Global military comms and COTS market valued at $17.4B

The value of the global market for military communications and commercial, off-the-shelf products is estimated to be $17.4 billion in 2013, according to ASD reports, a market research firm.

Both mature and emerging national markets are driving the investment, which is spurred by the inherent operational advantages demonstrated by using effective and advanced military communications networks, the market research firm said.

The market is created by the need of military forces to communicate with each other and command centers effectively through difficult terrain, challenging environments and across wide geographical areas during military operations, the firm said.

"Communications investment will...remain strong throughout the next decade, with greater focus upon on improving existing network structures, developing new SATCOM technology through increased commercial partnerships and investment in COTS systems which will provide deployment as well as cost saving advantages," a defense analyst said in a March 12 news release.

"Whilst traditional national markets will remain, there are also many emerging markets around the world increasing their military communications provisions to reflect their economic growth, develop domestic industry through increased knowledge of communications technology and expand military coverage," the analyst said.

The research firms's report, Global Military Communications and COTS Market 2013-2023, covers opportunities in 14 leading countries for military communications and COTS and details the leading submarkets, such as satellite communications, tactical radios, encryption and technical services.