The tactical communication market size is expected to reach US$44,834.46 Million by 2031 from US$22,030.20 Million in 2024. The market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 11.00% during 2025–2031.

Tactical Communications Market Analysis

Tactical communication for defense involves the transfer of critical, real-time information between military units and command centres in challenging environments such as battlefields. It is essential for situational awareness, command and control, and mission success. The market is witnessing significant growth owing to growing global defense modernization and expenditures, driven by geopolitical tensions. The growing integration of emerging technologies such as AI-enhanced communication tools, 5G networks, and unmanned systems is expanding tactical communication capabilities. Moreover, the development and deployment of AI-driven cognitive radios for more efficient spectrum management and communication adaptability, as well as enhanced broadband and 5G-NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) enabling high-bandwidth intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications, are a few opportunities within the market.

Tactical Communication Market Overview:

Tactical communications are military communication devices in which information, including commands and military intelligence, is passed from one command, person, or location to another on a battlefield, especially during combat. It can be conveyed in many forms, such as verbal, written, visual, or audio. Tactical communication systems (TCS) are critical for forces because they provide integrated, secure, highly reliable, and available communication services despite challenges. These challenges include hostile environmental conditions, limited spectrum, time-critical and nonlinear communication requirements, equipment failure, partial destruction of mesh networks, and jamming by adversaries or events. Tactical Communications are used in military combat operations, land-based military operations, and airborne and naval communications. Tactical communication systems are crucial for the secure, reliable exchange of real-time military intelligence and commands during combat.

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Tactical Communication Market: Strategic Insights

Market Size Value in	US$ 18,122.45 Million in 2022
Market Size Value by	US$ 29,142.61 Million by 2028
Growth rate	CAGR of 8.2% from 2022 to 2028
Forecast Period	2022-2028
Base Year	2022

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Tactical Communication Market Drivers and Opportunities

Market Drivers:

Rising Modernization and Replacement of Aging Communication Equipment

The Army Futures Command focuses on network modernization. The new capabilities are designed to boost the service's capacity and resiliency to compete in high-end battles against near-peer opponents. The Army is pursuing a series of two-year capability sets to fulfill its network goals. According to the service, each set includes many design goals, including a unified network, a shared operational environment, joint interoperability/coalition accessibility, and command post mobility/survivability. Defense communication encompasses the armed forces' information and data transfer for well-organized operations, military surveillance, command, and control. Furthermore, communication relies on a complex and large network of physical components and software to transfer information to individuals across geographic boundaries. For secure data transfer and network infrastructure, evolving communication technologies such as SATCOM, which is high-frequency and ultra-high frequency communication, are replacing traditional tactical communication systems.

The US Army uses the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical program (WIN-T) to deliver secure voice and data communications on the battlefield without fixed infrastructure. Moreover, the US military is creating Joint All-Domain Command and Control, a complete, unified, and interoperable wireless networking system (JADC2). It will link sensors from all military domains into a single network, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, Space Force, and Marine Corps. The rise in modernization is encouraging tactical communication market players to scale up their new communication equipment production volumes by replacing the traditional ones.

Market Opportunities:

Increasing Modernization of Reconnaissance Equipment in Defense Forces

Improved system reliability is critical to a country's purchase of airborne communication equipment. Advanced hardware components assist in collecting and distributing imagery across multiple defense platforms, such as combat vehicles and command centers. Airborne surveillance systems, commercial and military, have evolved and continue to improve. Further, the satellite-limited and contested battlefield environments rely on advanced, secure, beyond-line-of-sight (BLoS) communications. These monitoring radars are placed in key locations to improve detection rates. Modern airborne surveillance systems with low false alarm rates encourage countries with border conflicts, security, safety, and many more designs for military vehicles, emergency vehicles, command posts, and any other situation requiring high-quality intra-crew and inter-network audio communications, which is expanding the growth of the tactical communication market. In the military business, rapid technological advancements are breeding disruptive technologies. For instance, in 2024, BAE Systems secured a US$85 million production contract from the US Navy to supply additional Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) systems. It enables operators to transmit and receive real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data from multiple sources and exchange command and control information across separate or independent networks. These systems facilitate the real-time transmission of voice, data, imagery, and full-motion video across multiple platforms, including air, surface, subsurface, and portable units. Installations under this contract are already underway on US Navy aircraft carriers and are planned for integration into the upcoming Constellation-class frigates. A few key players in the market are BAE Systems (England), Leonardo S.p.A (Italy) and Lockheed Martin (US). These players are offering tactical communication systems for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platform. Thus, advancements in military UAVs, coupled with communication equipment suppliers for UAVs, are leading to significant growth trends in the tactical communication market, providing opportunities for the market players.

