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    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market

    ID: MRFR/A&D/20712-HCR
    128 Pages
    Sejal Akre
    October 2025

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Research Report: By Platform (Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)), By Technology (Radar, Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems, Electronic Support Measures (ESM)), By Range (Short-Range, Medium-Range, Long-Range), By Applications (Air-to-Air Combat, Air-to-Ground Surveillance, Maritime Surveillance, Electronic Warfare) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forecast to 2035.

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    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Summary

    The Global Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is projected to grow from 15.40 USD Billion in 2024 to 27.81 USD Billion by 2035.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.39 percent from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 22.2 USD Billion, indicating robust growth potential.
    • in 2024, the market is valued at 15.40 USD Billion, reflecting a solid foundation for future expansion.
    • Growing adoption of advanced surveillance technologies due to increasing defense budgets is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 15.40 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 27.81 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 5.52%

    Major Players

    Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Thales Group, Saab AB, General Dynamics, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Leonardo, Airbus, L3Harris Technologies, Boeing, Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Trends

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is poised for significant growth due to increasing military expenditure and technological advancements. Governments worldwide are investing heavily in defense capabilities, leading to a demand for advanced target acquisition systems to enhance situational awareness and combat readiness. Innovations in radar technology, electro-optical sensors, and data fusion algorithms are driving market growth.Key market drivers include the need to counter stealth aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and advanced missile threats.

    Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into target acquisition systems is expected to create opportunities for enhanced detection, tracking, and identification capabilities.Recent trends in the market include the adoption of multi-mode sensors for improved target detection in various scenarios, the use of passive radar systems for covert operations, and the integration of network-centric capabilities to enable real-time information sharing. These advancements are shaping the market landscape and creating new opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers to cater to the evolving needs of military forces around the globe.

    The ongoing advancements in sensor technologies and the increasing demand for precision targeting capabilities are driving the evolution of airborne target acquisition systems, reflecting a broader trend towards enhanced situational awareness in military operations.

    U.S. Department of Defense

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Drivers

    Emerging Markets

    The Global Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry is expanding into emerging markets, where defense spending is on the rise. Countries in regions such as Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are investing in modernizing their military capabilities, which includes acquiring advanced airborne target acquisition systems. For instance, nations like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are enhancing their defense infrastructure, leading to increased demand for sophisticated surveillance and targeting technologies. This trend is expected to contribute to the overall growth of the market, as these countries seek to bolster their defense readiness in response to regional security challenges.

    Increased Defense Budgets

    The Global Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry is significantly influenced by rising defense budgets across various nations. Countries are allocating more resources to modernize their military capabilities, which includes investing in advanced airborne systems. For instance, nations such as the United States and India have announced substantial increases in their defense spending, which directly impacts the procurement of airborne target acquisition systems. This trend is likely to continue as geopolitical tensions persist, driving demand for sophisticated surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The anticipated growth in defense budgets is expected to bolster the market, contributing to its expansion over the coming years.

    Market Growth Projections

    The Global Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry is projected to experience substantial growth over the next decade. With an estimated market value of 15.4 USD Billion in 2024, it is anticipated to reach 22.2 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory indicates a compound annual growth rate of 3.39% from 2025 to 2035. The increasing focus on modernizing military capabilities, coupled with advancements in technology, is likely to drive this expansion. As nations prioritize defense spending and seek to enhance their airborne surveillance and targeting capabilities, the market is poised for significant development.

    Technological Advancements

    The Global Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry is experiencing rapid technological advancements, particularly in sensor technology and data processing capabilities. Innovations such as synthetic aperture radar and electro-optical systems enhance target detection and tracking accuracy. These advancements are crucial as military and defense sectors increasingly rely on precise targeting for operational success. The integration of artificial intelligence into these systems further improves decision-making processes, potentially leading to more effective mission outcomes. As a result, the market is projected to grow from 15.4 USD Billion in 2024 to 22.2 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 3.39% from 2025 to 2035.

    Growing Demand for Surveillance

    The Global Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry is witnessing a growing demand for surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. As security threats evolve, military and law enforcement agencies are increasingly adopting airborne systems to enhance situational awareness. The need for real-time intelligence gathering and monitoring of borders and critical infrastructure is paramount. For example, countries are deploying drones equipped with advanced target acquisition systems to conduct surveillance operations in conflict zones. This heightened focus on surveillance is likely to drive market growth, as agencies seek to leverage technology to address emerging threats effectively.

    Collaborative Defense Initiatives

    The Global Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry is benefiting from collaborative defense initiatives among allied nations. Joint military exercises and partnerships are fostering the sharing of technology and resources, which enhances the effectiveness of airborne systems. For example, NATO member countries often collaborate on defense projects, leading to the development of advanced target acquisition systems that meet the collective needs of member states. This collaboration not only improves interoperability but also drives innovation in system capabilities. As nations continue to work together to address common security challenges, the market is likely to see sustained growth driven by these collaborative efforts.

