Airborne ISR Global Market Report 2024

Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) encompass both hardware and software systems designed to procure accurate and real-time intelligence on adversary forces, employing advanced technologies to identify and mitigate potential threats. The primary objective of airborne ISR is to gather information about enemy activities, observing their behavior and monitoring their movements. The strategic utilization of ISR data can offer early warning of potential threats, enabling military forces to enhance their efficiency and coordination.

The key components of airborne ISR solutions include systems, software, and services. Airborne ISR systems involve the integration of hardware into military and civilian aircraft, facilitating on-board and off-board collection of targeting data for customized airborne mission systems. Deployed on military aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned systems, these solutions serve defense and homeland security purposes, supporting activities such as search and rescue operations, border and maritime patrol, target acquisition and tracking, critical infrastructure protection, and tactical support.

The airborne ISR market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides airborne ISR market statistics, including airborne ISR industry global market size, airborne ISR market regional shares, competitors with an airborne ISR market share, detailed airborne ISR market segments, airborne ISR market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the airborne ISR industry. This airborne ISR market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The airborne isr market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $28.31 billion in 2023 to $30.34 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to factors such as military conflicts, geopolitical tensions, increased defense budgets, the threat of terrorism, and government initiatives.

The airborne isr market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $39.98 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. The projected growth in the forecast period is driven by a growing demand for persistent surveillance, economic expansion, environmental monitoring, and an increase in military modernization efforts. Key trends expected in this forecast period include the miniaturization of devices and the use of micro UAVs, the integration of autonomous and AI-enabled systems, the adoption of hyperspectral and multispectral imaging technologies, the utilization of space-based ISR, and advancements in data fusion and integration.

The growing threats of terror attacks are expected to drive the demand for airborne ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems. Terrorist attacks involve violence perpetrated by individuals or groups with the aim of instilling fear within the population and furthering specific political objectives. With an increase in such attacks globally, there is a heightened need for airborne ISR systems. Governments and various security agencies are investing significantly in technologically advanced systems to detect and prevent potential terrorist threats, aiming to maintain peace and security. Notably, data from the Institute for Economics and Peace in March 2023 indicated that terrorist attacks became more lethal in 2022, averaging 1.7 deaths per attack, up from 1.3 deaths per attack in 2021. This rise in the severity of attacks underlines the escalating need for airborne ISR systems and software to combat these threats effectively.

The increasing proliferation of IoT (Internet of Things) devices is poised to augment the growth of the airborne ISR market. IoT devices, which encompass a range of network-connected computing devices, can be integrated into airborne ISR systems to gather and transmit data from diverse sources like sensors, cameras, and other devices. According to a report by IoT Analytics in September 2021, the number of global IoT connections surged by 8% to reach 12.2 billion active endpoints. Projections suggest that by 2025, the number of IoT connections could surpass 30 billion, averaging nearly four IoT devices per person. This surge in IoT devices plays a crucial role in bolstering the growth of the airborne ISR market.

Rapid technological advancement represents a significant trend gaining traction within the airborne ISR market. Major companies operating in this sector are prioritizing the provision of advanced technological solutions to meet the escalating demands of end-users and solidify their market positions worldwide. These companies are integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, robotics, satellite systems, evidence reporting, geospatial reporting, quantum technology, and more into their airborne ISR services. For instance, in June 2021, CarteNav Solutions, a Canada-based situational solutions company, developed the AIMS-ISR mission system software. This software offers multi-sensor controls, geo-referenced moving maps, evidence reporting, SIGINT, custom mapping, and additional mission optimization solutions aimed at reducing human error while conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. This exemplifies the industry's commitment to leveraging sophisticated technology for enhanced data collection and analysis concerning an enemy's activities, movements, and strength.

Key players in the airborne ISR market are actively innovating, developing cutting-edge products such as superior aerial ISR to operate effectively in peer-to-peer and near-peer environments. Superior Aerial ISR, which stands for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, involves advanced capabilities in collecting and analyzing real-time spatial, high-altitude, aerial, and terrestrial data for military applications. For example, in April 2022, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), a US-based aerospace and national security contractor specializing in aircraft modification and integration, introduced RAPCON-X, an aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (AISR) jet platform. This platform boasts superior range, endurance, and operational flexibility, enhancing survivability and mission effectiveness. Notably, it can be easily reconfigured based on specific mission needs without requiring a complete aircraft redesign. RAPCON-X is engineered for ASE (Airborne Sensor and Electronic warfare) installation, self-contained, and fully mission-capable without the need for special support equipment.

In a strategic move in October 2022, Leidos, a US-based company with expertise in defense, aviation, information technology, and biomedical research, acquired Cobham Aviation Services for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition marks Leidos' entry into the Australian aviation market, leveraging state-of-the-art command and control systems and sensors aboard aircraft to deliver mission-critical outcomes for the Australian Government. Cobham Aviation Services, an Australia-based scheduled and charter airline company, has expanded its capabilities to include airborne surveillance and search and rescue missions.

Major companies operating in the airborne isr market include Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, BAE Systems PLC, Northrop Grumman Corporation, L3Harris Technologies Inc., General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., The Boeing Company, Elbit Systems Ltd., Textron Inc., Thales Group, Leonardo S.p.A., Safran Group, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Leidos Holdings Inc., FLIR Systems Inc., Airbus SE, General Dynamics Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Mercury Systems Inc., AeroVironment Inc., PAL Aerospace Ltd., Israel Military Industries Ltd., Sierra Nevada Corporation, Insitu Inc., Esterline Technologies Corporation, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, RADA Electronic Industries Ltd., Top Aces Inc., CACI International Inc.

North America was the largest region in the airborne ISR market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the airborne ISR market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa.

The countries covered in the airborne ISR market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, and USA.

The airborne ISR market consists of sales of airborne ISR platform including fixed wing or airships and rotary wing. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.