Strategy Analytics Advanced Defense Systems

Defense Market Opportunities for RF Technologies

Asif Anwar — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Military expenditure faces challenges with declining budgets impacting the introduction of new platforms. However technology will be the differentiator for future global conflict scenarios, and budgetary constraints will not detract from the need to improve system capabilities through technology upgrades. Strategy Analytics presented at IMS 2013 looking at the areas of radar, satellite communications and electronic warfare and discussing how the opposing forces of budgetary pressure versus maintaining and upgrading system capabilities will impact the opportunities for RF technologies.

Keywords: Communications, COTS, Electronic Warfare, GaAs, ISR, Ka-band, Microwave, microwave circuits, MMIC, Navigation, Net-centric, Power Amplifier, Power Amplifier-FEM, Radar, Radio, RF Transceiver, Satellite, Semiconductor, SiC, SiGe, Silicon, TWT, UAS, UAV, VSAT, Components, Defense, Naval, Space, Astrium, BAE Systems, Cassidian, EADS, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, RFMD, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, AESA, Air, CAPEX, Communications, DARPA, ELINT, jammer, JCREW, Land, Naval, Navigation, Semiconductor, SIGINT, Air Programs, Space Programs, Market Dynamics

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

GaN Microelectronics Market Update 2012-2017

Eric Higham — Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

While military applications continue to drive the GaN device market, commercial applications are finally emerging and going into volume production. CATV and wireless infrastructure applications are growing, but power management applications will see the highest growth rate. Strategy Analytics forecasts that the market for GaN microelectronic devices will grow with a CAAGR of nearly 28% to reach an estimated $334.2 million by 2017.

Keywords: GaN, MMIC, HEMT, GaAs, RFMD, TriQuint, Nitronex, Cree, EPC, INternational Rectifier, EW AESA, IED, power electronics, DARPA, Competing Technologies (Non-GaAs), Industry Review

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Defense Electronics Industry Review: April 2013

Asif Anwar — Thu, 09 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

The impact of budget constraints was starting be seen as financials for the first quarter of 2013 were reported by companies operating in the defense industry. Revenues were by and large flat for most companies and the emphasis was on maintaining profitability. most companies demonstrated net income that was essentially flat compared with the year-ago quarter. This exemplifies the efforts being made across the defense industry to streamline operations and ensure profitability as revenue growth slows and declines. Away from financials, ongoing activity included mergers and acquisitions, product launches and milestones, as well as seemingly healthy contract activity.

Keywords: Market Dynamics, Radar, EW, Communications, Electronic Warfare, Navigation, Weapons, Electronics, Amplifiers, Switches, Jamming

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Lasers Building Momentum as Viable Directed Energy Systems; High Power RF Holds Promise in Non-Lethals

Asif Anwar — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Technology limitations currently limit laser power output, but work in the US and Europe is progressing to the point where laser-based weapons have demonstrated their viability as the underpinnings of directed energy systems that can be used for C-RAM, counter UAV and other applications as alternative or in addition to conventional systems as well as counteracting new threat scenarios. High power RF capabilities are also being explored, but a practical use case remains largely centred on in the area of non-lethals, with the US Active Denial System (ADS) system the most prolific example to date. However the initial usage case appears to have been overstated and the system may find more applicability in static environments, using the system in conjunction with EO/IR and radar sensors.

Keywords: Enabling Technologies, air defense, lasers, RF, ADS, GaN, C-RAM, Boeing, MBDA, Rheinmetall, millimeter-wave, coupling,Air Programs,Enabling Technologies,Land Programs,Naval Programs,Space Programs,Company Analysis & Vendor Share,Market Dynamics

Webinar Replay: Military Satellite Market Trends and Outlook

Asif Anwar — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

The use of space is increasing from a military perspective and space assets provide necessary resources to support troops including the provision of imagery, supporting communications, improving targeting and conversely reducing collateral damage. As a force multiplier, space assets can provide advanced capabilities and compensate for reductions in other conventional assets.

With space power and access to space systems essential to maintaining both domestic capabilities and international operations, space is regarded as a sovereign asset. Maintaining this asset is expensive and with constrained budgets over the next 3-5 years there will be a growing need to balance military capabilities and sovereignty while reducing costs.

Keywords: Air Programs, Land Programs, Market Dynamics, Naval Programs, Space Programs

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Defense Electronics Industry Review: March 2013

Asif Anwar — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

March saw several key systems passing tests such as the Northrop Grumman AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) and Raytheon testing a dual-band datalink with a Thales Nederland Advanced Phased Array Radar (APAR). In the area of electronic warfare, Cassidian introduced its SMARTscout new-generation jamming system specifically designed to enhance the protection of land vehicles RCIEDs. There were a number of new semiconductor products released in March also with TriQuint announcing GaN-based products in conjunction with GOMACTech 2013, while there were GaAs-based products from Custom MMIC, M/A-COM Tech and OMMIC targeting defense markets.

Keywords: Market Dynamics, Radar, EW, Communications, Electronic Warfare, Navigation, Weapons, Electronics, Amplifiers, Switches, Jamming

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Communications-related Activity Down but Still Dominates Defense System Contracts in 2012

Asif Anwar — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Advanced Defense Technology (ADT) records defense contracts related to communications, radar, electronic warfare, smart munitions and sensors across platforms in the land, air, naval and space domains. Defense contracts in this area grew by over 6% year-on-year in 2012 to $83.4 billion with communications-related contracts accounting for over 52%. Air-based platforms accounted for 46% of all contracts in 2012, consistent with general trends observed over the past seven years.

Keywords: Air Programs,Enabling Technologies,Land Programs,Naval Programs,Space Programs,Company Analysis & Vendor Share,Market Dynamics

Defense Electronics Industry Review: February 2013

Asif Anwar — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

There were a number of international shows in February providing the stage for companies to establish strategic relationships, form joint ventures and highlight their capabilities as well as signing major contracts. Saab is partnering with Tawazun to create a new UAE-based radar company. Amongst the UAS related developments, Northrop Grumman successfully flew a RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft for the first time using open architecture-based command and control software and hardware developed by the company. Other business activity included Boeing and Elbit Systems signing a MoU to support joint pursuit of opportunities for self-defense solutions and the O'Gara Group, completing its purchase agreement to acquire BAE Systems Commercial Armored Vehicles.

Keywords: Market Dynamics, Radar, EW, Communications, Electronic Warfare, Navigation, Weapons, Electronics, Amplifiers, Switches, Jamming

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Is there a Future for GaAs Microelectronic Manufacturing?

Asif Anwar — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Despite the continuing penetration of GaAs into the high volume smartphone market and related wireless sectors, 2012 is shaping up at the time of writing to be a difficult year for the industry. GaAs device manufacturing faces multiple challenges including the ever present question over what strategies companies should adopt vis-a-vis in-house manufacturing flexibility versus cost effective outsourcing. External challenges also continue to dog GaAs manufacturing as other technologies successfully encroach on areas once considered almost a proprietary domain for GaAs devices. Strategy Analytics presents our latest views on these questions and other issues related to the future of GaAs microelectronic manufacturing.

Keywords: Audiovisual, Automotive, Broadcasting, Cable, CATV, Components, Computers, Consumer, Consumer Electronics, Defense, Devices, Digital Home, Energy, Enterprise, Government, Handsets, Healthcare, Home Controls, Home Security, Industrial, Infrastructure, Internet Radio, M2M, Manufacturing, Material, Networks, Optical Transport, OTT Video, Power Management, Public Safety, Satellite, Smart Energy, Smart Home, Solar Energy, Solid-State Lighting, Space, Television, Utilities, Wireless, Industry Review

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Defense Electronics Industry Review: January 2013

Asif Anwar — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The beginning of 2012 started to see revenue results for companies. Most companies reported results that were essentially stable with minor increases or declines year-on-year. Boeing was the exception with revenues growing 19% year-on-year on the back of the company's commercial business. Company results reflected a slowing defense market, but contract activity was surprisingly good in January with new contracts across all sectors including radar, communications and EW.

Keywords: Market Dynamics, Radar, EW, Communications, Electronic Warfare, Navigation, Weapons, Electronics, Amplifiers, Switches, Jamming

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Defense Industry Performance Profiles: Part 4

Asif Anwar — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This report examines the financial performance of Saab, Textron, Thales and United Technologies in the context of their activities within the defense sector, highlighting core strengths, perceived weaknesses and overall competitive positioning in the market. Following a sustained period of growth, revenues as well as profitability dropped for the defense industry in 2009, potentially marking the beginning of a downwards spiral. However revenues stabilized in 2010 and increased year-on-year in 2011. Early analysis and indicators suggest that revenue growth and profitability will continue to be maintained in 2012, despite the continuing uncertainties surrounding sequestration in the US as well as budget uncertainties in European and other international markets.

Keywords: Company Analysis and Vendor Share, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Rosboronexport, Saab, Textron, Thales, United Technologies

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Technology Trends for Radar Systems

Asif Anwar — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

While the use of active electronically scanned arrays is becoming a prevalent feature for future radar systems, there is also a large base of legacy systems that will also remain operational over the next twenty-five to thirty years. There are a range of technologies that are available including solid-state electronics and traveling wave tubes, each with their unique feature sets and advantages that make them suitable for radar applications. This presentation will explore what enabling technologies will underpin future system architectures as system designs evolve.

Keywords: GaAs, GaN, ISR, Ka-band, MMIC, Power Amplifier, Radar, Sensor, SiGe, TWT, UAS, BAE Systems, Boeing, e2v, EADS, Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Saab, Selex-Galileo, Thales, Defense, Naval, AESA, AEW&C, DARPA, F-35, Gripen, Semiconductor, Air Programs, Land Programs, Naval Programs

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Defense Industry Performance Profiles: Part 3

Asif Anwar — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This report examines the financial performance of L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon in the context of their activities within the defense sector, highlighting core strengths, perceived weaknesses and overall competitive positioning in the market. Following a sustained period of growth, revenues as well as profitability dropped for the defense industry in 2009, potentially marking the beginning of a downwards spiral. However revenues stabilized in 2010 and increased year-on-year in 2011. Early analysis and indicators suggest that revenue growth and profitability will continue to be maintained in 2012, despite the continuing uncertainties surrounding sequestration in the US as well as budget uncertainties in European and other international markets.

Keywords: Company Analysis and Vendor Share, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Rosboronexport, Saab, Textron, Thales, United Technologies

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Defense Electronics Industry Review: December 2012

Asif Anwar — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

There was an emphasis on long range radar for many of the contracts being issued in December. There were also a number of unmanned demonstrators in December focusing on combat capabilities. Neuron completed its first flight and the X-47B UCAS demonstrator completed its first at-sea test. In the area of conventional combat aircraft, Lockheed Martin and the US DoD closed on a new contract for the fifth batch of F-35s. The use of small satellites for military was also being explored in December with Raytheon awarded a DARPA contract for phase one of the SeeMe program and Boeing delivering two Space Environmental NanoSat Experiment (SENSE) satellites.

Keywords: Market Dynamics, Radar, EW, Communications, Electronic Warfare, Navigation, Weapons, Electronics, Amplifiers, Switches, Jamming

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Defense Industry Performance Profiles: Part 2

Asif Anwar — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This report examines the financial performance of General Dynamics, Harris, Honeywell, IAI and ITT Exelis in the context of their activities within the defense sector, highlighting core strengths, perceived weaknesses and overall competitive positioning in the market. Following a sustained period of growth, revenues as well as profitability dropped for the defense industry in 2009, potentially marking the beginning of a downwards spiral. However revenues stabilized in 2010 and increased year-on-year in 2011. Early analysis and indicators suggest that revenue growth and profitability will continue to be maintained in 2012, despite the uncertainties surrounding sequestration and the "fiscal cliff" in the US as well as budget uncertainties in European and other international markets.

