Market Insights
“The civil aircraft and military SATCOM equipment market was valued at US$ 1.7 billion in 2024 and is likely to grow at a CAGR of 11.0% in the long run to reach US$ 3.3 billion in 2030.”
Market Dynamics
Introduction
The SATCOM equipment market represents a critical segment of global aerospace and defense technology, providing secure, reliable, and high-speed communication solutions across civil and military domains. In civil aviation, SATCOM systems are integral for in-flight connectivity, real-time cockpit communications, navigation updates, flight operations management, and passenger entertainment services. These systems are deployed across a range of aircraft types, including narrow-body, wide-body, regional jets, and general aviation, and comprise hardware such as antennas, modems, servers, and wireless access points (WAPs). The growth of civil SATCOM is being propelled by increasing passenger demand for seamless connectivity, the expansion of low-cost carrier (LCC) fleets, and the rapid adoption of next-generation satellite networks, including high-throughput satellites (HTS), low-earth orbit (LEO), and medium-earth orbit (MEO) constellations, which enable higher data speeds and improved global coverage.
In the military, SATCOM equipment is essential for beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, enabling secure command and control, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and operations of unmanned aerial, land, and naval platforms. Military SATCOM systems are designed to operate in contested or hostile environments, incorporating features such as encryption, anti-jamming, multi-band capability, and hardened terminals to ensure mission-critical reliability. The military SATCOM market is experiencing growth due to increasing defense modernization programs, rising global defense expenditures, and the rapid deployment of unmanned systems, while technological innovations such as phased-array antennas, multi-orbit satellites, and hybrid connectivity solutions are enhancing operational efficiency and resilience.
Overall, the civil aircraft and military SATCOM market is witnessing significant expansion as commercial aviation increasingly relies on digital connectivity and military operations demand secure, robust communication networks. The convergence of technological advancements, rising investments, and evolving operational requirements across both civil and military segments is creating a dynamic market landscape.
Recent Market JVs and Acquisitions:
A considerable number of strategic alliances, including M&As, collaborations, Long Term Agreements, etc., have been performed over the past few years:
- In May 2023, Viasat completed the acquisition of Inmarsat, creating a combined GEO/Ka-band satellite portfolio to strengthen its global connectivity services.
In 2023, Satcom Direct partnered with Intelsat to integrate its antennas on the FlexExec network, enhancing in-flight connectivity and strengthening its positioning with business aviation customers.
Civil Aircraft SATCOM Equipment Market Segments' Analysis
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Segmentations
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List of Sub-Segments
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Segments with High-Growth Opportunity
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Aircraft-Type Analysis
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Narrow Body Aircraft, Wide Body Aircraft, Regional Jets, and General Aviation
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Wide-body aircraft are expected to be the dominant as well as the fastest-growing aircraft of the market during the forecast period.
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Hardware Type
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Antenna System, Servers, WAPs, Modems, and Other Hardware
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Antenna systems are forecasted to capture the largest portion of the market, whereas modems are expected to record the highest growth trajectory in the coming years.
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Connectivity-Type Analysis
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ATG, Ka-Band, Ku-Band, L-Band, and Hybrid Ku-Ka-Band
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Ku-Band is anticipated to hold the major share in the market, while Ka-Band is projected to experience faster growth during the forecast period.
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Product Type Analysis
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Cellular, Wi-fi, and Cellular & Wi-fi
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Wi-fi is expected to be the dominant product type in the market, while cellular & wi-fi are likely to be the fastest-growing category during the forecast period.
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Satellite- Type Analysis
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GEO, LEO, and MEO
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GEO is expected to retain its leading position throughout the forecast period, while LEO is anticipated to be the fastest-growing category.
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Regional Analysis
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North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World
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North America is projected to remain the leading regional market, capturing the largest share, while Asia-Pacific is expected to record the fastest growth during the forecast period.
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By Aircraft Type
“Wide-body aircraft are expected to maintain the largest share among aircraft types and are projected to experience the fastest growth over the forecast period.”
Based on aircraft type, the civil aircraft SATCOM equipment market is categorized into narrow-body aircraft, wide-body aircraft, regional jets, and general aviation. Wide-body aircraft are likely to hold the major share in the market, primarily due to their extensive operation on long-haul international routes, where in-flight connectivity (IFC) is most essential. Passengers on these flights spend extended periods in the air, driving strong demand for reliable, high-speed internet, video streaming, and real-time communication services. Airlines operating in competitive international markets are increasingly prioritizing SATCOM upgrades on wide-body fleets to enhance passenger experience, strengthen customer loyalty, and generate additional revenue through premium connectivity offerings.
