Military Laser Systems Market by Application (Weapons and Non-weapons), Technology (Solid-state Laser, Fiber Laser, Semiconductor Laser, Gas Laser, Liquid Laser, Free-electron Laser), Platform, End Use, Output Power, and Region - Global Forecast to 2028
The Military Laser Systems Market is estimated to be USD 5.0 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 7.5 Billion by 2028, at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 8.7% from 2023 to 2028. The Military Laser Systems Industry is driven by factors such as rising focus on development of high-precision military laser systems.
Military Laser Systems Industry Forecast to 2028
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, Request for Free Sample Report
Military Laser Systems Market Dynamics:
Military Laser Systems Industry Drivers: Significant Investment by the Government on Weapon Modernization to Drive Growth
The rising nation security concern with increase in use of unmanned aerial vehicles attacks, warlike situations, and the constant disagreement with neighboring countries are expected to boost the demand and development of high energy laser weapons. These weapons are being increasingly integrated into military platforms such as naval ships, military aircraft, attack helicopters, armored vehicles, and space interceptors among others. In recent years, multiple defense manufacturers and integrators have been researching and developing laser weapons. Manufacturers involved in this market are adopting collaboration and acquisition strategies to successfully complete defense contracts. In December 2022, Lockheed Martin Corporation (US) collaborated with the Israel-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Ltd. to jointly develop, test, and manufacture High Energy Laser Weapon Systems (HELWS) in the US and Israel.
Ongoing research, development, and demonstrations will boost the demand for high-energy laser weapons. The US military doubled its spending on directed energy weapons capability between 2017 and 2019, from USD 535.0 million to USD 1.1 billion. China, India, Israel, France, the UK, and Russia are investing in laser weapons to strengthen their military combat capabilities. Manufacturers, contractors, and integrators in the defense industry, such as Raytheon Technologies (US), Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), and Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), have developed weapon systems that employ high-energy laser systems to counter modern threats.
Military Laser Systems Industry Restraints: High Development and Platform Integration Costs
The initial cost involved in developing military laser systems is high due to the need for sufficient time for R&D, infrastructure to develop laser systems from scratch, field testing, demonstration, and installation. Moreover, the development and production of military laser systems are complex and require a high technical expertise to design and manufacture, leading to high production costs. In addition, the high level of sophistication and precision required in these systems means that they need to be regularly maintained and upgraded, further adding to the overall cost. For example, military systems based on fiber laser technology cost around USD 20 million per unit. The high-energy military lasers cost more than standard kinetic energy or legacy weapons such as rifles, guns, or bombs. The US Navy has spent USD 40 million in developing a military laser to shoot down drones. Though the cost per shot of the laser weapon system is low, the development cost is very high. These factors limit the entry of new players in the market, in turn restraining the market growth.
Military Laser Systems Industry Opportunities: Growing Adoption of UAVs for Military Applications
Recently, the demand for unmanned aerial vehicles has increased due to their growing use by military forces of different countries for target tracking, battle management, ISR, and combat operations, among others. The new-generation UAVs are used for various combat and tactical missions. Some common examples of military drones or UAVs are MQ-4 Reaper, MQ-1B Predator, QF-4 Aerial Target, RQ-4 Global Hawk, AeroVironment Wasp AE, RQ-1 Predator, BQM-155 Hunter, and CL-289 Piver. UAVs, such as the Predator and the Heron, have been developed by the US and Israel, respectively. Military expenditure for UAV technology is anticipated to grow with increase in military budgets, offering growth opportunities to specialized drone manufacturers and software developers. Approximately 95 countries across the world already have some form of military drone. Various drones are being designed solely for surveillance operations. However, some drones have been designed for critical operations, such as carrying munitions. Countries such as China, India, Germany, and Azerbaijan use remotely piloted UAVs designed for carrying munitions for dense forces. Drones are also used as loitering munitions. Loitering munitions are defined as weapons or flying bombs that contain high-resolution cameras and infrared systems for conducting surveillance activities. They hover over the targets, search for the location of targets, and attack them when the targets are visible. With this increase in the use of UAVs, the concern for aerial threat also increases. Therefore, to destroy UAVs, the demand for laser technology-enabled military systems is increasing. The rise in UAV adoption will create significant growth opportunities for the military laser systems industry in the upcoming years.
Military Laser Systems Industry Challenges: Design Complexity Associated With Development of Multiplatform Military Laser Systems
The integration between conventional and modern devices is difficult, which adversely affects the operational efficiency of laser systems. Currently, the demand for multiplatform laser system is increasing however, the complexity associated with design and development of multiplatform military laser system is expected to create challenges in front of the key players. Moreover, every military system has different protocols and design standards, therefore integrating same laser systems on different platforms is difficult. Design and integration of laser systems for each different platform is effort and time-consuming and may led to divert companies core business activities.
