Date: 5th Aug 2010

Steady growth predicted for military airborne communication systems through 2020

Strategy Analytics says unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be the fastest growing category of airborne platforms. The Strategy Analytics Advanced Defense Services (ADS) forecast model, "Airborne Communications Platforms - Advanced Electronics Component Forecast" concludes that with the number of airborne platforms growing and increasingly sophisticated communication requirements, there will be steady growth in the market for military airborne communications systems through 2020.

The fighter plane category will continue to represent the largest category of airborne platforms driving demand for communications systems and the subsequent electronics components. The overall military airborne communications market is projected to grow at a 4% CAAGR over the next decade to reach nearly $1 billion. Driven by multi-band and higher frequency radio requirements, the electronics content of the radio is forecast to grow at a slightly higher CAAGR of 5% to reach $167 million in 2020.

"The relatively long development cycles of these airborne platforms keep them better insulated from fluctuations seen in the broader economy," noted Asif Anwar, Director of the Strategy Analytics ADS Service. "In addition, network-centric battle strategies are placing greater demands on communication networks. This increasing sophistication leads to increased demand for radio electronics with opportunities for emerging semiconductor technologies."