A fiber optic cable is a bundle of optical threads with a diameter (single thread) larger than the diameter of a human hair strand; each of these threads may transfer data encoded as light waves. Fiber optics are replacing metal optics in aerospace and military applications due to their ability to withstand severe environments. The use of fiber optic in data transmission enables the transmission over a long distance, confers immunity to electromagnetic interference, and supports high bandwidth with high rates of speed and no data loss. Fiber-optic cables are lighter and smaller than metal cables and safer for vulnerable activities. The demand for fiber optics in aerospace and military communications is increasing due to efficient flight management systems, communication systems, in-flight entertainment systems, electronic warfare avionics, cabin interiors, and radar systems. The increasing demand for higher bandwidth, reliability, and airframes in new and upgraded aircraft boosts the aerospace and military fiber optic market growth.
According to a recent study from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), it is expected that passenger and freight traffic is likely to double by 2035. The number of air travelers is increasing with the rising middle-class disposable income and elevated operations and popularity of low-cost airlines. As the number of passengers grows in major countries such as Canada, the US, Brazil, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Saudi Arabia, and India, the number of commercial aircraft deliveries also spikes. A rise in commercial aircraft deliveries with advanced integrated solutions adds to the demand for fiber optics. According to the Bureau of Transportation, the US airlines reported a significant rise in passenger count from October 2020. A consequent rise in the shift toward the edge of communication, radar, and navigation systems to ensure streamlined airline operations further boosts the growth of the aerospace and military fiber optic market
The COVID-19 pandemic substantially hampered industries in Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented policy responses across European countries that hit the region’s economic growth during the Q2 and Q3 of the outbreak. This further resulted in disruptions in multiple supply chains across various European industries due to lockdowns imposed by the European Union (EU) members to curb the outbreak.
The European military was hit hard by the high number of COVID-19 cases in the region from 2020 to 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic also triggered a drop in the demand for military equipment, resulting in reduced production, and negatively impacted European military infrastructure growth. However, in contrast to the factors mentioned above, the European aerospace and military fiber optic market players managed to acquire aerospace and fiber optics contracts from various military forces worldwide. This enabled the market players to generate revenues and contribute to the market growth. Thus, the revenue generated in 2020 was comparatively less than in 2019.
The increasing demand for new and reliable fiber optic cables and connectors for communication systems is also one of the major factors driving the aerospace and military fiber optic market in this region. According to Airbus Global Market Forecast, the commercial aircraft fleet stood at 22,950 units aircraft at the start of 2020, and it is expected to rise to 46,720 units by 2040. The manufacturers of commercial and general aviation aircraft are focused on technologically advanced solutions, such as advanced in-flight entertainment (IFE) and cabin interiors, robust avionics, and enhanced radar systems. The integration of such components with modern fleets is a prime factor catalyzing the procurement of fiber optics, such as cables and connectors. Further, upgrading existing commercial and general aviation aircraft fleets plays a crucial role in driving the growth of the aerospace and military fiber optic market. Continuously flourishing customer-centric business models among commercial and general aviation aircraft owners are substantially boosting the IFE domain, which is propelling the installation of fiber optic cables and connectors, thereby, catalyzing the aerospace and military fiber optic market growth.
The aerospace and military fiber optic market, based on application, is segmented into radar systems, flight management systems, in-flight entertainment systems, communication systems, electronic warfare, cabin interiors, and avionics. The communication systems segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Communication systems require a high degree of tactical equipment to connect to the global information grid of shared data and information. Fiber optic cable networks are used to send intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data through various communication systems. Satellites, interconnected ground links, and communication systems are important components of communication networks because they allow data to be transmitted securely across secure data links. These data lines use compatible communication protocols to communicate information between allies safely. Thus, all these factors collectively contribute to the growth of communication systems in the aerospace and military fiber optic market.
The aerospace and military fiber optic market analysis is segmented based on component, application, end-user, and geography. Based on component, the aerospace and military fiber optic market size is segmented into cables and connectors. Based on application, the aerospace and military fiber optic market is segmented into radar systems, flight management systems, in-flight entertainment systems, communication systems, electronic warfare, cabin interiors, and avionics. Based on end-user, the market is bifurcated into commercial and military. Based on geography, the aerospace and military fiber optic market is primarily segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South and Central America. Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (US), TE Connectivity (US/Switzerland), AFL (US), W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc. (US), Amphenol FSI (US), Prysmian Group (Italy), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), Prysmian S.p.A. (Italy), Nexans S.A. (France), Radiall (France) and Glenair, Inc. (US) are among the key aerospace and military fiber optic market players.
The regional trends and factors influencing the Aerospace and Military Fiber Optic Market throughout the forecast period have been thoroughly explained by the analysts at Insight Partners. This section also discusses Aerospace and Military Fiber Optic Market segments and geography across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size in 2021 | US$ 4.62 Billion |
| Market Size by 2028 | US$ 7.21 Billion |
| Global CAGR (2021 - 2028) | 7.0% |
| Historical Data | 2019-2020 |
| Forecast period | 2022-2028 |
| Segments Covered |
By Component
|
| Regions and Countries Covered | North America
|
| Market leaders and key company profiles |
The Aerospace and Military Fiber Optic Market market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing end-user demand due to factors such as evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and greater awareness of the product's benefits. As demand rises, businesses are expanding their offerings, innovating to meet consumer needs, and capitalizing on emerging trends, which further fuels market growth.
Market players density refers to the distribution of firms or companies operating within a particular market or industry. It indicates how many competitors (market players) are present in a given market space relative to its size or total market value.
Major Companies operating in the Aerospace and Military Fiber Optic Market are:
Disclaimer: The companies listed above are not ranked in any particular order.
Players operating in the aerospace and military fiber optic market are mainly focused on the development of advanced and efficient products.
The List of Companies - Aerospace and Military Fiber Optics Market
The aerospace industry and defense forces use advanced communication systems to facilitate effective and continuous contact between personnel at different sites and the base station or ground station. Thus, these two industries pose a continuously high demand for technologically enhanced and high-speed communication systems. The major benefit conferred by high-speed data transfer solutions is the access to real-time information with minimum scope for data loss. Fiber optic cables are capable of transferring high-speed data over longer distances, which is one of the key features attracting aerospace and defense communication system manufacturers.
The frequency of bilateral military confrontations between countries is increasing rapidly. As a result, many countries are continuously striving to strengthen their security measures. New weaponry and fighting systems are being developed to meet battle demands. Electronic warfare technology has been a part of all defense systems utilized during combat missions due to the development of digital battlefields. Consequently, governments' procurement priorities have shifted to keep up with emerging warfare needs. Next-generation fighters, naval ships, and military ground vehicles are likely to be the prime application areas for new electronic warfare and electronic intelligence environment in the coming years. Rapid technological advancements will continue to influence the conflicts of the 21st century since advanced systems provide increased situational awareness and better threat assessment. Moreover, developments in information technology are leading to exciting new possibilities, attracting the interest of military officials in the latest technologies. These factors are bolstering the demand for electronic warfare technologies, which further calls for advanced connectivity components such as fiber optic cables and connectors.
The aerospace and military fiber optics market was dominated by North America, with more than 40% share in 2021, and will continue to dominate the market till 2028.
The major companies in aerospace and military fiber optics market includes Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, Amphenol Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Prysmian Group, ITT Inc., TE Connectivity, AFL, Timbercon, Inc, NEXANS and Radiall.
The cables segment led the aerospace and military fiber optics market with a significant share in 2020. It is further expected to dominate the market share over the forecast period.