Global Surface Radars Market Size, Trend & Opportunity Analysis Report, by Platform (Vehicle Mounted, Shipborne, Unmanned Surface Vehicles, Others), Application (Surveillance, Perimeter Security, Air Defense, Others), and Forecast, 2025–2035

Market Definition and Introduction

The global surface radars market size was valued at USD 19.36 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 36.37 billion by 2035, growing with a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period (2025–2035).The integration of advanced radar systems in various military and civil platforms has redefined the paradigm of modern security with unprecedented opportunities for innovation and strategic employment. Surface radars form the most critical underpinnings of defense infrastructure for real-time long-range detection, surveillance, and tracking of aerial and terrestrial threats. The increasing threat landscape, along with cross-border tensions and asymmetric warfare, has led to massive investments in surface radar technologies by both governments and private players.

The forward-looking arena is gaining a matching momentum due to rapid defense modernization programs, the ever-growing stress on homeland security, and the need for persistent situational awareness in theaters that are high-risk theaters. From all parts of the globe, nations are working toward the restructuring of old radar infrastructure to make it competitive with its new network systems, capable of carrying out operations within contested electronic environments. Radar of the future equipped with AI, machine learning, and multi-sensor networks will, however, set new performance acquisition benchmarks for the radar resolution, accuracy, and signal process capability and thus catalyze the market progression.

The commercial applications of surface radars, especially in ports, industrial zones, and border security installations, have begun to gain traction. With the growing demand for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) that rely heavily on autonomous navigation and perimeter scanning on radar integration, the importance of surface radar is further increasing. The surface radar market is set to reshape the defense and security architecture worldwide in the next decade, with upheavals in the geopolitical climate and demands for early warning systems.

Recent Developments in the Industry

U.S. Department of Defense awards Lockheed Martin a significant contract for next-generation radar development.

Lockheed Martin announced a major contract for more than 1.5 billion dollars concerning advanced surface radar solutions for defense systems based on coastal and land. This will be in November 2024. This grant is expected to improve detection and interception facilities against hypersonic threats for the United States military.

Thales Group Launches Multi-Purpose Radar Technology with AI-Powered Signal Processing

In September 2024, Thales brought to light yet another innovative AI-powered radar system, which is capable of autonomously prioritizing threats while adapting to complex environments. This is further on the transition into cognitive radar systems that will ultimately lessen the burden on operators as well as speed up decision-making.

Bharat Electronics Limited ramps up domestic radar manufacturing capacity to cater to exports.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) announced the expansion of the radar manufacturing facility at Bengaluru, India, in July 2024. The primary aim of this expansion is to augment BEL's pipeline for export as the demand for indigenously built radar systems from Southeast Asia and Africa increases.

Market Dynamics

Growing Global Defense Budgets Fuel Demand for Advanced Radar Systems

As defense budgets soar in response to the rising regional tensions and unconventional security threats, a large chunk of the funds is being spent on the development and procurement of state-of-the-art radar systems. Countries like the U.S., China, India, and France are working on strengthening their surveillance and early-warning networks, thereby stimulating huge procurement activities in the surface radar domain.

AI-Enabled Radar Systems to Transform Tactical and Strategic CIA Decision-Making

AI introduction into radar signal processing has transformed radar systems that now classify threats in real-time, filter signals adaptively, and detect anomalies. On top of this, AI radar systems work with increased accuracy towards identifying any stealth object under the most difficult urban or electronic warfare conditions, thereby being attuned to missions of utmost criticality.

The Proliferation of Unmanned Systems Accelerated Radar Miniaturization and Platform Versatility

Emerging utilization of unmanned surface vehicles for military reconnaissance and coastal monitoring has triggered demand for compact and lightweight radars with a high-performance profile and mobility. Radar suppliers have turned competitive in fielding solutions best suited for UAVs, USVs, and modular autonomous systems in a manner allowing scalability and integration flexibility across platforms.

