Electronic Warfare (EW) Market Analysis North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, South America - US, China, Russia, UK, India - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Electronic Warfare (EW) Market Size 2024-2028

The electronic warfare (ew) market size is valued to increase USD 6.29 billion, at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2028. Increasing use of UAVs in electronic warfare will drive the electronic warfare (ew) market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

• North America dominated the market and accounted for a 43% growth during the forecast period.
• By Application - Support segment was valued at USD 8.89 billion in 2022
• By Platform - Airborne segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 53.40 million
• Market Future Opportunities: USD 6290.50 million
• CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 5.3%

Market Summary

• The market is a critical component of modern defense strategies, driven by the increasing complexity of the global security landscape. With a market value surpassing USD35 billion in 2020, this sector continues to evolve, fueled by technological advancements and geopolitical tensions. One significant trend shaping the EW market is the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into electronic warfare systems. UAVs offer enhanced situational awareness, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of potential threats. Additionally, their ability to operate in contested environments makes them invaluable assets for EW operations. Another key development is the adoption of OpenRFM (Radio Frequency Memory) architecture.
• This technology allows for rapid reconfiguration of EW systems, enabling them to adapt to evolving threats more effectively. However, the implementation of OpenRFM faces challenges, including the need for significant investment in research and development and the integration of this technology into existing systems. Despite these challenges, the future of the EW market remains promising. Advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing are expected to revolutionize EW capabilities, offering unprecedented levels of situational awareness and threat mitigation. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the demand for advanced EW systems will only grow, making this a sector worth watching for businesses and investors alike.

What will be the Size of the Electronic Warfare (EW) Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Electronic Warfare (EW) Market Segmented ?

The electronic warfare (ew) industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Application
  • Support
  • Protection
  • Attack
• Platform
  • Airborne
  • Ground
  • Naval
  • Space
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
  • Europe
    • Russia
    • UK
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By Application Insights

The support segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the market plays a pivotal role in maintaining situational awareness and ensuring military superiority. Electronic Support (ES) is a crucial component of this domain, with operational commanders and operators employing advanced electronic warfare systems to recognize threats, enhance situational awareness, and facilitate effective targeting. ES data, including frequency, bandwidth, and modulation of incoming signals, is invaluable for long-term operational planning and can be integrated with Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data to inform strategic decisions. Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) is another essential aspect of EW, involving the analysis and identification of intercepted transmissions from various sources, such as radio communications, mobile phones, radar, and microwave communications.

This information can be used to gain valuable insights into enemy capabilities and intentions. Moreover, EW encompasses various technologies, including cognitive radio, signal processing, target acquisition, radar countermeasures, data encryption, and surveillance systems. These advanced systems employ techniques such as cyber warfare, information operations, and electronic attack to disrupt, deceive, or neutralize adversarial capabilities. According to a recent market report, the global Electronic Warfare market is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5% between 2021 and 2028. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for advanced EW systems to counteract emerging threats, such as communication jamming, intrusion detection, laser weapons, and high power microwaves.

Additionally, the adoption of software-defined radio, adaptive antennas, and network security measures is further fueling market expansion. Overall, the EW market continues to evolve, with ongoing research and development in areas such as spectral efficiency, network security, and electronic protection, ensuring that military forces remain prepared for the challenges of the modern battlefield.

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The Support segment was valued at USD 8.89 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 43% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The North American the market is experiencing steady expansion, fueled by escalating geopolitical tensions and substantial investments in military modernization initiatives. The US, as the world's leading defense spender, significantly influences market growth, prioritizing advanced EW systems to preserve military dominance. Key applications encompass electronic protection, attack, and support systems, bolstering operational efficacy and safeguarding military assets from potential adversaries. Technological innovations, such as cognitive EW, machine learning, and AI integration, are revolutionizing the sector by enhancing real-time decision-making and automating response mechanisms.

