United States Tactical Communication Market Overview, 2030

When every second counts in the heat of a mission, the United States Tactical Communication market stands as the backbone of military readiness across the globe. This market has evolved from basic analog radios to advanced digital systems that deliver secure, fast, and real-time communication, playing a key role in defense, homeland security, and emergency response operations. The purpose of the tactical communication market is to enable seamless exchange of data, voice, and video between teams working in dangerous and unpredictable environments. Its scope stretches beyond borders as it supports joint operations between nations, cross-agency coordination, and multi-domain battle strategies. The history of tactical communication began in World War II with the use of field radios, but the challenge was always range, clarity, and security. To solve these, defense agencies introduced various types of systems like line-of-sight radios, satellite communication, manpack systems, vehicle-mounted sets, and more recently, Software Defined Radios (SDRs). These are now used by armed forces, Special Forces, border patrol units, emergency responders, and even disaster relief teams in areas with no network. Technically, tactical communication is the exchange of mission-critical data using secured channels through rugged and mobile devices in real time. It solves real-life problems by allowing teams to react instantly to threats, share coordinates, avoid friendly fire, and ensure mission success. The benefits are speed, coordination, safety, and data integration. Companies are investing heavily in R&D to develop mesh networking, low-latency systems, AI-based routing, and cyber-secure platforms to help users adapt faster. However, the market faces challenges in the U.S. like interoperability issues across different military branches, high equipment costs, cyber vulnerabilities, and the need for continuous training.

According to the research report United States Tactical Communications Market Overview, 2030, published by Bonafide Research, the United States Tactical Communications market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.88% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. This market is driven by the growing need for secure communication in unpredictable field missions, the increasing demand for interoperability among defense forces, and the rise of joint military operations. These drivers push agencies to adopt smarter, faster, and more integrated systems. Recent developments include the U.S. Army's fielding of the Integrated Tactical Network (ITN), which enhances data sharing capabilities and supports mobile command posts, and the adoption of low-earth orbit satellite communication for real-time global connectivity. Major market players like L3Harris Technologies, Thales USA, Collins Aerospace, and BAE s dominate by offering advanced products such as SDRs, tactical intercoms, satellite terminals, and secure mobile devices. They offer these solutions to provide U.S. defense forces, homeland security, and special mission units with real-time, resilient, and secure voice and data exchange during critical operations. Procurement is mainly done by government defense departments, while manufacturing and tech supply come from these industry giants and their subcontractors. The market presents major opportunities with rising cyber warfare threats and border security needs, pushing demand for rugged, mobile, and AI-supported communication solutions. Opportunities also rise from modernization initiatives in legacy systems and the need for seamless connectivity across land, sea, and air. Compliance with standards like MIL-STD-810G, TIA-102, and certifications from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration ensures product reliability, environmental durability, and frequency regulation, solving problems of compatibility and mission failure. Government involvement through programs like JADC2 (Joint All-Domain Command and Control) boosts funding and innovation. Key trends include the shift toward 5G-enabled battlefield communication, integration of artificial intelligence for predictive routing, and miniaturized wearable communication systems all trending because they allow faster, smarter, and more agile responses on the modern battlefield.

Ground-based communication systems dominate the market due to their extensive use across multiple branches of the military, including the Army and Marine Corps. These systems provide vital connectivity for troops, enabling seamless command and control operations in diverse terrains. Ground platforms also benefit from frequent modernization initiatives, driven by the need for resilient and secure communication in fast-changing battlefield environments. Airborne tactical communication is the fastest-growing segment in the U.S. This growth is propelled by increased investment in next-generation aircraft, UAVs, and airborne surveillance platforms, all of which require secure, high-bandwidth data exchange capabilities. These platforms rely on advanced radio systems that support line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communication, essential for real-time mission execution. Naval platforms continue to integrate tactical communication systems to enhance inter-ship coordination, ship-to-aircraft communication, and communication with ground forces. The U.S. Navy’s shift toward distributed maritime operations has created a strong demand for interoperable systems that can function across domains. Unmanned systems, including drones and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), are increasingly embedded with tactical communication suites. These platforms require robust, encrypted data links to transmit ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) information and receive command inputs in real-time. Their growing role in surveillance and target acquisition missions is contributing to the expansion of this segment. Integration with manned systems and the network-centric warfare approach has further underscored the need for advanced communication capabilities in unmanned platforms.

