Global Military GPS Receivers Market Size, Share, Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2023-2028

The Military GPS Receivers Market is estimated to grow at a robust CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period to reach a value of US$ 0.9 Billion in 2028.

What are Military GPS Receivers?

Military GPS receivers are specialized navigation devices designed for military applications. They are equipped with features and capabilities tailored to meet the unique requirements and challenges of military operations. GPS receivers possess a set of specialized properties that distinguish them from commercial GPS receivers, such as enhanced security, anti-jamming capability, selective availability anti-spoofing module (SAASM), high precision, anti-spoofing, and anti-jamming antennas.

The usage of military GPS receivers is expanding around the world as several military missions and operations rely heavily on the transmission of real-time data, thereby, augmenting the growth of the overall industry. These GPS-enabled devices not only provide accurate target tracking and route navigation but also offer precise digital mapping solutions. They have become an indispensable component of military forces, enabling precise tracking and targeting for armed troops and units. As a result, the procurement of these GPS devices has been gaining momentum in recent years as they multiply the capabilities of military forces.

Furthermore, due to the global rise in border disputes and terrorist threats, many countries are focusing on improving the capabilities of their military forces, which has resulted in a significant increase in the overall deployment of military GPS receivers in recent years.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type

The military GPS receiver market is segmented into P(Y) Code GPS receivers and M-Code GPS receivers. Ever since the commencement of the sales of M-Code GPS receivers, their sales have been increasing exponentially, eroding the market share of the traditionally used P (Y) Code receivers. These advanced devices are designed to enhance the PNT capabilities of armed units and provide improved resistance to existing and emerging threats to GPS such as jamming and spoofing. Therefore, it is estimated that the M-Code GPS receivers will completely replace the P(Y) Code receivers in the coming decade.

By Frequency Type

The market is segmented into single-frequency GPS receivers and dual-frequency GPS receivers. Dual-frequency GPS receivers are widely used over their single-frequency counterparts due to their greater accuracy and greater resistance to multipath errors, which are fairly common for the latter. Furthermore, if any one of the two frequencies fails, the other one works as a backup, thus ensuring uninterrupted signal transmission.

By Application Type

The military GPS receiver market is segmented into aviation-based GPS receivers, ground-based GPS receivers, PGM-based GPS receivers, handheld GPS receivers, and maritime equipment-based GPS receivers. Among these application types, the PGM-based application is estimated to remain the supreme market leader for military GPS receivers in the coming years, as these GPS systems form an essential component in the PGMs (such as missiles, bombs, and projectiles). Moreover, with the increasing hostilities across the globe, the demand for PGMs has been increasing manifold, thereby, fueling the market growth.

Regional Analysis

In terms of regions, North America is likely to remain the largest market for military GPS receivers over the forecast period, with the USA accounting for the majority of the market. The country has been extensively investing in military GPS receivers to enhance the overall capabilities of its armed forces. Furthermore, market-leading companies, such as BAE Systems, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., and Raytheon Corporation, are present in the region, giving North America an unrivaled advantage over other regions.

Key Players

In recent years, there has been competition in the military GPS receiver market. Moreover, there is a high consolidation in the market with the top companies capturing a mammoth market share. The growth of companies in this market is widely influenced by their financial position, technological expertise, and government support. Most of the players engage in the provision of both P(Y) Code and M-Code GPS receivers. Some of the companies also manufacture ASIC chips for their GPS receiver cards and some of them also supply them to their customers as well. Some major M&A activities within the market space in recent years (such as the purchase of the GPS receiver business unit of Collins Aerospace by BAE Systems, the merger of United Technologies and Raytheon, and the all-stock merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation) have resulted in some significant changes in the competitive landscape. The following are the major players in the military GPS receivers market:

• BAE Systems
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Trimble Inc.
• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Thales Group
• Israel Aerospace Industries
• Mayflower Communications
• Hertz Systems
• Juniper Systems, Inc.

Recent Product Developments

In recent years, a fair number of new GPS receivers have been launched by manufacturers. Some of them have been mentioned below:

• In June 2023, BAE Systems unveiled NavGuide, a next-generation assured-positioning, navigation, and timing (A-PNT) device featuring M-Code GPS technology.
• In August 2021, BAE Systems unveiled its ultra-small MicroGRAM-M GPS receiver, which is compatible with M-Code signals that are resistant to both jamming and spoofing. These GPS receivers have been developed for the armed troops and for integration in small UAVs.
• In September 2021, Collins Aerospace unveiled the MUNS GPS receiver, a military underwater navigation system that provides the diver with precise position and includes secure anti-jamming capabilities during deep sea missions.

Recent Contracts: There have been several investments in the defense industry directed at GPS receivers in recent years, which would boost the overall market. Some of them have been mentioned below:

• In September 2023, BAE Systems signed a five-year contract worth US$ 319 Million with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), for the development of Miniature PLGR Engine-M-code (MPE-M) receiver cards.
• In May 2021, BAE Systems signed a contract worth US$ 325.5 million, with the US Defense Logistics Agency, for the supply of the advanced M-Code GPS receiver devices to the US Army and its allies.
• In November 2020, the US Space and Missile Systems Center awarded a contract worth US$ 552 Million to BAE Systems, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., and Raytheon Technologies Corporation, for the development of the next-generation M-Code GPS receivers.

Recent Market JVs and Acquisitions: Over the past few years, there have been a fair number of strategic alliances, including M&As, JVs, etc., across the globe. Some of them have been mentioned below:

• In July 2020, BAE Systems acquired the GPS business unit from Collins Aerospace, to become the undisputed market leader.
• In July 2020, Raytheon Corporation merged with United Technologies Corporation, to form Raytheon Technologies Corporation. This merger of equals is the defense sector's largest-ever merger, in terms of value.
• In June 2019, L3 Technologies had an all-stock merger with Harris Corporation, which led to the formation of L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

Research Methodology

This strategic assessment report provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s military GPS receivers market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period. The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner to provide a panoramic view of the market. The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants as well as investors in the identification of the low-hanging fruits available in the market as well as to formulate the growth strategies to expedite their growth process.

This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with an internal database and statistical tools. More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data. The analyst conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.