Keywords: Company Analysis and Vendor Share, BAE Systems, Boeing, Cobham, EADS, Finmeccanica, General Dynamics, Harris Corporation, Honeywell, Israel Aerospace Industries, ITT Corporation

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Maintaining Profitability as Revenues Slow will be the Primary Challenge for the Defense Industry in 2013

Asif Anwar — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Following a sustained period of growth, revenues as well as profitability dropped for the defense industry in 2009, potentially marking the beginning of a downwards spiral. However revenues stabilized in 2010 and increased year-on-year in 2011. Early analysis and indicators suggest that revenue growth and profitability will be maintained in 2012, despite the uncertainties surrounding sequestration and the "fiscal cliff" in the US as well as budget uncertainties in European and other international markets.

Keywords: Company Analysis and Vendor Share, Camera, COTS, Electronic Warfare, EO-IR, Intelligence, ISR, Ka-band, laser, Radar, Radio, Sensor, UAS, UAV, VSAT, Defense, Government, Naval, Satellite, Space, BAE Systems, Boeing, Cassidian, Cobham, EADS, Finmeccanica, General Dynamics, Harris, Honeywell, Israel Aerospace Industries, ITT Corporation, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Rosboronexport, Saab, Textron, Thales, United Technologies, AESA, AEW&C, Air, COMINT, Communications, DARPA, EBITDA, Electronic Systems, ELINT, jammer, RCIED, SIGINT

Defense Industry Performance Profiles: Part 1

Asif Anwar — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This report examines the financial performance of BAE Systems, Boeing, Cobham, EADS and Finmeccanica in the context of their activities within the defense sector, highlighting core strengths, perceived weaknesses and overall competitive positioning in the market. Following a sustained period of growth, revenues as well as profitability dropped for the defense industry in 2009, potentially marking the beginning of a downwards spiral. However revenues stabilized in 2010 and increased year-on-year in 2011. Early analysis and indicators suggest that revenue growth and profitability will continue to be maintained in 2012, despite the uncertainties surrounding sequestration and the "fiscal cliff" in the US as well as budget uncertainties in European and other international markets.

Keywords: Company Analysis and Vendor Share, BAE Systems, Boeing, Cobham, EADS, Finmeccanica, General Dynamics, Harris Corporation, Honeywell, Israel Aerospace Industries, ITT Corporation

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999

Defense Electronics Industry Review: November 2012

Asif Anwar — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

There were a number of radar milestones in November including Raytheon meeting critical performance requirements to advance ongoing system integration on the Cobra Judy Replacement program and Northrop Grumman completed its technology demonstration contract for the US Navy's Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR). In communications, the Global Tactical Advanced Communication Systems (GTACS) contract, was a focal point for many of the industry players. Directed Energy Weapons using either laser or RF/microwave technologies continue to be explored demonstrations of laser systems. Finally, there were several announcements around GaN technology including Northrop Grumman offering higher frequency capabilities through to Q-band and TriQuint demonstrating reliability for its 0.25 micron GaN process.

Keywords: Market Dynamics, Radar, EW, Communications, Electronic Warfare, Navigation, Weapons, Electronics, Amplifiers, Switches, Jamming

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Defense Electronics Industry Review: October 2012

Asif Anwar — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Revenue growth came to a standstill and the emphasis was on maintaining profitability through efficiency drives, facility closures and consolidation in the third quarter of 2012. Other business news for October included a range of acquisitions with both Cassidian and Raytheon acquiring companies to bolster their cybersecurity offerings. Contract activity was dominated by the communications sector while European Microwave Week event provided the backdrop for companies such as M/A-Com and TriQuint to introduce new GaN products for the defense sector.