Communication remains the leading application, driven by its foundational role in connecting all elements within military operations. Reliable voice and data links are essential for mission execution, coordination, and force protection. These systems enable secure exchange of information across strategic, operational, and tactical levels, ensuring synchronized operations among units, regardless of geography. Command & control applications also hold a substantial share, involving systems that support operational decision-making and mission planning. Tactical communication enables commanders to direct forces with clarity and speed, minimizing response time and improving battlefield awareness. These systems are increasingly integrated with data analytics and AI for quicker decision cycles, aligning with the Department of Defense’s modernization priorities. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) is the fastest-growing application in the U.S. market. Enhanced ISR capabilities are vital for real-time situational awareness and threat detection. Tactical communication systems in this space facilitate high-speed data transfer from sensors and surveillance assets to command centers, enabling rapid response and actionable intelligence. The growing use of drones and other remote surveillance platforms further drives demand for advanced communication links that can manage high volumes of encrypted data. Combat operations also rely heavily on tactical communication tools to enable real-time interaction between units, ensure rapid deployment, and maintain operational tempo. These systems must be resilient under extreme conditions and jamming attempts, making rugged, secure, and adaptive technologies essential in this domain.

The tactical communication market in the United States, when segmented by type, includes soldier radios, manpacks, vehicular intercommunication radios (VIC), and high-capacity data radios (HCDR). Among these, soldier radios are both the leading and fastest-growing segment. Their prominence is driven by the U.S. military's increasing focus on soldier modernization programs, which prioritize equipping individual warfighters with lightweight, rugged, and secure communication tools. These radios allow seamless voice and data connectivity between dismounted troops and command units, providing real-time updates and situational awareness in highly mobile, decentralized operations. Manpack radios also play a critical role in tactical communication by offering extended range and enhanced capabilities compared to handheld devices. They are commonly used at squad and platoon levels, particularly in environments where higher power and longer-range communication is necessary. Manpacks are increasingly being developed with multi-channel and multi-band capabilities to support simultaneous voice and data transmissions over different networks. Vehicular intercommunication radios (VIC) are widely deployed in military ground vehicles to facilitate internal and external communication. These systems ensure that all crew members remain connected, while also allowing communication with nearby vehicles and command posts. The ongoing modernization of armored vehicles and tactical transport platforms continues to support steady demand for VIC systems. High-capacity data radios (HCDRs) serve critical functions where large volumes of data need to be transmitted across the battlefield. These are commonly integrated into command vehicles, airborne platforms, and fixed installations. Their ability to handle secure broadband communication makes them essential for ISR, command & control, and other data-intensive missions across multiple domains.

In the United States tactical communication market, frequency-based segmentation includes single frequency and multi frequency systems. Among these, multi frequency systems dominate the market and represent the fastest-growing segment. The increasing complexity of military operations and the need for interoperable communication across multiple units and platforms drive the demand for systems capable of operating across various frequency bands. Multi frequency radios allow for flexible, real-time switching between channels, improving resistance to jamming and interference, while also enabling simultaneous voice and data transmission. Multi frequency capabilities are particularly crucial in joint and combined operations, where forces from different branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines must communicate seamlessly using different communication protocols and standards. These systems also support integration with legacy equipment and next-generation platforms, a key factor in the ongoing modernization efforts of the U.S. Department of Defense. The ability to transmit across HF, VHF, UHF, and SATCOM bands ensures continuous connectivity in diverse terrains and combat environments. Single frequency systems continue to be used in niche applications, particularly in legacy systems or environments where communication requirements are limited or highly specific. While they are generally simpler and more cost-effective, single frequency systems are more vulnerable to signal interference and offer limited flexibility in dynamic battlefield scenarios. However, they still serve operational purposes in non-complex mission profiles, training, or support operations where multi-band capability is not essential. The shift toward network-centric warfare and the emphasis on real-time data sharing across all echelons of the armed forces underline the strategic importance of multi frequency communication solutions in the current and future defense landscape.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Tactical Communication Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Platform
• Ground
• Airborne
• Naval
• Unmanned Systems

By Application
• Command & Control
• Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance
• Communication
• Combat

By Type
• Soldier Radios
• Manpacks
• Vehicular Intercommunication Radio (VIC)
• High Capacity Data Radio (HCDR)

By Frequency
• Single Frequency
• Multi Frequency

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.