Airborne early warning market seen reaching $11.26 billion by 2030

The airborne early warning and control market is projected to grow from $8.48 billion in 2026 to $11.26 billion by 2030, fueled by defense modernization, surveillance demand and network-centric warfare needs. North America held the largest share in 2025, while Asia-Pacific is expected to grow fastest over the forecast period.

Why it matters: - The airborne early warning and control market is moving higher as militaries spend more on surveillance, command-and-control and air defense. - The market’s growth signals rising demand for platforms that can detect and track aircraft, missiles and ships over long distances. - Defense planners are prioritizing systems that improve battlefield awareness and faster response to threats.

What happened: - The Business Research Company said the airborne early warning and control market will rise from $7.92 billion in 2025 to $8.48 billion in 2026. - The firm projects the market will reach $11.26 billion by 2030. - The report was published Sept. 24, 2026. - The company also released a free sample of the report and the full market report online: More information and the full report.

The details: - The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1% from 2025 to 2026. - The forecast period calls for a 7.3% CAGR through 2030. - Historical growth reflects defense modernization, higher military aircraft purchases, geopolitical conflict, expanded airborne surveillance missions and more funding for integrated air defense systems. - Future demand is tied to network-centric warfare, next-generation AEW&C procurement, border surveillance investment, wider use of unmanned aerial surveillance vehicles and higher defense budgets for command-and-control technology. - Expected technology trends include long-range multi-target surveillance, airborne battle management systems, multi-sensor platforms, high-endurance AEW missions and advanced airborne radar. - AEW&C systems use radar and communications to detect, track and monitor targets and to provide real-time situational awareness and command-and-control support. - The report identifies North America as the largest regional market in 2025. - The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing market over the forecast period. - The regional analysis also covers South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The report adds market attractiveness scoring, total addressable market analysis, company scoring matrices, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspot infographics, key technology analysis and updated graphics and tables.

Between the lines: - Rising defense spending is doing more than lifting procurement budgets. It is pushing countries toward more connected sensing and command systems. - The report points to a market shift from standalone surveillance toward integrated platforms that can feed wider air defense networks. - SIPRI reported in April 2024 that worldwide military spending reached $2.443 trillion in 2023, up 6.8% in real terms from 2022.

What's next: - The market’s next phase appears centered on broader adoption of multi-sensor, high-endurance and unmanned surveillance systems. - Future procurement is likely to favor platforms that combine detection, tracking and battle management in one networked system. - The Business Research Company is also promoting expert contact channels for buyers and readers seeking more information.

The bottom line: - AEW&C is emerging as a steady-growth defense niche with long-term demand supported by higher military spending, regional security tensions and the shift to networked warfare.