The 5G in Defense Market is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of next-generation military communication and network modernization. As defense forces worldwide pursue digital transformation, secure, high-speed, ultra-low latency connectivity is increasingly essential to support operations ranging from situational awareness and command & control to autonomous systems and cyber defense. According to a recent market forecast, the 5G in Defense Market is expected to grow from 4,730 USD Million in 2025 to 32 USD Billion by 2035. The 5G in Defense Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 21.1% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).
This rapid evolution underscores how 5G technologies are reshaping defense communications. Traditionally, military networks relied on legacy radio and satellite systems that could not deliver the real-time data throughput required for modern warfare. By contrast, 5G offers high data speeds, low latency, and enhanced connectivity that enable quicker decision-making, improved interoperability among forces, and support for advanced platforms such as drones, robotics, and sensor networks.
5G in Defense Market share in this sector is led by developments in communication infrastructure, core network advancements, and platform integration. The segment of chipsets — particularly those optimized for military use — dominates the market because of the demand for high-performance hardware capable of sustaining rapid communication in demanding environments. Antenna systems, another growing segment, are gaining traction as they enable better signal propagation and resilience across difficult terrain and contested domains.
Regional analysis shows that North America holds a commanding share of the market, primarily due to early adoption of 5G technologies, substantial defense R&D spending, and proactive initiatives by the U.S. Department of Defense and allied partners. For example, the U.S. has invested significantly in 5G testbeds and secure private networks to support C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) modernization. Europe and Asia-Pacific regions are also witnessing growing adoption, driven by expanding defense budgets and modernization programs in countries such as the UK, Germany, China, and India.
A key driver of the 5G in Defense Market is the need to support mission-critical communication systems that enhance battlefield intelligence and operational agility. Military applications increasingly leverage real-time video surveillance, sensor data fusion, and autonomous vehicles — all of which require the low latency and high reliability that 5G delivers. Additionally, expanding network capabilities enable improved interoperability among coalition forces operating joint missions, reinforcing the strategic importance of 5G within multinational defense frameworks.
Another significant market trend is the integration of advanced network technologies such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), edge computing, and AI-driven network management. These technologies provide flexible, scalable defense networks capable of rapid reconfiguration and real-time threat response. NFV — in particular — is already capturing a large share of the market due to its ability to virtualize and secure critical network functions independent of underlying hardware.
The rapid expansion of autonomous and robotic defense platforms is also propelling market growth. Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), aerial drones, and autonomous maritime systems depend on robust 5G connectivity to relay sensor data and execute complex mission tasks without human intervention. As militaries adopt these technologies for surveillance, targeting, and logistics, demand for secure 5G network infrastructures — both field-deployed and strategic — continues to rise.
Security remains a central concern in defense 5G deployments. While 5G introduces superior encryption and authentication features compared to previous generations, cyber threats targeting critical military networks persist. Defense agencies are therefore investing heavily in secure 5G networks with enhanced protocol stack protections, spectrum security measures, and integrated cybersecurity solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure mission continuity.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the 5G in Defense Market remains highly positive as defense organizations worldwide continue modernizing communication infrastructures and expanding digital operational capabilities. By 2035, the adoption of 5G is expected to extend beyond core communication functions to support distributed command structures, AI-enabled analytics, and integrated networked warfare systems that redefine how modern military operations are executed.
