Defense satellite communications market to hit $9.86 billion by 2030

The global market for satellite communication in the defense sector is projected to rise from $6.99 billion in 2026 to $9.86 billion by 2030, driven by higher military spending and demand for secure, resilient connectivity. North America leads today, while Asia-Pacific is expected to grow fastest as militaries invest in multi-orbit networks, anti-jamming links and higher-capacity data transfer.

Why it matters: - Defense forces are leaning harder on satellite links to keep communications secure across remote and contested environments. - The market is being shaped by rising military budgets, which support network upgrades, surveillance, intelligence and operational coordination. - Faster growth in Asia-Pacific suggests the defense communications buildup is widening beyond traditional spending centers.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released Satellite Communication in the Defense Sector Global Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Forecast 2026-2035. - The report estimates the market will grow from $6.39 billion in 2025 to $6.99 billion in 2026. - The report projects the market will reach $9.86 billion by 2030. - The forecast implies a 9.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2026 and a 9.0% CAGR through 2030. - North America held the largest market share in 2025. - Asia-Pacific is forecast to be the fastest-growing region during the coming years.

The details: - Satellite communication in defense covers satellites, ground stations and networking equipment used for long-range military communication. - The systems support coordination across geographically dispersed areas and help maintain connectivity in remote or difficult operating environments. - The market’s recent growth has been driven by demand for secure long-distance connectivity, greater reliance on satellite-based systems and expanded use of satellite terminals among defense personnel. - Future growth is expected to come from resilient military communication networks, higher government spending on satellite infrastructure and the need for high-capacity data transfer. - The report highlights multi-orbit communication systems, continuous connectivity during contested operations and interoperable satellite networks as important trends. - The report also points to high-throughput satellite communication and protected, anti-jamming links as part of the technology shift. - Global defense spending reached $2.63 trillion in 2025, up from $2.48 trillion in 2024, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. - That 2.5% real-term increase supports broader investment in secure defense communications. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The 2026 report format adds market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspots infographics, key technology analysis and updated graphics and tables. - More information is available in the full report and a free sample.

Between the lines: - The report signals that defense communications are shifting from basic coverage toward resilient, high-capacity and interference-resistant networks. - The emphasis on multi-orbit and interoperable systems suggests militaries want more flexibility and less dependence on a single satellite architecture. - North America’s lead and Asia-Pacific’s growth forecast point to both established procurement and expanding regional modernization.

What's next: - Defense agencies are likely to continue investing in satellite infrastructure as security risks and data demands rise. - Vendors focused on protected links, anti-jamming capabilities and multi-orbit integration may benefit from the next upgrade cycle. - The market is on track to keep expanding through 2030 if government spending and modernization programs remain elevated.