Shifting Maritime Security Concepts Underpin Deployment of Shipborne Radar Networks

Evolving naval forces are increasingly investing in next-generation shipborne radars for anti-piracy, exclusive economic zone monitoring, and aerial threat detection in open sea missions. This trend is especially marked among Indo-Pacific nations as they strengthen maritime domain awareness about larger geopolitical maneuvering.

Synergy Between Radar Systems and IoT Contributes to Situational Awareness and Predictive Defense

The merger of radar systems with IoT platforms affords full-spectrum interoperability across command centers, surveillance grids, and ground assets. This real-time data exchange provides an all-encompassing view of threat environments, allowing faster and more decisive strategic actions.

Attractive Opportunities in the Market

Smart Defense Integration – Demand surges for radar systems compatible with autonomous and networked military platforms.
AI and Cognitive Radar Development – Machine learning-enabled signal interpretation unlocks dynamic battlefield awareness.
Commercial Infrastructure Expansion – Port security, airport radar, and industrial perimeter monitoring emerge as key growth areas.
Strategic Collaborations – Cross-border defense partnerships boost multi-domain radar technology innovation.
Miniaturization of Systems – Compact radars designed for USVs and mobile vehicles expand deployment capabilities.
Growing UAV and USV Radar Demand – Autonomous platforms require adaptive radar technologies for real-time threat detection.
Cyber-Resilient Radar Architectures – Emphasis increases on radar immunity against jamming and spoofing attacks.
Dual-Use Radar Development – Blending military-grade radar into commercial safety and monitoring applications.

Report Segmentation

By Platform: Vehicle Mounted, Shipborne, Unmanned Surface Vehicles, Others

By Application: Surveillance, Perimeter Security, Air Defense, Others

By Region: North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), LAMEA (Brazil, Argentina, UAE, Saudi Arabia (KSA), Africa Rest of Latin America)

Key Market Players

Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales Group, BAE Systems, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Saab AB, Leonardo S.p.A., Hensoldt AG, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Report Aspects

Base Year: 2024
Historic Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
Forecast Period: 2025-2035
Report Pages: 293

Dominating Segments

Shipborne radars lead the surface radars market owing to the ongoing large-scale naval modernization programs and the increasing demand for 360-degree maritime domain awareness.

These radars are considered essential for low-flying aircraft detection, incoming projectile tracking, and the fire control system onboard modern warships. NATO and Indo-Pacific naval exercises have further intensified demand for naval radar upgrades.

Surveillance Applications Segment Commands Large Market Share Due to Rising Security Needs

The greatest share of surface radar applications is destined in favor of surveillance because of the global focus on the security of the land and maritime borders, protection of critical assets, and monitoring of sensitive areas. Fixed and mobile surveillance radar systems operate from remote terrains, coastal borders, and airbases, enabling real-time threat assessment for prompt defense mobilization and incident management.

Integration of Unmanned Surface Vehicles Propels the Demand for Agile, AI-Enabled Lightweight Radars

Unmanned surface vehicles are revolutionizing operational doctrines in reconnaissance and search-and-rescue activities. Such platforms require agile, low-power radars with some imaging resolution. The expansion of USV fleets by navies and security agencies pressures radar makers to tailor scalable and energy-efficient solutions for unmanned autonomy.

Key Takeaways

Naval Forces Prioritize Shipborne Radars – Maritime security demands persistent surface radar capabilities.
Surveillance Applications Lead – Rising threat vectors bolster continuous radar coverage in sensitive zones.
Unmanned Platforms Revolutionize Radar Design – Compact, high-performance radars gain traction across autonomous platforms.
AI-Infused Radars Set the Pace – Intelligent radar systems emerge as force multipliers in complex scenarios.
Homeland Security Drives Market Penetration – Surface radars integrated across ports, power plants, and government perimeters.
Modular Radar Designs Dominate – Customizable configurations cater to diverse vehicle and vessel deployments.
Emerging Economies Fuel Demand – Regional players invest heavily in radar-equipped defense assets.
Cognitive Surveillance Networks Emerge – Radar-sensor fusion transforms real-time tracking and signal classification.
Industry Collaboration Increases – Joint ventures and defense exports spur radar system co-development.
Cyber Protection Enhances Radar Trustworthiness – Anti-jamming and secure radar communication protocols become essential.

