategy maps, goods, and financials of these airborne surveillance companies are analyzed to map the supply network. In the airborne surveillance market, Lockheed Martin Corporation and Northrop Grumman Corporation are major players. Lockheed Martin Corporation's vast experience, cutting-edge technological skills, and wide range of products have allowed them to hold a substantial market share in the airborne surveillance sector. For many years, the corporation has led the defense and aerospace sectors. It provides a variety of airborne surveillance systems, such as the cutting-edge F-35 Lightning II and the well-known U-2 Dragon Lady.
Here are some leading players in the airborne surveillance market:
Author Credits: Abhishek Verma
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