ELECTRONIC WARFARE MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Market Size and Trends

The electronic warfare market is estimated to be valued at USD 18.45 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 27.35 Billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2024 to 2031.

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The market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period owing to increasing defense budget allocation for advanced electronic warfare equipment by various countries like US, Germany, etc.. With increasing geopolitical tensions, the demand for effective surveillance and protection has increased. Key players are investing heavily in research and development for the introduction of technologically-advanced solutions like cognitive Electronic Warfare. Integrating EW capabilities on various defense platforms like aircraft, naval ships, and land-based vehicles has driven the growth of the electronic warfare market. The adoption of EW is critical in modern warfare especially with increasing asymmetric threats and inter-country conflicts. Advancements in the fields of radar, communication intelligence, and radio frequency identification are expected to drive opportunities in the coming years.

Improving Adversarial Capabilities

With evolving geo-political tensions and increasingly sophisticated technologies being developed by various nation states, maintaining military supremacy is becoming all the more critical. While advanced nations have historically held an edge in electronic warfare capabilities, the gap seems to be narrowing at a far quicker pace than before. Countries across Asia and the Middle East that were traditionally not considered strong military powers are making heavy investments in this domain to bolster their defense systems. They are procuring latest generation jammers, intelligence gathering systems as well as offensive cyber weapons to enhance their strategic and tactical abilities. Further, state actors are also relying on covert hacking groups and private military contractors to intensify hybrid warfare techniques.

In March 2022, BAE Systems which is a multinational arms, security and aerospace company, announced the introduction of a new electronic warfare (EW) suite called Storm EW Modules. This technology provides both offensive and defensive capabilities and is designed to be adaptable for use across the U.S. and allied fleets. It can be integrated into guided missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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While inter-state conflicts have largely reduced post world war era, incidence of low intensity warfare within densely populated areas seem to be on the rise. Various militant and terrorist networks are now increasingly relying on urban centers to plot attacks as well as shield their activities. Such asymmetric belligerents exploit civilian infrastructure like telecommunication towers, internet servers as well as commercial satellite systems for coordination and information dissemination purposes. At the same time, collateral damage concerns seriously hamper the deployment of traditional weaponry against them. Over the last decade, warfare in dense metropolitan areas like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen have highlighted the need for specialized equipment that can effectively map, detect, and neutralize such agile enemies without significant environmental damage. Technologies like non-line-of-sight communications, compact jamming solutions, Radio Frequency sensors integrated on unmanned vehicles, and precision directed energy weapons are being developed to gain intelligence and conduct targeted strikes in urban combat environments.

In July 2021, Aselsan shared that it had provided the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) with the Next-Generation Electronic Attack System called SANCAK (MILKAR-4A2 high-frequency jamming system). This electronic countermeasure system was specifically developed for conducting attack operations against high-frequency band communication systems on various field platforms.

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Technologies in this area need heavy investment in research and development to stay ahead of evolving threats. Geopolitical tensions also impact defense budgets and priorities. Additionally, strict export regulations surround many electronic warfare technologies, making international cooperation difficult. Systems also must be designed to work effectively while avoiding interference with civilian infrastructure like cellular networks. Overall, high costs, rapid technological changes, and political sensitivities make this a complex and high-stakes market to operate in.

Market Opportunities: Rising Demand for Advanced Electronic Warfare Capabilities

Despite challenges, opportunities exist to grow the electronic warfare market. As modern conflicts become more sophisticated, demand will rise for advanced capabilities like electronic attack and protection. Nations are allocating greater resources to cyber and EW defenses. There are also chances for private companies to partner with militaries to develop innovative solutions using new materials and artificial Intelligence.

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Ground electronic warfare is estimated to contribute the highest share of the market of 34.5% in 2024 owing to increased defense spending on land systems.

Ground electronic warfare systems play a critical role in modern land warfare. These systems are utilized across military vehicles, installations, and tactical units on the ground to identify and intercept enemy signals. They aid in situational awareness, targeting, and communication protection for soldiers and land assets.

