Electronically Scanned Array Radar Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Passive Phased Array, Active Phased Array), Applications (Land System, Air System, Sea System), and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Electronically Scanned Array Radar Market Size

The Global Electronically Scanned Array Radar Market size was USD 5,798.32 Million in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 6,169.34 Million in 2025 to USD 10,177.71 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period [2025–2033]. This expansion is fueled by increased defense modernization, demand for multi-domain surveillance systems, and growing interest in compact ESA radars for UAVs and civilian applications.

The US Electronically Scanned Array Radar Market continues to strengthen, with over 57% deployment of AESA systems in new fighter jets and surveillance drones. Nearly 46% of defense radars in North America are being upgraded with active phased arrays to improve target accuracy and reduce system latency.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Valued at USD 5,798.32 Million in 2024, projected to reach USD 6,169.34 Million in 2025 and USD 10,177.71 Million by 2033 at a CAGR of 6.4%.
• Growth Drivers: Over 64% of defense systems upgrading to ESA radar for enhanced tracking, and 45% rise in UAV-focused radar R&D efforts.
• Trends: Nearly 41% of new radar products feature AI beamforming, and 38% improvements in power-efficient modules.
• Key Players: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES, THALES RAYTHEON SYSTEMS, SaaB AB, Japan Radio, Furuno Electric.
• Regional Insights: North America leads with 38% share, Europe 26%, Asia‑Pacific 24%, Middle East & Africa 12%, reflecting global defense spending patterns.
• Challenges: About 37% cite high integration costs and 43% report thermal management issues in AESA solutions.
• Industry Impact: Over 52% reduction in target acquisition time and 47% enhancement in multi-target tracking for defense applications.
• Recent Developments: More than 34% of new radar systems launched in 2023–2024 incorporate compact AESA modules for UAV and shipboard use.

Electronically Scanned Array Radar Market Trends

The electronically scanned array radar market is rapidly evolving with increased integration into next-generation defense and surveillance systems. More than 63% of modern air defense systems globally now utilize electronically scanned array radars due to their enhanced tracking accuracy and faster target acquisition. With nearly 59% of naval vessels and around 51% of military aircraft adopting AESA or PESA systems, these radars are being preferred over traditional mechanically scanned systems.

The shift toward miniaturized and multifunctional radar systems has fueled innovation, with over 46% of R&D investments directed at compact AESA modules for UAVs and ground vehicles. Nearly 42% of new radar platforms in the aerospace sector now include digital beam steering, offering greater electronic countermeasure resilience. Passive electronically scanned arrays are gaining attention, accounting for 39% of new land-system radar procurements.

The commercial aviation and space exploration sectors are also emerging contributors, with over 28% of satellite communication arrays now using electronically scanned technology for higher fidelity and lower latency communication. As digitization and automation increase globally, the market continues to benefit from strong demand in homeland security, military modernization, and border surveillance programs.

Electronically Scanned Array Radar Market Dynamics

DRIVERS

Rising defense modernization efforts

Over 64% of global military forces are upgrading to AESA systems due to their superior tracking, low interception probability, and multi-target engagement. Approximately 58% of new fighter jet programs rely on AESA radar for performance optimization. Defense budgets have allocated more than 49% toward digitized combat systems where electronically scanned radar is critical.

OPPORTUNITY

Commercial sector adoption

Over 33% of telecom and satellite companies have started integrating electronically scanned arrays for high-bandwidth communication and precision alignment. Automotive radar using ESA technology for driver-assistance systems has grown by more than 45%. Civil aviation’s adoption rate stands at 29%, driven by better weather detection and navigation performance.

RESTRAINTS

"High development and integration costs"

Cost remains a major barrier for nearly 37% of small and mid-sized defense contractors in adopting electronically scanned array radar. The complex semiconductor and phased-array circuitry involved increases procurement costs by more than 41% compared to conventional systems. Around 34% of air and naval forces delay upgrades due to limited funding for retrofitting legacy platforms with ESA modules.

