Airborne ISR Market Summary
As per Market Research Future Analysis, the Global Airborne ISR Market was valued at USD 6.66 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 9.85 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 4.37% from 2024 to 2032. The demand for ISR techniques and equipment is driven by national and international instability, with countries enhancing their security measures. The market is significantly influenced by the increasing need for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced reconnaissance systems, particularly in regions facing military confrontations.
Key Market Trends & Highlights
The Airborne ISR market is witnessing notable trends driven by geopolitical factors and technological advancements.
- Market Size in 2023: USD 6.66 billion.
- Projected Market Size by 2032: USD 9.85 billion.
- CAGR during 2024-2032: 4.37%.
- Unmanned vehicle segment accounted for 35% of market revenue.
Market Size & Forecast
2023 Market Size: USD 6.66 billion
2024 Market Size: USD 6.993 billion
2032 Market Size: USD 9.85 billion
CAGR (2024-2032): 4.37%.
Major Players
Key players include Boeing (U.S.), BAE Systems (U.K.), Elbit Systems Ltd (Israel), FLIR Systems Inc (U.S.), Northrop Grumman (U.S.), General Dynamics (U.S.), Thales (France), Raytheon (U.S.), and UTC Aerospace Systems (U.S.).
Airborne ISR Market Size was valued at USD 6.66 billion in 2023. The Airborne ISR market industry is projected to grow from USD 6.993 Billion in 2024 to USD 9.85 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.37% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). ISR techniques and equipment are in greater demand, and more countries are using ISR to secure their borders are the key market drivers enhancing market growth.Â
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Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Airborne ISR Market Trends
Need for airborne ISR equipment is driven by national and international instability, driving the market growth.
As bilateral militarised conflicts between nations become more frequent, there is an urgent need for national defense forces to bolster their security and situational awareness measures. New technologies and reconnaissance systems are being created to meet the demands of battle. Airborne ISR devices are now part of the defense hardware used in combat operations because of the development of digital battlefields. As a result of these systems, governments' procurement priorities have changed to keep up with changing military requirements. For instance, since 2014, political unrest and terrorism in the Middle East's Iraq and Syria have resulted in military confrontations, with numerous terrorist groups increasingly employing cutting-edge weaponry. To monitor and protect their borders from these cutting-edge weapons, governments in this area are expanding their ISR spending to incorporate new aerial ISR equipment. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are among the nations in this area that have boosted their expenditures on radar and aerial ISR equipment. ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) systems carried by aircraft are used to identify friendly and hostile troops and to evaluate the harm done to hostile targets local to a given area. Implementing multi-level comparisons for data management and integrity and advanced data integration might improve the prospects for the sector. Furthermore, increasing government spending on studying and creating improved airborne ISR systems is anticipated to accelerate technological adoption. Additionally, sales are anticipated to increase due to increased demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Thus, this factor is driving the Airborne ISR market CAGR. A rise in the need for various ISR methods and tools due to their use in various battlefield functions and to support a combat force by utilizing its sensor data while analyzing the gathered information, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) techniques and equipment have seen an increase in demand from the defense sector globally. This demand propels the growth of the global airborne intelligence surveillance & reconnaissance market. Additionally, throughout the projected period, the market expansion is anticipated to be fueled by favorable government initiatives to enhance airborne intelligence surveillance & reconnaissance globally. Disruptive innovations are being produced in the defense sector due to fast technological advancements. Additionally, the anticipated demand for electronic components used in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations is an increase in the usage of tiny unmanned systems for surveillance. Additionally, as ISR usage grows and more nations use the technology to secure their borders, the airborne ISR market is anticipated to expand considerably. Since more people are becoming aware of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies, the market is likely to grow even more throughout the projection period. Thus, this aspect is anticipated to accelerate Airborne ISR market revenue globally.
Airborne ISR Market Segment Insights
Airborne ISR Type Insights
Based on Type, the Airborne ISR Market segmentation includes food, Unmanned vehicle and Manned vehicle. The Unmanned vehicle segment dominated the market, accounting for 35% of market revenue. UAVs are in great demand worldwide because they provide low-cost options to countries wishing to purchase aerial assets for ISR and other tasks. UAVs have established themselves as true instruments for ISR missions. For instance, the QX-5 and QX-6 modern vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drones, developed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications, border security, and other military operations, were among the new additions to the UAE's government-owned EDGE Group's product portfolio of locally developed advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in November 2021.Â
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Figure 1: Airborne ISR Market, by Type, 2022 & 2032 (USD billion)
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Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Airborne ISR Application Insights
Based on Application, the Airborne ISR Market segmentation includes Signals Intelligence, Maritime Patrol, Airborne Ground Surveillance and Airborne Early Warnings. The Airborne Ground Surveillance category generated the most income. One of the key drivers of the global growth of airborne ISR systems is the integration of search radars across many military platforms, including ground, naval, and airborne. Diverse military forces are making significant investments in acquiring and placing radars, particularly in high-tension and isolated areas. These radars facilitate the signal processing for ISR systems installed on various aircraft platforms.
Airborne ISR Regional Insights
By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. North America Airborne ISR market accounted for USD 2.90 billion in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR growth during the study period. The United States and Canada dominate the regional market in North America. The profitability and growth rates in this area are very strong. The U.S. will collaborate and acquire more airborne ISR throughout the anticipated period. Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.Â
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Figure 2: AIRBORNE ISR MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)
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Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst ReviewÂ
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The Europe airborne ISR market in the world is the second-largest market. The market is advancing due to the high levels of investment in these sectors. as a result of growing military modernization initiatives and the entry of cutting-edge military technology from the United Kingdom, Russia, France, and other countries. Further, the Germany Airborne ISR market held the largest market share, and the U.K. Airborne ISR market was the fastest-growing market in the European Region. During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific airborne ISR market is anticipated to develop at the highest CAGR. China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the rest of Asia Pacific are all included in this regional market research. To tackle threats from regional wars, nations including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia are upgrading their battle zone systems by investing in air defense systems. Important challenges in the Region include the conflicts over the South China Sea, North Korea's expanding nuclear weapons, the border dispute between India and Pakistan, and turmoil in Afghanistan. Airborne ISR capabilities are necessary for border monitoring, intelligence collection, and critical infrastructure security. Moreover, the China Airborne ISR market held the largest market share, and the India Airborne ISR market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.Â
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Airborne ISR Key Market Players & Competitive InsightsÂ
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Leading industry companies are making significant R&D investments to broaden their product offerings, which will spur further expansion of the market for Airborne ISR products. Important market developments include new product releases, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, greater investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Market participants also engage in several strategic actions to increase their worldwide presence. The Airborne ISR industry must offer products at reasonable prices to grow and thrive in a more cutthroat and competitive environment. One of the primary business strategies manufacturers employ in the worldwide Airborne ISR industry to benefit customers and expand the market sector is local manufacturing to reduce operating costs. The Airborne ISR industry has recently provided some of medicine's most important benefits. Major players in the Airborne ISR market, including Boeing (U.S.), BAE Systems (U.K.), Elbit Systems Ltd (Israel), FLIR Systems Inc (U.S.), Northrop Grumman (U.S.), General Dynamics (U.S.), Thales (France), Raytheon (U.S.), UTC Aerospace Systems (U.S.), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations. The Boeing Company (/bo/) is an American multinational company that develops, produces, and markets aircraft, helicopters, rockets, satellites, telecommunications gear, and missiles globally. Additionally, the business offers leasing and customer support services. Boeing has plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from Chicago to Arlington, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C., in May 2022. According to the corporation, the location's "proximity to our customers and stakeholders, as well as its access to world-class engineering and technical talent," played a role in this choice. An American multinational aerospace and defense technology firm is called Northrop Grumman Corporation. Northrop Grumman stated in August 2022 that it was shifting the manufacturing of the engines and structures for its Antares rockets from Russia and Ukraine to the United States. The Antares manufacturing will be transferred to the United States through a collaboration with the Texas-based Firefly Aerospace. To power the Antares 230+ series, Northrop Grumman had bought Russian RD-181 engines, while Yuzhmash State Enterprise of Ukraine produced the rocket's main body.
Key Companies in the Airborne ISR market include
- Elbit Systems Ltd (Israel)
- UTC Aerospace Systems (U.S.)
Airborne ISR Industry Developments
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Q2 2024: Northrop Grumman wins $3.2 billion U.S. Air Force contract for next-generation ISR aircraft Northrop Grumman was awarded a $3.2 billion contract by the U.S. Air Force to develop and deliver next-generation airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026.
