F-15EX GaN-Enhanced Fighter Radars Market to Reach USD 3.6 Billion by 2036 as Defense Modernization and Advanced AESA Technologies Accelerate Adoption

The global F-15EX GaN-enhanced fighter radars market is projected to grow from USD 1.7 billion in 2026 to USD 3.6 billion by 2036, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% during the forecast period. This growth trajectory reflects the increasing integration of Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology into advanced airborne radar systems, enabling superior detection, tracking, and electronic warfare resistance for modern fighter aircraft such as the F-15EX.

The market's steady expansion is supported by rising defense modernization programs, evolving threat environments, and increased investment in airborne sensor superiority. Annual market value is expected to increase progressively, reaching USD 2.3 billion by 2029 and USD 2.6 billion by 2030, before accelerating further to achieve USD 3.6 billion by 2036. This consistent growth underscores the strategic importance of advanced radar technologies in ensuring tactical and operational superiority in modern aerial combat environments.

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GaN Technology Redefines Radar Performance and Operational Effectiveness

The transition from traditional gallium arsenide (GaAs) to GaN-based radar systems marks a significant technological inflection point in airborne radar performance. GaN semiconductors support higher voltage operation, improved thermal efficiency, and greater power density, enabling radar systems to deliver stronger signals and enhanced operational reliability without requiring major increases in aircraft power or cooling capacity.

Key performance advantages driving GaN radar adoption include:

• Extended detection range, enabling earlier threat identification and engagement
• Enhanced resistance to electronic jamming and countermeasures, improving survivability in contested environments
• Improved multi-target tracking capability, supporting complex multi-domain operations
• Higher power efficiency and thermal stability, reducing system stress and maintenance requirements
• Greater mission flexibility, enabling simultaneous air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare functionality

These performance enhancements provide fighter aircraft equipped with GaN radars a critical "first look, first engage" advantage, which is increasingly essential in modern combat scenarios involving long-range missiles and integrated air defense systems.

F-15EX Platform Drives Core Market Demand and Technology Integration

The F-15EX platform represents the dominant segment, accounting for 72% of total market share, driven by its advanced avionics architecture and compatibility with next-generation radar systems such as GaN-based AESA radars. Designed to perform air superiority, strike, and electronic warfare missions, the F-15EX requires highly capable radar systems to maintain operational effectiveness in evolving threat environments.

The aircraft's radar systems enable:

• High-precision target acquisition and discrimination at extended ranges
• Simultaneous tracking of multiple airborne and ground targets
• Enhanced electronic warfare integration and situational awareness
• Improved survivability in electronically contested environments

The continued deployment of F-15EX aircraft across defense forces globally, combined with retrofit opportunities and export programs, is expected to sustain long-term radar demand.

Air Superiority Missions Remain the Primary Application Driver

Air superiority missions represent the leading application segment, accounting for 51% of market share, reflecting the central role of advanced radar systems in controlling airspace and neutralizing threats. GaN-based radar systems significantly enhance the effectiveness of fighter aircraft in air combat by providing superior detection range, faster response times, and improved target identification.

The growing complexity of aerial warfare, including stealth aircraft, advanced missile systems, and electronic countermeasures, is driving air forces to invest in radar systems capable of maintaining operational dominance.

Critical mission advantages enabled by GaN radar systems include:

• Long-range threat detection and engagement capability
• Enhanced tracking precision in cluttered electromagnetic environments
• Improved performance against stealth and low-observable targets
• Greater mission flexibility across diverse operational scenarios

These capabilities reinforce the importance of GaN radar systems as foundational technologies in modern fighter aircraft.

Defense Modernization and Rising Defense Budgets Accelerate Market Expansion

Global defense spending growth and fleet modernization initiatives are key catalysts supporting market expansion. Governments across North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe are prioritizing advanced sensor technologies to enhance combat readiness and address evolving geopolitical security challenges.

Several structural factors are driving sustained market growth:

• Rising global defense budgets focused on advanced airborne sensor systems
• Increasing deployment of next-generation fighter aircraft platforms
• Expansion of multi-domain warfare strategies requiring integrated sensor superiority
• Export opportunities for advanced fighter aircraft and radar systems
• Growing emphasis on electronic warfare and network-centric combat capabilities

Countries such as India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the United States are actively investing in advanced radar systems to strengthen national defense capabilities.

India is projected to record the fastest growth, with a CAGR of 8.2%, supported by expanding defense procurement and air force modernization initiatives.

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Technological Innovation and System Integration Strengthen Competitive Positioning

The competitive landscape is characterized by major defense technology providers advancing GaN radar innovation and integration capabilities. Leading companies including Raytheon Technologies (RTX), Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, and Thales Group are investing in next-generation radar solutions that combine high-performance hardware with advanced signal processing and electronic warfare capabilities.

Industry participants are focusing on:

• Development of higher-power GaN transmit-receive modules
• Integration of radar systems with advanced avionics and mission systems
• Enhancement of radar signal processing and threat detection algorithms
• Expansion of production capabilities to support global demand

Suppliers that can deliver highly integrated, scalable radar solutions with superior operational performance are expected to maintain a competitive advantage.

Strategic Outlook: GaN Radar Systems to Become Core Enablers of Future Air Combat

The F-15EX GaN-enhanced fighter radars market is positioned for sustained growth as defense forces prioritize advanced sensor capabilities to maintain operational superiority. GaN technology represents a fundamental advancement in radar performance, enabling fighter aircraft to operate effectively in increasingly complex and contested electromagnetic environments.

Future growth will be driven by continued aircraft modernization, expanding export programs, and ongoing technological innovation in radar design and semiconductor performance. As airborne radar systems evolve into multifunctional sensor platforms supporting electronic warfare, surveillance, and targeting, GaN technology is expected to play a central role in shaping the future of airborne combat capabilities.

With defense modernization accelerating globally and radar technology emerging as a critical differentiator in military aviation, the F-15EX GaN-enhanced fighter radars market is poised to remain a strategic growth segment through 2036 and beyond.

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