Regional Insights

North America Leads Surface Radar Adoption Backed by Large-Scale Defense Procurement and Technological Edge

North America retains the lion's share of the radar market, with continued procurement orders by the U.S. Department of Defense and continued funding for military R&D. Rivals like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are the leading radar manufacturers and are global players in advancing the fields of stealth detection, networked radars, and missile defense systems. Canada similarly contributes to this market with surveillance solutions across its wide border zones.

Europe Enhances Radar Capability amid Rising Regional Threat Perception and Barometer of NATO Missions

European countries like Germany, the UK, and France are getting into acceleration for investments regarding legacy system upgrades and new radar programs as part of broader NATO strategies. The European defense industry, led by Thales, Leonardo, and Hensoldt, is pioneering integrated radar systems supporting multi-role operations that enhance resilience against evolving threat profiles such as UAV incursions and electronic warfare.

Asia-Pacific Emerges as Fastest-Growing Market due to Naval Modernization and Border Security Initiatives.

The region is expected to grow at the fastest rate with major developments in the naval fleet and border surveillance initiatives across China, India, South Korea, and Australia. The demand for high-performance radar systems, which underpin military and civilian sectors, is accelerating on the fast track of strengthening defense budgets, with regional tensions and maritime territorial disputes hovering over the region, with strife.

LAMEA Region Sees Steady Adoption Amid Infrastructure Protection and Defense Upgrades

The radar technology diffusion across Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa is being gradually carried through relative to the emerging imperatives of the homeland security spectrum, and cross-border instabilities. Countries like Brazil, UAE, and Saudi Arabia are setting their sight on coastal monitoring and protection of industrial zones, furnishing a perfect setting for the commencement of new deployments of surface radar.

Core Strategic Questions Answered in This Report

Q. What is the expected growth trajectory of the surface radars market from 2024 to 2035?

The global surface radars market is anticipated to grow from USD 19.36 billion in 2024 to USD 36.37 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 5.9%. This trajectory is fueled by defense modernization programs, maritime security concerns, and the rise of AI-driven radar platforms across both manned and unmanned systems.

Q. Which key factors are fuelling the growth of the surface radars market?

Key drivers include:
Rising defense budgets and coastal surveillance needs
Integration of AI in radar systems for enhanced threat detection
Deployment across unmanned platforms and autonomous vessels
Surging need for critical infrastructure security
Shipborne radar system upgrades for naval superiority
Technological breakthroughs in radar signal processing

Q. What are the primary challenges hindering the growth of the surface radars market?

Challenges include:
High development and operational costs of advanced radar systems
Complex integration across legacy platforms
Limited radar manufacturing capabilities in developing countries
Technical vulnerability to jamming and spoofing
Stringent export controls on radar technologies

Q. Which regions currently lead the surface radars market in terms of market share?

North America leads due to dominant defense contractors and vast defense infrastructure. Europe follows, with mature defense ecosystems and cross-border collaboration under NATO programs. Asia-Pacific is rapidly catching up with aggressive modernization and indigenous radar development.

Q. What emerging opportunities are anticipated in the surface radars market?

Opportunities include:

AI and cognitive radar expansion
Commercial security applications in ports and logistics hubs
Collaborative radar technology development across allied nations
Radar retrofitting in aging military assets
Compact radars for unmanned maritime operations

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

The report offers a quantitative assessment of market segments, emerging trends, projections, and market dynamics for the period 2024 to 2035.
The report presents comprehensive market research, including insights into key growth drivers, challenges, and potential opportunities.
Porter's Five Forces analysis evaluates the influence of buyers and suppliers, helping stakeholders make strategic, profit-driven decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer relationships.
A detailed examination of market segmentation helps identify existing and emerging opportunities.
Key countries within each region are analysed based on their revenue contributions to the overall market.
The positioning of market players enables effective benchmarking and provides clarity on their current standing within the industry.
The report covers regional and global market trends, major players, key segments, application areas, and strategies for market expansion. Show more