US Aircraft Antenna Market Size, Share, and Forecast (2025-2035)
The US Aircraft Antenna Market encompasses a wide range of frequency-specific antennas such as VHF/UHF, HF, RADAR, GPS, and SATCOM, catering to applications including commercial, military, business jets, general aviation, UAVs, and helicopters. With advances in digital signal processing, phased array and MIMO technology, the market is primed for robust growth as aircraft manufacturers and operators prioritize advanced connectivity, navigation, and in-flight communication. Increased fleet modernization and regulatory requirements for safety and connectivity continue to drive demand. The market is characterized by ongoing R&D, new product launches, and collaborations between established players and startups, aiming to address challenges such as miniaturization, bandwidth efficiency, and integration with next-generation avionics.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Rising demand for next-generation connected avionics and satellite communication systems, backed by the surging inflight connectivity expectations of airlines and defense modernization programs. For example, Collins Aerospace launched advanced SATCOM antenna solutions enhancing high-speed broadband for commercial aircraft in May 2024.
Increase in UAV and unmanned aircraft deployments for both defense surveillance and commercial applications is propelling the need for lightweight, high-performance antennas. In June 2024, L3Harris Technologies announced a new line of antennas custom-built for small UAV platforms.
Key Trends
Adoption of phased array and MIMO technologies is accelerating due to their enhanced data throughput, adaptability, and resilience to interference—key for the growing eVTOL and urban air mobility segments. Honeywell’s 2025 introduction of scalable phased array antennas reflects this trend.
Miniaturization combined with conformal design for reduced drag and stealth is increasingly prioritized. Northrop Grumman’s recent conformal antenna integration in next-gen military UAVs exemplifies this focus.
Key Opportunities
Expansion in the aftermarket service sector, including upgrades and retrofits of antenna systems, offers recurring revenue streams for OEMs and resellers. TE Connectivity’s expansion of its MRO solutions portfolio in early 2025 underscores this potential.
Government investment in 5G and SATCOM networked aviation is generating demand for digital and smart antennas. Boeing’s 2025 collaboration on SATCOM-enabled next-gen cockpit systems demonstrates market growth opportunities.
Key Challenges
Complex integration of advanced antenna systems with legacy avionics and stringent FAA certification processes can delay product rollouts. Sensor Systems, Inc. faced delays in Q2 2024 integrating MIMO solutions in older fleet upgrades.
Ensuring reliable wideband performance in increasingly congested RF environments remains a technical barrier, particularly for commercial airliners over major hubs. Antcom Corporation has reported challenges in 2024 with achieving signal reliability amid spectrum crowding.
Key Restraints
High R&D and certification costs restrict the entry of new market participants and limit product diversity. Chelton Limited’s cautious new product launch approach since 2024 illustrates the constraint.
Price pressure due to aftermarket competition and rising raw material costs impacts vendor margins. RAMI noted in 2025 that raw material volatility is affecting antenna manufacturing economics.
The market share by type in 2025 is dominated by SATCOM Antennas, reflecting the rising importance of seamless connectivity onboard aircraft. Radar and VHF/UHF antennas retain substantial shares due to their essential role in navigation and communication for both commercial and defense platforms. GPS antennas, while critical, hold a slightly lower share due to market maturity and modular adoption approaches. The growing adoption of L-Band antennas is tied to bandwidth allocation requirements and fleet expansion impacts.
US Aircraft Antenna Market Share by Applications, 2025
Commercial aircraft are the largest consumers of aircraft antennas in the United States, driven by the imperative for reliable passenger connectivity and navigation. Military aircraft also comprise a significant portion due to ongoing defense spending and fleet modernization. Additionally, UAVs are emerging as a fast-growing segment given their expanding use case in both civilian and military roles, while business jets and helicopters account for consistent market shares thanks to corporate aviation and specialized mission requirements.
US Aircraft Antenna Market Revenue, 2020-2035 (USD Million)
The US aircraft antenna market is projected to experience consistent growth from 2020 to 2035, fueled by technological advancements, regulatory mandates, and aircraft fleet expansions. Starting at $635 million in 2020, market revenues are forecast to reach $1,470 million by 2035. This trajectory reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.8%, underpinned by increasing deliveries of new aircraft, growing upgrades in existing fleets for SATCOM and digital navigation, and proliferation of UAV platforms. The mid-2020s period is especially strong due to rising connected aircraft deployments and regulatory compliance deadlines.
US Aircraft Antenna Market YOY Growth (%), 2020-2035
Year-over-year (YOY) growth for the US aircraft antenna market maintains a steady trajectory between 2020 and 2035, with peak growth expected in 2025 at 8.9%. Growth rates moderate slightly in the subsequent years, reflecting industry maturation and cycles of fleet replacement versus new orders. Key inflection points coincide with major regulatory rollouts for connectivity and navigation, as well as surges in UAV demand and defense spending increases.
Regional analysis within the US indicates the West and South regions account for the largest shares of the aircraft antenna market in 2025, driven by the concentration of major aerospace OEMs, suppliers, and high military base density. The Midwest follows with a sturdy share due to its historically strong aviation manufacturing ecosystem. The Northeast, while possessing significant demand, holds a comparatively lower market share owing to smaller manufacturing cluster size. This regional distribution reflects established industry infrastructure as well as critical operations sites for fleet management.
The market share analysis for 2025 shows Collins Aerospace (Raytheon Technologies) leading with the highest proportion, reflecting its strong global product footprint and recent investments in SATCOM systems. Northrop Grumman and L3Harris Technologies also hold substantial market shares due to their extensive defense contracts and innovation in phased array antennas. Honeywell International, Cobham, and Sensor Systems offer significant contributions, ensuring competitive dynamics are maintained between global conglomerates and specialized antenna providers.
In 2025, commercial airlines will constitute the largest buyer segment for aircraft antennas, leveraging large fleet sizes and continuous upgrades for in-flight connectivity. The Department of Defense and government buyers follow with robust procurement due to modernization and UAV initiatives. Business jets and corporate aviation maintain a consistent, though smaller, segment, while aftermarket clients (MROs and resellers) are increasing their presence as aging fleets drive retrofit requirements.
Study Coverage
Metrics
Details
Years
2020-2035
Base Year
2025
Market Size
900
Regions
West US, South US, Midwest US, Northeast US
Segments
VHF/UHF Antennas, HF Antennas, Radar Antennas, GPS Antennas, SATCOM Antennas, L-Band Antennas; Commercial Aircraft, Military Aircraft, Business Jets, General Aviation, UAVs, Helicopters
June 12, 2024: Collins Aerospace unveiled its next-gen SATCOM antennas for wideband inflight connectivity in commercial fleets.
July 7, 2024: L3Harris Technologies announced a new UAV antenna platform optimized for defense ISR applications.
August 1, 2024: Honeywell International introduced a digital, phased array antenna targeting urban air mobility / eVTOL operators.
August 16, 2024: Boeing partnered with a leading SATCOM provider to integrate antenna and cockpit data links for new airframes.
September 3, 2024: TE Connectivity expanded its MRO antenna portfolio for the US aftermarket and general aviation sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Ankit
Senior Research Consultant
Ankit is a Senior Research Consultant specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Aerospace & Defence. Ankit brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Ankit has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