Military Laser Systems Market Ecosystem
Prominent companies in this market include well-established, financially stable providers of laser systems for military purpose. Major players operating in the military laser systems industry include Northrop Grumman (US), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), BAE Systems plc (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Thales Group (France), and Coherent Corp. (US).
Based on Application, the Weapons Segment is Projected to Grow at the Highest CAGR in the Military Laser Systems Market During the Forecast Period
Based on application, the military laser systems market has been segmented into weapons and non-weapons. Growing concern over nation security to boost the procurement of modern weapon systems.
Based on Platform, the Naval Segment is Projected to Grow at the Highest CAGR in the Military Laser Systems During the Forecast Period
Based on platform, the military laser systems have been segmented into land, airborne, naval, and space. The naval segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing development of shipboard laser weapons is driving this segment of the market.
Europe is Anticipated to Grow at Highest CAGR During 2023-2028
The fastest growth of Europe is due to the growing demand and development of military laser weapons in European countries such as UK, Russia, Germany, and France. Investment in R&D activities, and the increasing defense budget by the Germany and France government for the development of modern weapons is driving the growth of this region.
Military Laser Systems Market by Region
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure
Military Laser Systems Market Companies: Top Key Market Players
The Military Laser Systems Companies are dominated by globally established players such as Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Thales Group (France), Elbit System Ltd. (Israel), and BAE System plc (UK)
Get online access to the report on the World's First Market Intelligence Cloud
- Easy to Download Historical Data & Forecast Numbers
- Company Analysis Dashboard for high growth potential opportunities
- Research Analyst Access for customization & queries
- Competitor Analysis with Interactive dashboard
- Latest News, Updates & Trend analysis
Request Sample Scope of the Report
Get online access to the report on the World's First Market Intelligence Cloud
- Easy to Download Historical Data & Forecast Numbers
- Company Analysis Dashboard for high growth potential opportunities
- Research Analyst Access for customization & queries
- Competitor Analysis with Interactive dashboard
- Latest News, Updates & Trend analysis
Segment |
Subsegment |
Estimated Market Size
|
USD 5.0 Billion in 2023
|
Projected Market Size
|
USD 7.5 Billion by 2028
|
Growth Rate
|
CAGR of 8.7%
|
Market Size Available for Years |
2019–2028 |
Base Year Considered |
2022 |
Forecast Period |
2023–2028 |
Forecast Units |
Value (USD Million/Billion) |
Segments Covered |
Application, Platform, Technology, End Use, Output Power, and Region |
Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Rest of the World |
Companies Covered |
Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Thales Group (France), L3Harris Technologies Inc. (US), BAE System (UK), Elbit System (Israel), and Rheinmetall AG (Germany) |
Military Laser Systems Market Highlights
This research report categorizes the military laser systems market based on application, platform, technology, end use, output power, and region.
Segment |
Subsegment |
By Application: |
|
By Technology: |
|
By End Use: |
|
By Platform: |
|
By Output Power: |
|
By Region: |
|
Recent Developments
- In March 2023, Raytheon Technologies Corporation received a USD 230 million contract from the US Air Force to produce and deliver 1500 StormBreaker smart weapons. The Stormbreaker is a network-enabled weapon system that provides unprecedented capability against moving targets, regardless of all weather conditions, using its tri-mode seeker and multi-effects warhead.
- In March 2023, Northrop Grumman Corporation received an initial production and operations contract from the US Marine Corps to develop a laser-based Next Generation Handheld Targeting System (NGHTS). NGHTS is a device that would help Marines to improve their target identification and designation capabilities.
- In February 2023, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) (India) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Thales Group to provide support in establishing a manufacturing facility in India. This facility will boost the development of precision-strike 70mm laser-guided rockets (FZ275 LGR).
- In September 2022, BAE Systems plc introduced a cost-effective, compact laser weapon system that provides precise and advanced air defense capabilities for war fighters against unmanned aerial systems.
- In July 2022, Northrop Grumman Corporation completed the preliminary design review of a high-energy laser using coherent beam-combining technology. This technology allows the combination of high-power laser beams into a single beam that can be scaled for maximum power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is the Current Size of the Military Laser Systems Market?
The Military Laser Systems Market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 5.0 Billion in 2023 to USD 7.5 Billion by 2028, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2023 to 2028.
What Are the Key Sustainability Strategies Adopted by Leading Players Operating in the Military Laser Systems Market?
The organic and inorganic strategies adopted by key players to strengthen their position in the military laser systems market are high R&D investment, new product launches, collaborations & expansions, contracts, partnerships, and agreements, to expand their presence in the market further.
What Factors Support the Military Laser Systems Market Growth During Forecast Period?
Increase in defense budgets owing to growing concerns over national security is the key factor supporting the military laser systems market growth during forecast period.
Which Region is Expected to Hold the Highest Market Share in the Military Laser Systems Market?
North America accounted for the largest share of 43.51% of the market in 2022.
Who Are the Leading Players in Military Laser Systems Market?
Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Thales Group (France), Elbit System Ltd. (Israel), and BAE System plc (UK) are the leading players in the military laser systems market.