Additionally, the incorporation of unmanned systems and drones in defense operations intensifies the demand for EW technologies to counteract associated threats.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for advanced electronic attack techniques and electronic protection system design in defense and military applications. Radar warning receiver technologies and communication jamming effectiveness are crucial components of EW systems, enabling the detection and disruption of enemy signals. Cyber warfare defense strategies are also gaining prominence in the EW market, with a focus on high power microwave effects on electronics and the challenges of integrating laser weapon systems. As missile defense systems become more network-centric, the importance of communication protocols and situational awareness data fusion algorithms increases. Electronic intelligence signal processing methods, such as frequency hopping spread spectrum techniques and cognitive radio dynamic spectrum access, are essential for maintaining situational awareness and countering adversarial signals. Adaptive antenna array signal processing and software-defined radio architecture design are key technologies for enhancing EW system performance. Threat detection system development and countermeasure system effectiveness evaluation are critical aspects of EW system design, requiring continuous vulnerability assessment and optimization techniques. The integration of advanced technologies, such as adaptive antenna arrays and software-defined radios, presents new challenges and opportunities for EW system designers and manufacturers. In the training and simulation domain, electronic warfare training scenarios are essential for preparing military personnel for real-world operations. Effective threat detection and countermeasure system evaluation are crucial components of these simulations, ensuring that EW systems are optimized for maximum effectiveness. In summary, the global EW market is characterized by ongoing innovation and the integration of advanced technologies, including radar warning receivers, communication jamming, cyber warfare defense strategies, high power microwave effects, laser weapon systems, missile defense systems, network centric warfare communication protocols, situational awareness data fusion algorithms, electronic intelligence signal processing methods, frequency hopping spread spectrum techniques, cognitive radio dynamic spectrum access, adaptive antenna array signal processing, software-defined radio architecture design, electronic warfare training simulation scenarios, threat detection system development, countermeasure system effectiveness evaluation, and electronic warfare system vulnerability assessment.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of Electronic Warfare (EW) Industry?

• The growing adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in electronic warfare applications is the primary factor fueling market expansion. 

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gained significant traction in various sectors due to their versatile applications, particularly in the military, civil, and commercial domains. UAVs offer a safer alternative to manned aircraft for hazardous missions, reducing the risk to human life. The long endurance time of UAVs provides extended coverage compared to traditional manned aerial vehicles. UAVs play a crucial role in electronic warfare, enhancing its capabilities through synergistic relationships. UAVs can execute various electronic warfare functions, including jamming, Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD), electronic support measures (ESM), and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). Their use in electronic warfare applications eliminates the need for manned aircraft, further reducing risks and increasing operational efficiency.
• UAVs' adoption in electronic warfare is a growing trend, with the technology continually evolving to accommodate new applications and requirements. The integration of advanced sensors and communication systems in UAVs enables them to provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data to support electronic warfare missions. The versatility of UAVs and their ability to adapt to various electronic warfare scenarios makes them an indispensable asset in modern warfare and defense strategies.

What are the market trends shaping the Electronic Warfare (EW) Industry?

• The adoption of OpenRFM architecture is becoming increasingly mandated in the market trend. OpenRFM architecture is the preferred choice for many organizations in the current market climate.

• In recent years, the electronic warfare sector has seen significant advancements in open systems architecture incorporating RF and microwave technology. These innovations foster improved interoperability, cost predictability, risk reduction, and affordability. This progress can be attributed to the OpenVPX (VITA 65) Standard, which facilitates the design and implementation of high-speed, high-power switched fabric-based systems. The evolving nature of electronic warfare and Electronic Intelligence (EA) missions necessitates the expansion of lower band RF and higher frequency RF technologies, as well as microwave solutions.
• OpenRFM, a modular and open architecture, represents a response to these requirements by integrating hardware, firmware, and software components. The increasing complexity of electronic warfare and related programs underscores the importance of these advancements.

What challenges does the Electronic Warfare (EW) Industry face during its growth?

• The adoption of new technology in the industry is hindered by various barriers, posing a significant challenge to its growth. 

• In the dynamic landscape of the market, stakeholders face the challenge of adhering to international regulatory norms. Compliance with these regulations is essential for market players collaborating with government and defense agencies worldwide. The stringent nature of these regulations necessitates continuous adaptation and innovation. Military forces encounter challenges in adopting new technologies due to the rapid obsolescence of technology. The introduction of new technologies brings concerns, such as the cost of prohibition, technology risk driven by certification requirements, and the operational expertise needed. Despite these challenges, the EW market continues to evolve, with ongoing activities shaping its applications across various sectors.
• The market's continuous adaptation to regulatory requirements and technological advancements underlines its importance in the global defense landscape.

