UAV Radar Market
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UAV Radar Market by Scanning (Electronically Scanned Array, Mechanically Scanned, Hybrid Mechanical-Electronic Scanning, Fixed Aperture/Non-Scanning), Onboard Radar, Offboard Radar, Frequency Band, UAV Class, End User and Region - Global Forecast to 2031
OVERVIEW
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
The UAV radar market is projected to grow from USD 360.7 million in 2026 to USD 990.2 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 22.4%. The market is gaining momentum as defense forces and security agencies increase procurement of counter-UAS systems and UAV manufacturers expand the integration of radar payloads for ISR, maritime surveillance, detect-and-avoid, and autonomous operations. Demand is further supported by rising deployment of compact electronically scanned radars, growing adoption of low-SWaP architectures, and increasing requirements for persistent detection of small and low-flying drones. Advancements in AESA, MIMO, software-defined radar and networked sensor technologies are also strengthening radar capabilities across both onboard UAV and offboard counter-UAS applications.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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By RegionAsia Pacific is projected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
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By Scanning TypeBy scanning type, hybrid mechanical-electronic scanning radar is expected to record the highest CAGR of 24.2% during the forecast period.
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By Onboard Radar TypeBy onboard radar type, ISR & surveillance radar payloads are expected to account for the major share of the market in 2026.
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By Offboard Radar TypeBy offboard radar type, search & detection radar is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period.
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By Frequency BandBy frequency band, X-band is expected to account for a significant share( 26%) the UAV radar market in 2026.
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By UAV ClassBy UAV class, large UAVs (>600 kg) are expected to account for the largest share of the onboard UAV radar market.
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By End UserBy end user, defense is expected to account for the largest market share (50.1%) in 2026.
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Competitive Landscape - Key PlayersMajor UAV radar manufacturers are expanding through counter-UAS procurement programs, UAV-radar integration projects, product upgrades and international defense contracts. Companies such as RTX Corporation, Leonardo, Saab, Thales, HENSOLDT, Israel Aerospace Industries–ELTA Systems, Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, and ASELSAN are strengthening their positions through advanced AESA and multimission radar technologies, broader platform integration, and participation in defense modernization programs.
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Competitive Landscape - Startups/SMEsSpecialized radar companies such as IMSAR, Echodyne, Robin Radar Systems, Blighter Surveillance Systems, Meteksan Defence, and Ainstein are gaining relevance through compact low-SWaP radar, drone-detection systems, software-defined sensing and specialized SAR/GMTI, detect-and-avoid and counter-UAS solutions targeted at tactical UAVs and mobile surveillance applications.
The UAV radar market is growing, supported by rising procurement of counter-UAS systems, increased radar integration on military UAVs, and growing requirements for persistent surveillance of small, low-flying, and low-observable aerial targets. Demand is also increasing for compact, low-SWaP radars, electronically scanned arrays, software-defined architectures, and multi-sensor systems that enhance ISR, maritime surveillance, detect-and-avoid, border security, and air-defense capabilities.
