The Global Airborne Electronic Warfare Market has been Segmented by Capability (Electronic Attack, Electronic Protection, and Electronic Support), Type (Manned Aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa). The report offers market size and forecasts for all the above segments in terms of value in USD billion.

The value of airborne electronic warfare market worldwide was estimated at 4.82 billion U.S. dollars in 2020. According to forecasts, the market value will increase in the next years and reach 6.37 billion U.S. dollars in 2027.

The Electronic Warfare (EW) market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $21.35 billion in 2025 and maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions globally, necessitating advanced defense systems and countermeasures. Increasing investments in military modernization programs, particularly in North America and APAC regions, are significantly contributing to market growth. The rising adoption of sophisticated EW technologies in both airborne and ground platforms is further fueling market expansion. Moreover, the continuous development of advanced electronic warfare systems, including AI-powered solutions for enhanced threat detection and response capabilities, is a key driver. The market segmentation reveals a strong demand across various applications, including support, protection, and attack systems. North America currently holds a significant market share due to substantial defense spending and technological advancements. However, APAC is emerging as a rapidly growing region owing to increasing defense budgets and modernization efforts in countries like China and India. The restraints on market growth primarily stem from the high cost of EW systems and their complex integration into existing defense infrastructure. Regulatory complexities and stringent testing requirements also pose challenges. However, ongoing technological innovation, strategic partnerships between defense contractors and technology providers, and a focus on developing cost-effective and adaptable solutions are mitigating these constraints. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established defense contractors and emerging technology companies, leading to intense competition and continuous innovation to enhance product capabilities and gain market share. Key players focus on strategic alliances, acquisitions, and the development of cutting-edge technologies to maintain a competitive edge in this dynamic market. The forecast period (2025-2033) promises further growth, fueled by technological advancements and continued geopolitical instability, making the Electronic Warfare market an attractive area for investment and innovation.

Global electronic warfare market is expected to generate revenue of around USD 30.03 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of around 5.20% between 2024 and 2032.

Market Size and Growth Projections: The global Airborne Electronic Warfare (AEW) market was valued at USD 13,820 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 23,890 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.9% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven by increasing defense spending to counter emerging threats and the growing adoption of advanced AEW systems for enhanced situational awareness and electronic countermeasures. Key Market Drivers, Trends, and Restraints: The key drivers of the AEW market include the escalating geopolitical conflicts, the advancements in electronic warfare technology, and the growing significance of cyber warfare. Major trends in the market are the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into AEW systems, the miniaturization and modularity of equipment, and the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems. However, budget constraints and regulatory limitations can act as potential restraints to market growth. The market is segmented by type (electronic support, electronic attack, electronic protection) and application (fixed-wing, rotary-wing, others), with a strong presence of leading companies such as BAE Systems, Thales Group, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin.

The Electronic Warfare Market is projected to grow at 7.0% CAGR, reaching $39.58 Billion by 2029. Where is the industry heading next? Get the sample report now!

The demand for electronic warfare systems is anticipated to be driven by rapid technological advancements in the domain and the growing need for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in militaries globally. Modern warfare places a greater emphasis on information superiority and situational awareness, and this is expected to be a major factor driving spending in this sector. This theory is further supported by increasing investments by most major militaries across the world, which focus on acquiring electronic warfare systems for airborne, ground based and naval platforms. Read More

The Cognitive Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $424.15 million in 2025 and maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.76% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing sophistication of modern warfare necessitates advanced EW systems capable of adapting to rapidly changing threat landscapes. Cognitive EW systems, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, offer superior situational awareness and response capabilities compared to traditional systems. Secondly, the rising geopolitical instability and increased defense spending globally are fueling demand for cutting-edge defense technologies, including cognitive EW systems. The integration of these systems across various platforms – airborne, naval, land, and space – further contributes to market growth. Competition among major defense contractors, like BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Thales, is driving innovation and technological advancements, leading to improved system performance and broader adoption. North America currently holds a significant market share, driven by substantial defense budgets and technological leadership in the region. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth due to increasing modernization efforts of its armed forces. While the market presents significant opportunities, certain challenges remain. High initial investment costs associated with developing and deploying these complex systems could hinder wider adoption, particularly among smaller nations. Furthermore, the need for continuous software updates and maintenance to adapt to evolving threat environments presents an ongoing operational cost that needs to be factored in. Despite these restraints, the strategic advantage offered by cognitive EW systems in modern warfare is expected to outweigh these challenges, ensuring sustained market growth in the coming years. The increasing emphasis on cyber warfare and the development of countermeasures against these emerging threats will further stimulate demand for advanced cognitive EW solutions in both military and civilian sectors.