The growing reliance on networked communication technologies by modern armed forces has amplified the need for robust ground EW capabilities. Tactical data links, GPS systems, surveillance, and reconnaissance sensors all generate electronic signatures that must be defended. Adversaries also actively employ EW to deny friendly forces these tactical advantages.

As a result, militaries around the world have prioritized upgrading and expanding their ground EW arsenals. Modern battle management systems, electronic support measures, and active denial payloads require new specialized platforms. Leading nations are fielding advanced EW capabilities on light and armored vehicles, infantry systems, and fixed installations. Miniaturized technologies now allow for distributed EW networks with offensive and defensive counterparts accompanying combat units.

Additionally, unstable geopolitical environments and ongoing regional conflicts have motivated high defense budgets toward land warfare modernization programs. From Europe to the Indo-Pacific, nations are committing sizable resources to build territorial security through armored brigades, border security forces and expeditionary ground contingencies. As the technologies and tactics of land warfare evolve rapidly, electronic warfare remains integral to maintaining information superiority on future battlefields.

The heightened emphasis on self-contained, deployable ground EW solutions continues to drive the overall segment growth. Market leaders are poised to capitalize on this priority through innovative platform integration and tailored system design. Also the Surface Electronic Warfare (SEW) for protecting ground and naval platforms, Airborne Electronic Warfare (AEW) for safeguarding aircraft, and Cyber Electronic Warfare (CEW) for leveraging cyber capabilities. SEW systems focus on countering radar and communication threats, ensuring the safety of surface platforms. AEW systems protect airborne platforms from radar threats and disrupt enemy communication, enhancing mission effectiveness. CEW involves cyber actions to gain a strategic advantage by disrupting adversary computer systems. The market addresses evolving threats with technologies like signal jamming and cyber defense, driven by geopolitical tensions and the need for advanced EW capabilities. Major defense contractors and technology firms play key roles, contributing to the integration of EW into networked defense systems. Advances in EW capabilities remain pivotal for defense innovation and modernization.

Insights, By Capability – Electronic Protection leads the Capability Segment

In terms of capability, electronic protection is estimated to contribute the highest share of the market, accounting for 31.12% in 2024, owing to rising threats from advanced weaponry.

Electronic protection has emerged as the foremost capability segment within the broader electronic warfare field. Its prominence stems from the escalating electronic signature of modern military arsenals and the need to preserve friendly platform survivability.

Weapon systems across all domains now utilize integrated sensors, networking technologies and precision guidance that increase vulnerability to electromagnetic attacks. Adversarial EW specifically looks to deny targeting data, communications, and navigation through jamming or spoofing. As a result, simply avoiding detection is no longer a sufficient self-defense strategy against sophisticated weapons.

Dedicated electronic protection suites have become mission-critical for military platforms operating in contested environments. Advanced decoys, towed radar decoys and active jamming payloads work to confuse incoming fire and preserve platforms until threat neutralization. Retasked surveillance aircraft also employ evolved EW suites to defend against integrated air defenses.

Additionally, the proliferation of long-range precision strike armaments motivates investment in next-generation EW protection. Advanced cruise and ballistic missiles, hypervelocity projectiles and emerging hypersonic weapons all present new electromagnetic signatures and targeting approaches. Meeting this evolving threat spectrum drives demand for upgraded EPM solutions with expanded frequency ranges and enhanced countermeasures.

As offensive and defensive military technologies continue advancing in tandem, the necessity of electronic protection will remain integral to extended mission effectiveness and survivability on the modern battlefield. Top tier firms are thus concentrating on R&D activities within this vital segment.

Attack (EA), which disrupts or destroys enemy electronic systems; Electronic Support (ES), focused on collecting intelligence about the electronic environment; and Mission Support, involving non-combat activities essential for optimal EW system performance. EA enhances the effectiveness of offensive operations, while ES provides critical insights for defensive and strategic planning. Mission Support services, including training and maintenance, contribute to overall functionality. Major defense contractors and technology firms are key players, responding to global trends such as increased integration of EA and ES capabilities, driven by geopolitical tensions and the need for enhanced situational awareness. These advancements are essential for addressing the evolving challenges in contemporary military operations.

Regional Insights

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North America is expected to remain the dominant player in the global electronic warfare market with a market share of 37.4% in 2024. The region accounts for a significant share of the worldwide defense budget with the U.S. being the highest spender globally. This has translated into increased investments in developing sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities. Some of the key defense contractors in the region, such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon, are global leaders in this sector with a strong portfolio of electronic warfare systems and technologies. Established electronic warfare programs of operation along with continuous modernization initiatives undertaken by the U.S. and Canada have positioned North America as the leader in this field.

Asia Pacific has emerged as the fastest growing regional market for electronic warfare technologies in recent years with a CAGR of 7.15%. This can be attributed to ongoing territorial disputes and rising geopolitical tensions that have prompted nations like China and India to substantially boost their defense spending. There is a growing emphasis on developing independent and robust electronic warfare capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. Local contractors are actively collaborating with global defense majors to acquire critical know-how and build domestic production capabilities. The presence of well-established electronics and telecom industries has provided conducive support infrastructure for manufacturing highly advanced electronic warfare systems. Additionally, increasing procurement of fifth generation fighters along with network centric warfare capabilities by leading nations like Japan, South Korea, and Australia is driving new requirements for upgrading electronic warfare suites. The diverse demand from across Asia Pacific combined with supportive indigenous development policies makes it an attractive market for both foreign and local players.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• August 2022 saw General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada being awarded a multi-year contract with CDW Canada. The contract involves providing the Network Command and Control Integrated Situational Awareness Capability (Net C2 ISAC) to the Department of National Defense (DND).
• Boeing, in August 2022, strengthened ties with Japan by inaugurating a new Boeing Research and Technology (BR&T) center. Focused on sustainability, the facility aligns with an expanded cooperation agreement with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI).
• In July 2022, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), Elbit Systems Land, and Elbit Systems Deutschland inked a strategic cooperation agreement focusing on rocket artillery. Elbit Systems Land will provide a comprehensive range of Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) capabilities, covering practice ammunition to long-range rockets.
• In September 2021, Northrop Grumman's Next Generation Electronic Warfare (NGEW) system and the AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) showcased full interoperability during Exercise Northern Lightning. The demonstration took place in a realistic and contested electromagnetic spectrum environment.

Definition: The electronic warfare market involves the development, production, and sale of systems and equipment meant to counter enemy radar signals, communications devices, and other electronic systems used for surveillance and targeting. Products in this market include radar warning receivers, electromagnetic jamming devices, missile approach warning sensors, and other countermeasures deployed to disrupt enemy signals and communications during conflicts or war-like situations on land, sea, air, and space.

Market Segmentation

• Platform Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Surface Electronic Warfare
  • Ground Electronic Warfare
  • Airborne Electronic Warfare
  • Cyber Electronic Warfare
•  Vehicle Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Electronic Attack
  • Electronic Protection
  • Electronic Support
  • Mission Support
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
    • GCC Countries
    • South Africa
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East
• Key Players Insights
  • BAE Systems plc
  • Elbit Systems Ltd.
  • General Dynamics Corporation
  • Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
  • L3Harris Technologies Inc.
  • Leonardo SpA
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Raytheon Technologies Corporation
  • SAAB AB
  • Thales Group
  • Mistral Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
  • Chelton Limited
  • Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd
  • Rohde & Schwarz India Pvt Ltd
  • QUEST GLOBAL
  • Mercury Systems, Inc.
  • IAI
  • DRDO
  • TEKTRONIX, INC.
  • Tata Advanced Systems Limited