US Military Lighting Market Outlook 2025-2035
The US Military Lighting Market is rapidly evolving due to advancements in energy-efficient lighting technologies and the growing focus on smart, durable, and sustainable solutions for defense applications. Increasing defense budgets and the need for enhanced operational efficiency are driving the widespread adoption of LED and smart lighting systems across airborne, naval, ground, and space platforms. The market is driven by heightened demand for rugged, long-lasting lighting systems that reduce maintenance costs and ensure reliability in extreme conditions. Major players are investing in research and development to provide intelligent solutions integrating IoT, automation, and solar technologies. As a result, the market size is set to expand significantly between 2025 and 2035, reflecting the shift toward technologically advanced and sustainable military infrastructure.
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Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
- Growing deployment of energy-efficient LED lighting systems to reduce operational costs. For example, in 2024, Honeywell International expanded its military-specific LED solutions to several US Air Force bases.
- Increasing military spending on modernization programs to upgrade defense infrastructure and ensure soldier safety. Philips Lighting (Signify) recently secured a contract for smart lighting solutions in naval bases.
Key Trends
- Rising integration of smart lighting controls and automation, with companies like Acuity Brands launching IoT-enabled lighting tailored for military operations.
- Expanding adoption of solar-powered and hybrid lighting to support sustainability initiatives, notably seen in the 2024 rollout of solar lighting by Zumtobel Group for military outposts.
Key Opportunities
- Growing federal commitment for net-zero military bases is catalyzing demand for solar and hybrid lighting solutions, with Eaton Corporation introducing modular solar lighting for forward-operating bases.
- Elevated focus on cybersecurity in lighting systems is driving investment in tamper-resistant and encrypted lighting controls. Safran Group released a secure lighting protocol suite in its 2024 product lineup.
Key Challenges
- Complex integration of advanced lighting with legacy military infrastructure creates interoperability and maintenance challenges. Revolution Lighting Technologies is piloting middleware solutions for seamless integration.
- Stringent military standards and certification processes slow down rapid product deployment. Astronics Corporation has been working to meet evolving DoD requirements for new lighting systems.
Key Restraints
- High initial investment for deploying smart/solar lighting solutions remains a challenge for budget-constrained agencies, as noted by GE Current's 2024 market report.
- Delays in government procurement cycles can stunt rapid scaling efforts, as observed by OSRAM Licht AG when awaiting DoD bulk order approvals in 2024.
US Military Lighting Market Share by Type, 2025
In 2025, LED Lighting dominates the US military lighting market by type, accounting for the majority share, followed by halogen and fluorescent lighting. The shift from legacy incandescent to energy-efficient and durable LED technology is evident, reflecting military priorities for operational efficiency and longer equipment lifespan. Halogen and fluorescent lights, while still present in some older installations, are quickly being phased out in favor of smarter, more cost-effective alternatives. The continuous modernization efforts are likely to further accelerate the transition to advanced lighting types in the coming years.
US Military Lighting Market Share by Application, 2025
Among military lighting applications in 2025, Ground systems constitute the largest market share, followed by Airborne and Naval applications. The focus on maneuverability, tactical advantages, and soldier safety drives the investment in ground-based lighting solutions for vehicles, bases, and field operations. Airborne lighting technology for aircraft has also seen significant innovations, mainly to meet critical mission requirements. Naval applications, though essential, represent a smaller proportion compared to ground and airborne segments, largely due to concentrated modernization and replacement cycles in recent years.
US Military Lighting Market Revenue (USD Million), 2020–2035
The US military lighting market is experiencing robust growth, with revenue increasing steadily from 2020 through 2035. Driven by technology upgrades, sustainability mandates, and military modernization, the market is expected to reach approximately 1590 million USD by 2035. Early investment in smart and solar lighting, alongside a growing number of retrofit projects and new procurement contracts, continues to drive this upward revenue trajectory. The trend signifies a long-term commitment to advanced lighting infrastructure within the US defense ecosystem.
US Military Lighting Market YOY Growth (%), 2020–2035
Annual year-over-year (YOY) growth rates in the US military lighting market reflect periods of accelerated modernization and procurement activity. The YOY growth peaked during 2025–2030, coinciding with major federal investments in smart and sustainable lighting initiatives. After 2030, growth stabilizes as the market reaches higher penetration of advanced lighting systems, signaling a mature phase with ongoing replacement cycles and incremental improvements.
US Military Lighting Market Share by Region, 2025
The majority of market activity in 2025 is concentrated across key US military regions, with the South and Midwest taking the lead due to large military bases and continuous infrastructure projects. Coastal regions, including the West and Northeast, represent smaller shares but are vital for naval and aerospace lighting deployments. Investment patterns closely follow Department of Defense strategic priorities and base modernization plans, ensuring all regions remain engaged with varying intensity.
US Military Lighting Market Players Share, 2025
Market competition is shaped by leading lighting technology vendors, with Honeywell International holding the largest share thanks to its wide-ranging military product portfolio and established government contracts. Philips Lighting (Signify) and Cree Lighting are notable contenders, buoyed by innovations in smart and energy-efficient solutions. Other players maintain competitive positions through strategic partnerships and specialized offerings. Ongoing R&D and compliance with stringent military standards are central to success in this market.
US Military Lighting Market Buyers Share, 2025
In 2025, the primary buyers of military lighting systems are defense infrastructure agencies and military base managers, comprising the largest share. Aviation and naval branch procurement divisions account for significant shares as well, reflecting the broad deployment needs across all operation domains. These buyer dynamics are influenced by overall federal defense priorities and procurement budgets as they continue to adopt more innovative and efficient lighting solutions.
Study Coverage
| Metrics | Details |
|---|
| Years | 2020-2035 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Market Size | 1125 |
| Regions | South, Midwest, West, Northeast, Southeast |
| Segments | LED Lighting, Incandescent Lighting, Fluorescent Lighting, Halogen Lighting, Others, Airborne, Naval, Ground, Space, Others, Direct Tender, Authorized Distributors, Online Channels, Retail, Others, Traditional, Smart, Solar, Hybrid, Others, Small, Medium, Large |
| Players | Honeywell International Inc., OSRAM Licht AG, Philips Lighting (Signify), Acuity Brands Inc., Cree Lighting, Zumtobel Group, GE Current (Daintree), Eaton Corporation, Safran Group, Sylvania Lighting, Astronics Corporation, Revolution Lighting Technologies, Havells Sylvania, Luminator Technology Group, OSI Optoelectronics |
Key Recent Developments
- June 2024: Honeywell secured a new contract to retrofit LED lighting across 10 US Air Force bases.
- July 2024: Philips Lighting (Signify) launched a new line of intelligent blue-light blocking lighting for military sleeping quarters.
- August 2024: Zumtobel Group introduced solar-powered portable lighting modules for emergency military use cases.
- September 2024: Eaton Corporation announced modular solar lighting deployment for military forward-operating bases.
- October 2024: Safran Group released the latest encrypted lighting communication protocol for military applications.