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Q2 2024: BAE Systems launches new multi-sensor airborne ISR pod for NATO allies BAE Systems announced the launch of its new multi-sensor airborne ISR pod, designed to enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities for NATO air forces, with initial integration planned for the Eurofighter Typhoon fleet.
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Q3 2024: L3Harris Technologies acquires small drone ISR specialist AeroVironment for $1.1 billion L3Harris Technologies completed the acquisition of AeroVironment, a leader in small unmanned ISR platforms, to expand its portfolio in tactical airborne surveillance solutions.
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Q3 2024: Lockheed Martin secures $950 million contract for ISR system upgrades on U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon fleet Lockheed Martin was awarded a $950 million contract to upgrade ISR systems on the U.S. Navy's P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, enhancing sensor integration and data processing capabilities.
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Q4 2024: Leonardo and Saab announce strategic partnership for airborne ISR solutions Leonardo and Saab entered a strategic partnership to jointly develop and market advanced airborne ISR solutions, targeting European and Asia-Pacific defense customers.
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Q4 2024: General Atomics opens new ISR drone manufacturing facility in Oklahoma General Atomics inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Oklahoma dedicated to the production of advanced ISR drones, aiming to meet growing demand from U.S. and allied defense customers.
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Q1 2025: Elbit Systems wins $500 million contract to supply airborne ISR systems to Asia-Pacific country Elbit Systems secured a $500 million contract to deliver advanced airborne ISR systems to an undisclosed Asia-Pacific nation, with deliveries scheduled through 2027.
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Q1 2025: Raytheon launches next-generation synthetic aperture radar for ISR applications Raytheon introduced its next-generation synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system, designed for enhanced airborne ISR missions, offering improved resolution and real-time data transmission.
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Q2 2025: Thales appoints new head of Airborne ISR division Thales announced the appointment of Dr. Marie Dubois as the new head of its Airborne ISR division, signaling a renewed focus on innovation and international expansion.
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Q2 2025: Airbus wins contract to provide airborne ISR platforms for European border security Airbus was awarded a multi-year contract to supply airborne ISR platforms to support border security operations for a coalition of European Union member states.
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Q2 2025: Boeing unveils upgraded ISR mission suite for the E-7 Wedgetail Boeing announced the release of an upgraded ISR mission suite for its E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, featuring advanced sensor fusion and AI-powered analytics for real-time intelligence.
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Q3 2025: Israel Aerospace Industries secures $400 million contract for airborne ISR drones in Latin America Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) won a $400 million contract to supply airborne ISR drones to a Latin American country, expanding its presence in the region's defense market.
Airborne ISR Market Segmentation
Airborne ISR Type Outlook
Airborne ISR Application Outlook
- Airborne Ground Surveillance
Airborne ISR Regional Outlook
| Attribute/Metric |
Details |
| Market Size 2023 |
USD 6.66 billion |
| Market Size 2024 |
USD 6.993 billion |
| Market Size 2032 |
USD 9.85 billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
4.37% (2024-2032) |
| Base Year |
2023 |
| Market Forecast Period |
2024-2032 |
| Historical Data |
2019- 2023 |
| Market Forecast Units |
Value (USD Billion) |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered |
Type, Application, and Region |
| Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World |
| Countries Covered |
The U.S., Canada, German, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil |
| Key Companies Profiled |
 Boeing (U.S.), BAE Systems (U.K.), Elbit Systems Ltd (Israel), FLIR Systems Inc (U.S.), Northrop Grumman (U.S.), General Dynamics (U.S.), Thales (France), Raytheon (U.S.), UTC Aerospace Systems (U.S.) |
| Key Market Opportunities |
ISR ecosystem technological advances |
| Key Market Dynamics |
Instability on a global and regional scale is driving the uptake of airborne ISR equipment. |
Airborne ISR Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
The Airborne ISR Market size was valued at USD 6.66 Billion in 2023.
The Airborne ISR Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.37% during the forecast period, 2024-2032.
North America had the largest share in the Airborne ISR Market
The key players in the Airborne ISR market are Boeing (U.S.), BAE Systems (U.K.), Elbit Systems Ltd (Israel), FLIR Systems Inc (U.S.), Northrop Grumman (U.S.), General Dynamics (U.S.), Thales (France), Raytheon (U.S.), UTC Aerospace Systems (U.S.).
The Unmanned vehicle Airborne ISR category dominated the market in 2023.
Airborne Ground Surveillance had the largest share in the Airborne ISR Market.
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