Future fleet expansion is also set to reinforce the dominance of wide-body aircraft in this segment. Industry projections indicate that approximately 1,775 wide-body aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2030, presenting a significant opportunity for new SATCOM equipment installations. Additionally, ongoing fleet replacement cycles and retrofitting programs for existing wide-body aircraft are expected to sustain strong aftermarket demand.
By Hardware Type
“Antenna systems are projected to retain the largest share among hardware types, whereas modems are anticipated to experience the fastest growth over the coming years.”
By hardware type, the civil aircraft SATCOM equipment market is segmented into antenna systems, servers, WAPs, modems, and other hardware. Antenna systems are expected to retain their dominant share, as they constitute the single largest cost component of SATCOM installations, typically accounting for 50–56% of the total system cost depending on aircraft type. Their importance lies in directly affecting link quality, bandwidth availability, system flexibility, and overall aircraft performance. Airlines and operators consider antennas a strategic investment, as delivering reliable, high-speed in-flight connectivity (IFC) largely depends on antenna efficiency. With continuous technological advancements in both mechanical-array and phased-array designs, antennas remain central to IFC strategies, ensuring this segment maintains its leading position throughout the forecast period.
Modems, on the other hand, are poised to register the fastest growth among hardware components. The increasing adoption of multi-band and multi-orbit connectivity, driven by the deployment of LEO constellations and hybrid satellite networks, has made advanced modems critical for modern SATCOM systems. These next-generation modems enable dynamic bandwidth allocation, intelligent data routing, and enhanced cybersecurity, meeting airlines’ growing demand for real-time operational data and superior passenger connectivity. As airlines focus on future-proofing their SATCOM architectures, investments in modem upgrades are expected to accelerate, establishing modems as the fastest-growing hardware segment in the market.
By Satellite Type
“Geostationary satellites (GEO) are expected to remain the dominant satellite type in the market, while low-earth orbit satellites (LEO) are projected to achieve the fastest growth among SATCOM service providers over the forecast period.”
By satellite type, the civil aircraft SATCOM equipment market is segmented into GEO, LEO, and MEO satellites. GEO satellites are expected to maintain their dominant position in the market due to their long-established deployment, extensive coverage, and proven operational reliability. GEO satellites provide uninterrupted connectivity across vast geographic areas, including oceanic and remote airspaces, which is essential for long-haul commercial flights. Their mature infrastructure, well-established ground networks, and compatibility with a wide range of aircraft, both new and retrofitted, make GEO satellites the preferred choice for airlines seeking dependable in-flight connectivity.
LEO satellites are projected to be the fastest-growing segment of the market. Their low-altitude positioning enables low-latency, high-speed connectivity, catering to the increasing demand for real-time applications, video streaming, and data-intensive services onboard aircraft. The rapid expansion of LEO constellations is enhancing global coverage and service resilience, particularly in regions where GEO satellites have limited reach. Airlines and SATCOM service providers are increasingly adopting LEO solutions alongside GEO networks to create hybrid architectures that optimize bandwidth, reduce latency, and enhance operational flexibility. With continued investment and deployment of LEO constellations, LEO satellites are expected to record the highest growth among satellite types over the forecast period.
Regional Analysis
“North America is expected to retain its position as the largest market by region throughout the forecast period, while the Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth.”
North America is expected to maintain its leading position in the civil aircraft SATCOM equipment market, driven by the widespread adoption of in-flight connectivity (IFC) solutions and a well-established aviation infrastructure. The region is home to numerous major commercial airlines operating large fleets of both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft on domestic and international routes, generating steady demand for advanced SATCOM systems. North American carriers have also been early adopters of next-generation connectivity technologies, supported by a mature ecosystem of satellite operators, ground stations, and regulatory frameworks that enable rapid deployment. These factors collectively reinforce North America’s continued market dominance over the forecast period.
The Asia-Pacific region is projected to register the fastest growth in the civil aircraft SATCOM market. The rapid expansion of air travel, growth of low-cost carriers (LCCs), and rising passenger expectations for high-speed onboard connectivity are driving accelerated SATCOM adoption. Furthermore, ongoing fleet modernization programs, increasing deliveries of new aircraft, and investments in satellite infrastructure, including both GEO and LEO networks, are enabling airlines in the region to rapidly scale in-flight connectivity services, positioning Asia-Pacific as the fastest-growing market.
Military SATCOM Equipment Market Segments' Analysis
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Segmentations
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List of Sub-Segments
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Segments with High-Growth Opportunity
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Application-Type Analysis
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Aeronautical, Land, and Marine
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Aeronautical is expected to be the dominant as well as the fastest-growing application type in the market during the forecast period.
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Regional Analysis
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North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World
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North America is projected to remain the leading regional market, while Asia-Pacific is expected to record the fastest growth during the forecast period.
