Synthetic Aperture Radar Market size was USD 29.3 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 107 billion by the end of 2037, expanding at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of synthetic aperture radar is assessed at USD 32.3 billion.
Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is finding high applications in defense and national security for surveillance, reconnaissance, and target detection. Governments around the globe are investing heavily in advanced SAR technologies to enhance their defense and intelligence sectors, which is significantly augmenting the overall market growth. The evolving threat challenges such as cyberattacks and terrorism are further driving countries to adopt next-gen surveillance systems such as synthetic aperture radars.
Manufacturers are also receiving funding from defense sectors to develop start-of-art surveillance technologies. For instance, in September 2024, Capella Space received strategic funding of around USD 15 million from the U.S. Air Force to accelerate innovation in the development of its next generation of synthetic aperture radar satellites. Through such strategic private funding, the government is aiming to advance its defense systems. Thus, the manufacturers of synthetic aperture radar technologies are set to earn high profits through several public and private investments in the coming years.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
10.5% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 29.3 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 107 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Platform (Spacecraft, Aircraft, UAV)
In synthetic aperture radar market, spacecraft segment is expected to account for around 57.1% revenue share by 2037. The advancements in satellite technology coupled with the growing need for detailed and reliable Earth observation analysis are augmenting the use of synthetic aperture radar technologies in spacecraft. For instance, in July 2o24, Rocket Lab USA, Inc. announced the 51st Electron launch, a dedicated mission for American space tech company Capella Space. The Capella’s Acadia-3 SAR satellite effectively monitors and analyzes Earth imagery and observations. Governments worldwide are also increasingly investing in advancing their space intelligence, which is directly pushing the demand for advanced synthetic aperture radar spacecraft. The international space agencies are also collaborating to launch next-gen synthetic radar system spacecraft, one to be launched by NASA and ISRO in Q1 of 2025.
End use (Research & Commercial Applications, Defense)
The research & commercial application segment is forecast to hold a dominant synthetic aperture radar market share by 2037. The synthetic aperture radar system's ability to detect ground displacement with accuracy is finding wide applications in monitoring infrastructure such as dams, bridges, and buildings. In particular, the mining and oil & gas industries use SAR to monitor subsidence and changes in terrain that could signal potential risks to infrastructure and operations. Furthermore, SAR technologies are also highly used in urban planning and smart city projects to monitor urban expansion, track infrastructure conditions, and assess traffic congestion. For instance, in June 2021, Umbra Space announced the launch of its first synthetic aperture radar technology. This system with a unique imaging payload captures images with resolution down to 10 inches through clouds, smoke, and even total darkness. Furthermore, the collaboration between space intelligence companies is increasing the use of SAR systems for research purposes.
Our in-depth analysis of the global synthetic aperture radar market includes the following segments:
|
Frequency Band |
|
|
Component |
|
|
Platform |
|
|
End use |
|
North America Market Forecast
North America synthetic aperture radar market is expected to capture revenue share of over 38.5% by 2037. The increasing defense and security needs for advanced monitoring technologies, technological advancements in space radar systems, and high demand for commercial applications are collectively contributing to the regional market growth. In both the U.S. and Canada, the increasing emphasis on military and satellite-based technologies is set to double the revenues of synthetic aperture radar market.
The U.S. is one of the biggest adopters of advanced monitoring technologies including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) market. The increasing investments in advancing military and defense segments of the country are anticipated to augment the sales of synthetic aperture technologies in the coming years. For instance, the House Committee on Appropriations revealed that around USD 824.3 billion is expected to be funded to the U.S. Department of Defense in FY25.
In Canada, the government is investing heavily in private firms to develop advanced synthetic aperture radar technologies for enhanced space explorations. For instance, in July 2021, SpaceAlpha Insights Corp. announced that the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) invested around USD 1.17 million for the production of advanced synthetic aperture radar technology to accelerate the country's space exploration projects. Such investments are driving the attention of market players to grab funding opportunities.
Asia Pacific Market Statistics
The Asia Pacific synthetic aperture radar (SAR) market is set to expand at the fastest pace during the anticipated period. The combination of factors such as increasing government investments in defense and security intelligence, environmental monitoring needs, and collaborations with international space agencies is uplifting Asia Pacific's position in the global SAR market. Japan, China, India, and South Korea are big profit pools for synthetic aperture radar system producers.
In India, the ISRO space agency is collaborating with NASA for the launch of an advanced SAR satellite for Earth observation. Such initiatives are driving key player's attention to expand their operations in the country. The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) reveals that the government has opened doors to private sectors to participate in the defense industry to promote indigenous manufacturing. With a USD 74.7 billion budget, the India defense industry ranks 4th globally in 2024. Furthermore, the increasing emergence of start-ups in the aerospace innovation sector is anticipated to augment SAR industry growth. For instance, in May 2024, a Bengaluru-based start-up GalaxEye Space announced the successful testing of its synthetic aperture radar technology. The SAR technology was tested on a subscale High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) manufactured by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). With this move, the company is efficiently aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and became the first private firm to perform SAR trials on the HAPS platform, globally.
China’s strong emphasis on defense capabilities is set to drive the sales of synthetic aperture radar technologies in the foreseeable period. The increasing investment by the country in space-based SAR systems to enhance military operations, surveillance of its vast operations, and maritime patrols is augmenting the demand for advanced SAR systems. The rising infrastructure development projects in the country are further increasing the use of synthetic aperture radar systems in commercial applications.
The global synthetic aperture radar market is characterized by the presence of industry giants and the emergence of start-ups. The ongoing innovations in the aerospace sector are generating lucrative opportunities for SAR technology manufacturers. The new companies are majorly focusing on expanding their product offerings for commercial applications to earn high gains and stand out in the niche market. Leading companies are collaborating with public space agencies to introduce next-gen synthetic aperture radar systems. The public funding trends are also aiding companies to stand out in the competitive landscape and account for remarkable profits.
Some of the key players are SAR market:
Author Credits: Dhruv Bhatia
Copyright © 2025 Research Nester. All Rights Reserved
FREE Sample Copy includes market overview, growth trends, statistical charts & tables, forecast estimates, and much more.
Have questions before ordering this report?