Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market

A desktop computer-installed software is utilized by a software-defined radio (SDR) to perform signal-processing tasks for radio frequency communication. It can undertake the roles of amplifiers, filters, mixers, modulators/demodulators, and detectors using a receiver, transmitter, software application, and other systems. It comes with a broad frequency range by default and can be programmed to function at a particular frequency within that range. Additionally, it can be reprogrammed, replacing many radios with a single unit, offering the user more versatility, cost-effectiveness, and interoperability. Software-defined radio (SDR) has become increasingly common in next-generation maritime mobile coastal batteries due to its ability to provide high-speed data transmission and secure voice communication with anti-jamming capability. As a result, many private companies are investing resources into producing cutting-edge SDR technology with advanced features and improved compliance flexibility. SDR has the potential to revolutionize communication systems in strategic areas, and its impact on net-centric warfare is expected to be significant in the years to come. With its wide frequency range, configurable settings, and ability to replace multiple radios with a single unit, SDR represents a significant advancement in radio frequency communication technology. As such, the use of SDR will likely continue to expand across a range of industries, including defense, healthcare, and telecommunications, providing increased flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and interoperability. In addition, as SDR technology continues to improve, new applications and use cases are expected to emerge, further enhancing the potential impact of this innovative communication technology.

The growth of the SDR market is expected to be propelled by the increasing investments aimed at modernizing C4ISR and battle management systems, along with efforts to enhance the situational awareness of the armed forces. Major economies' rise in defense spending has added to the growth of the market. The development of new products is simplified, and the costs are reduced dramatically due to the software-defined radios' (SDRs) common platform architecture. Because of these advantages, it is anticipated that the adoption of SDRs by dismounted military personnel as well as vehicular platforms will

Some of the Key Market Players:

• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Leonardo S.p.A.
• Ultra Electronics Holdings

Market Growth and Status:

The Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market is projected to grow from USD 10 billion in 2022 to USD 14.3 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2022 to 2030.

The market's expansion is fuelled by the increasing need for military modernization and the demand for improved situational awareness. Military units utilize SDRs and other sophisticated communication systems to enhance their defense communication systems that are not bound by hardware limitations. Different technological innovations, including the creation of cutting-edge internet protocol (IP) systems that can be customized to suit wireless spectrums and 4G networks, are driving the market forward. Moreover, the transition from analog to digital SDR is another significant factor that is contributing to market growth. SDR is predicted to be the fundamental technology for the provision of telecommunication services such as digital TV, radio broadcasts, and video streaming platforms.

Geographies:

The increase in defense spending in the Asia-Pacific region due to escalating tensions between major economies has fueled the demand for SDRs. Investments in modernizing land, air, and sea platforms are a significant portion of the increased military spending, as are advanced communication systems aimed at enhancing the military's battlefield capabilities and situational awareness in complex terrain. During the 2015-2020 period, military spending in the region increased by over 20%, further driving the demand for SDRs. North America accounted for the largest revenue share in the global software-defined radio (SDR) market, with projections for the region to continue dominating the industry in 2021. The US Department of Defense's Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) program, which provides technical support for wireless communication systems, is a key driver for the growth of the software-defined radio industry in North America. Research projects and the integration of communication systems across state and federal agencies in the region have led to the widespread adoption of software-defined radio systems in the defense sector.

Recent Developments:

• In April 2021, Boeing awarded Leonardo a contract to supply SWave Airborne SDR SRT-800 radios to the E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft fleet for the NATO countries. The award was granted under the Final Lifetime Extension Programme (FLEP) which aims to prolong its operational life until 2035. The SRT-800 radios can perform the roles of a variety of avionic units such as UHF/VHF radio, SATCOM, SINCGARS, and crypto devices that have traditionally been separate. This selection is considered to be a significant breakthrough in Leonardo's product line.
• General Dynamics Mission Systems introduced the URC-300 software-defined radio in October 2020, which can support a variety of waveforms and provide crucial radio frequency (RF) support for ground-to-air, line-of-sight, and other mission-critical applications.

Conclusion:

The growing adoption of commercial LTE cellular technology and the development of 5G technology is predicted to increase the demand for SDRs shortly. Currently, LTE technology operates within the 450 MHz to 3.8 GHz range, and with its expected expansion to 5 GHz, the software-defined radio (SDR) market is projected to experience growth. The defense industry is experiencing significant technological progress and investment due to the potential of software-based communication and high-volume data-sharing technology. Furthermore, companies are collaborating with armed forces to provide and implement sophisticated SDRs for infantry troops and vehicle platforms.