Tactical Communication Market Report Segmentation Analysis

The tactical communication market is segmented to provide a detailed understanding of its operations, growth opportunities, and emerging trends. Below is the standard segmentation approach used in most industry reports:

By Platform:

• Airborne

  Airborne platforms are used to collect very detailed images and facilitate data collection over virtually any portion of the Earth's surface at any time. Airborne tactical platforms include fighters, transport aircraft, helicopters, and Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPV) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Effective airborne communication is one of the most critical capabilities in 21st-century combat.

• Shipborne

  The shipborne tactical communication involves ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication. Onboard equipment, shore stations, and satellites are used to facilitate marine communication.

• Land

  Ground-based platforms are used to record and communicate detailed information about the surface, compared with data collected from aircraft or satellite sensors, i.e., for ground observation.

• Underwater

  Underwater communication involves transmitting and receiving data below the water surface, often under challenging conditions.

By Type:

• Soldier Radio

  Soldier radios are individual tactical devices adopted by defense forces for efficient communication among army personnel across battlefields and other areas. Combat Communication (CC) mode, Electronic Warfare (EW) mode, and Featureless Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD) mode are all available on soldier radios in the SS (soldier system) domain.

• Manpack Radio

  The Manpack radio is a two-channel radio capable of transmitting both data and voice communications. These radios have an operating spectrum of 2–512 Megahertz with 20-watt power output or 512 Megahertz to 2.5 Gigahertz with 10-watt power output.

• Vehicular Intercommunication Radio (VIC)

  The Vehicular Intercommunications Radio (VIC) is a reliable and modern system for combat vehicles. The system provides intercom services between crew members.

• High-Capacity Data Radio (HCDR)

  As part of the Bowman communication system, high-capacity data radio (HCDR) is a development of the Near-Term Digital Radio (NTDR) for the UK government. It is a secure wideband UHF radio system operating between 225 and 450 MHz that provides a self-managing IP-based Internet backbone capability without relying on mobile or fixed communication infrastructure.

• Others

  The other segment in the tactical communication market includes video communication devices and rugged communication devices. Video conferencing is becoming an indispensable tool for the Defense Department as the number of armed services personnel grows.

By Technology:

• Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM)
• Next-Generation Network (NGN)

By Application:

• ISR
• Combat
• Command and Control

By Geography:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
• South America
  

The tactical communication market in Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth. This growth is primarily driven by modernization, rising defense spending, geopolitical tensions, and technological advancements.

Tactical Communication Market Report ScopeTactical Communication Market Share Analysis by Geography

Asia Pacific is expected to grow the fastest in the next few years. Emerging markets in South America, the Middle East and Africa also have many untapped opportunities for tactical communication providers to expand.

The tactical communication market grows differently in each region due to high defense spending, defense modernization, and technological innovation. Below is a summary of market share and trends by region:

1. North America

• Market Share:

  Dominant role in the tactical communication market due to its substantial defense budgets, emphasis on modernization, and innovation in communication technologies. 

• Key Drivers:

  • High Defense Spending
  • Modernization and Network-centric Warfare
  • Demand for Secure and Real-time Communication
  • Technological Innovation
  • Public-Private Partnerships and Collaborations

• Trends:

  • Increasing adoption of software-defined radios and satellite integration to extend battlefield connectivity.
  • Emergence of 5G and private LTE networks for faster, more reliable communication.

2. Europe

• Market Share:

  Sizable and fast-growing, due to strategic defense modernization, technological advancements, amongst others.

• Key Drivers:

  • Rising geopolitical tensions and the need for enhanced defense capabilities.
  • Emphasis on interoperability among NATO forces.
  • Ongoing defense modernization programs.
  • Demand for secure communication systems in diverse military operations.

• Trends:

  • Command & control systems dominate for coordinating multinational military operations.
  • Adoption of AI-integrated communication systems by European armed forces.
  • Push for sustainability, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation in the European tactical communication industry.

• 3. Asia Pacific

• Market Share:

  Fastest-growing region driven by modernization, rising defense spending, geopolitical tensions, and technological advancements

• Key Drivers:

  • Rising defense budgets & modernization
  • Geopolitical tensions
  • Digitalization & advanced technologies
  • Need for secure, real-time communication

• Trends:

  Transition from analog to digital communication networks with increased secure and encrypted systems.

