Global Airborne Sensors Market Assessment, By Application [Defense Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft, Others], By Sensor Type [Non-Scanning Sensors, Scanning Sensors], By Component [Hardware, Software], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F.

Global airborne sensors market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.04% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 8.51 billion in 2024 to USD 13.60 billion in 2032

Global Airborne Sensors Market Size, Share, Growth Forecast 2032

Global airborne sensors market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.04% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 8.51 billion in 2024 to USD 13.60 billion in 2032. Global airborne sensors market sustains strong expansion because the defense and commercial, and environmental sectors demand more of these products. The sensors installed on aircraft, drones, and balloons perform advanced high-resolution data collection for surveillance, reconnaissance, mapping, and disaster management operations.
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Details
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Base Year
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2024
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Forecast Period
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2025-2032F
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Historical Period
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2018-2023
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Projected Growth Rate
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CAGR of 6.04% between 2024 and 2032
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Revenue Forecast in 2032
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USD 13.60 billion
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The defense sector adopts modern sensor suits to improve its situational awareness, while commercial entities in agriculture and forestry, together with infrastructure monitoring, show fast market expansion. The development of both scanning and non-scanning sensors advances innovation, which operates through platforms from slow-moving aircraft to high-altitude systems. The North America region shows strong market growth due to rising investment activity and increased adoption of technology. Modern data acquisition depends on airborne sensors because the market combines defense priorities with growing civilian requirements.
For instance, in February 2025, the Government of Canada provided USD 1.35 million in funding to build the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan's airborne sensing laboratory. The funding proceeded to the local companies, together with UBC Okanagan and partners, to build and evaluate sophisticated remote sensing technology that promotes the airborne sensors market.
<h2>Technological Advancement Pumps the Airborne Sensors Market Growth</h2>
The market for airborne sensors shows strong expansion due to fast technological progress that transforms how aerial platforms gather and analyze data. Improved LiDAR systems, together with advanced radar and hyperspectral imaging platforms, enable new applications across defense, agricultural and environmental scientific sectors. The rising use of UAVs enables airborne sensing operations to become both more flexible and less expensive, thus driving higher demand from government and commercial sectors. The combination of AI analytics with real-time data processing enhances operational efficiency beyond previous limits. Sensor technology evolution leads to expanding market adoption across the world, which transforms industry operations through smarter, faster and more accurate solutions.
For instance, in September 2024, at AAD 2024, HENSOLDT AG unveiled the ARGOS-15, which represents their latest generation of airborne surveillance and targeting technology equipped with modern multispectral sensors and AI functionality. The new system enables HENSOLDT to expand its market presence in the worldwide aviation sensor industry, which continues to experience rapid growth.
<h2>Defense and Security Application Fuels the Airborne Sensors Market Growth</h2>
The airborne sensors industry shows substantial expansion due to the defense and security users' requirement for more of these devices. Modern military aircraft depend on airborne sensors to execute surveillance missions while conducting reconnaissance and collecting intelligence data. These technologies improve situational awareness and operational precision. The commercial aviation sector receives better safety systems through enhanced collision avoidance technology and weather monitoring systems. The pace of adoption increases due to high-resolution sensors, which are both miniaturized and processed with advanced capabilities. Defense modernization programs and government strategic investments drive the market forward. Research and development investments by key industry leaders generate competitive forces that drive technological progress to expand the capabilities of airborne sensing platforms.
For instance, in June 2025, the integration of AEW sensors onto the MQ-9B drone by Saab AB and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., elevates the airborne sensors market by delivering advanced modular surveillance solutions that improve defense capabilities, together with operational flexibility.
Defense Aircraft Dominates the Airborne Sensors Market
The airborne sensors market experiences significant expansion because defense aircraft represent the main market segment. This market leadership results from growing requirements for sophisticated surveillance and reconnaissance systems, together with intelligence-collection capabilities. The military has sped up the deployment of modern sensor systems in its aircraft through its modernization programs and strategic financial support. These sensors provide better operational capabilities through improved situational awareness alongside enhanced targeting accuracy and operational efficiency. The market divides its application segments into defense and commercial, and others, while offering scanning and non-scanning sensor types. Industry leaders push forward innovation through their research and development initiatives, which create market competition and drive technological progress. The adoption of airborne sensors remains primarily influenced by defense aircraft developments.
For instance, in February 2025, the F/A-18 Super Hornet of the US Navy reached its operational starting point by integrating the advanced IRST21 infrared sensor for extended range passive airborne threat detection and tracking. This shows that defense aircraft lead the airborne sensors market through innovative technological advancements.
North America Dominates the Airborne Sensors Market
