Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Core Network Software Market Report 2026

The non-terrestrial network (ntn) core network software market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $1.65 billion in 2025 to $2.04 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in satellite communication deployments, expansion of 5g infrastructure investments, rising demand for connectivity in remote regions, defense adoption of secure communication networks, increasing need for disaster-resilient communication systems.

The non-terrestrial network (ntn) core network software market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.83 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to commercialization of 6g and ntn standards, growth of leo satellite constellations, rising demand for autonomous maritime and aviation connectivity, increasing adoption of cloud-native core network software, expansion of iot devices in non-terrestrial environments. Major trends in the forecast period include satellite-cellular network convergence for unified connectivity, network slicing for mission-critical ntn applications, edge-enabled core networks for low-latency ntn services, interoperable 5g-ntn standards adoption, secure mobility management across space-air-ground networks.

The growing defense and aerospace communication needs are expected to reinforce the growth of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) core network software market going forward. Defense and aerospace communication refers to advanced communication systems and technologies used to exchange critical information across military, aviation, and space operations, ensuring secure and reliable data transmission in mission-critical environments. The increase in defense and aerospace communication needs is driven by rising requirements for fast, resilient, and secure connectivity to support military operations, national security, and space exploration activities. Non-terrestrial network (NTN) core network software strengthens defense and aerospace communication by enabling seamless, secure, and continuous connectivity among satellites, aircraft, naval vessels, and ground stations, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach locations. For instance, in May 2025, according to EveryCRSReport, a US-based government body, the Department of Defense (DoD) requested $21.1 billion for command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) system procurement and research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E), including $989.2 million allocated to specific programs. Therefore, the growing defense and aerospace communication needs are driving the growth of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) core network software market.

Leading companies operating in the non-terrestrial network (NTN) core network software market are focusing on developing advanced network software solutions, including cloud-native 5G cores and software-defined radio access integration, to extend 5G connectivity beyond terrestrial infrastructure and support mission-critical and IoT applications. Cloud-native 5G cores are software-based network architectures deployed on cloud infrastructure that enable scalable, flexible, and automated 5G services, while software-defined radio access integration virtualizes and centrally manages radio access components to ensure seamless interoperability, mobility, and coverage across terrestrial and satellite networks. For example, in July 2025, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, a US-based provider of satellite communications and software-defined networking solutions, collaborated with Intelsat, a US-based satellite communications company, to demonstrate a 5G non-terrestrial network over a geostationary (GEO) satellite using Intelsat’s Galaxy 19 spacecraft. The end-to-end system combined a cloud-native 5G core with a software-defined gNodeB and satellite payload to deliver standards-compliant 5G connectivity, enabling seamless handover between terrestrial and satellite networks while supporting IoT, mission-critical applications, and resilient communications in remote and underserved regions.

In September 2025, Mavenir Systems, Inc., a US-based provider of core network software supporting non-terrestrial network (NTN) deployments, partnered with Iridium Communications Inc. to supply its core network software for Iridium’s NTN direct service. Through this partnership, Iridium aims to deliver global NTN connectivity by integrating Mavenir’s cloud-native, 3GPP standards-compliant converged packet core to support NB-IoT and direct-to-device (D2D) services over its satellite network. Iridium Communications Inc. is a US-based company that operates a satellite communications network providing mobile voice and data services.

Major companies operating in the non-terrestrial network (ntn) core network software market are Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Cisco Systems Inc, Oracle Corporation, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Nokia Corporation, ZTE Corporation, Keysight Technologies, Viasat Inc, Mavenir Systems Inc, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, Radisys Corporation, Iridium Communications Inc, OneWeb Limited, Soracom Corporation Ltd, AccelerComm Ltd, Druid Software Limited, Skylo Technologies Inc, Omnispace LLC, OQ Technology S.A., and Gatehouse Satcom A/S.

Tariffs have influenced the non-terrestrial network core network software market by increasing the cost of satellite communication hardware, networking equipment, and cross-border technology components essential for NTN deployment. These cost pressures particularly affect satellite communication, defense, and aviation segments across regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific where global supply chains are deeply interconnected. Delays in hardware imports and regulatory trade barriers have slowed integration timelines for NTN infrastructure. However, tariffs are also encouraging regional self-reliance, localized software development, and domestic satellite ecosystem investments, which may strengthen long-term resilience and innovation within the market.

Non-terrestrial network (NTN) core network software is a software-based core network solution designed to support satellite, high-altitude platform, and other non-terrestrial communication systems. It is compatible with 5G and future mobile standards, enabling interoperability between terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructures. It is used to enable seamless, secure, and reliable connectivity across space-, air-, and ground-based networks, extending coverage to remote and underserved regions while supporting mission-critical and broadband services.

The primary components of non-terrestrial network core network software include software and services. Software refers to programs that manage, orchestrate, and optimize core network functions for non-terrestrial communication systems, ensuring seamless connectivity across satellites, airborne platforms, and terrestrial networks. These solutions can be deployed on-premises or in cloud environments based on organizational requirements and scalability needs. They are applied in 5G and 6G networks, satellite communication, Internet of Things systems, defense operations, maritime communication, aviation networks, and other applications. They are used by various end users such as telecommunications companies, government and defense agencies, enterprises, transportation providers, and other end users.

The non-terrestrial network (NTN) core network software market includes revenues earned by entities through core network orchestration and management, mobility and session management, policy and charging control, network slicing support, and satellite-cellular integration services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

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.

The non-terrestrial network (ntn) core network software market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides non-terrestrial network (ntn) core network software market statistics, including non-terrestrial network (ntn) core network software industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a non-terrestrial network (ntn) core network software market share, detailed non-terrestrial network (ntn) core network software market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the non-terrestrial network (ntn) core network software industry. This non-terrestrial network (ntn) core network software market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

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