Military Satellites Market Report 2026

The military satellites market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $62.68 billion in 2025 to $65.78 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to deployment of early military reconnaissance and communication satellites, advancements in satellite navigation and positioning technologies, growth in defense budgets for space-based military programs, development of secure military communication satellite networks, integration of satellites for weather and threat intelligence in military operations.

The military satellites market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $82.75 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for high-resolution reconnaissance and surveillance satellites, growth in secure military communication and navigation satellite systems, advancements in satellite defense and anti-jamming technologies, increasing investment in satellite constellations for real-time military intelligence, integration of AI and data analytics for enhanced satellite-based military operations. Major trends in the forecast period include enhanced satellite encryption and secure communication systems, miniaturization and development of small satellites for tactical missions, integration of advanced imaging and sensor technologies, real-time satellite-based battlefield intelligence and monitoring, use of satellites for precision navigation and guidance in military operations.

The increasing concern about terrorism is expected to drive the growth of the military satellite market in the coming years. Terrorism refers to the use of violence or threats to instill fear - often targeting civilians - to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. Growing concerns about terrorism have led militaries worldwide to adopt more advanced communication systems to enhance security and operational readiness. Military satellites play a critical role in modern military communication networks by supporting secure, resilient, and long-range connectivity. For example, in September 2025, according to the Home Office, a UK government department, 83 individuals were tried for terrorism-related offenses in the year ending June 30, 2025 - five more than in the previous year. Therefore, rising concerns about terrorism are contributing to the expansion of the military satellite market.

Major companies in the military satellite market are focusing on developing innovative technologies, such as anti-jam payloads, to deliver more secure and reliable communication solutions. An anti-jam payload is designed to safeguard satellite communications from deliberate interference or jamming. For instance, in April 2023, Boeing Co., a U.S.-based provider of commercial aviation, defense, space, and security systems, launched its Protected Tactical SATCOM Prototype (PTS-P) payload. The PTS-P incorporates automated anti-jam features, including jammer geolocation, real-time adaptive nulling, frequency hopping, and other advanced techniques, leveraging the U.S. military’s Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) to maintain secure communication in contested environments.

In November 2023, Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., an Israel-based telecommunications company, acquired DataPath Inc. for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, Gilat aims to strengthen its solutions in the rapidly evolving satellite communication sector. The partnership enhances both companies’ capabilities within the global defense market, opening new opportunities for advanced technologies and expanded resources. DataPath Inc. is a UK-based company specializing in innovative communication solutions for military satellite and defense operations.

Major companies operating in the military satellites market are The Boeing Company, Israel Aerospace Industries, Northrop Grumman Corporation, ISS-Reshetnev, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Company, Thales Group, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Airbus SE, Indian Space Research Organisation, OHB SE, Elbit System Ltd., Orbital ATK Inc., Cobham Limited, Viasat Inc., Safran Electronics & Defense, Selex ES Inc., Harris Corporation, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Terma A/S, BAE Systems plc, QinetiQ Group PLC, Reutech Radar Systems, Easat Radar Systems Limited, Indra Company, Bharat Electronics Limited, Saab AB, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, NEC Corporation, Orbital Sciences Corporation.

North America was the largest region in the military satellites market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the military satellites market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the military satellites market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on critical satellite components, advanced sensors, and communication payloads have increased production costs and caused supply chain disruptions in the military satellite market, particularly affecting small to medium satellites sourced from Asia and Europe. The ISR and communication satellite segments are most impacted, while domestic satellite manufacturing in countries with local capabilities benefits from incentives to develop indigenous production and reduce reliance on imports, promoting long-term strategic autonomy.

The military satellites market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides military satellites market statistics, including global market size, regional shares, competitors with a military satellites market share, detailed military satellites market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the military satellites industry. This military satellite market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future state of the industry.

A military satellite is an artificial earth satellite used for military missions such as intelligence gathering, navigation, and military communications. The capabilities of military satellites include secure in-theater communications, weather and navigational data for ground, air, and fleet operations, as well as threat warning.

The main types of military satellites are small satellites and medium-to-heavy satellites. The various types of payloads include communication payload, navigation payload, imaging payload, and others that are used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), communication, and navigation. A satellite payload refers to the components of a spacecraft that are specifically dedicated to producing mission data and relaying that data back to Earth.

The countries covered in the military satellites market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The military satellite market consists of sales of various satellites for military applications such as military reconnaissance satellites, navigation satellites, early warning systems, and military communication satellites. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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