5G in Defense Market ? Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Communication Infrastructure (Small Cell, Macro Cell, Radio Access Network) By Core Network Technology (Software-defined Networking, Fog Computing, Mobile Edge Computing, Network Functions Virtualizations) By Network Type (Enhanced Mobile Broadband {eMBB}, Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications {URLLC}, Massive Machine Type Communications {MMTC}) By Chipset (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Chipset, Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) Chipset, Millimeter Wave (mmWave) Chipset) By Platform (Land, Naval, Airborne) By Operational Frequency (High, Low, Medium) By End Use (Aircraft, Airport, Homeland Security) By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

January 2026 | 181 pages | ID: 53E0A18DB5F5EN
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The Global 5G in Defense Market is projected to expand from USD 2.26 Billion in 2025 to USD 6.79 Billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 20.12%. This market entails the application of fifth-generation cellular technology to deliver secure, low-latency, and high-speed connectivity for military uses, such as tactical command centers, smart logistics, and autonomous systems. The market is primarily driven by the urgent need for real-time data processing to improve situational awareness and the demand for massive machine-type communications to sustain the growing internet of military things. Data from the GSMA indicates that global 5G connections exceeded 1.5 billion in 2024, highlighting the rapid maturity of the commercial ecosystem that defense agencies are utilizing to fast-track the integration of these advanced capabilities into their operations.

A major hurdle that may restrict market growth is the complexity surrounding spectrum allocation and coexistence. The risk of signal interference between commercial 5G networks and legacy military avionics or radar systems frequently requires strict geographic limitations and exhaustive testing protocols. These necessary measures often decelerate the pace of widespread deployment and hinder interoperability efforts.

Market Driver

Rising government expenditures on defense digital modernization are fundamentally transforming the sector, with nations dedicating significant funds to integrate commercial wireless technologies into military infrastructure. Defense agencies are prioritizing contract vehicles that facilitate the rapid acquisition of 5G capabilities, ensuring that tactical edge networks can sustain data-intensive applications such as artificial intelligence and unmanned systems. This financial commitment is illustrated by major procurement initiatives replacing legacy systems; for example, GovCon Wire reported in November 2024 that Verizon secured a spot on the U.S. Navy?s Spiral 4 contract, valued at a $2.7 billion ceiling, to provide wireless services and devices over the next decade. Similarly, RCR Wireless noted in September 2025 that Future Technologies won over $50 million in DoD contracts to deploy private 5G networks for base modernization.

Concurrently, a strategic pivot toward network-centric warfare capabilities is driving market demand, as military doctrines increasingly depend on connecting sensors, shooters, and decision-makers in real-time across multi-domain environments. This operational imperative requires 5G networks that guarantee interoperability among allied forces and provide the low latency needed for situational awareness in contested areas. The practical application of this shift is being validated through large-scale multinational exercises; according to Defence Industry Europe in May 2025, Nokia successfully tested its 5G AirScale radio and standalone core technology during the Joint Viking 2025 exercise in Norway. Involving over 10,000 troops from nine nations, this event demonstrated the critical role of 5G in coordinating complex joint operations.

Market Challenge

The difficulties associated with spectrum allocation and coexistence pose a significant barrier to the growth of the Global 5G in Defense Market. Since commercial 5G networks often operate within frequency bands that are adjacent to or overlap with those used by legacy military systems, such as radar and avionics, there is a substantial risk of harmful electromagnetic interference. This technical conflict forces defense agencies to conduct rigorous compatibility assessments and establish extensive geographic exclusion zones where 5G deployment is restricted. These mandatory precautions delay the operational readiness of high-speed connectivity in tactical settings and stall the integration of autonomous systems that require continuous coverage.

The considerable resources needed to validate these coexistence capabilities underscore the severity of this impediment. For instance, the National Spectrum Consortium reported in 2024 that a specialized project worth $25 million was awarded to demonstrate spectrum sharing technologies aimed at mitigating interference between 5G signals and military radar systems. This diversion of capital and engineering effort toward testing and mitigation, rather than immediate rollout, illustrates how spectrum challenges enforce a more cautious and extended adoption timeline. Consequently, the market experiences slower growth as stakeholders are compelled to prioritize technical de-confliction over the rapid acquisition of advanced network capabilities.

Market Trends

The integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks and Low-Earth Orbit satellites is gaining traction as a method to extend connectivity beyond terrestrial boundaries. Defense agencies are connecting space-based assets with tactical units to ensure resilient communication in remote environments where ground infrastructure is compromised. This convergence facilitates continuous data transmission across multi-layered networks, which is essential for maintaining operational readiness among forward-deployed forces. Underscoring this demand, Viasat announced in December 2024 that it secured an IDIQ contract with a $568 million ceiling from the General Services Administration to deliver networking and satellite capabilities for U.S. defense forces.

The adoption of Open RAN architectures for vendor interoperability is also reshaping the market by reducing reliance on proprietary hardware. This shift allows defense departments to diversify their supply chains and integrate components from multiple manufacturers, effectively mitigating risks associated with vendor lock-in. By decoupling hardware from software, military organizations can accelerate upgrades and customize performance to meet specific mission needs. Validating this trend, the U.S. Department of Defense announced in November 2024 that Hughes Network Systems was awarded a $6.5 million contract to deploy a standalone 5G Open RAN prototype at Fort Bliss for tactical testing.

Key Market Players
  • Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
  • Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
  • Nokia Networks
  • Thales Group
  • L3Harris Technologies Inc.
  • Raytheon Technologies Corporation
  • Qualcomm Technologies Inc.
  • Analog Devices Inc.
  • Intel Corporation
  • Cisco Systems Inc.
Report Scope

In this report, the Global 5G in Defense Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:
  • 5G in Defense Market, By Communication Infrastructure
    • Small Cell
    • Macro Cell
    • Radio Access Network
  • 5G in Defense Market, By Core Network Technology
    • Software-defined Networking
    • Fog Computing
    • Mobile Edge Computing
    • Network Functions Virtualizations
  • 5G in Defense Market, By Network Type
    • Enhanced Mobile Broadband {eMBB}
    • Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications {URLLC}
    • Massive Machine Type Communications {MMTC}
  • 5G in Defense Market, By Chipset
    • Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Chipset
    • Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) Chipset
    • Millimeter Wave (mmWave) Chipset
  • 5G in Defense Market, By Platform
    • Land
    • Naval
    • Airborne
  • 5G in Defense Market, By Operational Frequency
    • High
    • Low
    • Medium
  • 5G in Defense Market, By End Use
    • Aircraft
    • Airport
    • HomelSecurity
  • 5G in Defense Market, By Region
    • North America
      • United States
      • Canada
      • Mexico
    • Europe
      • France
      • United Kingdom
      • Italy
      • Germany
      • Spain
    • Asia Pacific
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • Australia
      • South Korea
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Argentina
      • Colombia
    • Middle East & Africa
      • South Africa
      • Saudi Arabia
      • UAE
Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global 5G in Defense Market.

Available Customizations:

Global 5G in Defense Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information
  • Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).
1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
  1.2.1. Markets Covered
  1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
  1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. VOICE OF CUSTOMER

5. GLOBAL 5G IN DEFENSE MARKET OUTLOOK

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
  5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
  5.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure (Small Cell, Macro Cell, Radio Access Network)
  5.2.2. By Core Network Technology (Software-defined Networking, Fog Computing, Mobile Edge Computing, Network Functions Virtualizations)
  5.2.3. By Network Type (Enhanced Mobile Broadband {eMBB}, Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications {URLLC}, Massive Machine Type Communications {MMTC})
  5.2.4. By Chipset (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Chipset, Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) Chipset, Millimeter Wave (mmWave) Chipset)
  5.2.5. By Platform (Land, Naval, Airborne)
  5.2.6. By Operational Frequency (High, Low, Medium)
  5.2.7. By End Use (Aircraft, Airport, HomelSecurity)
  5.2.8. By Region
  5.2.9. By Company (2025)
5.3. Market Map

