European Airborne ISTAR Markets - Airborne Radar

Abstract

Diminishing Opportunities Challenge European Airborne Radar Manufacturers

Next generation Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance (ISTAR) platforms with advanced radar systems can cost up to $100 million per unit and smaller countries do not yet possess procurement options in that range. Also, widespread spending cuts imposed by the Governments on their departments of defence are likely to lead to diminished overall opportunities for the manufacturers.

The Frost & Sullivan research service provides a detailed analysis of the European airborne ISTAR markets. This study divides the market into radar for front-line aircrafts, for fixed-wing aircrafts and for rotorcrafts. It offers demand and opportunity analysis for every European country and presents key market trends for the same. Market drivers and restraints are also detailed according to each sector in this research service.

Exploration of Technological Innovation Tracks the Development of Manufacturers Value Chain

"The capability of radar on advanced fighter aircrafts such as Eurofighter, Rafale and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is heavily enhanced by the use of infrared search and track sensor system," says the analyst of this research service. "Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is capable of giving an unmatched picture resolution, and extensive use of data transfer technology will enhance the ISTAR potential of aircraft and will make it essential for air forces to use more sophisticated types of radar."

Moreover, open system architecture and a percent of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology supporting each sensor system will gain in importance over a period of time. Apart from powerful and precise sensors, modern air forces are demanding features of COTS such as easy upgrade, flexibility and low cost. Radar manufacturers are looking to move up the value-chain by providing next generation technology in order to protect their market share.

Beneficial Features of Radars may Increase their Usage thereby Positively Impacting Procurement

"Front line platforms ISTAR capability always lie in photographic reconnaissance, and their radar is used for short-range tracking of airborne targets," explains the analyst. "Fixed wing platforms such as dedicated Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) or ground surveillance aircraft provide both tactical and strategic intelligence whereas, rotorcraft platforms are used primarily in a tactical intelligence function."

Strategic intelligence on topics such as, military problems with regard to position, terrain and administration are gathered by radars. Tactical intelligence that is responsive to the needs of military commanders in the field such as, response to operational commanders tasking for time-sensitive information on foreign entities and battle damage assessment are also collected by radars. The importance of such information will drive the need for these systems in the future.