Electronic Warfare (EW) Market Report Overview
According to Novatrends Market Intelligence, the global electronic warfare (EW) market was valued at USD 18.02 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to propel at a growth rate of 7.78% from 2025-2035. The primary drivers of the market are rising geopolitical tensions, rising defense spending, and the modernization of military capabilities in both developed and developing nations. As regional conflicts intensify, states are prioritizing investments in electronics warfare (EW) to bolster their defense posture. Additionally, the development of autonomous systems, drones, and cyber warfare has increased the need for sophisticated EW systems.
The demand for EW systems has increased as defense systems depend more and more on cutting-edge technology. Alongside these advancements comes an increasing need for sophisticated communication interception systems, anti-radar systems, and radar jamming. Following Russia's military actions in Ukraine, where both cyberwarfare and electronic warfare were crucial, and the demand skyrocketed in 2022. Global investment has increased due to the growing integration of these technologies into military operations, particularly in NATO member states and Europe.
Electronic Warfare (EW) Market Recent Developments
Electronic Warfare (EW) market is anticipated to propel at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.78% from 2025-2035. Electronic Warfare (EW) Market is highly competitive due to the presence of major market players actively engaged in implementing strategic initiatives such as increasing investments, new product launches, merger & acquisitions, and others. For instance,
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In September 2024, BAE Systems acquired Kirintec, a UK-based cyber and electromagnetic activities (CEMA) company that specializes in counter-improvised explosive devices (IEDs), counter-uncrewed air systems (UAS), and electronic warfare products and solutions.
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In August 2023, AeroVironment acquired U.S. Tech Firm Tomahawk Robotics for USD 120 million. The merger enabled the company to create improved products for the military by using both companies’ expertise.
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In June 2023, Elbit Systems won a new contract from Airbus Helicopters for the supply of airborne EW self-defense systems for the Luftwaffe CH-53 GS/GE transport helicopter. The contract included the delivery of a Digital Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), EW Controller (EWC), and Countermeasure Delivery System (CMDS), improving the helicopter's operational efficiency and mission success.
Regional Overview
North America dominated the global Electronic Warfare (EW) market in 2024 with a market revenue share of 36.42%. The government has contracted with major defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman due to the increasing need for complex systems that can ensure mission success, operate in contested environments, and counter sophisticated threats. These companies are at the forefront of developing innovative EW systems that integrate cyber, AI, and machine learning, establishing.
The increased use of UAVs and drones in military operations has increased the need for EW systems in North America to counter drone threats. The concerns surrounding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for combat and surveillance have prompted the U.S. military to invest in electronic warfare (EW) technologies that are capable of identifying, disrupting, and eliminating hostile UAVs. Furthermore, US defence agencies will undoubtedly work harder to develop more advanced and integrated EW systems as global tensions rise, which will ensure the market's steady growth.
U.S. Electronic Warfare (EW) Market Overview
The U.S. Electronic Warfare (EW) market is driven is primarily driven by growing complexity of contemporary warfare, wherein military operations, both offensive and defensive, depend on control of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). Electronic warfare (EW) systems, which include electronic attack (EA), electronic protection (EP), and electronic support (ES), are becoming indispensable for thwarting cyber-attacks, obstructing enemy communications, and shielding military facilities from missile and radar systems.
The development of antenna technology will continue to be a major factor in the US electronic warfare market's growth. The need for novel antennas with improved range, accuracy, and frequency agility will grow as threats change and military operations depend more on UAVs and sophisticated communications. The United States is well-positioned to sustain its leadership in the globally EW market owing to the defense sector's emphasis on incorporating next-generation antennas into EW systems.
Platform Overview
Airbone dominated the Platform segmentation across the global electronic warfare (EW) market in 2024 with a market revenue share of 47.73%. Airbone Electronic Warfare employs both unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and manned aircraft, including fighter jets and special mission aircraft. The objective is to improve situational awareness and offer a tactical edge for both attacking and defensive operations.
They are crucial for boosting military operations' resilience and efficacy in hostile situations. The main purpose of these systems is signal intelligence (SIGINT), which involves gathering vital information about the positions and capabilities of adversaries by intercepting and analyzing enemy radar and communication signals. Additionally, by identifying and detecting enemy forces' electromagnetic emissions, airborne electronic warfare (EW) is used for electronic support (ES), providing real-time situational awareness.
Technology Overview
Antennas dominated the Technology segmentation across the global electronic warfare (EW) market in 2024 with a market revenue share of 28.92%. EW systems use antennas on a range of platforms, such as ships, airplanes, ground vehicles, and even satellites, to support various EW operations such as communication interception, radar jamming, and signal intelligence. They serve as the foundation for EW operations, facilitating real-time data sharing and electromagnetic spectrum signal management.