In 2020, the market size of airborne platforms of the electronic warfare market amounted to 4.82 billion U.S. dollars. The market value of naval platforms was assessed at 5.17 billion U.S. dollars.

The demand for electronic warfare systems is anticipated to be driven by rapid technological advancements in the domain and the growing need for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in militaries globally. Modern warfare places a greater emphasis on information superiority and situational awareness, and this is expected to be a major factor driving spending in this sector. This theory is further supported by increasing investments by most major militaries across the world, which focus on acquiring electronic warfare systems for airborne, ground based and naval platforms. Read More

The size and share of the market is categorized based on Type (Electronic Support, Electronic Attack, Electronic Protection) and Application (Airborne, Naval, Land) and geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa).

Product Market size is rising upward in the past few years And it is estimated that the market will grow significantly in the forecasted period

Military Communications Market size was valued at USD 52.5 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 133 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 12.32% from 2024 to 2031.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Defense Budgets Globally: The continuous rise in global military expenditure is a primary driver for the military communications market. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending reached $2.24 trillion in 2023, marking a 3.7% increase from the previous year. This surge in defense budgets directly impacts investments in advanced communication systems, as militaries worldwide prioritize enhanced command and control capabilities.

Growing Demand for Network-Centric Warfare Capabilities: The shift towards network-centric warfare operations is driving significant investments in military communications infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Defense has allocated $11.6 billion for command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems in its FY2024 budget request. This investment reflects the critical need for real-time data sharing and interconnected battlefield communications to maintain tactical advantages in modern warfare scenarios.

The cognitive electronic warfare system market is projected to reach a value of USD 14.17 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.57% from 2025 to 2033. The market is driven by the increasing demand for advanced electronic warfare systems to counter evolving threats in the modern battlefield. Cognitive electronic warfare systems employ advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to enhance situational awareness, decision-making, and response times. These systems can autonomously identify, classify, and respond to electronic threats, providing significant advantages in combat. The growing adoption of unmanned systems and the increasing focus on spectrum dominance are also contributing to the growth of the cognitive electronic warfare system market. Unmanned systems, such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, require advanced electronic warfare capabilities to защитить from enemy threats and ensure mission success. Additionally, the increasing spectrum congestion and the emergence of new spectrum-based technologies are driving the demand for cognitive electronic warfare systems that can effectively manage and exploit the electromagnetic spectrum. Key market players include Raytheon Technologies, Collins Aerospace, L3Harris Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems, among others. Key drivers for this market are: Increased defense spending Growing demand for advanced electronic warfare systems Rise in asymmetric warfare Technological advancements Expanding the use of unmanned platforms. Potential restraints include: 1 Increasing demand for advanced defense systems2 Growing threats from cyber and electronic warfare3 Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning4 Increasing investment in the military by various countries 5 Rise of unmanned Aerial vehicles like Drones.

The size and share of the market is categorized based on Application (Fighter Jets, Jet Powered Transport Aircraft, Turbo Props, Helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and Product (Electronic Attack, Electronic Protection, Electronic Warfare Support) and geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa).

The Airborne Stand-Off Jammers Marketsize was valued at USD 0.83 USD Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.18 USD Billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.2 % during the forecast period. ASOs, or Airborne Stand-Off Jammers, are complicated chips that are installed on aircraft and are designed to either delink or paralyze the enemy’s radar and communication equipment from a distance. These jammers work by transmitting signals that are disruptive to or overwhelming the intended systems, thus lessening their capacities. Some of them are strategic ASOs for use against long-range radar and missile establishment and tactical ASOs for use against short-range battlefield communications. Concisely, the features that can be observed in ASOs include better signal processing, large operating frequency range, and high power output to achieve effective signal blocking. ASOs’ applications are critical in contemporary warfare, in support of predominant aerial supremacy in a battle through jamming the enemy’s radar and communication systems for both aggressive and protective roles. Recent developments include: June 2023 - Sweden's Saab confirmed that the Luftwaffe had selected the Saab Alexis Electronic Warfare (EW) suite to cater to its Eurofighter Elektronischer Kampf (EK) requirement. The Eurofighter EK's role is focused on providing escort-jamming capabilities. The other elements of the system include standoff jammers and backup jammers., April 2023 - In its budget plans, the United States Navy has added funding for a vital airborne Electronic Attack capability, which it expects will increase range and address certain gaps. In fiscal year 2024, the Navy is requesting an increase of USD 32.5 million for research and development of the Next Generation Jammer Midband Extended NGJMBX. The EA-18G Growler will be fitted with the next-generation system, which replaces the older ALQ-99 systems., June 2023 – Airbus Defense and Space GmbH was developing a Standoff Jammer (SOJ) adaptation of its A400M Atlas Airlifter as a potential solution for Germany's Luftgestätze Wirkung im Elektromagnetischen Spektrum (luWES) program., July 2023 - The EC-37B Compass Call Electronic Warfare (EW) aircraft was being developed to provide the U.S. Air Force (USAF) with an enhanced electronic attack capability based on the Gulfstream G550 commercial business aircraft. The EC-37B Compass Call aircraft is expected to provide enhanced standoff jamming capabilities compared to the U.S. Air Force's existing EC-130H Compass Call aircraft. The country’s Air Force plans to purchase 10 EC-37B Compass Call aircrafts to replace its 14 EC-130H fleet., August 2023 - L3Harris Technologies introduced the Next Generation Jammer – Low Band (NGJ-LB) to the U.S. Navy's EA-18G Growler fleet. It is the company’s latest flagship tactical Electronic Warfare (EW) jammer. The new jammer provides a broader standoff range, simultaneous attack on multiple targets, and better electronic attack effectiveness.. Key drivers for this market are: Focus on Modernization and Technological Advancements in Jammers to Boost Market Growth. Potential restraints include: Several Challenges and High Investment Costs to Restrain Market Growth. Notable trends are: Development and Adoption of Advanced Technologies in Jammers to Catalyze Market Growth.