TRENDS & DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMERS' CUSTOMERS
The UAV radar market is shifting from conventional standalone radar systems toward compact, intelligent, and networked sensing solutions that support both onboard UAV missions and offboard drone-detection requirements. Future demand will be increasingly shaped by electronically scanned arrays, low-SWaP radar topologies, software-defined processing, AI-assisted target classification, sensor fusion, and multi-target tracking. Defense forces, UAV manufacturers, counter-UAS system integrators, border-security agencies, and critical infrastructure operators are seeking radar solutions that provide continuous surveillance, reliable detection of small, low-flying drones, and improved performance in cluttered or adverse weather conditions. Key technological trends include AESA MIMO and hybrid mechanical-electronic scanning architectures, compact SAR/GMTI and maritime surveillance payloads, detect-and-avoid radar for autonomous UAV operations, and networked counter-UAS sensors capable of cueing EO/IR systems, command-and-control platforms, and effectors. Increased military UAV purchases, modernization of air-defense networks, and rising demand for autonomous and BVLOS drone operations are likely to enhance radar's role across the UAV ecosystem.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
MARKET DYNAMICS
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Rising Demand for Counter-UAS Detection and Tracking
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Need for All-Weather and Low-Visibility Sensing
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Size, Weight, Power, and Thermal Limits on UAV Platforms
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High Platform Integration and Qualification Requirements
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Compact Detect and Avoid Radar for BVLOS UAV Operations
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Distributed and Networked Counter-UAS Radar Systems
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Detection and Classification of Small UAVs in Cluttered Environments
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Interoperability Between Radar, C2, Sensors, and Effectors
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Driver: Rising Demand for Counter-UAS Detection and Tracking
The growing use of small drones in military and civilian environments is accelerating demand for counter-UAS radar systems. Defense forces, airports, borders, and critical infrastructure operators require persistent detection and tracking of low-flying threats. Rising drone incursions and evolving asymmetric warfare are driving investment in advanced, networked, radar-based counter-UAS solutions.
Restraint: Size, Weight, Power, and Thermal Limits on UAV Platforms
Onboard UAV radar adoption is constrained by strict size, weight, power, and thermal requirements, particularly for small and tactical drones. High-performance radar systems require substantial electrical power and cooling while adding payload weight. These limitations can reduce endurance, payload capacity, and mission range, making radar integration technically challenging and comparatively expensive.
Opportunity: Compact Detect and Avoid Radar for BVLOS UAV Operations
Expanding beyond-visual-line-of-sight UAV operations creates significant opportunities for compact detect-and-avoid radar. These sensors can identify non-cooperative aircraft and obstacles in poor visibility, supporting safer autonomous flight. Growing commercial drone deliveries, inspection missions, logistics operations and evolving airspace regulations are expected to accelerate demand for lightweight flight-safety radar solutions.
Challenge: Detection and Classification of Small UAVs in Cluttered Environments
Detecting and classifying small UAVs remains challenging due to their low radar cross-section, slow speeds, and operation near buildings, vegetation, and terrain. Birds and other moving objects can also trigger false alarms. Radar suppliers therefore require advanced signal processing, micro-Doppler analysis, and sensor fusion to maintain reliable detection performance.
UAV RADAR MARKET: COMMERCIAL USE CASES ACROSS INDUSTRIES
| COMPANY | USE CASE DESCRIPTION | BENEFITS |
|---|---|---|
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IMSAR develops compact low-SWaP SAR/GMTI radar systems for tactical UAVs used in ground surveillance, maritime monitoring and persistent ISR missions. Its radar solutions are designed to bring advanced sensing capabilities to smaller unmanned platforms. | Enables all-weather and day/night ISR | Supports radar integration on smaller UAVs | Detects and tracks moving ground and maritime targets | Complements EO/IR payloads | Improves surveillance in cloud, smoke and poor visibility |
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GA-ASI integrates the Lynx Multi-Mode Radar on unmanned aircraft for SAR imaging, GMTI, wide-area surveillance and maritime monitoring. The radar supports persistent intelligence gathering across difficult operating environments. | Provides high-resolution all-weather imaging | Supports wide-area search and moving-target detection | Improves persistent ISR capability | Enables EO/IR cross-cueing | Reduces reliance on manned surveillance platforms |
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RTX/Raytheon provides KuRFS radar for counter-UAS applications to detect, track and generate precision targeting information against low-flying and small drone threats. It is integrated into layered counter-UAS architectures such as LIDS. | Provides persistent drone detection and precision tracking | Supports interceptor and effector cueing | Detects multiple UAV threats | Strengthens layered counter-UAS defense | Protects military bases and critical infrastructure |
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET ECOSYSTEM
The UAV radar market ecosystem comprises onboard radar manufacturers, offboard drone-detection radar suppliers, UAV OEMs, counter-UAS system integrators, defense organizations, and commercial end users. IMSAR, General Atomics, Leonardo, Thales, IAI-ELTA, and Honeywell offer onboard radar solutions for SAR/GMTI, maritime surveillance, detect-and-avoid, navigation, and mission-safety applications. Offboard radar suppliers include Echodyne, Robin Radar Systems, HENSOLDT, Saab, Blighter Surveillance Systems, and SRC. These solutions are deployed by military UAV manufacturers and C-UAS businesses, including Baykar, Turkish Aerospace Industries, AeroVironment, Shield AI, Anduril, DroneShield, and Dedrone. Armed forces, border-security agencies, airports, key infrastructure operators, law enforcement groups, and commercial drone operators are among the company's most important customers. Other ecosystem participants include radar chipset and RF suppliers, antenna manufacturers, software developers, command-and-control providers, system integrators, distributors, testing organizations, certification authorities, and maintenance providers who support deployment and lifecycle requirements.
