Radars

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2024: Global Radar Market Exceeds $36 Billion for the Year

In 2024, the global market for radar systems (radars) reached $36.09 billion. The indicator of the previous year, when expenses in this area were estimated at $34.57 billion, was exceeded by about 4%. This is stated in a study by Market Research Future, the results of which were published in mid-February 2025.

One of the main drivers of the industry, analysts call the development of the defense sector. Radar systems are critical for maintaining military operations, surveillance, air traffic control, and ensuring the operability of missile defense assets. Against the backdrop of a worsening geopolitical situation, the authorities of many countries around the world are investing in advanced radar technologies to improve situational awareness and quickly identify threats.

The expansion of the market is facilitated by the active development of smart and self-driving vehicles. Radar systems are responsible for the operation of functions such as collision prevention, adaptive cruise control and autopilot. In addition, new opportunities for radar manufacturers open up the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles for various applications. In meteorology, radar systems serve to accurately predict and monitor weather.

Another stimulating factor is technological advances. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into radar systems improves their efficiency and accuracy, allowing data analysis and real-time decision-making. The next generation devices offer improved object detection capabilities, higher detail, effective noise suppression and the ability to work in difficult conditions. The introduction of solid-state radars is growing, which are highly reliable while reducing maintenance costs. The developers pay increased attention to miniaturization and economic efficiency, which expands the scope of radar systems.

The authors of the study identify five key market directions: air traffic control, military applications, weather monitoring, marine navigation and automotive systems. In 2024, the costs in the first of these segments amounted to about $10 billion, and the defense sector accounted for $12 billion. Weather monitoring brought $6 billion, marine navigation - $4 billion. Revenue in the field of automotive systems is estimated at $4.09 billion - this sector is showing rapid growth. Among the significant players in the global market are named:

• Lockheed Martin;
• General Dynamics;
• Elbit Systems;
• Saab AB;
• Indra Sistemas;
• Thales Group;
• NPE;
• Raytheon Technologies;
• Leonardo;
• L3Harris Technologies;
• Huawei;
• Airbus;
• Northrop Grumman;
• BAE Systems;
• Rockwell Collins.;

The study says that in 2024, North America was leading geographically with costs of $15.5 billion: there is a high level of technology development. Europe is in second place with an indicator of about $10 billion, and the Asia-Pacific region closes the top three, estimated at $8 billion. South America secured a contribution of $1.2 billion, the Middle East and Africa - $1.39 billion.

In the future, analysts at Market Research Future believe that the industry will maintain positive dynamics. The compound percentage CAGR is expected to be 4.4%. As a result, by 2035, costs could rise to $58 billion.^[1]

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