Report Overview

Based on data from Market.us, The global defense electronics market is projected to grow significantly, reaching a value of USD 294.1 billion by 2033, up from USD 175.5 billion in 2023. This growth reflects a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033. North America remains the dominant region in this sector, accounting for a substantial 39.5% market share, valued at approximately USD 69.32 billion in 2023. This stronghold is driven by continued investments in advanced military technologies and a focus on modernizing defense systems.

Defense electronics encompasses a broad array of advanced technological components and systems specifically engineered for military applications. This includes, but is not limited to, radar, communication systems, electronic warfare equipment, and surveillance technologies. These systems are integral to the operational capabilities of military forces, providing strategic advantages in defense and combat scenarios.

The defense electronics market is primarily driven by increasing global defense budgets, which facilitate the modernization of military technology. This includes enhancements in communication systems, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities. Such advancements are crucial for nations to maintain and improve their defense readiness and strategic capabilities in a landscape of evolving threats and geopolitical tensions​.

Demand within the defense electronics market is robust, particularly for systems that enhance airborne, land, marine, and space operations. Advanced airborne electronics dominate the market, propelled by their critical roles in enhancing the capabilities of military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Similarly, the need for sophisticated navigation, communication, and display technologies continues to drive market growth, reflecting their indispensable role in various military operations​.

Technological innovation remains at the forefront of the defense electronics sector. Recent developments include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in defense systems, advancements in electronic warfare technology, and improvements in sensory and surveillance equipment. These technologies enhance operational efficiency, decision-making precision, and the overall effectiveness of military operations. The continuous evolution of these systems represents a key trend that is expected to sustain market growth over the coming years​.

The global Electronic Intelligence (ELINT)/Electronic Support Measures (ESM) Systems market is experiencing robust growth, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, modernization of military forces worldwide, and the increasing demand for advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The market, estimated at $8 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching a value exceeding $13 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the ongoing development and deployment of advanced electronic warfare systems by major global powers are creating significant demand for sophisticated ELINT/ESM countermeasures. Secondly, the increasing adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other unmanned platforms for intelligence gathering is driving the demand for compact and lightweight ELINT/ESM systems that can be integrated into these platforms. Finally, the growing focus on cybersecurity and the need to detect and counteract electronic attacks are further boosting market expansion. The market is segmented by application (Air Force, Navy, Army) and type (Airborne, Vehicle-borne, Ship-borne), with Airborne systems currently holding the largest market share due to their wide-ranging surveillance capabilities and strategic importance in modern warfare. Key players like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Thales, and Elbit Systems are actively involved in research and development, driving innovation in areas like AI-powered signal processing and improved threat detection. Despite the significant growth potential, certain restraints limit market expansion. The high cost of developing and maintaining advanced ELINT/ESM systems presents a significant barrier to entry for smaller companies and less-developed nations. Furthermore, technological advancements in electronic jamming and stealth technology pose challenges to the effectiveness of traditional ELINT/ESM systems, necessitating continuous innovation in countermeasure development. However, the ongoing investments in research and development, coupled with the increasing integration of ELINT/ESM systems into broader defense platforms and cyber security strategies, are expected to mitigate these challenges and sustain market growth in the long term. Regional analysis indicates strong growth in North America and Europe, driven by substantial defense budgets and technological leadership, but emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are also expected to contribute significantly to the overall market expansion over the forecast period.

The size and share of the market is categorized based on Application (Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and Product (Sensor, Electronic Warfare, Maritime Petrol, Aewc) and geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa).