Airborne ISR Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth 2030

Airborne ISR Industry Prospective:

The global airborne ISR market size was worth around USD 12.64 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 21.48 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 6.87% between 2023 and 2030.

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Airborne ISR Market: Overview

Airborne ISR stands for airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). It is an important component of regional and national military operations. Airborne ISR leverages the attributes or aircraft for gathering all crucial information of a particular area that is subsequently used for defense and intelligence purposes. Airborne ISR helps in providing decision-makers with a comprehensive picture of the ground situation allowing them to make informed decisions. ISR, in general, is defined as the organized acquisition and processing followed by the dissemination of relevant, accurate, and timely information to support the commander's decision-making procedure. Airborne ISR is carried out using equipment capable of flying including manned and unmanned vehicles. They are used for more than one purpose including conducting thorough surveillance of enemy territory and conducting thorough reconnaissance to be later used strategically. The market for airborne ISR is growing rapidly and more investments can be expected in the coming years.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global airborne ISR market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 6.87% over the forecast period (2023-2030)
• In terms of revenue, the global airborne ISR market size was valued at around USD 12.64 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 21.48 billion, by 2030.
• The airborne ISR market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the escalating war conditions across the globe
• Based on platform segmentation, unmanned systems was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2022
• Based on end-user segmentation, defense was the leading segment in 2022
• On the basis of region, North America was the leading revenue generator in 2022

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Airborne ISR Market: Growth Drivers

The escalating war conditions across the globe to drive market growth

The global airborne ISR market is expected to grow owing to the increasing and escalating war conditions across the globe. This includes the ongoing war between Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas. In addition to these, several other regional conflicts exist around the world with every region dealing with some form of extreme and violent conflict influenced by terrorists or extremists. The Russia-Ukraine war started on 24th February 2022 and there are no signs of the event halting at any point in the near future. Airborne ISR is one of the crucial techniques adopted by military groups to learn more about the actions of the other groups involved in the conflict. Equipment used for gathering intelligence using airborne techniques provides a comprehensive overview of the complete layout including the location of a group of people or placement of ammunition. This, in turn, helps military heads opt for informed decisions that will help them prevent loss of life and resources or accurately aim their targets with minimum collateral damage. As per official records, Russia reported an increase of 76% in military expenditure in 2022 as compared to expenses incurred between 2019 and 2021. In a recent report published in November 2023, the UK defense ministry claimed that Russia may increase its use of Airborne ISR to further support its war against Ukraine. Myasishchev M-55 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft is expected to be brought back to use for these purposes.

Greater need for environment monitoring will create better growth avenues

Airborne ISR is an essential measure used for broader monitoring of the environment. These tools are used for conducting surveys and monitoring wildlife spread across multiple acres of land. The growing focus on environment and wildlife preservation along with increased investments in novel technology promoting such steps are expected to help the global airborne ISR market growth trend. In February 2023, the Kerala state of India announced a budget allocation of INR 241.66 crore to be used for the preservation and protection of wildlife in the state along with regional forests.

Airborne ISR Market: Restraints

High cost of ISR technology may restrict market growth

The global airborne ISR industry is expected to be limited due to the high cost involved in the production of such sophisticated equipment and machines. Furthermore, the research process for the development of new airborne ISRs is highly resource-intensive and time-consuming. Successful deployment of airborne ISR is heavily reliant on the people flying the aircraft even in the case of unmanned vehicles. The limited availability of skilled resources along with high losses incurred in case the airborne ISR is targeted by opponent groups lead to restricted market growth.

Airborne ISR Market: Opportunities

Increased research & development toward advanced airborne ISR may create higher opportunities

The global airborne ISR market sales revenue will gain positive momentum due to the increasing investments in research & development of new and advanced airborne ISR systems. The trend is influenced by the changing military needs of defense teams. As the external environment is becoming more challenging, regional defense wings are seeking more advanced solutions that can help them stay ahead of their opponents in terms of security-related surveillance and intelligence. In August 2022, the U.S. Army signed a contract with L3Harris Technologies and leading contractor MAG Aerospace. Under the contractual conditions, the companies are obligated to provide the US Army with two enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft specifically designed for the Theater-Level, High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne ISR-Radar (ATHENA-R) program. In a bid to meet evolving global intelligence requirements, the US defense team will use Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to integrate the ISR solution. In another ground-breaking development, Collins Aerospace successfully managed to complete the first-ever flight test of the MS-110 Multispectral Airborne Reconnaissance system which is a Fast-Jet reconnaissance pod. The company managed to achieve this monumental achievement for an undisclosed customer and on an F-16 aircraft.

Airborne ISR Market: Challenges

Technical challenges associated with airborne ISR to create barriers against growth

The airborne ISR industry size will be threatened by the several technical challenges associated with the use of airborne ISR. These challenges are operational in nature alongside the risk of data overload and mismanagement. Furthermore, the technology surrounding airborne ISR is rapidly changing, especially during modern times causing the market players to continue investing in novel advancements. Another factor that greatly influenced market trends includes the unethical or unregulated use of airborne ISR to spy on other territories raising questions over privacy concerns. The technology, if used ill-intentionally, can also aid terrorism-related activities causing harm to the general population.

Airborne ISR Market: Segmentation

The global airborne ISR market is segmented based on platform, solution, end-user, and region.

Based on platform, the global market segments are unmanned systems, military helicopters, and military aircraft. The highest growth rate in 2022 was observed in unmanned systems followed by military aircraft. The same trend is expected to be registered during the projection period. Unmanned vehicles have become extremely popular in current scenarios since they can be discreetly handled and pose less risk of loss of essential human resources. Additionally, they can map out remote locations, unlike military helicopters and aircraft. In 2012, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia spent around USD 257 million on an ISR aircraft project.

Based on solution, the airborne ISR industry segments are services, software, and systems.

Based on end-user, the global market is divided into homeland security and defense. In 2022, defense was the largest revenue-generating segment driven by the increased need for strengthening regional defense systems in the backdrop of escalating war situations and terrorist activities. Additionally, the adoption of spectrum image sensors and efforts towards reducing cost may further amplify segmental growth. The US National Intelligence Program currently stands at a budget of USD 71.7 billion.

Airborne ISR Market: Report Scope

Airborne ISR Market: Regional Analysis

North America to continue leading with a steady growth rate

The global airborne ISR market is expected to be dominated by North America during the projection period. The US is home to some of the world’s most dominant suppliers and producers of advanced airborne ISR technologies. The country is perpetually investing in upgrading its systems and acts as a major supplier of novel airborne ISR systems to other countries. Some of the latest offerings of airborne ISR originating from the US include multispectral capabilities for target detection and advanced imagery even in poor climate conditions. In August 2023, CAE Defense & Security signed a deal with Leidos, an American defense research company on the task order of the Department of Defense’s Sentinel for providing Bombardier Global 6000/6500 configuration equipped with Full Flight Simulator (FFS). The contract will provide necessary assistance to the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) and improve America’s ISR task force. Asia-Pacific is a fast-growing region likely to be led by China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The increasing efforts toward developing new surveillance systems will help the regional market growth rate.

Airborne ISR Market: Competitive Analysis

The global airborne ISR market is led by players like 

• L3Harris Technologies. Inc.
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Airbus SE
• Boeing Company
• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
• General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Inc.
• Saab AB
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions. Inc.
• Thales Group
• General Dynamics Corporation
• BAE Systems plc
• CACI International Inc.
• Textron Inc.
• Among others

The global airborne ISR market is segmented as follows:

By Platform

• Unmanned Systems
• Military Helicopters
• Military Aircraft

By Solution

• Services
• Software
• Systems

By End-User

• Homeland Security
• Defense

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa