Tactical Communication Market

Tactical communication is a critical aspect of military and law enforcement operations. It involves the exchange of information and instructions between personnel in high-stress, high-risk situations. Effective tactical communication can mean the difference between success and failure, and even life and death.

One of the key components of tactical communication is clarity. In high-stress situations, it can be difficult to process information and make decisions quickly. That's why it's important for personnel to communicate clearly and concisely, using standardized language and procedures. This helps ensure that everyone involved in an operation is on the same page and understands their role and responsibilities.

Another important aspect of tactical communication is situational awareness. Personnel must be able to quickly assess their surroundings and communicate relevant information to their team members. This includes identifying potential threats, assessing risks, and communicating the status of the operation.

In addition to clarity and situational awareness, effective tactical communication also involves active listening. Personnel must be able to listen carefully to instructions and feedback from their team members and adjust their actions accordingly. This helps ensure that everyone is working together towards a common goal and can help prevent mistakes or miscommunications.

Technology also plays an important role in tactical communication. Modern communication tools, such as radios and headsets, allow personnel to stay connected and exchange information quickly and easily. Some advanced systems even include features like noise cancellation and voice activation, which can improve communication in noisy or chaotic environments.

Finally, training is essential for effective tactical communication. Personnel must be trained in proper communication protocols, including language and terminology, as well as situational awareness and active listening. Regular training and drills can help ensure that personnel are prepared to communicate effectively in high-stress situations.

Dynamics of Tactical Communication Market

Drivers in Tactical Communication Market

The tactical communication market is driven by the transition of radio communication devices from analog to digital. Advancements in software-defined platforms have allowed land mobile radio products to move towards digital systems like DMR, TETRA, and P25, which offer higher spectrum efficiency and better communication experiences. These systems can also support voice and data services such as M2M applications on highly reliable networks. Additionally, the integration of military SATCOM, technological advancements in network-centered warfare, and satellite-based communication, and an increase in demand for land-based communication systems supplement the growth of the market. However, limited bandwidth for communications and scarcity of semiconductors pose a challenge to market growth. The rise of smartphones and software in the war field and increased government expenditure for military applications create opportunities for the industry's key players.

Restraints in Tactical Communication Market

Growing security concerns are a major restraint for the market's growth. There is a high risk of security breaches during the installation or loading of new software in a tactical communication unit through an over-the-air update. Unauthorized and potentially malicious software can be installed on the specified platform, compromising the security of users' assets and threatening device communication capabilities. These concerns related to unlicensed codes restrict the growth of the sales of communication systems, including advanced tactical software-defined radios. Thus, security concerns pose a significant challenge to the growth of the tactical communication market.

Opportunities in Tactical Communication Market

The global demand for advanced IP radio systems is increasing, which presents opportunities for companies to enhance their profitability. These systems are designed to offer new and improved services for the networking industry while reducing transaction costs and enhancing user experiences. The latest mobile communications technologies are shifting towards mesh systems with low power that enable more operators to be linked together through multi-node mesh systems. Such systems are self-healing and have low susceptibility towards single-point failures, which makes them ideal for tactical communications.

Satellite communication (SATCOM) is a crucial element in military operations as it provides beyond line-of-sight communications. SATCOM enables aircraft to communicate with air traffic control and ground-based facilities while in the air, which includes voice and ground service. SATCOM has become vital for communication networks as military forces increasingly use space-based assets to fulfil their missions. Land-based communication systems are also becoming more sophisticated, allowing ground-based forces to leverage advanced wireless technology and smartphones while actively moving in ground vehicles.

The demand for secure communication for land-based forces on the move has given rise to smaller form factor communication solutions, such as manpack radios. These technologies enhance mobility and increase the demand for land-based communication systems, which in turn propels the tactical communication market. In April 2021, L3Harris Technologies announced that its Falcon III AN/PRC-117G manpack radios were selected by the German Ministry of Defense for the German Army. In June 2020, Airbus unveiled the On-The-Move Terre (OTM-T), a land-based communication solution that offers units in operation a secure satellite-based broadband connection with high availability to exchange videos, voice, and operational flows in fast-moving circumstances.