CHALLENGE

"Thermal management and power efficiency"

Approximately 43% of radar engineers cite heat dissipation issues in AESA systems as a technical bottleneck. Power consumption for long-range tracking increases by 38% in high-density deployment zones. Managing consistent cooling and system integrity poses challenges in over 29% of ground-based mobile radar installations.

Segmentation Analysis

The electronically scanned array radar market is segmented by type and application. Key types include Passive Phased Array and Active Phased Array systems. Active systems dominate in aerospace and military use, while passive arrays are expanding into ground-based and vehicle-mounted systems. Application-wise, the market includes Land Systems, Air Systems, and Sea Systems. Air and sea platforms account for a larger market share due to ongoing defense modernization and naval strategy evolution.

By Type

• Passive Phased Array: Passive phased arrays account for approximately 36% of the total market share. These systems rely on centralized power sources and offer reduced system complexity. Around 42% of ground surveillance and air defense radar networks now deploy passive arrays due to their lower cost and robust signal reception across fixed deployments.
• Active Phased Array: Active phased arrays dominate with a 64% share in new radar installations. These systems have embedded transmit-receive modules, offering faster beam steering and reduced radar signature. Nearly 71% of next-gen fighter aircraft and 54% of advanced naval vessels use active ESA technology for real-time threat detection and tracking efficiency.

By Application

• Land System: Land-based radar accounts for around 31% of the market, with growth driven by border surveillance, battlefield management, and tactical operations. Over 45% of military ground systems now incorporate ESA modules for high-precision, all-weather monitoring in variable terrains.
• Air System: Airborne platforms contribute to approximately 47% of ESA radar deployment. Fighter jets, UAVs, and reconnaissance aircraft use these systems for multi-target tracking, fire control, and stealth operations. Around 58% of next-gen aerial defense programs include ESA radar integration.
• Sea System: Naval vessels hold a 22% market share, with increasing use in fleet protection and surface-to-air missile targeting. Approximately 39% of destroyers and frigates worldwide have upgraded to electronically scanned array radar for enhanced situational awareness and missile guidance.

Regional Outlook

North America

North America leads the market with an estimated 38% share, driven by extensive defense budgets and technological leadership. Over 63% of U.S. fighter jets and naval fleets employ AESA radar for strategic defense. The U.S. government has allocated over 58% of its radar modernization funds toward ESA systems. Canada has also increased its adoption across homeland security platforms, accounting for nearly 29% of regional defense radar upgrades.

Europe

Europe contributes roughly 26% of the market share, with countries like the UK, France, and Germany advancing AESA radar in joint defense initiatives. About 49% of new European aircraft systems feature ESA radars, while naval forces in NATO member countries deploy such systems in 37% of their fleets. EU-backed defense R&D programs have raised ESA innovation spending by 34%, particularly in radar signature reduction and low-intercept technologies.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific commands 24% of the market, led by China, India, South Korea, and Japan. Nearly 57% of Chinese air defense systems have integrated AESA modules, and India’s Tejas program uses ESA radars in 42% of units. Japan and South Korea together represent 38% of regional military radar investments. The region’s commercial use is also growing, with over 31% of UAVs in Southeast Asia adopting passive ESA technology.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa hold 12% of the market share, largely fueled by defense upgrades in the UAE, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Israel Aerospace Industries supplies over 61% of regional ESA radar systems. Around 48% of new radar installations in the Middle East involve multi-functional ESA platforms for both surveillance and missile guidance. African nations are slowly increasing adoption, primarily for airspace monitoring and peacekeeping missions.

ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES: With a 21% market share, this company leads the market with a strong portfolio in AESA radar systems for both land and air defense. It supplies over 58% of the electronically scanned radar systems used in Middle Eastern defense operations.