Keywords: Market Dynamics, Radar, EW, Communications, Electronic Warfare, Navigation, Weapons, Electronics, Amplifiers, Switches, Jamming

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Northrop Grumman Breaks from Pack with GaN Products Targeting Higher Frequency Markets

Asif Anwar — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Northrop Grumman has been an innovator in the compound semiconductor market for more than three decades, but several years ago, the company largely divested its commercial GaAs technology product lines to focus on the defense sector. As with GaAs, Northrop Grumman has also been at the forefront of developing GaN technologies through DARPA and other military research programs maintaining an emphasis on the defense sector. The company is now starting to showcase its GaN technology for commercial availability with the introduction of a series of GaN MMIC products. Offering higher frequency capabilities through to Q-band, Northrop Grumman is breaking away from a pack of competitors that have largely focused on products at the lower end of the frequency spectrum.

Keywords: Enabling Technologies, gallium nitride, Northrop Grumman, GaN, Q-band, UAV, Ka-band, missile seeker, TWT, commercial, defense, military, backhaul, radar, communications, EW

Military Satellite Trends and Outlook

Asif Anwar — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Military satellites have, for some time, formed the backbone of military communication, reconnaissance and navigation capabilities. There are a range of payload technologies used for the respective applications and emerging technologies are helping to drive platform development. The utilization of COTS components is becoming more prevalent especially as military satellite platforms share development with commercial ventures and defense authorities look to alternative platform sizes. The importance of satellites in the military domain is going to continue to increase with the fiscally constrained environment resulting in more cooperation between nations on developing and sharing capabilities. This presentation is based on the associated ADS report of the same name and was given at the 2012 Defence, Security and Space Forum during European Microwave Week.

Keywords: COTS, Electronic Warfare, Embedded computing, EO-IR, GaAs, GaN, GPS, ISR, Ka-band, Microwave, microwave circuits, Net-centric, Power Amplifier, Power Amplifier-FEM, Radar, Radio, Satellite, Semiconductor, Sensor, Telecommunications, TWT, UAS, UAV, VSAT, Defense, Space, Avanti, BAE Systems, Boeing, Finmeccanica, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Selex-Galileo, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, Thales Alenia Space, AESA, COMINT, Communications, DARPA, ELINT, GEOINT, Semiconductor, SIGINT, Space Programs

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Defense Electronics Industry Review: September 2012

Asif Anwar — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

News in September related to contracts was dominated by platform sales with Boeing scoring one of the single largest contracts of the month. The radar sector saw Northrop Grumman completing initial range testing of its AMDR AESA S-band radar system. On the communications front, L-3 Communications was selected for the 2012 to 2017 full-rate production contract of Ku-band CDL Hawklink while ITT Exelis announced another successful demonstration of its Advanced Defensive Electronic Warfare System (AIDEWS). MBDA Germany achieved a power of 40 kW using its high-energy laser demonstrator during a laser firing campaign while ITT Exelis and Innovative Technical Solutions are working together to develop a laser communications system for the US Navy and Marine Corps. Business news for the month was dominated by the discussions between BAE Systems and EADS.

Keywords: Market Dynamics, Radar, EW, Communications, Electronic Warfare, Navigation, Weapons, Electronics, Amplifiers, Switches, Jamming

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Military Satellite Trends and Outlook

Asif Anwar — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Military satellites have, for some time, formed the backbone of military communication, reconnaissance and navigation capabilities. This is a fundamental capability area in what is becoming a far more contested and congested area of operation. There are a range of payload technologies used for the respective applications and emerging technologies are helping to drive platform development. The utilization of COTS components is becoming more prevalent especially as military satellite platforms share development with commercial ventures and the defense authorities look to alternative platform sizes, e.g. small satellites as part of the layered approach to ISR. The importance of satellites in the military domain is going to continue to increase with nations typically associated with space power looking to maintain and update capabilities while other nations look to establish themselves. The fiscally constrained environment will result in more cooperation between nations on developing and sharing capabilities.

Keywords: Space Programs, satellites, military, communications, EO-IR, phased array, milsatcom, radar, imaging, budgets, commercial, small satellites, GaN, SSTL, Astrium, UK, France, Germany, 60 GHz, Baseband, COTS, Cyber, Electronic Warfare, Embedded computing, EO-IR, GaAs, GaN, GPS, Intelligence, ISR, Modems, Navigation, Net-centric, Power Amplifier, Power Amplifier-FEM, Radar, Radio, RF Transceiver, Satellite, Semiconductor, Sensor, smartphone, Solar Energy, TWT, UAS, UAV, Wireless, VSAT, Ka-band, Defense, Satellite, Space, Boeing, Cassidian, Finmeccanica, Northrop Grumman, Thales Alenia Space, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, Communications, DARPA, Electronic Systems, ELINT, Naval, Navigation, constellation, resolution, GEOINT

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GaAs Industry Outlook 2011-2016

Eric Higham — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Defense market requirements for GaAs devices will be dominated by radar applications over the next five years with the implementation of AESA-based systems driving demand. Other opportunities from electronic warfare and communications will drive overall military demand for GaAs devices at a CAGR of around 5 percent with MMIC devices accounting for 96 percent of this demand. The overall GaAs device market will grow at a CAGR of just over 3 percent through 2016, with the defense sector accounting for 6 percent of demand.

Keywords: Enabling Technologies, RF & microwave, millimetre-wave, substrates, MMIC, digital, discrete, bulk, epitaxial, cellular, markets, forecast, merchant, captive, telecoms, satcoms, VSAT, DBS, cable, infrastructure, base station

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GaAs Industry Outlook 2011-2016

Eric Higham — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Defense market requirements for GaAs devices will be dominated by radar applications over the next five years with the implementation of AESA-based systems driving demand. Other opportunities from electronic warfare and communications will drive overall military demand for GaAs devices at a CAGR of around 5 percent with MMIC devices accounting for 96 percent of this demand. The overall $5.2 billion GaAs device market will grow at a CAGR of just over 3 percent through 2016, with the defense sector accounting for 6 percent of demand.

Keywords: Enabling Technologies, 3G, 4G, 60 GHz, Backhaul, CATV, Communications, DECT, Electronic Warfare, Ethernet, Fiber, GaAs, GPS, GSM, HSPA, HSPA+, LTE, LTE-Advanced, MMIC, Point-to-Point Radio, Power Amplifier, Power Amplifier-FEM, Radar, Radio, RF Transceiver, Satellite, Semiconductor, Sensor, Telecommunications, TWT, UAS, UAV, UMTS, WiBro, WiFi, WiMax, Wireless, Wireless Modules, Cable, CATV, Components, Consumer, Defense, Devices, Naval, Satellite, Space, Wireless, ADAS, AESA, AEW&C, Air, Communications, Naval

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Defense Electronics Industry Review: August 2012

Asif Anwar — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

There was plenty of activity in August with Mercury Computer Systems completing its acquisition of Micronetics bringing onboard RF capabilities. BAE Systems signed a MoU with MASS to work on EW systems for the export market. In the area of UAVs, Northrop Grumman awarded Cubic Communications a contract to produce a new multiband digital data link system for the MQ-8C while Raytheon completed a successful warhead and guidance system test of its Pyros missile designed to be suitable for UAVs. Activity for naval radar platforms included Lockheed Martin submitting its final proposal for the AMDR S-band radar, while at the component level M/A-COM introduced a 40W GaN-on-SiC transistor suitable for S-band military radar.

