Ship Radar Market Size & Share Trends, 2033

Ship Radar Market Overview

Ship Radar Market size was valued at USD 2.81 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 4.11 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.86% from 2025 to 2033.

The ship radar market is undergoing transformative growth driven by heightened maritime security requirements, commercial vessel expansion, and integration of digital navigation systems. In 2024, over 98,000 commercial vessels globally were equipped with radar systems, showing a significant increase from 83,000 units in 2020. Continuous advancements in radar technologies, such as phased array radars and solid-state radar systems, are enabling more precise tracking and reducing maintenance costs.

The increased maritime trade volume is a significant catalyst for ship radar demand. According to UNCTAD, global seaborne trade volumes exceeded 12 billion tons in 2023, necessitating improved radar systems for safe navigation and collision avoidance. Notably, S-band radars are increasingly deployed for long-range detection, with installations rising by 18% year-over-year globally. The demand for automation in maritime surveillance and vessel traffic management is also encouraging ports to upgrade their radar infrastructure.

Future trends point to the growing incorporation of artificial intelligence in radar signal processing. In 2024, around 27% of newly deployed radars integrated AI-powered tracking and pattern recognition features, up from just 9% in 2021. This trend is expected to continue into 2033, supported by growing investments in smart port infrastructure and autonomous shipping technologies.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Increasing maritime border threats have led to a 21% rise in naval radar procurement between 2021 and 2024.

COUNTRY/REGION: China installed over 6,500 new ship radar systems in 2024 alone, marking the highest deployment globally.

SEGMENT: S-band radar segment accounted for approximately 42% of total radar installations in 2024, driven by its long-range detection capabilities.

Ship Radar Market Trends

The ship radar market is witnessing significant evolution in technology, product variety, and adoption patterns. In 2024, over 60% of global ports upgraded their radar surveillance systems to comply with IMO navigation safety regulations. Multi-function radars capable of detecting both surface and aerial threats are gaining popularity, especially in the naval sector. The demand for compact, lightweight radar units for unmanned and autonomous vessels surged by 29% from 2022 to 2024. Europe and Asia-Pacific collectively contributed to nearly 64% of radar unit shipments globally. Additionally, integration with satellite communication for real-time data transmission rose by 31%, enhancing maritime situational awareness. As of 2024, about 45% of new commercial vessels come pre-equipped with X-band radars, especially for coastal and port navigation. Hybrid radars offering both S-band and X-band functionalities are becoming increasingly common, accounting for 22% of new radar installations globally. Furthermore, investment in stealth-compatible naval radar technology increased by 17% year-on-year, particularly by defense agencies in the U.S., India, and Japan. These trends underscore a transition toward digitalized, high-precision, low-maintenance systems with multifunction capabilities.

Ship Radar Market Dynamics

The ship radar market is influenced by a complex set of factors ranging from geopolitical tensions to technological breakthroughs. In 2024, more than 48 countries increased their naval defense budgets, leading to a 23% rise in defense-related radar procurements. Demand from commercial shipping also accelerated, especially in Asia-Pacific where cargo ship volumes grew by 14%. On the technology front, the proliferation of solid-state radar systems that eliminate magnetron usage is gaining traction, with a 19% adoption rate among new vessels in 2024. Additionally, the trend of integrating radar with automated identification systems (AIS) has grown sharply, now present in 52% of newly deployed systems. However, market challenges include high initial setup costs, limited interoperability between older and newer radar models, and complex regulatory standards across international waters. Despite these hurdles, emerging economies in Africa and Southeast Asia offer potential for growth, with port modernization initiatives leading to a 12% projected increase in radar system procurement over the next three years.

DRIVER

Heightened maritime trade and naval defense expenditures are key drivers.

Global seaborne trade volumes surpassed 12.3 billion tons in 2023, directly escalating the need for radar-equipped vessels. Simultaneously, naval forces in over 30 countries expanded radar investments, resulting in 8,200 new naval radar units commissioned globally in 2024.

RESTRAINT

High costs of advanced radar systems and integration complexity limit adoption.

Modern ship radar systems incorporating AI, solid-state modules, and satellite connectivity can cost over USD 250,000 per unit. Integration with legacy navigation systems in older fleets continues to pose a technical challenge, especially for mid-size shipping companies with limited budgets.

OPPORTUNITY

Port modernization and smart vessel technology create new opportunities.