Moreover, the advent of asymmetric warfare, in which opponents neutralize superior forces through unorthodox tactics such as jamming and cyber-attacks, has brought attention to the significance of EW antennas that are able to identify and thwart such initiatives. As a result, the armed forces are spending money on advanced antennas that can identify and stop electronic attacks instantly.
Capability Overview
Electronic Support dominated the Capability segmentation across the global electronic warfare (EW) market in 2024 with a market revenue share of 65.70%. Electronic support includes a range of methods, such as electronic intelligence and which is critical for comprehending the dynamics of the electromagnetic spectrum in combat situations. Military forces are able to anticipate threats and adjust their strategies by collecting and evaluating data from enemy communications and radar systems.
ES is essential to supporting electronic attacks (EA) and enabling successful jamming and deception operations because it provides precise information about enemy radar and communication frequencies. Additionally, by giving commanders current information about the electromagnetic environment, ES improves battlefield awareness by empowering them to make wise decisions. For example, in the Gulf War, coalition forces jammed Iraqi military communication channels to disrupt their command-and-control capabilities, making it very difficult for the Iraqi military to respond effectively.
Product Overview
Electronic Warfare Equipment dominated the Product segmentation across the global electronic warfare (EW) Market in 2024 with a market revenue share of 77.74%. It is essential to contemporary military operations because it makes it easier to defend ally forces and guarantees productive interactions with enemies. This category contains a range of devices, each designed to counter a particular threat in the electromagnetic spectrum, including directed energy weapons, jammers, and radar warning receivers.
One main application is in signal jamming, where equipment jams radar systems and interferes with enemy communications, making them unusable. Being able to stop adversaries from coordinating their actions or spotting friendly movements is crucial during military operations. Furthermore, intelligence is gathered through the use of electronic warfare equipment, which enables soldiers to intercept and decipher enemy signals and provide information for strategic decision-making.
End-Use Overview
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) dominated the range segmentation across the global electronic warfare (EW) Market in 2024 in terms of market value share of 68.97%. OEMs are vital for supplying military forces with state-of-the-art EW technologies. Manufacturers typically work with governments and defense organizations to create specialized solutions that meet the particular requirements of military operations.
The primary responsibility of OEMs in the electronic warfare (EW) market is to supply cutting-edge equipment that improves military forces' operational capabilities. Their products are utilized in electronic support (ES) to identify and examine electromagnetic signals originating from adversarial forces, thereby yielding significant intelligence. Additionally, OEMs produce electronic protection (EP) systems that defend military platforms such as ships, planes, and ground vehicles against enemy electronic threats.
Market Characteristics
The Electronic Warfare (EW) space is defined by an array of factors influencing the dynamics and overall growth of the market. These characteristics, which make EW capabilities essential to modern military operations, include the types of technologies involved, the end users, demand-driven geopolitical variables, and the ever-changing threats landscape. The Electronic Warfare (EW) market is consolidated with the presence of major market players such as BAE Systems, BlueHalo, Boeing, CAES by Honeywell, Chelton Limited, and others.
The market is defined by initiatives for military modernization and international cooperation. Many countries are modernizing their armed forces through the acquisition of cutting-edge EW technologies as part of larger defense strategies. Moreover, military alliances such as NATO are pushing their members to work together on EW R&D in order to keep allied forces cohesive and equipped with cutting-edge technology. Initiatives for modernization and cooperation are fostering market innovation as countries fight to stay ahead of new threats.
Global Electronic Warfare (EW) Market Report- Scope (Customizable)
Scope | Description |
Historic Period | 2018-2023 |
Base Year (Esti.) | 2024 |
Forecast Period (F) | 2025-2035 |
Market Revenue | USD Million |
Market by Platform | Airbone, Ground, and Naval |
Market by Technology | Antennas, Anti-Jam Electronics Protection System, Directed Energy Weapons, IR Missile Warning Systems, Optical Attack Solutions, and Others |
Market by Capability | Electronic Support, Electronic Attack, and Electronic Protection |
Market by Product | Electronic Warfare Equipment and Electronic Warfare Operational Support |
Market by End-Use | Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Upgradation |
Market by Region | North America (NA), Europe (EUR), Asia Pacific (APAC), Central & South America (CSA), and Middle East & Africa (MEA) |
Countries Covered | U.S., Canada, Mexico; Germany, UK, Italy, France, Spain; China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia & New Zealand; Brazil, Argentina; Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa |