The US Airborne Radars Market is experiencing robust growth driven by advanced technological adoption and rising defense expenditures. The market size was valued at USD 1,650 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 3,450 Million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2024 to 2035. This expansion is propelled by ongoing modernization initiatives, increased military aircraft procurement, and notable investments by leading defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and Lockheed Martin.
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Market Growth Drivers
Rising Defense Spending and Modernization Programs: The US Department of Defense continues to prioritize modernization of its aerial reconnaissance and combat assets, including substantial investments in radar technology upgrades. For example, in January 2024, Lockheed Martin secured contracts to provide next-generation airborne radars for both fighter jets and unmanned systems, enhancing surveillance, targeting, and navigation capabilities across various platforms.
Integration of Advanced Technologies such as AESA and AI: Radar system developers in the US are integrating cutting-edge technology like Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) and artificial intelligence to improve detection range, multi-mission adaptability, and electronic warfare functions. Northrop Grumman, for instance, announced in March 2024 the successful integration of AI-enabled threat identification algorithms in its latest SABR airborne radar systems, boosting response accuracy and operational efficiency.
Market Trends
Multi-Functionality and Platform Agnosticism: Recent market trends indicate a shift toward radars capable of fulfilling various mission requirements, from ground mapping to electronic countermeasures, all on a single platform. Raytheon Technologies launched its SkyHunter radar suite in February 2024, designed to be compatible with both manned and unmanned aircraft, ensuring adaptability and reducing lifecycle costs for defense customers.
Growth in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Deployments: The increasing adoption of drones and UAS in military operations is accelerating demand for compact, lightweight radar systems that maintain high performance. In April 2024, General Atomics successfully tested a miniaturized radar suite for their MQ-9B drone, enabling real-time SAR imagery and enhanced threat detection capabilities during ISR missions.
Market Opportunities
Expanding Export Potential: As international allies modernize their air fleets, US companies like Raytheon Technologies witness rising demand for sophisticated airborne radars, presenting lucrative export opportunities in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.
Cyber-Resilient Radar Systems: With increasing concerns about electronic warfare, developing cyber-resilient radar solutions offers firms such as Northrop Grumman significant growth prospects, as agencies prioritize secure, countermeasure-resistant platforms.
US Airborne Radars Market Revenue (USD Million), 2020-2035
The market revenue chart demonstrates consistent growth in the US Airborne Radars Market, starting from USD 980 Million in 2020, reaching USD 1,210 Million in 2022, and crossing USD 1,650 Million by 2025. The upward trend is propelled by technological advancements, increasing defense allocations, and the induction of new platforms. Projections indicate the market will reach approximately USD 3,450 Million by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 6.7% between 2024 and 2035. This sustained growth underscores the critical role of airborne radar technology in advancing national security and adapting to evolving warfare requirements.
US Airborne Radars Market Share by Region (%), 2025
In 2025, the US Airborne Radars Market is primarily concentrated in the South (37%), owing to the presence of major military bases and aerospace manufacturers. The West follows with 23% market share, driven by key R&D centers and military procurement. The Northeast and Midwest hold 18% and 13% respectively, while the Mountain region accounts for 9%. This regional distribution highlights the dominance of traditional defense hubs while illustrating opportunities for expansion as investments spread across the country.
Recent Developments in the US Airborne Radars Market (Past 6 Months)
In May 2024, Lockheed Martin announced the delivery of its first batch of advanced AESA radars for the F-35 Lightning II program, enhancing the aircraft's target tracking, situational awareness, and jamming resistance. The new radars will support better multi-domain operations capabilities for the US Air Force and Navy.
Northrop Grumman revealed in March 2024 their next-generation SABR-GS radar achieved operational clearance on USAF B-21 Raider bombers. This milestone supports stealth operations and all-weather precision, reaffirming Northrop’s leadership in airborne radar innovation.
In April 2024, Raytheon Technologies successfully conducted field trials of its SkyGuardian radar, equipped with AI-enabled signal processing for improved threat detection and identification. The product will be integrated into various UAV platforms, enhancing border surveillance and ISR missions for the Department of Homeland Security.
Press Releases