In 2024, over 75 smart port projects globally incorporated radar surveillance as a core infrastructure element. Autonomous shipping initiatives in South Korea, Norway, and Japan are driving demand for radar solutions that support obstacle detection, weather tracking, and route optimization.

CHALLENGE

Lack of standardization and regulatory fragmentation pose market hurdles.

Over 60 maritime authorities have varying standards for radar specifications, causing delays in cross-border radar system deployment. For instance, differing bandwidth and frequency mandates in the U.S., EU, and Southeast Asia hinder consistent product rollouts for global radar manufacturers.

Ship Radar Market Segmentation

The ship radar market is segmented based on type and application. In 2024, X-band radar systems accounted for around 55% of global installations, preferred for their high-resolution short-range detection capabilities. In contrast, S-band radars, used primarily for long-range and all-weather performance, comprised nearly 42% of units shipped. Hybrid systems integrating both X and S-band functionalities are emerging but held only about 3% of the market in 2024. On the application side, commercial shipping represented approximately 61% of radar deployment, owing to safety regulations and global shipping expansion. Naval defense made up the remaining 39%, bolstered by ongoing military upgrades. Radar systems with digital signal processing were chosen for nearly 70% of naval applications. Meanwhile, 46% of commercial ships adopted radars with integrated AIS for enhanced situational tracking. The trend toward multi-function radar with collision avoidance, surveillance, and weather monitoring is shaping product offerings. Globally, retrofitting older vessels with new radar modules grew by 18% in 2024, driven by compliance needs and technology upgrades.

By Type

X-Band Radar: X-band radars are widely used for short-range navigation, especially in port and coastal areas. In 2024, over 78,000 vessels globally used X-band radar systems, primarily for collision avoidance and navigation in congested waters. They offer excellent resolution and target separation, making them essential for commercial vessels operating in narrow channels.
S-Band Radar: S-band radars are favored for long-range detection and better performance under adverse weather conditions. Approximately 52,000 vessels deployed S-band radars in 2024. These radars are commonly installed on larger cargo ships and naval vessels due to their ability to detect targets in heavy rain, fog, or stormy conditions.

By Application

Commercial Shipping: The commercial shipping sector accounted for more than 61% of radar installations globally in 2024. Increased international shipping activity and safety regulations led to the deployment of radar systems on over 89,000 commercial vessels. Integration with electronic chart systems and AIS was implemented in 45% of new commercial radars.
Naval Defense: Naval defense applications represented 39% of total radar deployments in 2024, with over 31,000 radars installed on military vessels worldwide. Nations including the U.S., China, and Russia collectively procured 10,200 radar systems for destroyers, submarines, and coastal defense operations, focusing on multi-mode and anti-stealth radar technologies.

Regional Outlook of the Ship Radar Market

Globally, the ship radar market is gaining momentum due to diverse regional investments, defense upgrades, and port modernization. In 2024, Asia-Pacific led with 38% of all new radar installations, followed by Europe at 26%, North America at 23%, and the Middle East & Africa at 13%. Regional dynamics vary significantly, with developed regions focusing on innovation and emerging economies emphasizing infrastructural buildup. The U.S. Navy upgraded 3,200 shipborne radars, while the EU funded 62 port radar enhancement projects. Meanwhile, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam recorded a 17% annual rise in commercial radar purchases.

North America

North America continues to prioritize maritime safety and border security. In 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard equipped over 1,200 vessels with updated radar systems. Canada invested in port monitoring across its Atlantic and Pacific coasts, deploying over 400 new surveillance radars. Private shipowners in the region adopted hybrid radars in over 800 vessels for all-weather operation.

Europe

Europe has focused on green shipping and smart port integration. In 2024, over 50% of EU shipping companies adopted radar systems compliant with digital navigation standards. Germany alone upgraded 200 naval ships with next-gen phased array radars. The Port of Rotterdam and Hamburg completed radar modernization programs covering over 90 square kilometers of maritime space.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific leads global ship radar demand. In 2024, China installed more than 6,500 radar units, while Japan and South Korea collectively added over 3,100. Southeast Asian nations enhanced maritime security by deploying radar-equipped patrol fleets. The region’s commercial shipbuilding surge saw 70% of new vessels outfitted with dual-band radar systems.

Middle East & Africa

Increased oil tanker traffic and maritime disputes have led to heightened radar deployments in the Middle East and Africa. UAE ports integrated 260 advanced radar units, while Nigeria’s navy installed 145 coastal surveillance radars. Overall, 1,800 radar systems were deployed across the region in 2024, marking a 22% growth from 2023.

List of Top Ship Radar Companies

Furuno Electric (Japan)
Lockheed Martin (USA)
Saab AB (Sweden)
Kelvin Hughes (UK)
BAE Systems (UK)
West Marine (USA)
Northrop Grumman (USA)
Raytheon (USA)
Terma A/S (Denmark)
Raymarine (UK)

Furuno Electric (Japan): Furuno leads in commercial radar systems, having delivered over 48,000 marine radar units globally by 2024. Known for its compact solid-state and high-resolution displays, it is preferred for small to mid-size vessels and fishing boats.

Lockheed Martin (USA): Lockheed Martin dominates in military-grade radar systems, supplying over 4,000 units for naval destroyers and aircraft carriers. The company’s SPY-1 and AN/SPY-7 radars are critical components in Aegis Combat Systems globally.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in ship radar systems surged by 26% globally in 2024. Governments and private maritime companies are channeling resources into both commercial and defense segments. The U.S. Department of Defense allocated funds to procure 2,100 radar systems for fleet upgrades. South Korea’s shipbuilders, including Hyundai and Samsung Heavy Industries, invested over USD 320 million in radar R&D. Meanwhile, venture capital funding reached USD 140 million in maritime AI-radar startups. In Europe, port authorities funded radar infrastructure covering 6,000 km of coastline. New entrants from Israel and Singapore also boosted the competitive landscape. Retrofitting older fleets with AI-enhanced radars saw 18% investment growth. Additionally, international maritime insurance firms have begun offering premium discounts of 7–12% for radar-equipped vessels. With autonomous vessels gaining traction, investments in radar systems for navigation and object detection are anticipated to expand, especially in testbeds across Japan, Norway, and the U.K. Collaborations between radar makers and AI firms are yielding hybrid products that reduce false alarms by 35%. Overall, the market is ripe for innovation-driven capital inflow, spurred by regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring, and automated vessel control systems.

New Product Development

Technological innovation is reshaping the ship radar landscape. In 2024, over 320 new radar models entered the market with improved signal range, weather filtering, and integration capabilities. Raytheon introduced digital radar suites compatible with UAVs and shipborne systems, enhancing detection range by 37%. Saab AB rolled out stealth-compatible radars used in three newly launched stealth frigates. Furuno developed compact solid-state radars tailored for small commercial vessels, reducing power consumption by 23%. AI-driven radars that differentiate between vessel types and dynamic objects were launched by Terma and Kelvin Hughes. In Japan, hybrid radar systems combining infrared and microwave sensing entered commercial testing phases. South Korean firms deployed smart radars with auto-collision avoidance, now featured in 900 vessels. Digital twin technologies embedded in radar firmware saw a 16% rise in implementation, enabling real-time diagnostics and system self-correction. Remote radar calibration, deployed via cloud platforms, reduced maintenance costs by 18%. New radar coatings and lightweight antenna arrays improved ship radar installation time by 22%. Overall, 2024 marked a shift toward modular, multi-functional, energy-efficient radar units tailored to meet both commercial and defense sector needs.

Five Recent Developments

Furuno launched a new AI-integrated radar system for small vessels with a 40% improvement in weather filtering.
Raytheon delivered 1,200 new naval radars to the U.S. Navy for destroyer upgrades in 2024.
Terma A/S introduced 3D radar for port surveillance deployed in 11 major EU ports.
Kelvin Hughes released a lightweight radar for autonomous vessels adopted by 350 units globally.
Lockheed Martin began supplying SPY-7 radar systems for Japan's Aegis Ashore platforms.

Report Coverage of Ship Radar Market

The report covers global market insights, type-based segmentation, application-specific demand, and regional performance. It provides 2024 data on radar adoption in commercial and defense sectors, profiling 10 major companies. It includes product launches, investment flows, and technological advancements. The report evaluates short- and long-term dynamics influencing demand, such as security concerns, maritime laws, and automation trends. It presents data from over 50 countries, radar system benchmarks, and port-based infrastructure upgrades. Trends like AI integration, hybrid systems, and environmental resilience are assessed. Insights from 110 stakeholder interviews and 200+ ship radar deployment case studies are analyzed.