The global Synthetic Aperture Radar Market was worth USD 3.68 billion in 2023. The global market is predicted to reach USD 4.11 billion in 2024 and USD 9.89 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period.
Synthetic aperture radar is used to create 2D or 3D reconstructions of landscapes or objects. Synthetic aperture radar is a space or airborne radar system that produces high resolution remote sensory images. Synthetic aperture radar or SAR systems collect flight path data to electronically stimulate large apertures or antennas. Synthetic aperture radar works in a similar way to in-phase arrays. However, instead of a large number of parallel antennas, synthetic aperture radars use a time multiplexed antenna. They collect data from different geographic locations to create a fully mobile platform. It is also used in defense systems for land resource mapping, environmental monitoring, etc. Synthetic aperture radar, also known as SAR, is used to create a two-dimensional or three-dimensional reconstruction of a landscape or object. It is usually an airborne or space radar system that produces high resolution remote sensory images.
The increasing use of synthetic aperture radars to demonstrate situational awareness is a key factor driving the growth of the global synthetic aperture radar market. Increased investment in surveillance and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is one of the key drivers for the growth of the Synthetic Aperture Radar market. Due to advances in technology and the importance of UAVs in security response operations, integration with UAVs and electronic devices such as control, command, computing, communications, surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance systems that support the military operations is increasing. Also, with the advancement of tactical control system software, the ground station controller can receive or control information from the UAV smoothly. The growing demand for public safety, natural resource exploration and environmental monitoring has driven independent governmental and institutional investments in the synthetic aperture radar system industry, driving commercial applications. Additionally, the software provides operators with the tools they need to plan, work, and execute missions, computer-related communications, data processing, and data distribution.
Besides, the increased use of UAVs for tactical operations is likely to support the growth of the global synthetic aperture radar market during the foreseen period. Increasing demand for context-aware technologies, increasing need for effective surveillance and communications networks, and increased deployment of space radars are some of the key factors promoting the growth of the global market for synthetic aperture radars. On the other hand, increased development of dual-band synthetic aperture radar and automation and miniaturization of radars for drones and unmanned combat vehicles further contribute to the market growth. Moreover, the increasing deployment of space-based synthetic aperture radar systems can create great revenue opportunities for the major players in the world market.
The high cost associated with SAR design and development is one of the major industry challenges preventing the growth of the market. SAR-equipped satellites are characterized by higher development costs compared to conventional satellites due to the installation of sensitive components. These systems require high power and frequent customization to obtain good images. The adoption of technologies such as advanced remote sensing and radar modules further increase development costs. High R&D costs to develop new and improved data processing technologies are affecting market demand. Debris and space orbit removal issues are the major limiting factors to the global Synthetic Aperture Radar market during the outlook period. Additionally, the limited bandwidth allocated by the government is another factor that can influence the growth of the global market.
Due to the Coronavirus situation, research and development of synthetic aperture radar systems have been hampered by government closures and restrictions on public rallies. Economic recessions have been observed in several countries due to the COVID-19 effect, limiting government investment in defense projects. This reduction in investment will have a direct impact on the growth of the synthetic aperture radar market. Travel restrictions and the reduction in military activity caused by this coronavirus pandemic have had a negative impact on the growth of this market, as synthetic aperture radars are used in a variety of military applications. As industrial production begins to gain momentum after the difficult phase of COVID-19, demand may increase significantly in the global market for synthetic aperture radars in the coming quarters.
REPORT METRIC |
DETAILS |
Market Size Available |
2023 to 2032 |
Base Year |
2023 |
Forecast Period |
2024 to 2032 |
CAGR |
11.6% |
Segments Covered |
By Frequency Band, Platform, Mode, and Region. |
Various Analyses Covered |
Global, Regional & Country Level Analysis, Segment-Level Analysis, DROC, PESTLE Analysis, Porter’s Five Forces Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Analyst Overview on Investment Opportunities |
Regions Covered |
North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, Middle East & Africa |
Market Leaders Profiled |
Thales Group, UrtheCast Corp., Saab AB, SkyGeo, OHB Systems AG, Raytheon Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, ICEYE, Leonardo SpA, Cobham plc, General Atomics, BAE Systems, Capella Space and Airbus SAS and Others. |
the market for synthetic aperture radars has been segmented into L band, X band, S band, C band, K / Ku / Ka, VHF / UHF, etc. The frequency band is the interval in which a particular radar transmits a signal. These frequency bands are classified according to wavelengths ranging from 0 GHz to 40 GHz. Radio frequency waves are transmitted through an antenna into space and then reflected off the target.
the market for synthetic aperture radars has been segmented into single mode and multimode. The multimode segment is believed to lead the market in 2021. Synthetic aperture radars using multiple modes are in high demand due to their ability to capture images based on application requirements.
the market for synthetic aperture radars has been segmented into ground and air. The aerial part of the market is supposed to show the highest growth during the projection period.
North America is foreseen to dominate the global market in terms of revenue and is expected to record high growth during the forecast period. The high military budget and increased investment in R&D activities in the defense sector are likely to support the growth of the target market in the region. Additionally, the growing demand for surveillance radar systems is a key factor driving the growth of the synthetic aperture radar market in North America. The Asia Pacific market is predicted to post profitable growth in terms of revenue over the next decade, followed by markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. China and India are going to be the main contributors to the regional market. In 2020, China launched Gaofen-7, an Earth observation satellite equipped with a synthetic aperture radar, and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and NASA are working together to launch the Earth observation satellite, the NISAR Earth, in 2026.
Key players in the global synthetic aperture radar market include Thales Group, UrtheCast Corp., Saab AB, SkyGeo, OHB Systems AG, Raytheon Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, ICEYE, Leonardo SpA, Cobham plc, General Atomics, BAE Systems, Capella Space and Airbus SAS.
In August 2019, Northrop Grumman received a contract from the US Army to develop a re-expandable aperture for a precision aiming radar (RAPTR).
By Frequency Band
By Platform
By Mode
By Region
Frequently Asked Questions
Technological advancements influencing the SAR market include the development of higher resolution radar systems, miniaturization of SAR components for smaller satellite platforms, advancements in signal processing algorithms, and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for improved data analysis and target detection.
The SAR market is significantly impacted by regulatory and policy changes, especially in terms of defense and space policies. Export regulations, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) in the United States, can affect the international sale of SAR technology. Additionally, policies promoting the use of SAR for environmental monitoring and disaster management can drive market growth by increasing demand for SAR-based services.
Governments play a crucial role in the development of the SAR market by funding research and development, implementing policies that encourage the use of SAR for environmental and defense purposes, and collaborating with private sector companies on SAR projects. National defense and space agencies are often key customers and drivers of technological advancements in SAR.
The commercial sector is increasingly contributing to the SAR market by developing innovative SAR-based solutions for various industries, including agriculture, mining, infrastructure monitoring, and insurance. Companies are investing in small satellite constellations equipped with SAR sensors to provide cost-effective and timely data services to commercial clients. Additionally, the integration of SAR data with other geospatial technologies is creating new business opportunities and expanding the market's reach.
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