Exclusive Technavio Analysis on Customer Landscape

The electronic warfare (ew) market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the electronic warfare (ew) market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape of Electronic Warfare (EW) Industry

Competitive Landscape

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, electronic warfare (ew) market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

Airbus SE - The BAE Systems Electronic Warfare division provides advanced solutions, incorporating anti-jam electronic protection, multispectral electronic warfare, cognitive electronic warfare, and a demonstration system, enhancing military capabilities against complex electronic threats.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Airbus SE
• ASELSAN AS
• BAE Systems Plc
• Cobham Ltd.
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• General Dynamics Corp.
• Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
• L3Harris Technologies Inc.
• Leonardo Spa
• Lockheed Martin Corp.
• Mercury Systems Inc.
• Northrop Grumman Corp.
• RTX Corp.
• Saab AB
• Sierra Nevada Corp.
• SRC Inc.
• Teledyne Technologies Inc.
• Terma AS
• Thales Group
• The Boeing Co.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Electronic Warfare (EW) Market

• In January 2024, Raytheon Technologies Corporation announced the successful integration of its Advanced Electronic Warfare System (AEWS) onto the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. This development marked a significant milestone in the avionics upgrade of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft (Raytheon Technologies Corporation Press Release).
• In March 2024, Lockheed Martin and Thales signed a strategic partnership to jointly develop and manufacture electronic warfare systems for land, sea, and air platforms. The collaboration aimed to combine Lockheed Martin's expertise in radar systems and Thales's knowledge in electronic warfare, creating a formidable force in the global EW market (Lockheed Martin Corporation Press Release).
• In May 2024, Northrop Grumman secured a USD1.1 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to produce and deliver AN/SLQ-32(V) electronic warfare systems for various U.S. Navy ships. The contract underscored the growing demand for advanced EW systems in naval applications (U.S. Department of Defense Contract Announcement).
• In April 2025, BAE Systems unveiled its new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, which significantly enhances the capabilities of electronic warfare systems by providing real-time, 360-degree situational awareness. This technological advancement is expected to revolutionize the EW market by offering superior threat detection and countermeasure capabilities (BAE Systems Press Release).

Dive into Technavio’s robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Electronic Warfare (EW) Market insights. See full methodology.

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Research Analyst Overview

• The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing importance of network centric warfare. Electronic warfare systems, including cognitive radio and software defined radio, play a crucial role in this dynamic landscape. Signal processing and target acquisition are key components of these systems, enabling effective radar countermeasures and data encryption. Cyber warfare and information operations have also become integral parts of the EW market. Signal intelligence and threat detection are essential for network security, while electronic support measures and communication jamming are used for electronic protection. The use of adaptive antennas, high power microwaves, and data links enhances situational awareness and command and control capabilities.
• Industry growth in the EW market is expected to reach double digits in the coming years. For instance, the use of cognitive radio technology in military communications has led to a 20% increase in spectral efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of laser weapons and direct energy weapons adds new dimensions to electronic attack capabilities. Despite these advancements, the EW market faces ongoing challenges. Jamming techniques and intrusion detection remain critical areas of focus for network security. Missile defense and electronic intelligence are also key concerns, requiring continuous innovation and adaptation. One example of this innovation is the development of adaptive antenna systems for missile defense.
• These systems use advanced signal processing techniques to detect and track incoming missiles, significantly improving threat detection and response times. With the ongoing unfolding of market activities and evolving patterns, the EW market remains a dynamic and exciting field.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Electronic Warfare (EW) Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Electronic Warfare (EW) Market between 2024 and 2028?

  • USD 6.29 billion, at a CAGR of 5.3%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report is segmented by Application (Support, Protection, and Attack), Platform (Airborne, Ground, Naval, and Space), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • Increasing use of UAVs in electronic warfare, Barriers impeding adoption of new technology

• Who are the major players in the Electronic Warfare (EW) Market?

  • Airbus SE, ASELSAN AS, BAE Systems Plc, Cobham Ltd., Elbit Systems Ltd., General Dynamics Corp., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., L3Harris Technologies Inc., Leonardo Spa, Lockheed Martin Corp., Mercury Systems Inc., Northrop Grumman Corp., RTX Corp., Saab AB, Sierra Nevada Corp., SRC Inc., Teledyne Technologies Inc., Terma AS, Thales Group, and The Boeing Co.

Market Research Insights

• The market is a dynamic and ever-evolving domain, encompassing various technologies and applications. Two key aspects of this market are communication security and EW training. In terms of communication security, the demand for secure data transmission continues to grow, with an estimated 25% of organizations reporting an increase in cybersecurity attacks in the past year. Regarding EW training, industry experts anticipate a 10% annual growth rate over the next decade due to the increasing complexity of EW systems and the need for skilled personnel.
• For instance, a military unit may employ sensor fusion and spectrum management to enhance system performance and countermeasures development, ultimately improving mission planning and threat assessment capabilities. These trends underscore the importance of EW doctrine, decision support systems, and threat simulation in maintaining network resilience and ensuring EW effectiveness.

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