5G in Defense Market Size, Share, Future Analysis, 2026-2034

Market Overview

According to fortune business insights, the global 5G in defense market size was valued at USD 1.36 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.65 billion in 2026 to USD 6.86 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 19.46% during the forecast period. North America dominated the global 5G in defense market with a market share of 43.00% in 2025.

These insights have been deep-dived into in a recent research report, titled “5G in Defense Market, 2026-2034.”

The analysis shows that top companies are investing more in 5G for defense as militaries recognize its potential to transform modern warfare through real-time situational awareness and autonomous systems. For example, ongoing conflicts are accelerating the demand for cyber-resilient digital command networks. This trend indicates a strong demand for 5G in defense worldwide.

Major Players Profiled in the Market Report:

• Lockheed Martin (U.S.)

• Nokia (Finland)

• AT&T (U.S.)

• L3Harris Technologies (U.S.)

• Ericsson (Sweden)

• Verizon (U.S.)

• Raytheon Technologies (U.S.)

• Keysight Technologies (U.S.)

• Oceus Networks (U.S.)

• BAE Systems (U.K.)

• Cohere Technologies (U.S.)

• Airbus Defence and Space (Europe)

• Samsung Electronics (South Korea)

• NEC Corporation (Japan)

• General Dynamics Mission Systems (U.S.)

• Thales Group (France)

• Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy)

Segments

Large-Scale Infrastructure Deployment to Propel Hardware Segment GrowthBased on solution type, the market is divided into hardware, software, and services. The hardware segment holds the largest market share and dominates the market owing to the large-scale deployment of physical infrastructure such as base stations, antennas, and rugged devices.

Central Role in Tactical Connectivity to Drive RAN Segment ExpansionBy communication infrastructure, the market is categorized into Radio Access Network (RAN), Small Cell Network, Macro Cells Network, and others. The Radio Access Network (RAN) segment is leading the market as it forms the foundation of military-grade 5G infrastructure, connecting all communication elements.

Widespread Adoption across Ground Networks to Dominate the Land Platforms SegmentBased on platform, the market is segmented into land, airborne, naval, and space platforms. The land platforms segment holds the largest market share owing to the widespread adoption of 5G across a range of ground-based assets like armored vehicles, command centers, and smart bases.

Central Role in Situational Awareness to Lead C4ISR Segment GrowthBased on application, the market is split into C4ISR, autonomous & robotic systems, smart military bases, and others. The C4ISR segment leads market growth owing to its central role in modern military command, control, and decision-making, enabled by 5G's low latency and high-speed data integration.

Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

For detailed market insights: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/5g-in-defense-market-114312

Report Coverage

The report offers:

• Major growth drivers, restraining factors, opportunities, and potential challenges for the market.

• Comprehensive insights into regional developments.

• List of major industry players.

• Key strategies adopted by the market players.

• The latest industry developments include product launches, partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions.

Drivers & Restraints

Rising Integration of Autonomous Systems to Propel Market GrowthThe increasing use of autonomous and robotic platforms in military operations has raised the demand for 5G, as these technologies require low-latency, high-speed connectivity for real-time control and coordination. This reliance on unmanned systems and AI-driven networks is boosting market growth.

However, growing concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the high cost of deploying secure, standalone defense networks may hamper market growth.

Regional Insights

Strong U.S. Defense Modernization Propels Market Growth in North AmericaNorth America holds the dominant 5G in defense market share and is projected to experience growth during the forecast period. The region’s growth is attributed to strong U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) modernization efforts and early 5G integration initiatives like the 5G-to-NextG program.

Asia Pacific is one of the fastest-growing regions in the market. The growth is attributed to rising military infrastructure investments in countries like China, India, South Korea, and Japan.

5G in Defense Market Future Growth:

The 5G in defense market is experiencing robust growth, fueled by the rising need for real-time situational awareness, the proliferation of autonomous systems, and the modernization of military communication networks. Today's militaries are increasingly drawn to private 5G tactical networks that provide secure, high-speed connectivity for multi-domain operations. Additionally, there's a growing trend of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with 5G to enable autonomous decision-making and predictive threat response. The rapid expansion of network-centric warfare concepts and the need for cyber-resilient command networks are also key growth drivers. While North America continues to dominate the market, the Asia-Pacific region is seeing a surge in demand, driven by geopolitical instability and accelerated defense digitization programs.

Competitive Landscape

Growing Adoption of Strategic Partnerships to Propel Market GrowthThe market features a mix of traditional defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, alongside telecom leaders such as Ericsson and Nokia. These leading companies are accelerating growth through strategic partnerships to combine defense expertise with commercial 5G innovation. Their proactive approach to developing secure, dual-use technologies and integrated digital ecosystems continues to fuel the market’s momentum.

Key Industry Development

• March 2025: Lockheed Martin announced the successful integration of Nokia’s military-grade 5G solutions into its 5G.MIL Hybrid Base Station, enabling a seamless bridge between commercial and tactical communications.