Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Market Report 2024

This Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance market report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.

The intelligence surveillance reconnaissance market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $46.12 billion in 2023 to $49.68 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The historical growth can be attributed to a rise in demand for ISR systems and capabilities, increased focus on border and maritime security, higher defense budgets, and growing security concerns for military personnel.

The intelligence surveillance reconnaissance market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $67.94 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The anticipated growth during the forecast period is driven by an increased focus on border and maritime security, higher demand for ISR systems for monitoring, rising geopolitical tensions, a need for real-time data, expansion of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), growing government defense spending, and expanding applications in civilian and public safety sectors. Key trends for this period include the integration of AI and machine learning, adoption of UAVs, development of multi-domain ISR solutions, creation of compact and portable ISR technologies, advancements in space-based ISR systems, and progress in cloud-based ISR platforms.

The increasing threat of terrorism is projected to drive growth in the intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR) market. Terrorism involves the use of violence, threats, or intimidation - often targeting civilians - to achieve political, ideological, or religious goals. The surge in terrorism can be attributed to factors such as territorial disputes, power struggles, hardline governments, diplomatic failures, and inadequate border security. ISR systems enhance geopolitical stability and border security by providing real-time data to detect, monitor, and counter terrorist threats and unauthorized border activities. These systems enable security forces to respond swiftly and effectively, preventing potential attacks, disrupting terrorist networks, and ultimately saving lives. For example, in March 2023, The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that terrorist attacks became more lethal in 2022, with an average of 1.7 fatalities per attack, up from 1.3 deaths per attack in 2021. Consequently, the rise in terrorism is expected to drive demand for ISR solutions.

Key players in the intelligence surveillance reconnaissance market are focusing on advancing technologies such as autonomous ISR unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to enhance real-time situational awareness, conduct reconnaissance missions in hazardous environments, and deliver advanced surveillance capabilities without endangering human lives. An autonomous UGV designed for ISR missions, equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and communication systems, facilitates real-time data collection and transmission from the field. For instance, in May 2022, Milrem Robotics, a UAE-based robotic vehicle manufacturer, launched THeMIS Observe, an autonomous ISR UGV. This vehicle features ISR technologies including the Z, Sparrowhawk Camera, Squire Radar, and ROSY obscuring system, which enhance unit survivability and reaction speed. The UGV is equipped with Milrem’s intelligent functions kit for autonomous operations such as follow-me mode and waypoint navigation. Its modular design allows for mission adaptability and integration with various sensors, with optional defense capabilities through a light remote weapon station.

In June 2024, Hitachi Ltd., a Japan-based conglomerate, acquired Thales S.A. for $1.66 billion. This acquisition represents Hitachi's strategic effort to broaden its portfolio by integrating Thales's expertise in ISR solutions. Thales S.A., a France-based company, specializes in providing intelligence surveillance reconnaissance solutions.

Major companies operating in the intelligence surveillance reconnaissance market are The Boeing Company, RTX Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems plc, Thales S.A., L3Harris Technologies Inc., Leonardo S.p.A., Textron Systems, Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc., Science Applications International Corporation Inc., Bombardier Inc., Rheinmetall AG, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Elbit Systems Ltd., Embraer S.A., Israel Aerospace Industries Limited, General Atomics Inc., Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Meggitt PLC, QinetiQ Group PLC, Cubic Corporation, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc., AeroVironment Inc.

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

The countries covered in the intelligence surveillance reconnaissance market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) is a comprehensive method for gathering and analyzing information to enhance decision-making and operational effectiveness. This approach integrates various components to deliver a thorough understanding of a situation, environment, or target. ISR is essential for supporting strategic and operational goals, forming a basis for informed decisions and mission success.

The primary types of ISR include cyber intelligence, geospatial intelligence, human intelligence, open-source intelligence, and signals intelligence. Cyber intelligence focuses on collecting and analyzing data related to cyber threats and activities. The process involves various components such as hardware, services, and software, and utilizes data processing and analytics techniques such as image processing, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Different sensor types, including electro-optical, radar, and acoustic sensors, are employed across platforms such as air, land, sea, and space.

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

The intelligence surveillance reconnaissance market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as simulation services, active maintenance services, data analytics and post-processing, training and support services, and integration services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The intelligence surveillance reconnaissance market includes sales of ISR aircraft, ISR drones (UAVs), infrared (EO/IR) sensors, signal intelligence (SIGINT) systems, and data analytics software. 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.


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