The decisive role played by laser systems in adding the much-needed edge to the military prowess can no longer be ignored. New defense technology is all about making the most of laser systems for lethal attack strategy and countering battlefield chaos. The limitations of current laser weapon systems, along with failing prototypes, are two major challenges which the global market for military laser systems has long been facing. Despite these challenges, our industry experts predict the laser systems market to grow steadily in the next five years.
Global military laser systems market segmentation by geography for 2016 and 2021 (%) Source: Technavio
Some of the key factors responsible for high demand of military laser systems are:
- Evolution of HEL weapons
- High success rate of laser weapons on field
- Increased focus on laser-based communication
- Development and procurement of laser weapons by emerging countries
Still at a nascent stage, the military systems market has very limited number of vendors with successful products. The top five suppliers in this industry as identified by us are:
1. BAE Systems
Based in the UK, BAE Systems is a global security, aerospace, and defense company. Its wide range of security solutions include military communication systems, surveillance capabilities, unmanned air systems, ship repair services, commercial digital engine and flight controls, munitions facilities management, and defense information systems. LTS 2000 and APKWS are its major military laser systems.
2. Northrop Grumman
One of the leading companies in laser and beam control technologies for the defense sector, Northrop Grumman supplies systems, products, and solutions focusing on aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services for the government and commercial customers across the globe. The American company was also involved in the Joint High Power Solid-State Laser Program that was integrated into the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL). COIL, Gamma, and joint high power solid-state laser, are some of its key products.
3. Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin conducts research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of various military platforms including aircraft, missiles, and military electronic capabilities. The American defense, aerospace, and security company makes laser weapons portable and power efficient for mobile military platforms. ATHENA – a 30-kilowatt fiber laser weapon system, along with ADAM are its major offerings in the global military laser systems market.
4. Thales
BELLA and DAMOCLES multifunction laser targeting pods are two of Thales’s premier products in the global military laser systems market. The company provides security equipment for the global defense and aerospace market, offers modernization and upgrading services, as well as retrofit, maintenance, and repair services for aircraft parts. Some of the company’s subsidiaries are Thales Air Defense, Thales Avionics, Thales Optronic, Thales Training and Simulation, and Thales Underwater Systems.
5. Raytheon
A technology and innovation company, Raytheon provides mission systems integration, electronics, and other capabilities in the field of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications, and intelligence systems along with a wide range of mission support services. A leading innovator in the global military laser systems market, Raytheon produced the world’s first laser rangefinder, the first laser target designator, and the first working military laser radar.
Technavio’s reports capture the latest developments in defense technology across the world. Our experts analyze various aspects of the industry to enable stakeholders to make strategic decisions and gain an edge in the global market.
