[Research Report] The airborne pods market was valued at US$ 2,832.45 million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 4,287.47 million by 2030; it is expected to register a CAGR of 5.3% during 2022–2030.    

Analyst Perspective:

The changing geopolitical scenario worldwide boosts the requirement for strong defense countermeasure systems. Countermeasure systems are airborne defensive systems that help identify airborne threats. Air defense radar systems generate important data for fusion and correlation by leveraging inputs from other sensors and intelligence sources. This accelerates the development of a comprehensive and accurate air image, enabling precise threat assessments and target engagements. The tension across nations such as Russia–Ukraine, India–Pakistan, and Israel–Palestine is compelling their governments to strengthen their armed forces. Hence, the armed forces across different countries are investing in procuring air defense systems such as surface-to-air missile systems, integrated air defense systems, naval defense systems, fighter aircraft, early warning systems, and border surveillance systems. Radar systems are fundamental components of comprehensive air defense systems. They enable armed forces to track, detect, and identify airborne threats such as aircraft, drones, and missiles. BAE Systems, General Dynamics Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Israel Aerospace Industries Inc., Leonardo S.p.A, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, SAAB AB, and Thales Group are a few companies focusing on developing defense countermeasure systems that include radar system, communication and surveillance system, and navigation devices. Thus, the increasing procurement and deployment of countermeasure systems is expected to fuel the growth of the airborne pods market during the forecast period.

Market Overview:

The airborne pods are an external pod structure primarily fabricated to offer enhanced aerial recognition, identification, communication, targeting, data linking, and self-defensive potentials to an aircraft. The growing need for advanced defense systems to cater to modern battlefield requirements is boosting the demand for airborne pods in North America. The rising instances of unstable geopolitical scenarios are also contributing to the growing need for airborne pods in the region. The US is leading the airborne pods market in North America, followed by Canada and Mexico. In 2020, North America spent US$ 809.7 billion on defense activities; in 2021, the expenditure reached ~US$ 835.8 billion. In 2022, the military expenditure was recorded to be US$ 912.3 billion. The US is one of the highest military spending countries in the world. The mounting budget for defense expenditure indicates the country's emphasis and importance on modernizing the defense sector to meet the ever-increasing need for security. The defense expenditure includes operation and maintenance, procurement, research and development, testing and evaluation, and military personnel. In North America, the total military aircraft fleet was recorded to be 14,144 as of 2023. Growing contracts of manufacturing military aircraft and helicopters and increasing proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles are a few factors contributing to the demand for airborne pods. Thus, the rising application of advanced aerial recognition, detection, identification, communication, and targeting sensors in defense aircraft fuels the airborne pods market growth in North America.

Customize Research To Suit Your Requirement

We can optimize and tailor the analysis and scope which is unmet through our standard offerings. This flexibility will help you gain the exact information needed for your business planning and decision making.

Get 10% FREE CUSTOMIZATION

Airborne Pods Market: Strategic Insights

Market Size Value in	US$ 2,832.45 million in 2022
Market Size Value by	US$ 4,287.47 million by 2030
Growth rate	CAGR of 5.3% from 2022-2030
Forecast Period	2022-2030
Base Year	2022

Naveen

Have a question?

Naveen will walk you through a 15-minute call to present the report’s content and answer all queries if you have any.

 Speak to Analyst

Market Driver:

Growing Occurrences of Unstable Geopolitical Scenario and Advent of Advanced Warfare Technologies

The growing unstable geopolitical scenario worldwide is boosting the demand for advanced sensors, lasers, and self-protection countermeasure systems. The unstable geopolitical occurrences, such as wars between nations, are jeopardizing common life and increasing the national security threat and uncertainties; hence, there is a growing focus on strengthening the defense forces to combat such situations. Advanced intelligence, surveillance, and target systems facilitate the development of a complete and accurate analysis, aiding more precise threat assessments and target encounters. Advanced warfare scenarios emphasize heightened situational awareness, integrated defense systems, improved target engagement, electronic warfare capabilities, and compliance with evolving threats. Thus, the rising adoption of advanced warfare devices and equipment further drives the development of airborne pods to meet advanced battlefield conditions. Moreover, many companies across the globe are focusing on investing in advanced helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with airborne pods and devices to tackle modern warfare. Thus, the growing instances of unstable geopolitical scenarios and the proliferation of modern warfare technologies drive the airborne pods market growth.

Segmental Analysis:

The airborne pods market is segmented based on aircraft type, pod type, sensor technology, and range. In terms of aircraft type, the airborne pods market is categorized into combat aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and others. The others segment is subsegmented into gliders, small fighter jets, bombers, rotorcrafts, and turbojets. Combat aircraft are specially designed and developed to demolish enemy equipment or personnel utilizing their aircraft weapons. Combat aircraft are normally fabricated and obtained only by military and defense forces.

By pod type, the airborne pods market is segmented into intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) pods; targeting pods; and self-protection/infrared countermeasure pods. The rising need for advanced surveillance, targeting, detecting, and counter-measuring systems for military aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles is boosting the application of ISR, targeting, and countermeasure pods.

By sensor technology, the airborne pods market is segmented into electro-optical or infrared sensors, electronic warfare sensors, and infrared countermeasure (IRCM) sensors. Increasing instances of airborne attacks and growing advancement in warfare technologies are boosting the application of high-end sensors for detecting and identifying threats and activating countermeasure systems in times of need.

In terms of range, the airborne pods market is categorized into short-range, intermediate-range, and long-range. Long-range airborne pods are the most common type of pods utilized in the air defense sector.

Regional Analysis:

Growing focus on national security and increasing governmental initiatives toward boosting the development of the Air Force security infrastructure are boosting the demand for airborne pods in Asia Pacific. In 2020, the military expenditure was US$ 497.4 billion, which increased to US$ 549.7 billion in 2021. In 2022, Asia Pacific's military expenditure was US$ 541.5 billion. In 2022, China dominated military expenditure in the region, followed by India and South Korea. Most military expenditure is dedicated to cater to the requirement for modernized equipment, devices, aircraft, ships, and armored vehicles during modern war. Countries are focusing on advancing their military aircraft with new high-end aircraft equipped with the latest sensors and trackers while replacing the old aircraft.

With each year, the need for advanced and more skilled equipment and aircraft is increasing to manage modern battlefield needs. For instance, in 2023, the People's Liberation Army Air Force announced its plan to increase the number of combat aircraft in its inventory. It also integrates air-to-air missiles and develops a high-end air-to-surface stand-off weapon to further strengthen the defense force in China. In 2023, Korea Aerospace Industries introduced the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet prototype and advanced the development of the KAI Light Armed Helicopter. The Air Force is anticipated to procure 40 KF-21s by 2028, with strategies focused on getting additional 80 jets into operation by 2032. Such factors are likely to boost the airborne pods market size in the coming years.

In 2023, Asia Pacific accounted for 11,646 units of military aircraft fleets. The airborne pods have potential applications in fighter jets, helicopters, and aircraft for facilitating stable aerial detection, recognition, tracking, identification, image capturing, communication, navigation, surveillance, and countermeasures. The rise in war-like situations boosts the demand for airborne pods in Asia Pacific.

Key Player Analysis:

BAE Systems Plc, Advanced Technologies Group (ATGI), L3Harris Technologies Inc, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon Corporation, SaaB AB, Terma A/S, Thales SA, and Ultra-Electronics Holdings Plc are among the key airborne pods market players operating across different regions.

Recent Developments: 

Inorganic and organic strategies such as product launches, collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions are highly adopted by companies operating in the global airborne pods market. A few recent developments by key airborne pods market players are listed below: