5G in Defense Industry Analysis: Market Size, Share & Growth Forecast to 2035

The 5G in Defense Market is experiencing dynamic growth as defense agencies worldwide adopt next-generation communication technologies to support modern warfare and digital operations. Forecasts indicate strong expansion, with the 5G in Defense Market  is expected to grow from 4,730 USD Million in 2025 to 32 USD Billion by 2035. The 5G in Defense Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 21.1% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).

Regional Market Dynamics

North America leads the 5G in Defense Market both in market share and technological leadership. The United States, in particular, accounts for the majority of regional investment due to significant defense modernization budgets, advanced R&D infrastructure, and early adoption of private 5G tactical networks. The U.S. Department of Defense has spearheaded initiatives to integrate 5G into testbeds and field exercises that support C4ISR modernization and autonomous systems. 

Asia-Pacific is emerging as one of the fastest-growing regions. Countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan are injecting capital into defense 5G deployments driven by expanding military budgets and the desire to secure strategic autonomy in communications. In addition, increased cooperation with domestic and international defense contractors is expanding regional capabilities and adoption. 

In Europe, adoption is supported by collaborative defense initiatives among NATO members and strong industrial capabilities in communications and electronics. The UK, Germany, France, and other European nations are increasingly incorporating 5G into military training, operations staffing, and network modernization efforts. This region’s focus on cybersecurity and integrated defense platforms further propels market growth.

The Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Latin America represent developing markets. Although they currently hold a smaller share of the global pipeline, growing geopolitical tension and investments in digital defense networks present long-term opportunities. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Brazil are among the key adopters implementing 5G solutions for command connectivity, drone communication, and tactical communication upgrades.

Competitive Landscape

Competition in the 5G in Defense Market is shaped by both traditional defense contractors and global telecommunications leaders. Major players include Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Thales Group, Huawei, NEC, Samsung, Ericsson, and Nokia — each bringing unique strengths in hardware, software, and network services. 

Defense contractors are focusing on tailored solutions that integrate 5G with existing military infrastructure, including secure modules, resilient hardware, and battlefield-ready networking products. Telecommunications companies, meanwhile, contribute expertise in network deployment, spectrum management, and secure routing technologies.

Several strategic partnerships are shaping the landscape. For instance, collaborations between defense OEMs and telecom providers help accelerate the deployment of private 5G networks, enabling secure, isolated communication channels suitable for defense applications. Additionally, cross-industry agreements bolster research into AI-enabled network management and edge computing, enhancing the performance of 5G defense systems. 

Segment Dynamics

Within the 5G in Defense Market, various segments drive growth, including communication infrastructure (small and macro cells), core technologies such as SDN and NFV, frequency bands (from low-band to millimeter wave), and platforms — including land, airborne, naval, and space platforms. Hardware continues to hold a significant share due to its foundational role in establishing robust network systems, while software and services segments are rapidly expanding to support analytics, security, and network orchestration. 

In particular, mid-band 5G frequencies are gaining traction due to their balance of coverage and performance, making them suitable for tactical communication and base operations. Additionally, autonomous systems and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) applications are creating high demand for real-time, low-latency communication capabilities provided by 5G networks.

In conclusion, regional investment patterns, technological leadership, and strategic partnerships continue to elevate the 5G in Defense Market’s growth prospects. As defense networks evolve to embrace digital transformation, 5G technology plays an increasingly central role in modern warfare and defense operations.