X-band radar market is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The market growth is attributed to the growing focus of the defense sector on acquiring advanced radar systems to increase the nation's safety is a key factor driving the global market growth. For instance, COMMIT and Thales have signed a contract to produce and deliver the AWWS fire control cluster and sensor suite for the four new ASW Frigates that Damen Naval will build for the Belgian and Netherlands’ Navies. The new sensor suite uses Thales’ latest technology based on the APAR Block 2 X-band and the SM400 Block 2 S-band radars integrated into a one-radar system that reconfigures its tasks dynamically.

Market Dynamics

Growing Enhanced Weather Radar Capabilities

The global X-band radar market is positively impacted by the development of X-band weather radar, which provides improved data for flood alerts in hydroelectric power plants and more accurate precipitation measurements. Aside from this, the X-band radar market is expected to be supported by the development of advanced imaging satellite systems. Weather radar is one of the most successful observing systems for scanning the skies and monitoring for rain, snow, hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. X-band weather radar is raising the bar in precision and reliability for modern weather radar systems. The technique provides remarkable readings for hydrological and meteorological applications, fills in the gaps left by C and S-band radar, and surpasses conventional rain gauge networks. The improvement of forecast modeling, low-level mesocyclone observations, and flash flood warning systems—all of which rely on measurements close to the surface—depend on filling in these gaps. Reduced radar coverage leads to less accurate forecasts and makes the surrounding residential and commercial areas more susceptible to unforeseen weather disasters.

Market Segmentation

• Based on the type, the market is segmented into mobile X-band radars and sea-based X-band radars.

• Based on the array, the market is segmented into active electronically scanned array (AESA), and passive electronically scanned array (PESA).

• Based on the application, the market is segmented into government, defense, and commercial.

Mobile X-Band Radars is Projected to Hold the Largest Segment

The high demand for mobile X-band radars in climate and weather forecasts, as these radars are less susceptible to adverse weather than K and KA band radars is a key factor contributing to the high share of this market segment. Earth Science offers EEC’s DWSR-2001X X-Band weather radar system which is ideal for short and medium application that requires any combination of accuracy, mobility, and reliability. EEC’s shorter wavelength X-Band weather radar can detect even tiny particles, such as high-altitude water droplets or light snow.

Regional Outlook

The global X-band radar market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

Growing Adoption of Advanced X-Band Radars in Asia-Pacific

• The regional growth is attributed to growing cases of terrorism and the numerous government initiatives to modernize military equipment. For instance, in September 2021, the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences upgraded the state-of-the-art Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) & Indigenous GPS-based Pilot Sonde at the Indian Meteorological Office. The X-Band Doppler Weather Radar installed provides real-time monitoring and reporting of weather events affecting the Jammu region and provides weather forecasts in different sectors including agriculture and tourism.

Global X-Band Radar Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

North America Holds Major Market Share

North America holds a significant share owing to the presence of numerous prominent X-band radar companies and providers such as Honeywell International Inc., L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp., Northrop Grumman Corp., and Teledyne Technologies Inc. in the region. The market growth is attributed to the increasing demand for X-band radar systems in border security and homeland security. Governments across the region integrate X-band radar frequency sub-bands in civil, military, and government institutions for weather monitoring, air traffic control, maritime vessel traffic control, defense tracking, and vehicle speed detection for law enforcement.  For instance, in March 2024, The US Air Force Advanced Range Threat System Variant 3 (ARTS-V3) program office awarded Lockheed Martin an initial $276 million contract, which includes production options, to develop and produce the Variable Aperture Digital Radar (VADR) system. VADR leverages both X-band and C-band radars to train aircrew for engagements against advanced adversarial threats.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the X-band radar market include BAE Systems plc, Honeywell International Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp., Northrop Grumman Corp., and Thales Group among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. 

Recent Development

• In May 2023, Anokiwave, Inc. a provider of highly integrated silicon ICs for millimeter-wave (mmW) markets, and Tidalloft Avionics Research LLC, a company developing software-defined phased array RADARs collaborated to develop compact, lightweight X-band RADARs for the aviation market. Phased array RADAR systems at X-band are the perfect balance of range, target resolution, and size. They enable capabilities to detect and monitor obstacles from significant distances, even amidst clutter. X-band RADAR systems are lightweight and self-contained for ease of integration into most aviation systems.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the X-band radar market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.