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET SEGMENTS
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
UAV Radar Market, By Scanning Type
The market is segmented into electronically scanned array radar, mechanically scanned radar, hybrid mechanical-electronic scanning radar, and fixed-aperture/non-scanning radar. Electronically scanned systems are widely adopted due to faster beam steering, multi-target tracking, and software-defined operation, while hybrid architectures are gaining traction by combining broad mechanical coverage with rapid electronic scanning.
UAV Radar Market, By Onboard Radar Type
The onboard UAV radar market includes ISR and surveillance radar payloads, fire-control and targeting radar, detect-and-avoid and airspace-safety radar, navigation and flight-safety radar, weather and atmospheric radar, and specialized remote-sensing radar. ISR and surveillance systems are a major application area, driven by the growing use of SAR/GMTI, maritime surveillance, and persistent intelligence-gathering capabilities on military UAVs.
UAV Radar Market, By Offboard Radar Type
The offboard radar market is segmented into search and detection radar, precision tracking and cueing radar, multi-function counter-UAS radar, and fire-control and engagement-support radar. Search and detection radar is the largest segment, as military forces, border agencies, and critical-infrastructure operators require persistent surveillance to identify small, low-flying UAV threats early.
UAV Radar Market, By Frequency Band
UAV radar systems operate across L-band, S-band, C-band, X-band, Ku-band, K-band, Ka-band, V/W-band, and other frequency bands, depending on range, resolution, and mission requirements. X-band is widely used for SAR/GMTI, maritime surveillance, and counter-UAS applications because it offers a favorable balance among high-resolution detection, antenna size, and operating range.
UAV Radar Market, By UAV Class
The UAV class segment applies specifically to onboard radar and includes small UAVs up to 25 kg, tactical UAVs above 25–150 kg, medium UAVs above 150–600 kg, and large UAVs above 600 kg. Large UAVs including MALE, HALE and combat UAV platforms account for significant radar demand due to their greater payload capacity, electrical power availability and ability to carry advanced multifunction radar systems.
UAV Radar Market, By End User
Major end users include defense organizations, homeland security and law enforcement agencies, civil aviation organizations, critical infrastructure operators, and commercial UAV users. Defense remains the leading demand segment, driven by increased procurement of military UAVs, counter-UAS systems, border surveillance solutions, and layered air defense networks that require high-performance radar detection and tracking capabilities.
REGION
Asia Pacific to be Fastest-Growing Region in UAV Radar Market During Forecast Period
Asia Pacific is expected to see the fastest growth in the UAV radar market as countries across the region accelerate investments in military UAVs, counter-UAS systems and air-defense modernization. Rising security concerns around borders, maritime zones and critical infrastructure are driving demand for both onboard radar payloads and offboard drone-detection systems. Countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea and Australia are expanding indigenous UAV manufacturing, radar development and sensor-integration capabilities while also increasing procurement of tactical and MALE UAV platforms. Growing adoption of compact AESA, hybrid scanning and software-defined radar technologies is further supporting regional demand for surveillance, tracking, detect-and-avoid and counter-drone applications.