4. Middle East and Africa

• Market Share:

  Developing market, with growing awareness and selective adoption in specific sectors

• Key Drivers:

  • Rising defense modernization and increasing focus on network-centric warfare enable real-time information sharing among connected soldiers and military platforms.
  • Integration of advanced communication technologies such as software-defined radios, portable SATCOM systems, and secure frequency to improve battlefield connectivity
  • Growing demand for satellite communication (SATCOM) technologies
  • The need for resilient, secure, and mobile communication systems in counterinsurgency

• Trends:

  • Development of portable tactical satellite communication systems for enhanced combat situational awareness.
  • Transition toward next-generation network technologies and digital signal processing to improve communication quality and reduce miscommunication.
  • Growing importance of IP-based radio networks, low-latency mesh communications, and AI-driven cognitive radios.

5. South America

• Market Share:

  Emerging market benefiting from defense modernization and increased regional collaboration, amongst others.

• Key Drivers:

  • Expansion of Defense Budgets and Modernization Initiatives
  • Security and Border Control Emphasis
  • Need for Reliable Communication in Challenging Environments
  • Regional Cooperation and Joint Military Exercises

• Trends:

  • Growth in deployment of multi-frequency communication systems for their flexibility and capability to handle various mission needs.
  • Increased emphasis on interoperability standards to support joint missions and regional security alliances.
  • Vendors are actively demonstrating capabilities and engaging in pilot initiatives to show practical benefits in border security, counter-narcotics, and disaster response.

Tactical Communication Market Players Density: Understanding Its Impact on Business Dynamics

 

High Market Density and Competition

Competition is strong due to the presence of established players such as BAE Systems plc, General Dynamics Corporation, Iridium Communications Inc., Northrop Grumman, RTX Corporation, Thales, Ultra Electronics Holdings Ltd, ViaSat Inc., Airbus, and L3 Harris Technologies Inc.

This high level of competition urges companies to stand out by offering:

• New Product Launches
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity

Opportunities and Strategic Moves

• Focus on Indigenous Development and Regional Collaboration
• Strategic collaborations and partnerships to expand their product portfolios, geographic reach, and technological capabilities.

Major Companies operating in the Tactical Communication Market are:

1. BAE Systems plc
2. General Dynamics Corporation
3. Iridium Communications Inc.
4. Northrop Grumman
5. RTX Corporation
6. Thales
7. Ultra Electronics Holdings Ltd
8. ViaSat Inc.
9. Airbus
10. L3 Harris Technologies Inc.

Disclaimer: The companies listed above are not ranked in any particular order.

Other companies analyzed during the course of research:

1. Savox Communications (Finland)
2. David Clark Company (US)
3. CEOTRONICS AG (Germany)
4. INVISIO (Denmark)
5. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) (India)
6. Rolta Incorporated (India)
7. Terma Group (Denmark)
8. Hensoldt AG (Germany)

Tactical Communication Market News and Recent Developments

• In August 2025, General Dynamics Mission Systems–UK has been selected, along with supplier GRC, to incorporate eight Scytale SATCOM systems into the core Bowman system for the British Army. Using multi-platform, multi-bearer SATCOM and integrating Scytale SATCOM technology as a Deployed Bearer of Opportunity (DBoO) will connect headquarters to users in dispersed operations, enabling accessible and secure communications at the tactical edge.
• In February 2024, Iridium Communications Inc., a leading provider of global voice and data satellite communications, announced that the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of Defense (MOD) has adopted Iridium connectivity for strategic use within its military operations. The ROK Army will leverage a full suite of Iridium products and services to enhance operations, including real-time position tracking capabilities for soldiers.

Tactical Communication Market Report Coverage and Deliverables

The "Tactical Communications Market Size and Forecast (2021–2031)" report provides a detailed analysis of the market covering below areas:

• Tactical communications market size and forecast at global, regional, and country levels for all the key market segments covered under the scope
• Tactical communications market trends, as well as market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and key opportunities
• Detailed PEST and SWOT analysis
• Tactical communications market analysis covering key market trends, global and regional framework, major players, regulations, and recent market developments
• Industry landscape and competition analysis covering market concentration, heat map analysis, prominent players, and recent developments for the tactical communications market
• Detailed company profiles