6. NORTH AMERICA 5G IN DEFENSE MARKET OUTLOOK

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
  6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
  6.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
  6.2.2. By Core Network Technology
  6.2.3. By Network Type
  6.2.4. By Chipset
  6.2.5. By Platform
  6.2.6. By Operational Frequency
  6.2.7. By End Use
  6.2.8. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
  6.3.1. United States 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      6.3.1.1.1. By Value
    6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      6.3.1.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      6.3.1.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      6.3.1.2.3. By Network Type
      6.3.1.2.4. By Chipset
      6.3.1.2.5. By Platform
      6.3.1.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      6.3.1.2.7. By End Use
  6.3.2. Canada 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      6.3.2.1.1. By Value
    6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      6.3.2.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      6.3.2.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      6.3.2.2.3. By Network Type
      6.3.2.2.4. By Chipset
      6.3.2.2.5. By Platform
      6.3.2.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      6.3.2.2.7. By End Use
  6.3.3. Mexico 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      6.3.3.1.1. By Value
    6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      6.3.3.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      6.3.3.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      6.3.3.2.3. By Network Type
      6.3.3.2.4. By Chipset
      6.3.3.2.5. By Platform
      6.3.3.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      6.3.3.2.7. By End Use

7. EUROPE 5G IN DEFENSE MARKET OUTLOOK

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
  7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
  7.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
  7.2.2. By Core Network Technology
  7.2.3. By Network Type
  7.2.4. By Chipset
  7.2.5. By Platform
  7.2.6. By Operational Frequency
  7.2.7. By End Use
  7.2.8. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
  7.3.1. Germany 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      7.3.1.1.1. By Value
    7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      7.3.1.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      7.3.1.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      7.3.1.2.3. By Network Type
      7.3.1.2.4. By Chipset
      7.3.1.2.5. By Platform
      7.3.1.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      7.3.1.2.7. By End Use
  7.3.2. France 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      7.3.2.1.1. By Value
    7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      7.3.2.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      7.3.2.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      7.3.2.2.3. By Network Type
      7.3.2.2.4. By Chipset
      7.3.2.2.5. By Platform
      7.3.2.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      7.3.2.2.7. By End Use
  7.3.3. United Kingdom 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      7.3.3.1.1. By Value
    7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      7.3.3.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      7.3.3.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      7.3.3.2.3. By Network Type
      7.3.3.2.4. By Chipset
      7.3.3.2.5. By Platform
      7.3.3.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      7.3.3.2.7. By End Use
  7.3.4. Italy 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
      7.3.4.1.1. By Value
    7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
      7.3.4.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      7.3.4.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      7.3.4.2.3. By Network Type
      7.3.4.2.4. By Chipset
      7.3.4.2.5. By Platform
      7.3.4.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      7.3.4.2.7. By End Use
  7.3.5. Spain 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
      7.3.5.1.1. By Value
    7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
      7.3.5.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      7.3.5.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      7.3.5.2.3. By Network Type
      7.3.5.2.4. By Chipset
      7.3.5.2.5. By Platform
      7.3.5.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      7.3.5.2.7. By End Use

8. ASIA PACIFIC 5G IN DEFENSE MARKET OUTLOOK

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
  8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
  8.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
  8.2.2. By Core Network Technology
  8.2.3. By Network Type
  8.2.4. By Chipset
  8.2.5. By Platform
  8.2.6. By Operational Frequency
  8.2.7. By End Use
  8.2.8. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
  8.3.1. China 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      8.3.1.1.1. By Value
    8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      8.3.1.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      8.3.1.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      8.3.1.2.3. By Network Type
      8.3.1.2.4. By Chipset
      8.3.1.2.5. By Platform
      8.3.1.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      8.3.1.2.7. By End Use
  8.3.2. India 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      8.3.2.1.1. By Value
    8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      8.3.2.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      8.3.2.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      8.3.2.2.3. By Network Type
      8.3.2.2.4. By Chipset
      8.3.2.2.5. By Platform
      8.3.2.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      8.3.2.2.7. By End Use
  8.3.3. Japan 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      8.3.3.1.1. By Value
    8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      8.3.3.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      8.3.3.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      8.3.3.2.3. By Network Type
      8.3.3.2.4. By Chipset
      8.3.3.2.5. By Platform
      8.3.3.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      8.3.3.2.7. By End Use
  8.3.4. South Korea 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
      8.3.4.1.1. By Value
    8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
      8.3.4.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      8.3.4.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      8.3.4.2.3. By Network Type
      8.3.4.2.4. By Chipset
      8.3.4.2.5. By Platform
      8.3.4.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      8.3.4.2.7. By End Use
  8.3.5. Australia 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
      8.3.5.1.1. By Value
    8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
      8.3.5.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      8.3.5.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      8.3.5.2.3. By Network Type
      8.3.5.2.4. By Chipset
      8.3.5.2.5. By Platform
      8.3.5.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      8.3.5.2.7. By End Use

9. MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA 5G IN DEFENSE MARKET OUTLOOK

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
  9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
  9.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
  9.2.2. By Core Network Technology
  9.2.3. By Network Type
  9.2.4. By Chipset
  9.2.5. By Platform
  9.2.6. By Operational Frequency
  9.2.7. By End Use
  9.2.8. By Country
9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis
  9.3.1. Saudi Arabia 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      9.3.1.1.1. By Value
    9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      9.3.1.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      9.3.1.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      9.3.1.2.3. By Network Type
      9.3.1.2.4. By Chipset
      9.3.1.2.5. By Platform
      9.3.1.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      9.3.1.2.7. By End Use
  9.3.2. UAE 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      9.3.2.1.1. By Value
    9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      9.3.2.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      9.3.2.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      9.3.2.2.3. By Network Type
      9.3.2.2.4. By Chipset
      9.3.2.2.5. By Platform
      9.3.2.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      9.3.2.2.7. By End Use
  9.3.3. South Africa 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      9.3.3.1.1. By Value
    9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      9.3.3.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      9.3.3.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      9.3.3.2.3. By Network Type
      9.3.3.2.4. By Chipset
      9.3.3.2.5. By Platform
      9.3.3.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      9.3.3.2.7. By End Use

10. SOUTH AMERICA 5G IN DEFENSE MARKET OUTLOOK

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
  10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
  10.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
  10.2.2. By Core Network Technology
  10.2.3. By Network Type
  10.2.4. By Chipset
  10.2.5. By Platform
  10.2.6. By Operational Frequency
  10.2.7. By End Use
  10.2.8. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
  10.3.1. Brazil 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      10.3.1.1.1. By Value
    10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      10.3.1.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      10.3.1.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      10.3.1.2.3. By Network Type
      10.3.1.2.4. By Chipset
      10.3.1.2.5. By Platform
      10.3.1.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      10.3.1.2.7. By End Use
  10.3.2. Colombia 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      10.3.2.1.1. By Value
    10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      10.3.2.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      10.3.2.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      10.3.2.2.3. By Network Type
      10.3.2.2.4. By Chipset
      10.3.2.2.5. By Platform
      10.3.2.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      10.3.2.2.7. By End Use
  10.3.3. Argentina 5G in Defense Market Outlook
    10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      10.3.3.1.1. By Value
    10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      10.3.3.2.1. By Communication Infrastructure
      10.3.3.2.2. By Core Network Technology
      10.3.3.2.3. By Network Type
      10.3.3.2.4. By Chipset
      10.3.3.2.5. By Platform
      10.3.3.2.6. By Operational Frequency
      10.3.3.2.7. By End Use

11. MARKET DYNAMICS

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. MARKET TRENDS & DEVELOPMENTS

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. GLOBAL 5G IN DEFENSE MARKET: SWOT ANALYSIS

14. PORTER'S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS

14.1. Competition in the Industry
14.2. Potential of New Entrants
14.3. Power of Suppliers
14.4. Power of Customers
14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

15.1. Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
  15.1.1. Business Overview
  15.1.2. Products & Services
  15.1.3. Recent Developments
  15.1.4. Key Personnel
  15.1.5. SWOT Analysis
15.2. Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
15.3. Nokia Networks
15.4. Thales Group
15.5. L3Harris Technologies Inc.
15.6. Raytheon Technologies Corporation
15.7. Qualcomm Technologies Inc.
15.8. Analog Devices Inc.
15.9. Intel Corporation
15.10. Cisco Systems Inc.

16. STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS

17. ABOUT US & DISCLAIMER



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