Overall, the demand for next-generation IP radio systems presents numerous opportunities for companies to enhance their profitability and provide improved services for the networking industry. SATCOM and land-based communication systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, which enhances safety and efficiency for military operations. The rise of smaller form factor communication solutions further increases the demand for land-based communication systems, which fuels the growth of the tactical communication market.

Challenges in Tactical Communication Market

The tactical communication industry faces several challenges, with high power consumption being one of the most significant. Tactical radios require more power than other equipment designed for analog or digital architectural partitioning, and this presents a significant challenge for small handheld radios and manpack radio units. However, advancements in field programmable gate arrays, digital signal processors, and parallel computation have helped increase the performance of communication systems.

To address the challenge of high power consumption, various technologies can be used in tactical communication radios, including application-specific integrated circuits, DSPs, general-purpose processors, and FPGAs. While GPP technology offers high flexibility, it results in high power consumption. In contrast, ASIC technology provides high performance and minimal flexibility, making it an ideal solution to minimize power consumption and maximize performance.

Semiconductors play a critical role in defining business opportunities within the military tactical communication market. The need for electronics chips and semiconductors within the tactical communication industry has increased over the past few years, with the rise in demand for satellite communication and data-driven operations. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global scarcity of semiconductors, impacting manufacturing operations of tactical communication systems. Additionally, the degrading trade and geopolitical relation between the U.S. and China are disrupting the global supply chain of the semiconductors industry, impacting manufacturing sides of tactical communication equipment.

Despite these challenges, governments of various countries are increasing their investment in armed forces to establish dominance on the battlefield. For instance, the U.S., China, India, and Russia are significantly spending on military modernization programs to improve their command and control, communication, and combat systems, as well as maintain intelligence and communication capabilities. Such modernization plans to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces are expected to create opportunities for tactical communication systems during the forecast period.

Ecosystem of Tactical Communication Market

The Soldier Radios segment is expected to dominate the Tactical Communication Market by type, with a projected growth of USD 6 Billion during the forecast period, at a CAGR of 5.7%. This growth is due to the higher adoption of technologically advanced Tactical Communication products, which offer ease of operation and maintenance.

Regarding the point of sale, the upgradation segment is projected to dominate the Tactical Communication Market, with a growth rate of 6% during the forecast period, reaching USD 10.3 Billion.

GNU radio is an open-source software development toolkit that is available for SDRs. It is a powerful framework that facilitates streaming, development, and real-time signal processing of Software Defined Radio on general processors. The signal processing blocks provided by this toolkit can be used to implement software-defined radios. GNU radio can be used with low-cost external RF hardware to create software-defined radios, or without hardware in a simulation environment. This toolkit is widely used in the government, research, and academia sectors.

North America and Europe are the dominant regions in the tactical communication market, accounting for 30% of the market share. The high spending on military communication equipment in the United States and the presence of major communication systems and equipment manufacturers are the key factors driving the growth of the market in North America. In Europe, special operations tactical communications are in high demand in well-established aerospace, military, and defense sectors. Governments in Europe are launching several projects to develop advanced military communication and technology systems, boosting the demand for tactical communication solutions in the aerospace and defense industries.

In the Asia Pacific region, the market is expected to experience long-term growth due to the implementation of network-centric warfare. Countries such as China and India are increasing military spending to create advanced military systems and modernize the defense sector, driving the growth of the Asia Pacific tactical communication market.

The tactical communication market can be classified into underwater, airborne, land, and shipborne platforms. The land platform is projected to have the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period. Land-based forces have the largest manpower strength and operate the most vehicles, leading to an increase in the capabilities of land-based mission capabilities. Land-based communication networks are improving, allowing ground forces to use efficient wireless communication equipment and cellphones while on the move in ground vehicles or as dismounted infantry.