    Market Segment Insights

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Platform Insights  

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is segmented based on Platform into Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Helicopters, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Among these, the Fixed-Wing Aircraft segment held the largest market share in 2023 and is expected to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for advanced fighter jets and surveillance aircraft, which are equipped with sophisticated target acquisition systems. The Helicopters segment is expected to witness a significant growth rate during the forecast period.

    This growth can be attributed to the rising demand for helicopters for military and homeland security applications. Helicopters are increasingly being used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions, owing to their ability to operate in confined spaces and hover over targets for extended periods of time. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) segment is expected to experience the highest growth rate during the forecast period.

    The increasing adoption of UAVs for military and commercial applications is driving the growth of this segment.The growth of the market can be attributed to the increasing demand for advanced target acquisition systems across various military and commercial applications.

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Technology Insights  

    Radar technology dominated the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems market in 2023, accounting for over 60% of the revenue. Radar systems provide long-range detection and tracking capabilities, making them ideal for airborne surveillance and target acquisition applications. Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) systems are expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to their ability to provide high-resolution images and videos in both day and night conditions.

    Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systems are also gaining traction due to their ability to detect, identify, and locate radar and communication signals emitted by enemy platforms.The increasing adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is further driving the growth of the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems market.

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Range Insights  

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is segmented by Range into Short-Range, Medium-Range, and Long-Range. In 2024, the Short-Range segment held the largest market share, accounting for over 40% of the market revenue. The Medium-Range segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to increasing demand for medium-range airborne target acquisition systems from emerging economies.

    The Long-Range segment is expected to witness steady growth, driven by advancements in long-range radar technologies and the growing need for long-range surveillance and target acquisition capabilities.Key insights from the Range segmentation include Short-Range airborne target acquisition systems, which are primarily used for short-range air defense and counter-UAV applications. Medium-Range airborne target acquisition systems are gaining popularity due to their versatility and ability to detect and track targets at longer ranges. Long-Range airborne target acquisition systems are essential for long-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions, enabling early detection and tracking of potential threats.

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Applications Insights  

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market segmentation by applications covers Air-to-Air Combat, Air-to-Ground Surveillance, Maritime Surveillance, and Electronic Warfare. Air-to-Air Combat accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023, and it is projected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The increasing demand for advanced fighter jets and the need for effective air-to-air combat capabilities are driving the growth of this segment.

    Air-to-Ground Surveillance segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to the rising demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.Maritime Surveillance segment is also anticipated to exhibit steady growth owing to the increasing need for maritime security and border protection. Electronic Warfare segment is projected to contribute a notable share of the overall market revenue, driven by the growing adoption of electronic warfare systems for defense and security applications.

    Get more detailed insights about Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Research Report - Global Forecast till 2032

    Regional Insights

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with a CAGR of 8.46% from 2023 to 2032. Regionally, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA. Among these regions, North America is expected to hold the largest market share in 2023, followed by Europe and APAC. The growth in North America is attributed to the presence of major defense contractors and the increasing demand for advanced airborne target acquisition systems.

    Europe is also a significant market for airborne target acquisition systems due to the presence of several leading defense companies and the growing need for the modernization of defense systems.The APAC region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, owing to the increasing defense spending and the growing demand for airborne target acquisition systems in countries such as China and India. South America and MEA are expected to grow at a steady pace during the forecast period.

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    Airborne target acquisitions systems market major players are continuously working on innovating and developing new technologies to stay ahead of the competition. Leading players in the airborne target acquisition systems market invest heavily in researching and developing, and they are about to introduce advanced systems with improved functionalities. The airborne target acquisition systems market is highly fragmented and has several prominent players. These players hold the majority of the market share and have a strong presence in the market. Moreover, their products and services are wide-ranging.

    The companies competing within the industry are expected to remain highly fragmented as new entrants will join the market, and the existing players will expand. Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems are some of the key players in the airborne target acquisition systems market. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a significant player engaged in the airline target acquisition systems market.Northrop Grumman Corporation is a significant manufacturer of avionics and is known operationally for surveillance systems. It is also a prominent player in the airline target acquisition systems market.

    Besides, its products include, among many others, sensors, radars, electronic warfare, and so on. In addition, the corporation is known for its strong customer base in the market. Particularly, its customers include the United States Department of Defence and the United States Air Force. We are confident that the Northrop Grumman Corporation will continue to be a major player in the airborne target acquisition systems market.Lockheed Martin Corporation is another leading player and supplier of an airline target acquisitions system, with a wide range of aviation, space systems, and missile defense systems in the market.

    The headquarters is based in Maryland, United States. Lockheed Martin Corporation, being one of the leading manufacturers in the industry, also has a strong customer base in other markets where it operates. These include the United States Air Force and the Department of Defence. We are optimistic that the Lockheed Martin Corporation will remain a key player in the airborne target acquisition systems market.

    Key Companies in the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market market include

    Industry Developments

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems market is expected to grow from USD 1107.05 billion in 2023 to USD 2300.0 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.46%. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing demand for advanced airborne target acquisition systems by defense forces around the world.