THALES RAYTHEON SYSTEMS COMPANY LLC: Holding 18% of the market, Thales Raytheon Systems is a leader in integrated battlefield radar. Over 63% of European airborne defense platforms include their radar systems, making it a preferred choice in NATO operations.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The Electronically Scanned Array Radar Market is witnessing substantial investments, particularly from defense ministries, private contractors, and aerospace manufacturers. Over 62% of military radar funding is now focused on digitally controlled beamforming systems such as AESA. Private aerospace players have increased their capital allocation by 46% for integrating ESA radar into next-gen UAVs, space satellites, and civil aviation.

Defense investments in active phased arrays are growing rapidly, with nearly 54% of all new radar procurements specifying active ESA. The rise of border surveillance initiatives has also driven over 39% of homeland security radar investments toward this technology. Furthermore, 42% of venture funding in radar electronics is aimed at improving power efficiency and signal processing speed.

Dual-use radar innovations, serving both civilian and military functions, are attracting more than 36% of cross-sector funding. The future growth of the ESA radar market lies in compact, cost-effective modules, which over 29% of radar manufacturers are prioritizing for scalable deployment. These dynamics reflect strong investor confidence in ESA radar's role in future warfare and commercial monitoring applications.

New Products Development

The Electronically Scanned Array Radar Market is rapidly expanding through product innovation. Approximately 49% of manufacturers introduced new AESA systems tailored for UAVs and fighter aircraft in the past 18 months. These radars have shown a 31% improvement in multi-target detection and a 26% enhancement in stealth tracking capabilities.

More than 44% of new products released feature low-power consumption modules, addressing thermal and energy concerns. Additionally, nearly 38% include AI-powered beam direction algorithms for faster target locking. Civil aviation radar products are also gaining traction, with 28% of recent innovations developed for commercial air traffic control, navigation, and weather radar systems.

Manufacturers are embedding integrated diagnostic systems in about 33% of newly launched ESA radars to enable real-time health monitoring. Several companies are focused on miniaturization—over 41% of new models are optimized for portable or vehicle-mounted systems. These advancements signal a clear move toward smarter, more efficient, and highly specialized radar equipment designed for modern defense and commercial requirements.

Recent Developments

• ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES: In 2024, launched a lightweight AESA radar for UAVs with 34% reduced power consumption. Over 17 countries adopted the system for tactical drones.
• THALES RAYTHEON SYSTEMS: In 2023, deployed its new air defense radar system across 9 NATO countries. The system improved detection range by 38% and minimized clutter by 22%.
• SELEX ES S.P.A: Introduced a new land-based radar in 2024 featuring automatic threat categorization. Early deployment showed a 41% enhancement in real-time threat sorting accuracy.
• Terma A/S: Developed a shipboard ESA radar system with 35% better sea clutter rejection in 2023. The system has been used in 27% of new frigate-class naval vessels in Europe.
• Furuno Electric: Released a commercial navigation radar in 2024 for civilian maritime vessels, achieving a 46% improvement in weather mapping accuracy over traditional marine systems.

Report Coverage

This report comprehensively covers the Electronically Scanned Array Radar Market across all core components—type, application, region, and company profiles. More than 68% of the data is focused on market segmentation and strategic trends across aerospace, land, and naval systems. Over 56% of the analysis evaluates the performance of passive and active phased arrays across operational environments.

Regional insight accounts for 34% of the report, covering North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa in depth. The top 9 players represent 73% of the total market share, with detailed profiling, technology benchmarking, and product positioning assessments included. The report incorporates data from over 85 structured interviews and 200+ verified public datasets.

Technological trends such as beam steering precision, energy optimization, and AI-enhanced radar control are explored in 45% of the qualitative analysis. The report also includes over 120 visual representations—charts, heat maps, and forecasts—helping stakeholders make informed investment and procurement decisions. It is structured for use by defense contractors, OEMs, governments, and investors seeking actionable intelligence.