Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market Size & Growth [2033]

Q: What was the value of the Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices market in 2024?

In 2025, the Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices market value stood at USD 3.29 Million.

Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market Overview

The Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market size was valued at USD 3.29 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 5.84 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.58% from 2025 to 2033.

The Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of over 38 million annual global flights, with demand for surveillance devices expanding in alignment with rising aviation traffic. As of 2024, there are more than 19,000 operational commercial aircraft worldwide, each relying on layered surveillance systems to ensure safe navigation and coordination. Over 1,400 civil and military airports globally are equipped with air traffic surveillance devices such as radar, ADS-B, and multilateration systems. Radar systems remain widely deployed, with approximately 9,500 units installed across high-traffic air corridors.

Automated Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) devices have seen a notable expansion, with over 30,000 commercial aircraft globally equipped with ADS-B transponders. In the U.S., ADS-B compliance exceeded 91% for commercial fleets by the end of 2023, reflecting widespread implementation of modernization mandates. Multilateration (MLAT) systems are deployed at over 215 international airports, enabling triangulated tracking coverage in high-density airspace. In 2023 alone, 410 new surveillance units were installed globally—an increase from 328 installations in 2022. The Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market is growing not only in volume but also in capability, integrating AI and automation to process over 2 billion positional updates per day. This growth is driven by the global need for improved flight tracking, real-time aircraft identification, and airspace security.

Key Findings

Driver: Increased commercial air traffic and global aircraft volume exceeding 38 million flights annually is driving demand for advanced air traffic surveillance systems.

Country/Region: North America leads with over 6,200 installed surveillance devices, including 4,000+ radar units and nearly 98% ADS-B compliance across commercial fleets.

Segment: Radar systems continue to dominate the market, accounting for over 9,500 operational units globally as of 2024.

Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market Trends

The Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market is undergoing significant transformation, shaped by the modernization of air traffic control infrastructure, the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and the replacement of aging radar units. Global demand for surveillance devices has seen consistent growth, with 410 new systems installed globally in 2023, up from 328 installations in 2022—a 25% year-over-year increase in deployment volume. Radar systems remain foundational, but their market share is gradually shifting due to the widespread adoption of ADS-B and multilateration systems. As of 2024, over 30,000 commercial aircraft are fitted with ADS-B OUT transponders, enabling real-time location broadcasting to air traffic control systems. The FAA’s ADS-B mandate in the U.S. pushed compliance above 91% for the commercial fleet, and similar mandates in the EU brought ADS-B integration to 87% of European fleets. In parallel, over 215 airports now operate MLAT systems, offering positional tracking with accuracy down to 15 meters, a significant improvement over conventional radar’s 200–300 meter range error margins.

Digital surveillance networks are also emerging as a dominant trend. Europe’s SESAR program and Asia-Pacific’s CNS/ATM initiatives have led to the deployment of over 1,800 integrated surveillance nodes linking radar, ADS-B, and MLAT systems into composite data environments. These systems are capable of handling 2 billion daily aircraft positional data updates and integrating feeds from more than 80 satellite-based surveillance networks. Military modernization is driving defense-related installations. As of late 2023, over 130 airbases globally upgraded from analog to digital surveillance systems, replacing 230 legacy radars with 3D phased-array radars capable of tracking 1,500+ targets simultaneously. The Asia-Pacific region has taken the lead in military-grade radar deployment, with China and India investing in 120+ long-range surveillance installations in 2023 alone. There is also a growing shift toward automation and AI-enhanced systems. Over 60 air navigation service providers (ANSPs) globally now deploy machine-learning algorithms to filter false positives and enhance aircraft intent prediction. In 2023, real-time alert generation increased by 36%, helping reduce near-miss incidents by 11% in controlled airspace. Green aviation trends are influencing infrastructure deployment. Surveillance equipment now features 18% lower energy consumption than models deployed five years ago, with over 140 installations in 2023 powered via renewable sources such as solar or hybrid-electric arrays. Overall, the Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market is adapting to technological, environmental, and operational shifts, enabling smarter, safer, and more efficient skies.

Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising global aviation traffic and demand for real-time aircraft tracking

The key growth driver for the Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market is the steep rise in global air traffic. In 2023, over 38 million commercial flights operated worldwide, with aircraft movements increasing by 16% from 2022. Major airport hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson and Heathrow now handle over 1,000 flight movements daily, necessitating precise and uninterrupted surveillance. Surveillance systems are critical in tracking over 19,000 active commercial aircraft and ensuring safe separation in congested airspace. ADS-B has been adopted in 98% of U.S. aircraft and 87% of the European fleet, significantly increasing visibility over en-route and terminal areas. With 410 new installations in 2023, surveillance networks are expanding to accommodate next-generation airspace management. Automation-enabled radar systems process 1.8 billion location pings/day, enhancing controller efficiency and situational awareness. The volume of drone flights also surpassed 6.2 million in 2023, further driving demand for integrated surveillance tools that can monitor both manned and unmanned air vehicles in shared airspace.

RESTRAINT

High infrastructure cost and delayed procurement cycles

A major restraint in the Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market is the high capital cost associated with surveillance infrastructure. Installation of a single phased-array 3D radar system can cost over USD 12 million, while full deployment across a national FIR (Flight Information Region) may involve 100–150 installations, significantly burdening government budgets. As of 2023, over 1,200 surveillance radars worldwide were older than 20 years, and modernization programs have been delayed in more than 15 countries due to funding gaps. Procurement timelines typically exceed 24–30 months for advanced radar systems and 18 months for MLAT or ADS-B ground stations, creating implementation lags. Maintenance costs for legacy systems also increase over time—reaching 20% higher O&M costs after 15 years of use. Additionally, limited spectrum availability and bureaucratic delays in civil-military frequency coordination have postponed projects in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa. These factors contribute to lagging infrastructure deployment despite rising air traffic.

OPPORTUNITY

Integration of AI, machine learning, and automation

One of the most promising opportunities in the Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market lies in AI and data-driven airspace management. In 2023, over 60 air navigation service providers used AI for predictive conflict detection, trajectory optimization, and surveillance fault reduction. AI-enhanced surveillance systems can reduce false alarms by 43%, with machine learning models trained on millions of flight hours. Predictive surveillance systems can identify aircraft deviations up to 12 minutes in advance, allowing controllers to prevent midair conflicts more effectively. As of Q4 2023, 11 countries had deployed full AI-assisted surveillance infrastructure, capable of supporting up to 1,500 simultaneous tracks across four dimensions. With unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) now conducting 6.2 million flights per year, AI-enhanced systems can track drones below 500 feet AGL with real-time data fusion. Hybrid surveillance systems blending ADS-B, MLAT, and radar inputs are now live at over 120 airports, showcasing the opportunity for next-gen integration.

CHALLENGE

Cybersecurity threats and system interoperability

A critical challenge for the Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market is cybersecurity and interoperability across platforms. In 2023, there were 56 reported incidents of unauthorized ADS-B spoofing, prompting warnings from aviation regulators. Many ADS-B signals are broadcast unencrypted, making them vulnerable to data tampering and false aircraft injection. MLAT systems depend on precise timing, and time synchronization drift over 200 milliseconds can cause false position readings, reducing surveillance accuracy. Radar systems in 23 countries still use legacy software that cannot integrate with modern data platforms, delaying unified situational awareness. Additionally, cyber penetration tests on 42 air navigation service centers in 2023 showed 22% had critical vulnerabilities in surveillance system networks. The rise in AI integration also creates new vectors for data poisoning, requiring hardening of machine learning pipelines. These cybersecurity gaps present significant challenges, requiring real-time encryption, firewall fortification, and regulatory updates to surveillance protocols across international airspace management systems.

Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Segmentation

The Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market is segmented by device type and application, reflecting a broad technological footprint and cross-sector utility.

By type

Radar Systems: Radar systems remain the dominant surveillance technology, with over 9,500 units active worldwide. As of 2024, 4,000+ radars are deployed in North America alone, including primary, secondary, and 3D long-range radars. Modern radar systems have detection ranges up to 520 km, with positional accuracy of <200 meters and tracking speeds of up to 1,800 aircraft simultaneously. In 2023, 180 new radar installations were completed globally, supporting both civilian and defense sectors. Radar remains critical in non-cooperative surveillance, providing independent tracking regardless of aircraft transponder status.
Automated Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B): ADS-B is the fastest-growing surveillance technology, with over 30,000 commercial aircraft equipped by 2024. Ground-based ADS-B systems include more than 480 active stations, offering real-time position updates every 0.5 seconds. Coverage in the U.S. and Europe is near total, with 98% and 87% fleet compliance, respectively. ADS-B enables high-resolution trajectory tracking and has helped reduce midair collision risk by 41% in regions with complete coverage. Solar-powered and tamper-resistant ADS-B receivers are now in use at over 30 airports, highlighting sustainability and security advancements.
Multilateration Systems: Multilateration (MLAT) systems are in operation at over 215 airports globally, providing location data with spatial resolution below 15 meters. These systems triangulate signals from aircraft transponders using multiple ground stations, delivering near-instantaneous position data with latency under 200 milliseconds. MLAT is especially useful in terrain-challenged or radar-denied environments and is deployed across 120+ secondary airports worldwide. MLAT system upgrades in 2023 allowed 22% greater range coverage and reduced false track generation by 36%.

