Electronic warfare market seen reaching $23.56 billion by 2028

Global electronic warfare revenue is projected to rise from $15.81 billion in 2020 to $23.56 billion by 2028, driven by conflict-related demand, surveillance needs and new defense technology. The market faces headwinds from high deployment costs and cyberattack risks, even as civil aviation and defense spending create new openings.

Why it matters: - Electronic warfare is becoming a bigger part of defense spending as militaries seek tools that can detect, disrupt and defend across land, naval, airborne and space platforms. - The market's growth reflects rising demand for surveillance, intelligence and self-protection capabilities in an environment shaped by territorial and intercountry conflicts.

What happened: - Electronic warfare market size was valued at $15,811.4 million in 2020. - The market is projected to reach $23,560.4 million by 2028. - The forecast period covers 2021 to 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%. - Allied Market Research published the report on June 25, 2026.

The details: - Electronic warfare uses the electromagnetic spectrum to deny and attack enemy assets. - The market covers electronic protection, electronic support and electronic attack capabilities. - Those capabilities are deployed across land, naval, airborne and space platforms based on operational need. - The report says electronic warfare provides covert, faster and effective defense services for commercial and government applications. - Drivers include higher adoption of electronic warfare systems, increased need for missile defense detection systems and ongoing warfare technology development. - High deployment costs and vulnerability to cyberattacks are major restraints. - The report also points to defense spending growth and electronic protection systems in civil aviation as future opportunities. - Modern solutions such as stealth aircraft attack, cyberspace electronic warfare, force-fields and cloaking devices are cited as improving agility. - Growth in satellite deployment by commercial and private companies is increasing demand for space-based electronic warfare systems. - North America leads the market in revenue, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA. - The U.S. held the largest share in 2020 and is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. - The report cites a robust U.S. manufacturing and development infrastructure for electronic warfare systems. - Key companies listed include BAE Systems, Elbit Systems, General Dynamics, Israel Aerospace Industries, L3Harris Technologies, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, SAAB and Thales. - The report is available as a 320-page PDF through the sample request page. - Allied Market Research also provided a purchase inquiry page and a limited-time buy now offer.

Between the lines: - The forecast suggests electronic warfare is moving from a niche defense capability to a broader systems market tied to aviation, satellites and cyber-resilient operations. - The tension between demand growth and cyber vulnerability is likely to shape vendor priorities around security, integration and lifecycle cost.

What's next: - Defense budgets and civil aviation adoption are expected to remain the main growth catalysts during the forecast period. - Market competition is likely to center on advanced protection, detection and electronic attack systems as platform requirements expand. - Regional leadership will likely stay concentrated in North America unless investment shifts accelerate in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

The bottom line: - Electronic warfare is on track for steady growth, but the market's upside will depend on whether buyers can absorb high costs and manage cybersecurity risk.