Tactical Data Link Market - Global Forecast 2025-2032

Tactical data link systems are reshaping the landscape of defense communications, providing secure, real-time interoperability across highly complex operational environments. Senior leaders now face rapidly evolving requirements driven by interconnected platforms, growing network demands, and the need for resilient, modular solutions.

Market Snapshot: Tactical Data Link Market Size and Growth Trajectory

The tactical data link market grew from USD 9.48 billion in 2024 to USD 10.10 billion in 2025. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.77%, reaching USD 16.02 billion by 2032. This trajectory highlights strong and sustained global demand, reflecting defense commitments to next-generation communication architectures across multiple domains.

Scope & Segmentation of the Tactical Data Link Market

This report delivers deep analysis and future projections for tactical data link systems, covering critical market segments and regional landscapes:

• Component: Controllers, modems, monitors, radio sets, routers, terminals, transceivers, services, interoperability and integration software, link management software, simulation, training, and testing software.
• Platform: Fixed-wing, rotary-wing, unmanned aerial vehicles, armored vehicles, ground control stations, unmanned ground vehicles, ships, submarines, unmanned systems, weapon-based deployments.
• Frequency: High frequency, ultra-high frequency solutions designed for adaptable mission requirements.
• Deployment: Fixed installations, mobile units supporting expeditionary operations.
• Application: Command and control, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles.
• Region: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru), Europe, Middle East, and Africa (including the UK, Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, Switzerland, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Israel, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan).
• Key Players: Analysis includes Airbus SE, Atlas Elektronik GmbH, BAE Systems PLC, BERTEN DSP S.L., Comint Systems and Solutions Pvt. Ltd., CS GROUP, Cubic Corporation, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Elbit Systems Ltd., General Dynamics Corporation, Havelsan Inc., L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Leidos Holdings, Inc., Leonardo S.p.A., Lockheed Martin Corporation, MITRE Corporation, Naval Group, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Rapid Mobile (Pty) Ltd., Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG, RTX Corporation, Saab AB, Terma Group, Thales Group, and TUALCOM ELEKTRONİK A.Ş.

Key Takeaways Driving Tactical Data Link Investment Decisions

• Defense agencies are prioritizing scalable, open-architecture solutions to seamlessly integrate legacy and next-generation assets.
• Technologies such as software-defined radios and AI-powered network management are supporting mission agility and enhancing decision-making at the tactical edge.
• Synchronized, multi-domain operations are now dependent on secure data links that enable cross-platform situational awareness and distributed operations.
• Industry is experiencing a shift toward ecosystem partnerships, involving both established players and agile technology firms, accelerating the pace of field-ready innovation.
• Proactive investments in operator training, alongside continuous validation in complex joint exercises, are proving vital for system adoption and operational assurance.

Impact of Tariffs and Global Trade Policy

Beginning in 2025, new United States tariffs have increased the cost burden across tactical data link supply chains, affecting pricing and component sourcing strategies. These measures have prompted manufacturers to diversify supply partners and explore domestic and allied-nation production. Resulting procurement shifts have added complexity to lead times but are also driving enhanced supply chain resilience and collaborative research.

Methodology & Data Sources

This research synthesizes insights from primary interviews with procurement officers, system integrators, and technology experts, supported by secondary sources including defense white papers, regulatory filings, and technical standards. Quantitative and qualitative analyses underpin the segmentation and validation process, ensuring data integrity and actionable intelligence.

Why This Report Matters for Decision-Makers

• Aligns technology, investment, and deployment strategies with rapidly evolving operational and geopolitical needs.
• Enables informed procurement and supplier decisions, leveraging insights into global market shifts and technology adoption.
• Supports proactive risk mitigation by clarifying how trade dynamics and regional factors will shape capability planning.

Conclusion

Tactical data link systems are central to future-ready defense communication, requiring ongoing innovation and adaptation. Decision-makers can leverage these insights for strategic advantage as networking complexity and global defense needs intensify.

 

Additional Product Information:

• Purchase of this report includes 1 year online access with quarterly updates.
• This report can be updated on request. Please contact our Customer Experience team using the Ask a Question widget on our website.