Top 10 Companies in the Military and Aerospace Sensors Industry (2024): Market Leaders Powering Next-Generation Defense Systems

The Global Military and Aerospace Sensors Market was valued at USD 7.05 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 18.03 Billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.0% during the forecast period (2024-2032). This rapid expansion is driven by increasing defense modernization programs, advanced sensor technology adoption, and rising demand for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across defense platforms.

As global military forces transition toward network-centric warfare and multi-domain operations, sensor manufacturers are developing cutting-edge solutions for precision targeting, situational awareness, and autonomous systems. This report profiles the Top 10 Companies in the Military and Aerospace Sensors Industry—market leaders driving innovation across electro-optical, inertial, radar, and environmental sensing technologies.


🔟 1. Honeywell Aerospace

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Key Offering: Inertial Measurement Units, Pressure Sensors, Gas Detection Systems

Honeywell International Inc. delivers mission-critical sensor solutions for military aircraft, spacecraft, and unmanned systems. Their HG1930 IMU is deployed across 80% of U.S. military aircraft, demonstrating their dominance in navigation technology.

Technological Advantages:

  • Radiation-hardened sensors for space applications
  • Next-gen fiber optic gyroscopes with 0.001°/hr stability
  • Integrated environmental sensing for hypersonic platforms

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9️⃣ 2. Raytheon Technologies

Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Advanced EO/IR Sensors, Radar Systems, Missile Seekers

Raytheon develops multi-spectral targeting systems for the F-35 and cutting-edge AESA radars supporting 5th generation warfare capabilities. Their sensor fusion technologies integrate data across domains for comprehensive battlespace awareness.

Technological Advantages:

  • AN/APG-79 AESA radar with 500+ operational units
  • Third-Generation FLIR systems with enhanced resolution
  • AI-enabled target recognition algorithms

8️⃣ 3. Thales Group

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Avionics Sensors, Electronic Warfare Systems, Surveillance Radars

Thales provides critical sensor systems for the Rafale fighter, Airbus A400M, and NATO surveillance programs. Their digital RBE2 AESA radar represents Europe’s most advanced airborne sensing technology.

Technological Advantages:

  • 72 AESA radars delivered for Rafale fighters (2024)
  • AI-enhanced Ground Observer 20 surveillance network
  • Space-qualified radiation monitoring systems

7️⃣ 4. L3Harris Technologies

Headquarters: Melbourne, Florida, USA
Key Offering: EO/IR Systems, Space Sensors, Electronic Warfare Solutions

L3Harris specializes in multi-domain sensing solutions, from WESCAM MX-Series payloads to space-based infrared sensors for missile detection. Their systems support ISR missions across all military branches.

Technological Advantages:

  • Over 5,000 WESCAM systems deployed globally
  • SBIRS missile warning satellite sensor program
  • Multi-spectral imaging for UAV applications

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6️⃣ 5. BAE Systems

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Radar Warning Receivers, Inertial Navigation, EW Systems

BAE’s Digital RF Memory jammers and miniature MEMS IMUs demonstrate their dual focus on electronic warfare and precision navigation technologies. Their solutions are critical for GPS-denied environments.

Technological Advantages:

  • F-35 AN/ASQ-239 EW system production
  • Micro Navigator™ inertial reference units
  • Hyperspectral imaging for ISR missions

5️⃣ 6. Safran Electronics & Defense

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Inertial Navigation, Optronics, UAV Sensors

Safran’s SIGMA 40 inertial navigation system achieves under 0.7 nm/hr accuracy, while their Patroller EO payloads set the standard for medium-altitude surveillance systems.

Technological Advantages:

  • 3,000+ SIGMA navigation systems in service
  • Eurodrone sensor suite development contract
  • Laser-based weapon targeting systems

4️⃣ 7. TE Connectivity

Headquarters: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Key Offering: Pressure Sensors, Harsh Environment Solutions

TE’s sensor portfolio includes MEMS-based pressure sensors for jet engines and space-qualified connectors that maintain performance in extreme conditions across military platforms.

Technological Advantages:

  • 50 million aerospace sensor units shipped annually
  • NASA Artemis program sensor components
  • Extreme temperature monitoring systems

3️⃣ 8. Northrop Grumman

Headquarters: Falls Church, Virginia, USA
Key Offering: EO/IR Payloads, Space Sensors, Airborne Radars

Northrop’s LITENING targeting pods and Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) sensors provide critical capabilities for precision strike operations and missile defense missions worldwide.

Technological Advantages:

  • 1,000+ LITENING pods delivered to global forces
  • Next-Gen OPIR polar satellite sensors
  • Multi-spectral sensor fusion technologies

2️⃣ 9. Lockheed Martin

Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Key Offering: AESA Radars, Hyperspectral Imaging, Space Sensors

Lockheed integrates advanced sensors across platforms including the F-35’s AN/APG-81 radar and Trident missile guidance systems, representing the pinnacle of defense sensor fusion capability.

Technological Advantages:

  • 500+ F-35 AESA radar deliveries
  • Space Fence tracking 200,000+ orbital objects
  • Quantum sensing development programs

1️⃣ 10. UTC Aerospace Systems (Collins Aerospace)

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Key Offering: Flight Deck Sensors, Environmental Sensing Solutions

Now part of Raytheon Technologies, Collins provides mission-critical sensors for air data measurement, ice detection, and aircraft health monitoring across military aviation platforms.

Technological Advantages:

  • SmartProbe air data system on 10,000+ aircraft
  • B-21 Raider sensor suite provider
  • Next-gen flight condition monitoring

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🌍 Outlook: Military Sensors Driving Multi-Domain Warfare Capabilities

The military sensors sector is undergoing fundamental transformation as defense forces integrate AI, edge processing, and multi-spectral sensing across all warfare domains. Modern conflicts demand networked precision capabilities enabled by these advanced sensor technologies.

📈 Key Market Trends:

  • Accelerated deployment of AESA radars for 5th-gen platforms
  • Miniaturization for UAV and loitering munition applications
  • Quantum sensor development overcoming GPS limitations
  • Integration with JADC2 architectures
  • Enhanced EO/IR capabilities for all-weather operations

Get Full Report Here: Military and Aerospace Sensors Market – View in Detailed Research Report