Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Market - Size, Industry Share, Growth Trends and Forecasts (2023 - 2030)

By Component :

Based on the component, the market is trifurcated into receiver, transmitter, and antenna. The antenna segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2022. The growing need for higher-resolution imaging and longer-range detection in applications such as defense, agriculture, forestry, and infrastructure monitoring are driving the growth of antenna segment. The antenna is responsible for transmitting and receiving the microwave signals used by the SAR system to create high-resolution images of the target area. The antenna's performance determines the system's imaging capabilities, including the resolution, range, and accuracy of the images. For instance, in July 2022, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) and Oxford Space Systems (OSS) announced the completion of an advanced deployable synthetic aperture radar antenna payload. Consequently, the development of innovative and advanced SAR antenna technology for earth observation applications is contributing to the growth of synthetic aperture radar market.

The transmitter segment is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The advancements in transmitter technology, such as the development of digital-to-analog converters and high-power amplifiers are driving the growth of this segment. The transmitter is responsible for generating the microwave signals that are transmitted towards the target area. As a result, the development of new power amplifiers and digital-to-analog converters enables higher performance and efficiency, thereby driving the growth of synthetic aperture radar market.

By Platform :

Based on the platform, the market is bifurcated into airborne and ground. The airborne segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2022. Airborne SAR systems offer high-resolution imaging capabilities that are essential for applications such as surveillance, mapping, and disaster monitoring. The high-resolution images provide detailed information about the target area to identify potential risks and take necessary actions. Airborne SAR systems are mounted on aircraft, drones, or satellites to provide high-resolution and wide coverage for applications such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and defense. For instance, in September 2022, HENSOLDT launched new-generation solutions for radar surveillance and radar electronic support for wildlife protection as well the protection of land. Thus, the ability of radar systems to detect potential risks on earth is accelerating the growth of the synthetic aperture radar market.

The ground segment is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Ground-based SAR systems are installed on the ground and is used for various applications, including infrastructure monitoring, geological mapping, and mineral exploration. Ground-based SAR systems offer high-resolution imaging capabilities and operate over a range of frequencies to support different applications. Furthermore, the application of SAR data in commercial applications, such as monitoring of natural resources, agriculture, and infrastructure is contributing to the growth of synthetic aperture radar market.

By Frequency Band :

Based on the frequency band, the market is segregated into Ka, K, Ku, X, C, S, L, and P. The X-band segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2022. The X-band offers a good balance between imaging resolution and penetration capabilities suitable for a wide range of applications, including maritime surveillance, ground mapping, and disaster monitoring. Moreover, the X-band offers high resolution imaging capabilities that are critical for military applications such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. For instance, in December 2021, MDA and ICEYE signed an agreement to integrate an X-band synthetic aperture radar satellite into MDA's CHORUS constellation to provide a new level of real-time insight and innovative Earth observation services. Thus, the ability of X-band frequency to provide real-time information on earth is driving the growth of synthetic aperture radar market.

The Ku-band segment is expected to witness fastest CAGR growth during the forecast period. The Ku-band is able to penetrate through clouds and foliage, making it ideal for applications that require imaging in adverse weather conditions or in areas with dense vegetation. Therefore, the Ku-band segment is well-suited for applications such as weather monitoring, disaster management, and urban planning. Moreover, the increasing availability of small and lightweight SAR systems for unmanned aerial vehicles and other small platforms is propelling the growth of synthetic aperture radar market.

By Mode :

Based on the mode, the market is divided into single-mode and multi-mode. The multi-mode SAR accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2022. Multi-mode SAR systems are designed to operate at multiple frequencies, thereby supporting various imaging modes and applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster response, maritime surveillance, and military applications. Multi-mode SAR systems offer greater flexibility and versatility that are optimized for specific applications and operating frequencies. As a result, multi-mode SAR systems are used to track changes in vegetation and land use, monitor coastal areas, and detect oil spills. Furthermore, multi-mode SAR systems are used to detect and map damage caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. For instance, in September 2022, BAE Systems announced to launch multi-sensor satellite cluster into the earth's orbit to provide military customers with high-quality information and intelligence in real-time from space. Thus, multi-mode SAR systems that support a wide variety of applications is accelerating the growth of synthetic aperture radar market.

By Application :

Based on the application, the market is segmented into aerospace & defense and commercial. The aerospace & defense industry accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2022. The growing demand for advanced surveillance and observation capabilities in the defense industry is driving the growth of synthetic aperture radar market. SAR technology allows for high-resolution imaging and real-time situational awareness, providing critical information to military and defense decision-makers. Moreover, the growing demand for unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous systems is also driving the growth of the aerospace & defense segment of the synthetic aperture radar market.

The commercial segment is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. SAR technology supports a wide variety of commercial applications such as public safety, environment monitoring, day and night imaging, and terrain topography, thereby driving the growth of the market. For instance, in February 2022, Spacety launched two new satellites into orbit, namely the Chaohu-1 SAR satellite and the Thor smart satellite to capture high-resolution images of the earth's surface for disaster monitoring, environmental protection, and resource management applications. The aforementioned applications require high-resolution imaging and real-time data to enable effective decision-making, resulting in increased demand for synthetic aperture radar applications.

By Region :

The regional segment includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

The Asia-Pacific region accounted for the largest revenue share valued at USD 1555.69 million in the year 2022 and is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 12.1% during 2023-2030. In Asia Pacific, China accounted for the maximum revenue share of 28.8% during the same year. The increasing demand for high-resolution imagery for applications such as urban planning, land-use mapping, and natural resource management is driving the SAR market in the Asia Pacific region. SAR technology is capable of providing high-resolution images with better accuracy and coverage, further resulting in the market growth. Thus, the increasing demand for high-resolution images along with government initiatives is propelling the growth of the market.

North America is expected to register fastest CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period. North America has a well-established aerospace and defense industry that uses SAR technology for surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering purposes. Moreover, North America has well-established infrastructure for satellite-based communication and navigation systems that supports the growth of the SAR market in the region. For instance, in May 2021, Officials of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory announced a USD 5.2 million contract to the BAE Systems Electronic Systems for the Moving Target Recognition (MTR) project.