Keywords: Market Dynamics, Radar, EW, Communications, Electronic Warfare, Navigation, Weapons, Electronics, Amplifiers, Switches, Jamming

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Defense Electronics Industry Review: July 2012

Asif Anwar — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Despite the ongoing uncertainty with defense expenditure facing challenges and the threat of sequestration hanging over US companies there was positive news on the financial front. Taking a snapshot of financial results and looking at quarterly revenue growth over the second and first quarters shows a turnaround with companies growing revenue as opposed to the quarter-to-quarter revenue declines observed after the first quarter of 2012. It appears to be a case of "better late than never" for the Typhoon fast jet with an AESA Radar in the works from 2015. On the component technology front, Northrop Grumman demonstrated an 850 GHz integrated receiver setting a new performance record.

Keywords: Market Dynamics, Radar, EW, Communications, Electronic Warfare, Navigation, Weapons, Electronics, Amplifiers, Switches, Jamming

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Satellites, UAVs, Radar and Travelling Wave Tubes at Farnborough 2012

Asif Anwar — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 09:08:06 GMT

The Farnborough International Airshow 2012 took place in July with just over 107,000 trade visitors and over 1500 exhibitors with representation right across the supply chain. Industry representation covered the space sector through to aircraft and UAVs as well as sensors and components. On the technology front, the briefings highlighted the use of GaAs-based systems for both EW and radar applications as well as the continued relevance of TWT technologies.

Keywords: Enabling Technologies, Air programs, Land Programs, Space Programs, TWT, GaN, UAV, radar, fuel cell, Ultra Electronics, Plextek, FLIR, Avanti, Astrium, Predator, Ka-band, Sierra Nevada Corp, Insitu, SSBV, EO-IR

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RF Technologies for Defense at IMS 2012 Centered on GaN

Asif Anwar — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

IMS 2012 was held in Montreal, Canada for the first time in its 60 year history and Strategy Analytics used the event to outline our thoughts on the applicability of GaN to addressing communications, electronic warfare, and radar applications. The need for wideband communications including demand from the UAV and SATCOM sector at Ku-band and the need to address Ka-band requirements from SOTM, missile seekers and other communications applications is also driving opportunities for GaN device suppliers. However, while GaN technology hits a lot of the parameters being asked for by military system designers, other technologies including TWTs, LDMOS and SiC will also continue to play a role in future defense system design.

Keywords: Enabling Technologies, Air programs, Land Programs, Space Programs, TWT, GaN, UAV, Toshiba, TriQuint, RFMD, EW, communications, HF, IP, data, Freescale, LDMOS, SiC, Microsemi

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Defense Technology Highlights from Eurosatory 2012

Asif Anwar — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:51:50 GMT

There were a range of technologies showcased at Eurosatory 2012 emphasizing enhancing capabilities and meeting the needs of SwaP-constrained platforms. The growing use of COTS-based platforms was also highlighted by both DRS Technologies and Harris with the introduction of ruggedized, Military-grade Android-based handheld computer and tablet products. Elektrobit's Counter-RCIED platform was demonstrated as a potential tool for convoy mission. Rohde & Schwarz was emphasizing the use of IP technologies for radio communication platforms. Finally, there was a range of radar technologies on show with Cassidian, FLIR and Camero showing solutions targeting applications from border surveillance to through-wall imaging.

Keywords: Enabling Technologies, Air programs, Land Programs, Space Programs, GaN, UAV, EO-IR, InSb, Toshiba, TriQuint, RFMD, Elbit, Finmeccanica, Insitu, Qinetiq, Plextek, FLIR, TMD Technologies, TWT, EW, Elektrobit, communications, HF, IP, data, Rohde & Schwarz, Camera, COTS, Cyber, Display, Electronic Warfare, Embedded computing, EO-IR, GaAs, microwave circuits, Operating Systems, Satellite, Semiconductor, Sensor, Tablet, UAS, UAV, WiFi, WiMax, Defense, Naval, Satellite, BAE Systems, Cassidian, Elbit Systems, Finmeccanica, Harris, Honeywell, AESA, ELINT, Maritime, Naval, Navigation, RCIED, Semiconductor

This report is available to purchase with a credit card for $1999