Technavio reviews top vendors in airborne ISR market

London-based market research firm Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recent global airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) market report. This research report also lists five other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period.

With the growing conflicts in several countries and the rising extremist activities in Egypt, France, and Tunisia, the year 2015 was marked by crises and instability. Hence, an imperative need has emerged for the defense authorities to gain control over the surrounding or neighboring skies, seas, and lands. Consequently, there has been an emphasis on the need for airborne ISR systems, which are increasingly being drawn into the inventories of the defense forces, globally.

Competitive vendor landscape

The global airborne ISR market is characterized by the presence of many global, regional, and local vendors. The market is highly competitive with all the players competing to gain the maximum market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront the market growth. In addition, in-house manufacturing capabilities, global footprint network, product offerings, R&D investments, and strong client base have become the key areas to have the edge over the competitors.

“The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and aftermarket service. It is crucial for the vendors to provide cost-effective and high-quality ISR to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market environment,” said Moutushi Saha, a lead defense analyst from Technavio.

The growth of the market vendors is dependent on the market conditions, government support, and industry development. Thus, the vendors should focus on expanding geographically and improving their products.

Top five airborne ISR market vendors

BAE Systems

The company was involved in the development of few major airborne ISR programs such as ARC and Commander SL long-range tactical air defense radar, which have been employed by several countries around the globe.

L-3 Communications

The company provides secure communications that are equipped with a number of mission-critical aircraft such as the U-2, P-3, Predator, and Global Hawk. It provides technical expertise in connecting airborne, ground, sea-based, and space platforms with secure and real-time communications.

The company was involved in the development of few major airborne ISR programs such as FORCE ICS and SPYDR, which have been employed by several countries around the globe.

Lockheed Martin

The company was involved in the development of few major airborne ISR programs such as IRST21 sensor system and MLD, which have been employed by several countries around the globe.

Northrop Grumman

The company was involved in the development of few major airborne ISR programs such as AESA radar and ALMDS, which have been employed by several countries around the globe. In 2015, the company separated its space and airborne ISR businesses into two separate divisions, with one focused on space ISR and the other on airborne ISR and targeting.

UTC Aerospace Systems

The company was involved in the development of few major airborne ISR programs such as SYERS-2 multispectral long-range imagery sensor and DB-110 tactical visible and IR dual-bands, which have been employed by several countries around the globe.

The other prominent vendors are:

  • Boeing
  • General Dynamics
  • Raytheon
  • Rockwell Collins
  • Thales

 Source: Technavio