In April, demand for European radar technology based around solid-state and AESA architectures led to contracts for Kelvin Hughes, Saab, Selex ES and Thales. Meanwhile, an emphasis on EW system development was underpinned by operational tests of Raytheon’s MALD-J. Announcements in the weapons, communications, optoelectronic and other sensor sectors also included contracts for Northrop Grumman and Selex ES to provide LAIRCM and IRST systems.

At IMS 2015 in May, we held our annual Strategy Analytics lunch session to outline our thoughts on why Defense is the best form of attack for GaN!, and how GaN Hits the RF Jackpot! over the coming years. GaN Past the Tipping Point! outlined trends across radar, EW, communications such as a move towards broadband performance, higher frequencies, digitization which support use cases for compound semiconductor technologies. While no one technology will be the panacea for all requirements, demand for GaN will grow at a CAGR of 28% and still be in a relatively early stage of deployment with more growth from 2019 onwards.

At EW Europe 2015 (May 26-28), Strategy Analytics’ Electronic Warfare Market Outlook and Technology Trends presentation the increasingly congested and complex spectrum environment that will require capable EW systems that are able to operate across wider bandwidths, while meeting demands for flexibility, power, modularity, and portability. These requirements across air, land and sea are dictating architectural changes down to the component level, and the presentation discussed the future outlook for RF-based EW in terms of spending, system shipments and semiconductor component trends.

Finally, the defense industry’s endeavors to strike a balance between scale and capability were exemplified by significant acquisition and investment activity in the month of May. Harris completed its previously announced $4.75 billion acquisition of Exelis; the combined company is expected to generate combined revenues of over $8.21 billion leveraging the respective strengths of the two companies across areas including tactical communications, electronic warfare and night vision. Elbit Systems and Raytheon acquired capabilities in the area of cyber/intelligence with transactions with their respective transactions.

Clients of Strategy Analytics Advanced Defense Systems (ADS) service have full access to the reports and presentations highlighted.

Next up will be Military Radar 2015 where we will be presenting on the Military Radar Market Outlook

Look forward to seeing you at this event and thanks for reading!