The need for encrypted communication for land-based forces has led to communication solutions in a smaller form factor, such as manpack radios, that improve mobility. The advent of 5G and upcoming 6G networks is expected to create new opportunities in tactical communication for military units on land by providing more data bandwidth, resulting in faster data speeds, better connectivity, and a greater range. These technologies are also expected to create opportunities for land platforms during the projection period.

Dominating Companies in Tactical Communication Market

• BAE SYSTEMS
• GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION
• COLLINS AEROSPACE
• HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
• NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
• L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
• VIASAT INC.
• THALES GROUP
• LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
• LEONARDO S.P.A.
• ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD.
• SAAB AB
• CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION
• ASELSAN A.S.
• BHARAT ELECTRONICS LTD.
• COBHAM ADVANCED ELECTRONIC SOLUTIONS INC.
• RHODE & SCHWARZ
• DATA LINK SOLUTIONS
• KONGSBERG
• ULTRA ELECTRONICS
• ROLTA INDIA LIMITED
• RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEMS LTD.
• BARRETT COMMUNICATIONS
• Datron World Communications
• Hanwha Group
• Huneed Technologies
• Iridium Communications Inc.
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation

Recent Developments in Tactical Communication Market

• L3Harris Technologies: In June 2019, Harris Corporation and L3 Technologies merged to form L3Harris Technologies. The merger combined the strengths of both companies in communication and electronics to create a global defense technology leader with a broad portfolio of products and solutions for the tactical communication market.
• Motorola Solutions: In April 2020, Motorola Solutions acquired IndigoVision, a UK-based provider of end-to-end video security solutions. The acquisition allowed Motorola Solutions to expand its portfolio of video security solutions and offer a comprehensive suite of technologies for the public safety and security market.
• Raytheon Technologies: In April 2020, Raytheon and United Technologies merged to form Raytheon Technologies. The merger brought together two leading defense and aerospace companies with a wide range of capabilities, including tactical communication systems, to better serve customers in the defense and commercial sectors.
• Collins Aerospace: In June 2020, Collins Aerospace announced a partnership with SkyTrac Systems, a provider of satellite flight data and communications solutions. The partnership allowed Collins Aerospace to integrate SkyTrac's flight data monitoring solutions into its Pro Line Fusion avionics system, offering customers a comprehensive solution for aircraft tracking, communication, and safety.
• Elbit Systems: In July 2021, Elbit Systems acquired Sparton Corporation, a provider of undersea warfare technology. The acquisition allowed Elbit Systems to expand its capabilities in the maritime domain, including tactical communication and sensing solutions for the naval market.
• In December 2020, Motorola Solutions announced that it had acquired Pelco, a provider of video security solutions, to enhance its portfolio of public safety communication solutions.
• In November 2020, QinetiQ, a British multinational defense technology company, announced that it had acquired MTEQ, a provider of advanced sensing solutions, to enhance its capabilities in advanced sensing technology and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems.
• In June 2020, Airbus Defence and Space announced that it had acquired Tellumat, a South African provider of communication systems and products, to expand its portfolio of communication solutions for defense and security customers in the African region.
• In May 2020, L3Harris Technologies announced that it had acquired American Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (AATI), a provider of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and services, to enhance its capabilities in the field of unmanned systems for defense and commercial applications.
• In January 2020, Ultra Electronics announced that it had acquired Sparton Corporation, a provider of acoustic systems and underwater technology solutions, to expand its capabilities in the field of undersea warfare and defense communication systems.

In conclusion, tactical communication is a critical component of military and law enforcement operations. Effective communication can mean the difference between success and failure, and even life and death. Clarity, situational awareness, active listening, technology, and training are all key elements of effective tactical communication. By prioritizing these elements, personnel can ensure that they are prepared to communicate effectively in any situation.