Satellite Communication In Defense Sector Market Global Report 2026

The satellite communication in defense sector market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.39 billion in 2025 to $6.99 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising defense communication needs in remote regions, increasing demand for secure long-distance connectivity, growing military adoption of satellite-based communication systems, increasing requirements for reliable communication during military operations, and expanding use of satellite terminals by defense organizations.

The satellite communication in defense sector market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $9.86 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for resilient military communication networks, rising defense expenditure on satellite communication infrastructure, growing need for high-capacity data transmission, expanding deployment of multi-orbit defense communication systems, and increasing demand for uninterrupted connectivity during contested operations. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing deployment of multi-orbit satellite communication architectures, growing adoption of high-throughput satellite communication technologies, rising use of protected and anti-jamming communication links, increasing integration of interoperable satellite communication networks, and expanding deployment of portable satellite communication terminals.

The rising defense expenditure worldwide is expected to propel the growth of the satellite communication in defense sector market going forward. Defense expenditure refers to government spending allocated to military forces, defense infrastructure, equipment procurement, research and development, and national security operations. Defense expenditure is increasing due to growing geopolitical tensions and regional security threats, which have encouraged governments to strengthen their military capabilities and allocate greater funds toward national security and defense preparedness. Defense expenditure supports advancements in satellite communication in the defense sector by funding the development, deployment, and modernization of secure satellite networks, improving military communication, surveillance, intelligence capabilities, and operational coordination to address evolving security challenges. For instance, in February 2026, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a UK-based defense and security research organization, global defense spending reached USD 2.63 trillion in 2025, up from USD 2.48 trillion in 2024, while spending increased by 2.5% in real terms year over year. Therefore, the rising defense expenditure worldwide is driving the growth of the satellite communication in defense sector market.

Leading companies operating in the satellite communication in defense sector market are focusing on developing innovative solutions such as low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication constellations to strengthen secure military communications, support real-time data transmission, improve battlefield connectivity, and enhance operational awareness. LEO satellite communication constellations are networks of satellites positioned closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites, enabling lower latency, faster data transfer, broader coverage, and resilient communication links for defense operations. For example, in September 2025, the Space Development Agency (SDA), a US-based defense space organization, launched its first operational Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites as part of its next-generation military communication network. The initial deployment included 21 satellites built by York Space Systems and launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, forming part of a planned constellation of 154 satellites designed to provide secure and high-speed data transport capabilities for military operators. The satellites are designed to support advanced communication functions, including laser communication links between satellites and integration with military user terminals, enabling faster information exchange across defense networks.

In May 2023, Viasat, Inc., a US-based satellite communications technology company, acquired Inmarsat Global Limited for $7.3 billion. Through this acquisition, Viasat, Inc. sought to establish a global leader in satellite communications by bringing together the companies’ complementary satellite, spectrum, and terrestrial assets, broadening capabilities across aviation, maritime, government, enterprise, and consumer markets, accelerating innovation in global connectivity services, and enhancing its ability to provide secure, high-speed, and dependable communications worldwide. Inmarsat Global Limited is a UK-based satellite telecommunications company specializing in global mobile satellite connectivity services for aviation, maritime, government, enterprise, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Major companies operating in the satellite communication in defense sector market are L3Harris Technologies Inc, Viasat Inc, SES SA, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc, Iridium Communications Inc, Rocket Lab USA Inc, Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd, Telesat Corporation, KVH Industries Inc, Impulse Space Inc, AST SpaceMobile Inc, Kepler Communications Inc, AvL Technologies Inc, Skylo Technologies Inc, WORK Microwave GmbH, Ovzon AB, Leaf Space S.r.l., Satcube AB, PolarSat Inc, Quadsat ApS.

North America was the dominant region in the satellite communication in defense sector market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the rapidly growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the satellite communication in defense sector market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

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

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