Market analyst firm Forecast International projects that the worldwide radar market will be worth $50 billion from 2007-2016, with at least 11.306 units produced. “The Market for Radar Systems,” is based on a review of 107 radar production, operations & maintenance, and RDT&E programs.
One trend noted in the report is the consolidation of platforms into single radars that can perform multiple tasks, while operating close to the enemy and in urban areas. Another is the growth of the airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) market, thanks to smaller radars like the MESA radar (E-737), Saab’s Erieye (EMB-145, S-100), and IAI’s EL/M-2075 Phalcon (Gulfstream 450) that can be mounted on smaller aircraft. A third is the growth of Active Electronically Scanned Arrays. These radars boast a number of important multi-tasking, performance, maintainability, upgradeability, and capability advantages over traditional mechanically-steered radars. While more mechanically-scanned arrays will be produced, AESA radars will catch up in terms of overall value, and will become increasingly important.
Raytheon and Northrop Grumman are expected to continue to top the top 5, but consortia like AGS Industries creating the TCAR radar in NATO’s new ground surveillance planes; the MEADS International anti-air missile project; and the Euroradar consortium are beginning to appear on the leader board. Forecast International release | study.
Brazil’s Defesanet reports that Rusia’s Rosoboronexport expects to double or triple its defense industry contracts with Venezuela, which currently amount to around $4 billion for 24 SU-30MK fighters, 50 helicopters (Mi-17, Mi-35 Pirana attack, giant Mi-26 transport), 12 Tor-M1 anti-air missile sets, and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles. Rosoboronexport official Sergei Ladiguin has reportedly referred to additional deals in the works for ships, aircraft & helicopters, missiles, and land forces equipment.
Partly as a response to their neighbor Venezuela’s buildup, and partly in response to aging equipment that is falling apart, Venezuela’s larger neighbor Brazil recently moved to increase its own annual defense budget from $3.5 billion to $5 billion. Russian equipment will be strong contenders for key Brazilian contracts as well, including 4+ generation fighters, transport/attack helicopters, and naval contracts.
Russia was well known for producing and exporting fast attack missile boats during the Cold War, and recent years have seen a renewed emphasis on naval exports. Rosoboronexport has reportedly been been pushing “Mirazh” patrol craft and Murena-E hovercraft in Latin American sales campaigns, and the country also makes the new Stereguschiy Class stealth corvettes.
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, the guns ceased. Today, the British Commonwealth countries remember those who came before, and those who came after, and all who have given in their nation’s service. A number of European countries know it as Armistice Day. Americans celebrate it as Veteran’s Day.
That day is a non-publishing day for Defense Industry Daily, but this year it fell on a Sunday. DID hopes our readers had a meaningful day, taking time to pause and give their thanks to those whose sacrifices made our todays possible. If not – go ahead and take a moment now.