The global airborne sensors market finds its largest market share in North America due to advanced defense systems and extensive aerospace integration. The area receives substantial funding for intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance activities through its network of top defense contractors and research institutions. Advanced sensors installed on modern drones, along with manned planes, provide enhanced capabilities for terrain mapping and weather observation, and border monitoring operations. The application of airborne sensors across defense and commercial sectors establishes North America as a leading force to shape future technological developments. The region holds a dominant position in both the development stages and practical implementation of airborne sensing technology due to its commitment to modernization.
For instance, in October 2024, the Deep Sensing and Targeting (DSaT) technology developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation for the United States Army demonstration uses airborne and space-based sensors to enable quick, accurate target identification. The innovative defense-funded technology strengthens North America's position as the leading power in the airborne sensors industry.
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Impact of U.S. Tariffs on the Airborne Sensors Market
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<li>The United States enforces tariffs on airborne sensor components, together with their semiconductors and specialized parts, which drive up manufacturing costs. The elevated prices result in decreased market adoption because sensitive sectors such as aerospace and logistics become more cost sensitive.</li>
<li>The operational inefficiencies created by tariffs lead to supply chain delays because manufacturers experience difficulties when obtaining essential sensor components. The tariff-related supply chain disturbances extend production timelines and negatively impact the development and delivery schedules of airborne sensor technologies.</li>
<li>Manufacturers experience reduced profit margins due to rising input expenses. Organizations evaluate their supply chain methods by choosing new suppliers and starting domestic manufacturing to handle tariff expenses, which creates short-term operational and innovation disruptions.</li>
<li>The North American market holds the largest share in this sector yet experiences slower adoption rates due to the tariffs. The tariffs have spurred companies to focus on domestic innovation and multiple supply chains because they want to minimize their dependence on imports affected by tariffs.</li>
</ul>
Report Scope
&ldquo;Global Airborne Sensors Market Assessment, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F&rdquo;,&nbsp;is a comprehensive report by Markets and Data, providing in-depth analysis and qualitative and quantitative assessment of the current state of global airborne sensors market, industry dynamics, and challenges. The report includes market size, segmental shares, growth trends, opportunities, and forecasts between 2025 and 2032. Additionally, the report profiles the leading players in the industry, mentioning their respective market share, business models, competitive intelligence, etc.
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Details
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Segments Covered
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Application, Sensor Type, Component
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Regions Covered
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North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa
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Key Companies Profiled
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ASELSAN A.Ş., BAE Systems plc, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Saab AB, Israel Aero Industries Ltd., Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Teledyne FLIR LLC, Leonardo S.p.A., and RTX Corporation.
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Customization Scope
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15% free report customization with purchase
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Pricing and Purchase Options
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Avail the customized purchase options to fulfill your precise research needs
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Delivery Format
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PDF and Excel through email (subject to the license purchased)
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In the report, the&nbsp;global airborne sensors market&nbsp;has been segmented into the following categories:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>By Application
<ul>
<li>Defense Aircraft</li>
<li>Commercial Aircraft</li>
<li>Others</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>By Sensor Type
<ul>
<li>Non-Scanning Sensors</li>
<li>Scanning Sensors</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>By Component
<ul>
<li>Hardware</li>
<li>Software</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>By Region
<ul>
<li>North America</li>
<li>Europe</li>
<li>Asia-Pacific</li>
<li>South America</li>
<li>Middle East and Africa</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The airborne sensors market shows fast-paced development because technological progress and new defense and commercial applications and environmental monitoring solutions emerge. Traditional aerospace companies operate alongside new tech enterprises that develop smaller sensors through AI systems and unmanned flying platforms. The market is expanding due to growing requirements for instant data access alongside accurate mapping and monitoring functions. The market remains optimistic because organizations continue to integrate multispectral sensors with hyperspectral and thermal sensors. Operations efficiency transforms due to enhanced analytics and automation, while smart infrastructure investments and climate monitoring projects create new frontiers. The market shows strong potential for continuous growth throughout the following decade.
For instance, in July 2025, RTX Corporation joined forces with Shield AI, Inc. to add AI-based autonomic features to RTX&rsquo;s loitering munitions and sensors by integrating ViDAR software with the Multi-Spectral Targeting System, which enhances automated airborne sensor capabilities for defense while expanding the airborne sensors industry.
Key Players Operating in Global Airborne Sensors Market are:
<ul>
<li>ASELSAN A.Ş.</li>
<li>BAE Systems plc</li>
<li>Northrop Grumman Corporation</li>
<li>Saab AB</li>
<li>Israel Aero Industries Ltd.</li>
<li>Thales Group</li>
<li>L3Harris Technologies, Inc.</li>
<li>Teledyne FLIR LLC</li>
<li>Leonardo S.p.A.</li>
<li>RTX Corporation</li>
</ul>
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Global Airborne Sensors Market Assessment, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F

Global airborne sensors market is growing due to rising demand for surveillance, environmental monitoring, and navigation. Advancements in technology and integration with unmanned systems are driving innovation across the defense and civilian sectors.

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