UAV RADAR MARKET: COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX
In the UAV radar market matrix, Leonardo S.p.A. (Star) is well positioned due to its presence across both onboard UAV radar and broader surveillance applications. Its portfolio includes compact airborne systems such as the PicoSAR, Osprey, and Gabbiano radar families, supporting SAR/GMTI, maritime surveillance, and multimission sensing requirements. This gives Leonardo exposure to military UAV programs, maritime patrol missions, and advanced ISR applications, while its broader radar capabilities and integration experience strengthen its position among international defense customers and unmanned-platform programs.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
KEY MARKET PLAYERS
- RTX (US)
- Leonardo SpA (Italy)
- Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel)
- Saab AB (Sweden)
- HENSOLDT AG (Germany)
- Thales (France)
- Northrop Grumman Corporation (US)
- General Atomics (US)
- Honeywell International Inc (US)
- ASELSAN AS (Türkiye)
- Hanwha Systems Co., Ltd (South Korea)
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan)
- IMSAR (US)
- Echodyne Corp (US)
- Meteksan Defence Industry Inc (Türkiye)
MARKET SCOPE
| REPORT METRIC | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2025 (Value) | USD 305.3 Million |
| Market Size in 2026 (Value) | USD 360.7 Million |
| Market Forecast in 2031 (value) | USD 990.2 Million |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 22.4% from 2026 to 2031 |
| Years Considered | 2021–2031 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026–2031 |
| Units Considered | Value (USD Million) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered |
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| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East Latin America and Africa |
WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU: UAV RADAR MARKET REPORT CONTENT GUIDE
DELIVERED CUSTOMIZATIONS
We have successfully delivered the following deep-dive customizations:
| CLIENT REQUEST | CUSTOMIZATION DELIVERED | VALUE ADDS |
|---|---|---|
| Leading Manufacturer | Additional segment breakdown for countries | Additional country-level market sizing tables for segments/subsegments covered at the regional/global level to gain an understanding of market potential by each country |
| Emerging Leader | Additional company profiles | Competitive information on targeted players to gain granular insights into direct competition |
| Regional Market Leader | Additional country market estimates | Additional country-level deep dive for a more targeted understanding of the total addressable market |
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
- July 2026 : Echodyne opened a new advanced radar manufacturing facility in Washington State to address increasing demand for its MESA radar systems. The facility is designed to support production of more than 30,000 radars annually for counter-UAS, force protection, border surveillance and BVLOS applications. This indicates increasing commercialization and production-scale expansion within compact electronically scanned radar.
- May 2026 : Raytheon received its largest SharpSight radar order to date from Blue Raven for 120 systems. SharpSight is a multi-domain surveillance radar suitable for manned and unmanned platforms including the MQ-9B. Raytheon is also expanding production capacity to shorten delivery timelines and support increasing international surveillance-radar demand.
- May 2026 : Saab and General Atomics completed the first flight of the LoyalEye Airborne Early Warning radar on the MQ-9B UAV. The integration demonstrates the transition of high-end airborne surveillance radar capabilities toward unmanned platforms and is intended to provide persistent long-range detection, tracking and early-warning capability.
Table of Contents
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Methodology
The study involved four key activities to estimate the current size of the UAV radar market. Extensive secondary research was conducted to gather information on the UAV radar market, adjacent radar and counter-UAS markets, and the broader UAV ecosystem. The findings, assumptions, and preliminary market estimates were validated through expert input across the value chain. A demand-side analysis was conducted to determine the overall market size. Finally, data triangulation was used to estimate the size of individual segments and subsegments within the UAV radar market.
Secondary Research
During the secondary research phase, a wide range of sources was reviewed to identify and collect relevant information for the study. These sources included government procurement databases and budget documents; company annual reports, product brochures, press releases, investor presentations, and contract announcements; UAV and radar industry associations; defense acquisition publications; regulatory and aviation authorities; technical white papers, journals, and certified publications; and articles by recognized authors and industry experts, as well as databases.