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By Application Type
“The aeronautical segment is expected to retain the largest share among application types while also recording the fastest growth in the market over the forecast period.”
Based on application type, the military SATCOM equipment market is segmented into aeronautical, land, and marine. The aeronautical segment is expected to remain the dominant application type while also registering the fastest growth over the forecast period. Unlike land or marine platforms, military aircraft operate far beyond the reach of terrestrial communication systems, making satellite communication essential for maintaining continuous, secure connectivity. Airborne platforms rely on high-bandwidth, real-time links to support mission-critical operations such as command and control (C2), intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, and precision targeting. The dependence on beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication positions SATCOM equipment as a cornerstone for situational awareness and operational success across expansive and contested regions.
In addition, the growing deployment of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions is driving strong demand for advanced SATCOM solutions. UAS, particularly those operating over long ranges or in denied environments, rely heavily on satellite links for remote piloting, sensor data transmission, and autonomous operations. Rising global defense budgets for UAS procurement and R&D reflect a strategic shift toward unmanned aerial capabilities, further reinforcing growth in the aeronautical SATCOM segment.
Regional Analysis
“North America is expected to retain its position as the largest regional market, while the Asia-Pacific region is projected to experience the fastest growth over the forecast period.”
North America is expected to retain the largest share of the military SATCOM equipment market throughout the forecast period, largely driven by the United States’ substantial defense budget. The U.S. Department of Defense invests heavily in advanced SATCOM capabilities to support intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and secure command-and-control (C2) operations. Large-scale satellite procurement, protected communication networks, and resilient ground and airborne terminals reinforce the region’s leadership. Canada also contributes through modernization programs, including Arctic surveillance and joint NATO initiatives.
The Asia-Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing market, fueled by rising defense expenditures, territorial disputes, and modernization efforts. Leading economies such as China and India are investing heavily in SATCOM systems to enhance situational awareness, interoperability, and network-enabled capabilities. The rapid expansion of China’s space and satellite infrastructure, along with India’s focus on indigenous defense technologies, is driving strong regional demand. Increasing adoption of unmanned systems and advanced military platforms further positions the Asia-Pacific for robust growth in the military SATCOM market.
Key Players
The following are the key players in the civil aircraft SATCOM equipment market.
Here is the list of the Key Players
- Astronics Corporation
- BAE Systems
- Comtech Telecommunications Corp.
- General Dynamics
- Gilat Satellite Networks
- Honeywell International Inc.
- Hughes Network Systems LLC
- L3Harris Technologies Inc.
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- Panasonic Avionics Corporation
- RTX Corporation
- Thales S.A
- ThinKom Solutions Inc.
- Viasat Inc.
Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.
Are you the leading player in this market? We would love to include your name. Please write to us at [email protected]
Report Features
This report provides market intelligence most comprehensively. The report structure has been kept so that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:
- Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.
- Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.
- Market trend and forecast analysis.
- Market segment trend and forecast.
- Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Product portfolio, New Product Launches, etc.
- Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.
- Emerging trends.
- Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.
- Key success factors.
The global civil aircraft and military SATCOM equipment market is segmented into the following categories.
Civil Aircraft SATCOM Equipment Market, by Aircraft Type
- Narrow Body
- Wide Body
- Regional jets
- General Aviation
Civil Aircraft SATCOM Equipment Market by Hardware Type
- Antenna System
- Mechanical-Array Antennas
- Phased-Array Antennas
- Servers
- WAPs
- Modems
- Other Hardware
Civil Aircraft SATCOM Equipment Market by Connectivity Type
- ATG
- Ka-Band
- Ku-Band
- L-Band
- Hybrid Ku-Ka-Band
Civil Aircraft SATCOM Equipment Market by Product Type
- Cellular
- Wi-fi
- Cellular and Wi-fi
Civil Aircraft SATCOM Equipment Market by Satellite Type
Civil Aircraft SATCOM Equipment Market by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Rest of the World
Military SATCOM Equipment Market, by Application Type
- Aeronautical
- Land
- Mobile
- Stationary
- Manpack
- Marine
- Surface Vessels
- Submarine
- Unmanned Naval Vessels
Military SATCOM Equipment Market by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Rest of the World
Research Methodology
- This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s civil aircraft and military SATCOM equipment market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period.
- The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner to provide a panoramic view of the market.
- The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants and investors in identifying the low-hanging fruit available in the market and formulating growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
- This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools.
- More than 1000+ authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.
- We conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.
Report Customization Options
With this detailed report, Stratview Research offers one of the following free customization options to our respected clients:
Company Profiling
- Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players)
- SWOT analysis of key players (up to three players)
Competitive Benchmarking
- Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Product portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances
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