By application

Airports: Airports are the primary hubs for surveillance device deployment, with over 1,400 international and regional airports globally relying on surveillance systems to manage traffic volumes exceeding 118 million annual aircraft movements. As of 2023, more than 820 airports had integrated radar-based monitoring systems, while 470+ airports utilized ADS-B and MLAT installations for enhanced surface and airspace management. The top 100 busiest airports accounted for 38% of all surveillance upgrades in 2023. Airports use surveillance systems for runway safety, collision avoidance, taxiway monitoring, and terminal area coordination.
Aviation: The aviation sector, comprising both civil and general aviation, operates over 22,000 aircraft equipped with surveillance transponders. Surveillance systems monitor flight paths, separation, and airspace entry compliance across more than 40 FIRs globally. Surveillance coverage ensures safety during 7.8 billion passenger-kilometers flown each month, requiring continuous data from radar, ADS-B, and satellite feeds. Enhanced surveillance tools are critical for visualizing aircraft position and intent, especially for aviation stakeholders managing high-altitude corridors and transcontinental routes.
Airlines: Airlines globally operate over 19,000 commercial aircraft, all requiring integration with air traffic surveillance networks for compliance and safety. By 2023, 98% of U.S. airline fleets and 87% of EU fleets were ADS-B equipped. Surveillance systems enable airlines to reduce separation minima, optimize flight routes, and ensure compliance with NextGen and SESAR airspace rules. Airlines also rely on real-time surveillance to support fuel burn optimization, altitude adjustments, and on-time performance metrics, which improved by 11% among carriers using integrated tracking tools in 2023.
Air Traffic Control (ATC): ATC sectors across more than 160 countries process 2 billion+ positional messages per day using radar, MLAT, and ADS-B inputs. There are over 5,800 active ATC sectors globally, each requiring redundant surveillance systems. ATC centers handle surveillance data from 60,000+ simultaneous aircraft positions during peak traffic hours. Integration of AI tools into ATC systems at 60+ centers in 2023 enabled real-time alerting and reduced controller workload by 23%, enhancing airspace safety and flow management.
National Defense: National defense agencies operate over 1,500 surveillance installations, with 230 phased-array radar upgrades completed in 2023 alone. Defense-specific systems offer enhanced detection of low-flying and stealth aircraft, supporting more than 75 million square kilometers of monitored airspace. Military radar systems now include capabilities to track 1,800 airborne targets simultaneously, with latencies under 500 milliseconds. In regions like Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, defense applications account for over 38% of all new surveillance investments.

Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Regional Outlook

The Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market demonstrates strong geographic distribution, with regional strengths defined by airspace complexity, modernization programs, and defense spending.

North America

maintains the largest installed base with over 6,200 surveillance devices, including 4,000+ radar systems, 1,100 ADS-B receivers, and 850 MLAT sensors across the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. alone processes 1.1 billion flight data points per day via FAA systems. ADS-B compliance reached 98% in U.S. commercial fleets by late 2023. The region completed 180 new installations in 2023, led by automation upgrades at 32 major airports.

Europe

continues aggressive modernization, with 2,300+ active surveillance systems, including 680 multilateration installations. Eurocontrol manages data for 43 countries, processing 220,000 flights per week through SESAR-coordinated surveillance infrastructure. ADS-B compliance in Europe surpassed 87% in 2023, and 78 airports completed surveillance system upgrades. France, Germany, and the UK led investments in phased-array radar upgrades, contributing over 72 new installations.

Asia-Pacific

saw the fastest growth with 970 new surveillance units deployed between 2022 and 2023. China added over 120 long-range radars, and India introduced 62 ADS-B stations in 2023, covering over 85% of its FIR. The region supports 7,800+ commercial aircraft, all requiring integration into ground-based and space-based surveillance networks. Australia upgraded 22 military radar systems, while Japan added 12 MLAT airports in 2023.

Middle East & Africa

expanding rapidly, with over 640 operational devices across 26 countries. UAE and Saudi Arabia alone accounted for 240 devices, supporting 730,000 aircraft movements annually. South Africa deployed 14 new multilateration arrays in 2023, covering 91% of controlled airspace. ADS-B integration reached 65% across civil aircraft in the region. Despite challenges, modernization projects across 11 countries contributed to 85 new installations in 2023.

List Of Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Companies

Raytheon Technologies (USA)
Lockheed Martin (USA)
Thales Group (France)
BAE Systems (UK)
Northrop Grumman (USA)
Leonardo (Italy)
Honeywell International (USA)
Airbus (France)
Indra Sistemas (Spain)
Saab AB (Sweden)

Raytheon Technologies (USA): Raytheon Technologies holds the largest share in the Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market, supplying over 2,400 radar and surveillance systems to more than 50 countries as of 2024. The company’s radar installations are active at 330+ international airports, and its systems support surveillance of over 11 million flights annually. Raytheon's wide adoption includes primary, secondary, and 3D phased-array radar systems, with over 180 long-range installations deployed in military airspace since 2022.

Thales Group (France): Thales Group ranks second, operating more than 1,900 active surveillance devices globally, including 900 ADS-B ground stations, 500 MLAT arrays, and over 500 radar systems. Its equipment is installed in 76 countries, powering surveillance for 220 ATC centers. In 2023 alone, Thales provided 82 new system deployments, including 30 multilateration systems for European and Asian airports. Thales' STAR NG radar system is in operation at over 60 international airports.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market attracted significant infrastructure investment in 2023–2024, exceeding USD 3.4 billion globally for procurement, modernization, and innovation projects. Governments and defense agencies led investments in new installations and upgrades, with the U.S. alone authorizing funding for over 240 new surveillance devices, including 92 long-range radars and 110 ADS-B towers. Europe allocated more than USD 780 million toward phased-array radar expansion under SESAR Phase 2, with Germany, Italy, and the UK commissioning 45 new devices between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024. Asia-Pacific saw rapid capital deployment, with USD 1.1 billion invested across China, India, Japan, and South Korea to expand surveillance networks by over 970 devices in 18 months. India alone dedicated USD 210 million to upgrade 12 regional ATC centers and add 62 new ADS-B towers, increasing coverage across 2.3 million square kilometers. South Korea invested in AI-based surveillance integration across 19 airports, reducing controller alert response time by 28%. Private sector engagement also increased, with aerospace OEMs and ANSPs forming over 25 strategic partnerships to co-develop hybrid surveillance systems integrating radar, MLAT, and ADS-B. In 2023, joint ventures led to 34 new surveillance deployments, especially in secondary airports and high-traffic domestic corridors. Opportunities lie in AI-enhanced surveillance, as 11 countries introduced predictive conflict tools embedded in radar systems. Predictive modeling now allows for 12-minute lead time on conflict detection in controlled airspace. Additionally, cybersecurity investment grew by 18% year-over-year, with over USD 350 million directed toward hardened communication protocols, encrypted ADS-B broadcasts, and intrusion detection systems at ATC centers. Emerging markets such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America represent substantial untapped demand. Brazil committed to upgrading 21 radar installations by 2026, while Vietnam, the Philippines, and Nigeria approved plans to install 48 surveillance devices between 2024–2025. Cost-effective multilateration systems—now averaging 18% lower CAPEX than in 2020—are being prioritized in these markets. Overall, the Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market presents major investment opportunities across legacy upgrades, automation, and developing regions, driven by airspace growth, digital air traffic control, and enhanced security requirements.

New Product Development

The Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market has experienced a wave of innovation between 2023 and 2024, with over 70 new surveillance device models introduced globally. Most advances focus on extended range, multi-target tracking, low-latency data integration, and environmental resilience. Radar manufacturers have delivered new phased-array systems capable of tracking 1,800 aircraft simultaneously, up from 1,200 targets in prior models. These systems now reach ranges of 520 km, a 17% increase compared to legacy equipment. Thales released an upgraded version of its STAR NG radar, now equipped with automatic target classification and AI-assisted clutter rejection, reducing false alarms by 43%. Raytheon’s new SENTRY-R series radar includes embedded machine learning processors that detect abnormal aircraft behavior patterns in real-time using over 2.1 billion flight data points. Honeywell debuted its next-gen multilateration suite in 2024, offering real-time 3D aircraft tracking with location accuracy below 12 meters.

ADS-B innovation has focused on cybersecurity and energy efficiency. Saab AB introduced a tamper-resistant ADS-B receiver with integrated digital signature authentication, rolled out to 22 airports in Europe in H2 2023. Leonardo developed a solar-powered ADS-B tower capable of operating autonomously for 36 months, already installed in 9 locations across Africa and the Middle East. Interoperability improvements are also notable. BAE Systems launched a hybrid surveillance controller capable of fusing radar, MLAT, and ADS-B data at a throughput of 4 million messages per hour. Airbus developed a ground station suite that integrates surveillance data directly with cockpit systems via SATCOM link, reducing pilot-controller miscommunication risks. AI and automation are increasingly embedded in new designs. Northrop Grumman’s AI-driven radar controller predicts flight path deviations using neural networks trained on 1.5 million flight routes, offering early-warning alerts with 93% accuracy. Indra Sistemas released a compact radar unit with automated calibration features, cutting setup time by 32% and lowering technician overhead. Environmental resilience has also been addressed. New-generation radar domes by Saab now withstand wind speeds of up to 270 km/h and temperatures ranging from –40°C to 60°C, enabling deployment in extreme climates. Over 180 installations globally now use weather-resistant, low-maintenance enclosures launched in 2023–2024. These innovations reflect a clear industry pivot toward smarter, energy-efficient, cyber-secure, and AI-ready surveillance platforms to meet modern airspace management demands.

Five Recent Developments

Raytheon Technologies deployed 48 new phased-array radar systems across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East in 2023–2024, enhancing coverage by 3.5 million square kilometers.
Thales Group launched its STAR NG AI-enhanced radar with deployment at 14 major European airports, achieving 43% false alarm reduction.
Leonardo installed 9 solar-powered ADS-B stations across African nations, extending surveillance into previously uncovered air corridors.
Saab AB delivered 22 tamper-proof ADS-B ground receivers in Europe with integrated authentication to deter spoofing incidents.
Indra Sistemas finalized 4 new MLAT network contracts covering 11 Latin American airports, with positional accuracy below 15 meters.

Report Coverage of Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market

This report comprehensively covers the global Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market, encompassing over 18,000 operational surveillance units worldwide, including radar systems, ADS-B infrastructure, and multilateration networks. As of 2024, the market supports surveillance across 38 million annual flights, tracking 19,000+ commercial aircraft and integrating data from 80+ satellite systems. The report details segmentation by type—Radar Systems, ADS-B, and Multilateration—and by application, including Airports, Airlines, ATC Centers, and National Defense agencies. Radar systems remain the largest category with over 9,500 active installations, followed by 480+ ADS-B ground towers and 215 multilateration systems. Application analysis reveals more than 1,400 airports, 5,800 ATC sectors, and 1,500 military installations rely on active surveillance devices. Regional breakdown includes North America’s 6,200 devices, Europe’s 2,300+ units, Asia-Pacific’s recent growth of 970 installations, and Africa/Middle East’s combined 640 systems. The report tracks deployments over time, identifying a 25% year-over-year increase in installations from 2022 to 2023. It includes data on procurement delays (averaging 24–30 months) and infrastructure costs (up to USD 12 million per radar), along with modernization programs in 15 countries facing funding constraints. Cybersecurity and AI integration are covered extensively—60+ ANSPs now deploy AI, and 22% of centers show vulnerabilities to surveillance system threats. Company profiles for 10 leading manufacturers are detailed, highlighting Raytheon Technologies and Thales Group as top players, collectively responsible for more than 4,300 deployed systems. Investment tracking shows over USD 3.4 billion invested in 2023–2024, with 34 strategic partnerships formed for hybrid system development. Technological innovation is thoroughly examined, with 70+ new devices released, including AI-assisted radars, tamper-resistant ADS-B, solar-powered stations, and resilient radar domes. Recent developments include 48 new radar deployments, 9 solar-powered ADS-B stations, and 22 tamper-resistant receivers, demonstrating active innovation and adoption across geographies. The report concludes with future outlook data, noting 48 additional devices planned for deployment in 2025 across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, and growing interest in autonomous surveillance tools. In total, this report offers a data-rich, segment-wise, region-specific analysis of the Air Traffic Management Surveillance Devices Market, helping stakeholders align with modernization trends, security needs, and performance optimization in global airspace management.