To speak to our analyst for a discussion on the above findings, click Speak to Analyst
The research study conducted on the military laser systems market involved extensive use of secondary sources, including directories, databases of articles, journals on military laser systems, company newsletters, and information portals such as Hoover’s, Bloomberg, and Factiva to identify and collect information useful for this extensive, technical, market-oriented study of the military laser systems market. Primary sources are several industry experts from the core and related industries, alliances, organizations, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), vendors, suppliers, and technology developers. These sources relate to all segments of the value chain of the military laser systems market.
In-depth interviews were conducted with various primary respondents, including key industry participants, subject-matter experts, C-level executives of key market players, and industry consultants, among others, to obtain and verify critical qualitative and quantitative information and to assess future prospects of the market.
Secondary Research
In the secondary research process, various secondary sources were referred to identify and collect information for this study on the military laser systems market. Secondary sources included annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations of companies; white papers and certified publications; articles from recognized authors; manufacturer's associations; directories; and databases. Secondary research was mainly used to obtain key information about the supply chain of the military laser systems industry, the monetary chain of the market, the total pool of key players, market classification and segmentation according to the industry trends to the bottom-most level, regional markets, and key developments from both market- and technology-oriented perspectives.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted to obtain qualitative and quantitative information for this report on the military laser systems market. Several primary interviews were conducted with the market experts from both demand- and supply-side across major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Primary sources from the supply-side included industry experts such as business development managers, sales heads, technology and innovation directors, and related key executives from various key companies and organizations operating in the military laser systems market.
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure
Market Size Estimation
Extensive research into high-energy laser system sources and the concurrent advances in beam-directing technology have pushed technology to the level where fully configured military laser systems are now being designed and tested for imminent deployment. Advances in material technology, information technology, and space-based capabilities of the 21st century are also propelling the demand for military laser systems. The US Air Force project on airborne laser (ABL) is a classic example of how laser technology-based weapons are transforming into a formidable weapon system with hitherto unthinkable military capabilities.
The military laser systems market is an emerging one due to the growing demand for modern weapon solution and advanced target tracking and recognition systems. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the military laser systems market. The research methodology used to estimate the market size also included the following details:
Key players were identified through secondary research, and their market ranking was determined through primary and secondary research. This included a study of annual and financial reports of the top market players and extensive interviews of leaders, including CEOs, directors, and marketing executives. All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources. All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data. This data was consolidated, enhanced with detailed inputs, analyzed by MarketsandMarkets, and presented in this report.
Market size estimation methodology: Bottom-up Approach
Market size estimation methodology: Top Down Approach
Data Triangulation
After arriving at the overall size of the military laser systems market from the market size estimation process explained above, the total market was split into several segments and subsegments. The data triangulation and market breakdown procedures explained below were implemented, wherever applicable, to complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the estimated sizes of different market segments and subsegments. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides. Additionally, the market size was validated using both the top-down and bottom-up approaches
Market Definition
A laser technology-based weapon system is a future weapon system that emits highly focused energy for target destruction. The potential use of this advanced technology include anti-personnel weapon systems, missile defense systems, and disabling of lightly armored vehicles. Key factors driving the growth of the military laser systems market include a rising focus on the development of high-precision military laser systems, significant investments in modern weapon systems by governments, a rise in defense budgets owing to increasing concerns over national security, and the development of compact military laser systems for UAV platforms.
Key Stakeholders
- Senior Management
- End User
- Finance/Procurement Department
- R&D Department
Report Objectives
- To define, describe, segment, and forecast the size of the military laser systems market based on application, platform, technology, end use, and output power, along with a regional analysis.
- To forecast the size of different segments of the market with respect to four key regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World, along with their key countries
- To identify and analyze key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market.
- To identify technology trends currently prevailing in the market
- To provide an overview of the tariff and regulatory landscape with respect to military laser systems across different regions
- To analyze micromarkets1 with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market
- To analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying key market trends
- To analyze the impact of the recession on the market and its stakeholders
- To profile the leading market players and comprehensively analyze their market share and core competencies2
- To analyze the degree of competition in the market by identifying key growth strategies, such as constant innovation, high R&D investment, new product launches, collaborations & expansions, contracts, partnerships, and agreements, adopted by the leading market players.
- To identify detailed financial positions, key products, and unique selling points of leading companies in the market
- To provide a detailed competitive landscape of the military laser systems market, along with a ranking analysis, market share analysis, and revenue analysis of the key players
Micromarkets refer to further segments and subsegments of the military laser systems market included in the report.
Core competencies of companies were captured in terms of their key developments and key strategies adopted by them to sustain their position in the market.
Available customizations
Along with the market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations as per the specific needs of companies. The following customization options are available for the report:
Product Analysis
- Product matrix, which gives a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of each company
Regional Analysis
- Further breakdown of the market segments at country-level
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to 5)
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Military Laser Systems Market