    The rising geopolitical tensions and the need for effective air defense systems are driving the demand for these systems.Recent news developments in the market include the launch of new products by leading companies, such as the AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) by Northrop Grumman and the EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar by Elta Systems. These new products offer advanced capabilities, such as improved detection and tracking performance, and are expected to drive the growth of the market in the coming years.

    Future Outlook

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Future Outlook

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is poised for growth at a 5.52% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by technological advancements and increasing defense budgets.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Invest in AI-driven analytics for enhanced targeting precision.
    • Develop modular systems for rapid deployment and adaptability.
    • Expand partnerships with defense contractors for integrated solutions.

    By 2035, the market is expected to achieve robust growth, reflecting evolving defense needs and technological innovations.

    Market Segmentation

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Range Outlook

    • Short-Range
    • Medium-Range
    • Long-Range

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Platform Outlook

    • Fixed-Wing Aircraft
    • Helicopters
    • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Regional Outlook

    • North America
    • Europe
    • South America
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East and Africa

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Technology Outlook

    • Radar
    • Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems
    • Electronic Support Measures (ESM)

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Applications Outlook

    • Air-to-Air Combat
    • Air-to-Ground Surveillance
    • Maritime Surveillance
    • Electronic Warfare

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2024 15.4 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2035 27.81 (USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 5.52% (2025 - 2035)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year 2024
    Market Forecast Period 2025 - 2035
    Historical Data 2019 - 2023
    Market Forecast Units USD Billion
    Key Companies Profiled Thales Group, Lockheed Martin, Saab AB, Raytheon Technologies, General Dynamics, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Leonardo SpA, Airbus, BAE Systems, L3Harris Technologies, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries
    Segments Covered Platform, Technology, Range, Applications, Regional
    Key Market Opportunities Growing demand for advanced airborne surveillance systems Increasing defense budgets in AsiaPacific and the Middle East Advancements in sensor and radar technologies Rising need for precision target acquisition systems Technological innovations in electronic warfare systems
    Key Market Dynamics Increasing demand for early warning and surveillance systems Growing need for precision targeting Technological advancements in sensor and imaging systems Rising geopolitical tensions and conflicts worldwide Expansion of military budgets
    Countries Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA
    Market Size 2025 16.25 (USD Billion)

    FAQs

    What is the market size of the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market?

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market Industry is expected to grow from 15.4 (USD Billion) in 2024 to USD 18.92 Billion by 2032. The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 5.5 % during the forecast period (2024 - 2032)

    What are the key regions driving the growth of the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market?

    North America held the largest market share in 2023 and is expected to continue leading the market over the forecast period, owing to the presence of major defense contractors and significant investments in advanced defense technologies. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by rising defense expenditure and modernization programs in countries like China and India.

    What are the major applications of Airborne Target Acquisition Systems?

    Airborne Target Acquisition Systems are primarily used in military applications for detecting, tracking, and identifying air targets. These systems are employed in various platforms, including fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. They play a crucial role in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, providing situational awareness and enabling accurate targeting.

    Who are the key competitors in the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market?

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is highly competitive, with several major players holding significant market shares. Some of the key competitors include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Thales Group, and SAAB.

    What are the key trends influencing the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market?

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is influenced by several key trends, including the growing demand for advanced sensor technologies, the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles, and the increasing focus on electronic warfare capabilities. Additionally, the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms is expected to drive innovation and enhance the performance of airborne target acquisition systems.

    What are the key challenges facing the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market?

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market faces several challenges, including the high cost of development and procurement, the need for continuous technological advancements, and the increasing complexity of air combat environments. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and defense budget constraints can impact the growth of the market in certain regions.

    • What are the potential growth opportunities for the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market?

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market presents significant growth opportunities, driven by the growing demand for advanced defense capabilities, the increasing adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles, and the rising awareness about the importance of situational awareness in air combat. Furthermore, the development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, is expected to create new opportunities for innovation and market expansion.

    What are the key factors that will drive the growth of the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market?

    The growth of the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is driven by several key factors, including the rising geopolitical tensions and conflicts around the globe, the increasing demand for advanced defense technologies, and the growing adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles. Additionally, the technological advancements in sensor technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are expected to further drive the market growth.

    What are the potential risks and uncertainties that could impact the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market?

    The Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market is subject to various risks and uncertainties that could impact its growth trajectory. These include changes in defense budgets, geopolitical conflicts, technological disruptions, and the emergence of new competitors. Additionally, the volatility in the economy and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic can also pose challenges to the market.

    What are the key recommendations for stakeholders in the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market?

    Stakeholders in the Airborne Target Acquisition Systems Market should focus on continuous innovation and technological advancements to meet the evolving needs of defense forces. Strategic partnerships and collaborations can enhance market reach and competitiveness. Additionally, exploring emerging markets, addressing cost constraints, and investing in research and development can position stakeholders for long-term success.

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