Military Navigation Market Trends

Global Military Navigation Market Overview

Military Navigation Market Size was valued at USD 2.2 Billion in 2023. The Military Navigation market industry is projected to grow from USD 2.34 Billion in 2024 to USD 3.7 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.84% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Changing nature of warfare coupled with the increasing use of UAVs in the military and geopolitical instability are the key market drivers boosting the market growth.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

• Growing geopolitical instability is driving the market growth

Market CAGR for the military navigation is driven by the growing geopolitical instabilities and changing nature of warfare. Military navigation is a method used to track a person or a path that leads to a specific object or area. The system has sensors, radar, positioning software (GPS), LIDAR, AIS receivers, and many other systems. Military navigation systems are mainly used in combat and surveillance operations, search and rescue, especially when there is dark in night missions. This includes the use of the map reading, compass, and other ways to plan and trace group movements in search operations and save the wounded.

Additionally, the adoption of military navigation improved the selection of weapons, the supply of supplies on the battlefield, command, and control, and the guidance characteristics of the unmanned system. There has been an increasing demand for high-performance navigation systems for many applications in the aviation industry that need high navigation guidance and accuracy. These navigation systems are used in various military activities, such as air and sea navigation, and are precise positions for a huge range of applications. Geopolitical uncertainty and changes in the nature of war have fueled the growth of the worldwide market as demand for missiles and weapons systems increases, and the propensity to use unmanned aerial vehicles rises. Further, the growing integration of navigation equipment with missiles, unmanned systems, airplanes, ships, and rockets is one of the key elements that enhance the military navigation market.

However, developed countries with limited budgets and sensors hinder the growth of the military navigation business since it causes the high cost of armament navigation. Also, limited funds for defense could disable the acquisition of equipment and hamper the growth of the military navigation industry. But the modernization of the armed forces to improve their military equipment is anticipated to further propel the sales of navigation systems during the forecast period. For instance, the DOD (Department of Defense) plans to use alternate Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies in addition to the (GPS) or as a backup if it is not available. For this, the DOD analyses two methods: enhanced sensors for providing relative PNT data and outside sources for absolute location and navigation. To properly supply PNT information to its many military platforms, DOD may deploy a number of PNT technologies. In order to help with speedier integration and fielding of new PNT technologies at a cheaper cost. Thus, driving the Military Navigation market revenue.

Military Navigation Components Insights

The Military Navigation market segmentation, based on components, includes hardware, software, and services. The hardware segment dominated the market. This is because of the increasing investments in defense equipment, the rising number of military operations, and growing government defense budgets across the globe. The rise in procurement of defense ships, aircraft, and other defense products and the increase in budget allocations are key factors driving the growth of the hardware segment in the military navigation market.

However, the service segment is also expected to show significant growth in the forecast period owing to the demand for repairing services for ILT (Instructor-led training) and CBT (computer-based training and field support.

Figure 1: Military Navigation Market, by Components, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Military Navigation Application Insights

The Military Navigation market segmentation, based on application, includes command & control, intelligence surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR), combat & security, targeting & guidance and search & rescue (SAR). The intelligence surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR) category dominated the market during the forecast period. This is because ISR helps in situational awareness by giving military commanders the exact location of warfare operations. Intelligence is considered an important military competency as it acts as a force multiplier by assisting in advanced situational awareness of armed forces.

However, the command and control category also dominated the market since effective command & control on the battlefield requires real-time information that can be used at critical times for effective decision-making.

Military Navigation Platform Insights

The military navigation market segmentation, based on platform, includes aviation, marine, ground, and space. The space category of platforms dominated the market during the forecast period. Space navigation systems are used to monitor the Earth's surface for planning, resource management maps, and mineral exploration.

Military Navigation Grade Insights

The military navigation market segmentation, based on grade, includes navigation grade, tactical grade, space grade, and marine grade. The tactical grade category of platforms dominated the market during the forecast period. This is because they are extremely low in-run bias stability (IRBS), meaning that the offset error is more stable over time, which is a necessary quality for critical missions and high-precision applications such as UAV navigation and antenna and weapon platform stabilization.

However, the remaining segments are also projected to show a significant rise during the forecast period due to their individual significance in the entire military navigation system.

Military Navigation Regional Insights

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American Military Navigation market area, will dominate this market, owing to the region's governments' significant investments in national security, aerospace and defense, and other areas. Based on the country, the United States has the greatest market share in the region, followed by Canada and Mexico.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: MILITARY NAVIGATION MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Europe Military Navigation market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the growing adoption of advanced technologies. Further, the German Military Navigation market held the largest market share, and the UK Military Navigation market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific Military Navigation Market is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is growing military spending by countries such as India, Japan, and other Asia Pacific countries. Moreover, China’s Military Navigation market held the largest market share, and the Indian Military Navigation market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Military Navigation Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Military Navigation market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contract-based agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Military Navigation industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the Military Navigation industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Military Navigation industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the Military Navigation market, including Cobham Limited (UK), Esterline Technologies (US), Garmin Ltd. (Switzerland), GE Aviation (US), Honeywell International Inc. (US), IAI (Israel), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in R&D operations.

Garmin Ltd. is an American, Swiss-domiciled multinational technology company founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao, with headquarters in Olathe, Kansas, in Lenexa, Kansas, United States. The company develops, manufactures, and markets portable, hand-held, and fixed-mount positioning system (GPS)-enabled products. And also offers navigation, communications, and information products for the automotive/mobile, outdoor, marine, fitness, and general aviation markets. Garmin sells accessories to retail outlets, GPS receivers and aviation products to the respective dealers and aircraft producers through a network of independent dealers, distributors, independent retailers, repair shops, and installation and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

GE Aviation, a subsidiary of General Electric, headquartered in Evendale, Ohio, outside Cincinnati. It is one of the top aircraft engine suppliers and provides engines for the majority of commercial aircraft. Additionally, creates machinery and aerospace systems, such as landing gear, different engine parts, power generation and distribution goods, platform computing systems, and mechanical actuation products. For all types of aircraft, the organisation offers repair and maintenance services. GE Aviation provides services for executive and regional aircraft, fighters, bombers, and surveillance aircraft, as well as maritime applications for both commercial and military aircraft.

Recent News :

In October 2023, China is promoting the use of its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) as a replacement for GPS. However, there are apprehensions over potential espionage, surveillance, and coercion associated with this move. Unlike previous global navigation networks, BDS is a bidirectional communication system capable of both location identification and data transmission to satellites. China is extending the influence of BDS, namely in nations that are members of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
China's assertions on the accuracy and reliability of its positioning, navigation, and timing services may be persuading nations to switch from GPS to the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). However, it is important to acknowledge that the Chinese system carries potential dangers of espionage, surveillance, and coercion, hence posing a significant risk to world security. BDS, unlike other global navigation networks, functions as a bidirectional communication system.

In January 2023, BAE Systems announced that its Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE) Increment 2 Miniature Serial Interface (MSI) program has passed the critical design review (CDR). This achievement is a significant milestone for the program, which is being carried out under a $247 million contract with the U.S. Space Force. The program, initiated in 2020, has a specific objective of developing sophisticated military GPS receivers and cutting-edge semiconductors.

The statement indicates that the MSI program incorporates a Next-Generation Application Specific Integrated Circuit (NG ASIC) that is specifically developed to improve the security and performance of M-Code technology. The objective is to provide soldiers with sophisticated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) functionalities. The fundamental objectives of the MGUE Increment 2 program are twofold. The statement outlines two primary objectives. Firstly, it intends to provide a security-certified M-Code NG ASIC. Secondly, it aims to enhance multi-GNSS robustness and minimize power consumption to cater to diverse military applications in airborne, maritime, and ground domains.

Key Companies in the Military Navigation market include

• Cobham Limited (UK)


• Esterline Technologies (US)


• Garmin Ltd. (Switzerland)


• GE Aviation (US)


• Honeywell International Inc. (US)


• IAI (Israel)


• KVH Industries Inc. (US)


• Parker Hannifin Corp (US)


• L3Harris Technologies Inc. (US)


• Moog Inc. (US)

Military Navigation Industry Developments

June 2019: Emcore Corporation expanded its portfolio of navigation systems with the introduction of the EN-2000 (MINAV Micro Series Inertial Navigation System (Emcore-Orion Series).

In November 2018, China introduced the next-generation stealthy combat drone (UAV), the CH-7. This UAV can fire air-to-ground or anti-ship missiles and long-range precision-guided bombs.

• Hardware


• Software


• Service

• Command & Control


• Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)


• Combat & Security


• Targeting & Guidance


• Search & Rescue (SAR)

• Aviation


• Marine


• Ground


• Space

• Navigation Grade


• Tactical Grade


• Space Grade


• Marine Grade

• North America


• US


• Canada


• Europe


• Germany


• France


• UK


• Italy


• Spain


• Rest of Europe


• Asia-Pacific


• China


• Japan


• India


• Australia


• South Korea


• Australia


• Rest of Asia-Pacific


• Rest of the World


• Middle East


• Africa


• Latin America