Global SATCOM-on-the-Move Market Assessment, By Platform [Land Mobile, Airborne, Maritime], By Frequency Band [Ku-Band, Ka-Band, X-Band], By Vertical [Government and Defense, Commercial], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F

Global SATCOM-on-the-move market is projected to witness a CAGR of 11.19% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 22.43 billion in 2024 to USD 52.40 billion in 2032. The SATCOM-on-the-Move (SOTM) market is increasingly viable due to the rise in need for effective, high-throughput solutions for reliable and seamless communications in mobile environments. In the case of military forces, uninterrupted and connected vehicle-mounted or airborne capabilities are required to ensure real-time mission command, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, which are often needed in remote and contested operating environments. Across the commercial sector, transiting aircraft in aviation (e.g., commercial passenger, cargo, military), maritime vessels (e.g., merchant vessels, cruise ships), land-based transportation (e.g., e-tailing and logistics), these commercial sectors and requisite operational vehicles will require a commercial satellite communications (SATCOM)-on-the-move (SOTM) capability for seamless data, voice, and video connectivity while traveling. Moreover, with the proliferation of unmanned systems (e.g., drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.), SOTM has the same satellite connectivity requirements as manned vehicles. In addition, technology and hardware play a critical role in enabling a slew of SOTM solutions into previously underdeveloped and unsupported military-operated air and land vehicles.

The advances in antenna design (lightweight, low-profile antennas, and compact or foldable options) are seeing a less restrictive operational environment punctuated with more efficient satellite networks (often termed SATCOM) or satellite internet solution options (e.g., LEO services with satellite Internet). In recent years, the growing urgency to ensure resilient mobile communication—whether in military operations, humanitarian assistance, natural disaster response, civic emergency management, or logistics—has driven the adoption of more SOTM (Satellite on the Move) applications across these sectors.

For instance, in May 2025, Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., the newly established defense division of Gilat Satellite Networks, redefined end-to-end satellite communication (SATCOM) solutions for modern military and government operations.

Technological Advancement Drives the Global Market Demand

SATCOM-on-the-Move (SOTM) helps grow businesses globally with mobile connectivity for live operations. In shipping and logistics, SOTM helps with fleet tracking, ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication to optimize maritime movements. Airlines use SOTM to provide in-flight connectivity to improve the In-Flight Experience (IFE) both for airlines and passengers. Remote access to data-driven services is vital for safe operations in the energy and remote mining sectors. Emergency and disaster response experts use SOTM capabilities to quickly establish command and control in crises. Whether to control an autonomous drone or remote vehicle, SOTM eliminates reliance on cellular connectivity for seamless beyond-line-of-sight operations, improving the ability for agriculture, public safety and commerce. SATCOM-on-the-move capabilities resolve connectivity challenges to improve productivity, innovation, and emerging sectors of the global economy when roles are increasingly dynamic and mobile.

For instance, in March 2025, Orbit Communication Systems Ltd., one of the leading global providers of ground, airborne and maritime SATCOM terminals, tracking ground station solutions, and mission-critical communication management systems, launched the MPT30Ka Deployable SATCOM System, state-of-the art satellite communication terminal (MPT) that deploys in the field quickly and easily.

Strategic Collaborations Fuel Global SATCOM-on-the-Move Market Growth

Cross-sector collaborations are expediting SATCOM-on-the-Move (SOTM) adoption, combining defense-grade dependability with commercial ingenuity. Telecom providers are incorporating SOTM integration with respective 5G networks, creating hybrid connectivity solutions for autonomous shipping and smart agriculture. Aerospace manufacturers are teaming up with satellite operators to develop compact, low-power terminals to facilitate airborne broadband connectivity. Government agencies are aligning with private sector players to deploy SOTM into disaster response networks to enhance the ability of first responders to remain connected to communications when terrestrial-based networks fail. These synergies enable both technological standardization and cost reductions, which result in making SOTM solutions more available and enabling the associated industries to combine their best practices by establishing strategic partnerships, thus transforming SOTM from an ancillary capability into a mainstream capability in global mobile operations.

For instance, in August 2024, TTI NORTE S.L.U. (Celestia TTI) and Indra Sistemas, S.A. (Indra) announced a collaboration agreement to jointly develop next-generation antennas, enabling them to design advanced communications systems for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.

Dominance Of Ku-Band SATCOM Fuels Market Growth

The rapid growth of Ku-band technology is boosting SATCOM-on-the-move (SOTM) deployments in various sectors due to an increase in demand from defense, maritime, and enterprise sectors, and advancements in VSAT and mobile applications. Ku-band offers higher bandwidth than legacy L-band systems, offering better coverage than Ka-band in mobility applications, making it a logical choice for mission-critical applications. Military forces around the world benefit from secure, high-throughput connectivity for near real-time surveillance and command-and-control operations. The commercial aviation and maritime industries benefit from reliable, consistent performance for passenger Wi-Fi and operational data transmissions.

For instance, in September 2024, Celestia Technologies Group signed an Expression of Interest (EOI) with Uzma Group for a mutual collaboration between the two commercial partners on the development of advanced space satellite solutions for the Southeast Asia region.

North America Dominates the Global SATCOM-on-the-Move Market

North America leads the global SATCOM-on-the-Move (SOTM) market, due to increased defense budgets, first-class aerospace companies, and more commercial companies adopting SATCOM. The U.S. military has been an early adopter of SOTM technologies and uses satellite communications across their SOTM platforms, such as military ground vehicles, shipboard, and airborne systems, for secure real-time communications during operations. Further, North America uses SOTM technologies within its already strong aviation and maritime sectors for in-flight connectivity and fleet management. North America has strong satellite connectivity infrastructure, collaboration between private and government sectors, and championing the introduction of 5G capabilities - all with the objective to bolster speed while maintaining transmission connectivity. The investment patterns in next-generation mobility solutions underpin North America’s potential to capture the SOTM market and gain next-generation technologies that strengthen SOTM services.

For instance, in July 2024, the French defense procurement agency (DGA) awarded Thales Group, a leading company in North America, to provide thirty dual-band X/Ka satellite communication stations for the French Army. The stations function as on-the-pause (OTP) tactical communication nodes for the high-throughput satellite communications services required by the information and communication systems deployed by the French Army.

Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Global SATCOM-on-the-Move Market

• Increased production costs - Tariffs on imported electronic components increased the cost of manufacturing.
• Supply chain disruptions - Firms needed to identify alternate suppliers or move production.
• Military procurement delays - Defence communications were delayed because of cost and availability issues.
• Market recalibration - Companies were moving to tariff-free regions to lessen losses.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The SATCOM-on-the-Move (SOTM) market has a vibrant, competitive ecosystem where defense primes, satellite operators, and innovative tech players alike compete to provide ever-sophisticated mobile connectivity solutions. Significant players are building multi-band, phased-array antenna systems while new entrants innovate in AI-based beam-steering and smaller terminals. The market is developing in the wake of military requirements for resilient and jam-proof systems with emerging LEO constellations, as well as commercial demands for 5G-satellite hybrid networks associated with autonomous vehicles and smart mobility applications. As LEO satellite constellations develop, enabling low-latency SOTM services from anywhere on the planet, a new wave of solutions focusing on interoperability will emerge that balances cost with performance across the defense and commercial industries.

For instance, in April 2023, Lockheed Martin Corporation selected for a multibillion-dollar Australian military project to build military communications satellites and supporting infrastructure.