Primary Research
Primary research was structured following the collection of initial market information from secondary sources. Interviews and expert discussions were used to validate product positioning, radar pricing, procurement patterns, integration activity, end-user demand, and market shares. Respondents represented both the demand and supply sides across key countries in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. Primary information was gathered through questionnaires, email interactions, and phone or virtual interviews.
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Market Size Estimation
Top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the UAV radar market. The research methodology used to estimate the size of the market included the following details:
- Key players in the UAV radar market were identified through secondary research, and their market share was determined through a combination of primary and secondary research. This included a review of annual and financial reports, product portfolios, UAV-radar contracts, platform integration programs, and interviews with industry stakeholders.
- All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns were derived using secondary sources and validated against supplier portfolios, procurement evidence, country demand, and expert inputs.
- All major parameters affecting the UAV radar market were considered in detail, including onboard and offboard radar demand, product pricing, installed base, UAV procurement, counter-UAS deployments, radar content per system, upgrades, and the delivery pipeline. The resulting quantitative and qualitative data was consolidated and cross-validated for the final market model. This data was consolidated, enhanced with detailed input, analyzed by MarketsandMarkets, and presented in this report.
UAV Radar Market : Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach
Data Triangulation
After estimating the overall market size, the market was segmented into multiple segments and subsegments. Data triangulation and market breakdown procedures were applied, wherever relevant, to complete the market engineering process and derive estimated values for each segment and subsegment. Data were triangulated by assessing key factors and trends from both demand- and supply-side perspectives. In addition, the market estimates were cross-validated using top-down and bottom-up approaches, company revenues, product pricing, contract values, platform deliveries, and country-level procurement activity.
Market Defination
The UAV radar market includes radar payloads, a specific type of hardware used either onboard unmanned aerial vehicles or externally to detect, track, classify, cue, or support the engagement of UAVs. Onboard radar includes ISR/surveillance, SAR/GMTI, maritime, air-surveillance, fire-control/targeting, detect-and-avoid, navigation/flight-safety, weather/atmospheric, and specialized remote-sensing radar payloads integrated into UAV platforms. Offboard radar includes ground, fixed, mobile, shipborne, or other externally deployed radar used for UAV detection and counter-UAS missions. The market excludes non-radar sensors, jammers/effectors, and non-UAV radar revenue unless the radar value can be specifically attributed to UAV applications.
Key Stakeholders
- Onboard Radar Payload Manufacturers
- Counter-UAS and Offboard Radar Manufacturers
- Radar Antenna, RF, Processor, and Component Suppliers
- Defense Ministries and Armed Forces
- Homeland Security and Law-Enforcement Agencies
- Airports, Critical Infrastructure, and Border-Security Operators
- UAV System Integrators and Mission-System Providers
- Civil and Commercial UAV Operators
- Distributors, Suppliers, and Retrofit/Upgrade Providers
- Regulatory and Civil Aviation Authorities
Report Objectives
- To define, describe, and forecast the UAV radar market based on scanning type, onboard radar type, offboard radar type, frequency band, UAV class, end user, and region in terms of value and volume
- To forecast the size of various segments of the market across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa in terms of value and volume
- To identify and analyze drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
- To identify industry trends, market trends, procurement trends, and technology trends currently prevailing in the market
- To provide an overview of the regulatory and airspace landscape relevant to UAV radar deployment across regions
- To analyze micromarkets 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 profile key market players and comprehensively analyze their market share and core competencies
- To evaluate the degree of competition in the market by analyzing recent developments, such as contracts, agreements, partnerships, product launches, integrations, investments, and acquisitions
- To identify the financial position, key products, UAV integrations, and unique selling points of leading companies in the market
- To provide a detailed competitive landscape of the market, along with market share analysis and revenue analysis of key players
Available customizations:
MarketsandMarkets offers the following customizations for this market report:
- Additional country-level analysis of the UAV radar market
- Profiling of other market players (up to 5)
Product Analysis
- Product matrix, which provides a detailed comparison of the product portfolios of each company in the UAV radar market
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