• In April 2024, Thales launched its next-generation SquadNet tactical radio, enhancing encrypted communication, GPS integration, and interconnectivity for dismounted troops, reinforcing its position in advanced man-portable communication systems.

• In August 2022, Elbit Systems secured a contract from a European country to supply multi-band tactical radios for infantry forces, focusing on lightweight, secure, and reliable field communication solutions for high-mobility operations.

In this report, the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market has been segmented by Communication Type, Platform, Application, and Geography.

Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market, Segmentation by Communication Type

The Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market has been segmented by Communication Type into Satellite and Radio.

Satellite

Satellite-based systems account for approximately 41% of the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. These systems enable beyond-line-of-sight communication and provide critical real-time connectivity in remote and hostile environments. Growing demand for high-bandwidth data transmission, secure voice channels, and video streaming capabilities is driving adoption. Additionally, advancements in portable satellite terminals and increasing investments in defense satellite networks are further propelling market growth in this segment.

Radio

Radio systems dominate the market with a share of approximately 59% in the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. These systems offer reliable short-range and medium-range communication solutions for tactical units in combat zones. The demand for software-defined radios (SDRs), multi-band capabilities, and encrypted communication is driving technological advancements. Moreover, the integration of mesh networking and interoperable communication platforms further strengthens the utility of radio systems in modern military operations.

Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market, Segmentation by Platform

The Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market has been segmented by Platform into Land-Based, Air-Based, and Sea-Based.

Land-Based

The land-based segment dominates the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market with approximately 64% market share. These systems provide critical voice, data, and video communication capabilities to infantry units, armored vehicle crews, and ground forces. Growing investments in network-centric warfare and the modernization of land forces communication infrastructure are driving demand. Additionally, advancements in ruggedized devices and real-time situational awareness tools are further enhancing the utility of land-based systems.

Air-Based

The air-based segment holds about 22% of the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. These systems enable seamless communication between airborne platforms and ground forces, enhancing mission coordination and battlefield awareness. The increasing adoption of portable airborne communication equipment and integration of software-defined radios (SDRs) within rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft is driving market growth. Moreover, the demand for secure data links and real-time intelligence sharing further supports the expansion of this segment.

Sea-Based

The sea-based segment contributes approximately 14% to the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. These systems support communication for naval forces operating on surface vessels and submarines. The growing need for interoperable communication between maritime forces and joint task forces is driving adoption. Additionally, increasing investments in secure naval communication networks and advanced signal processing technologies are fueling growth in the sea-based segment.

Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market, Segmentation by Application

The Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market has been segmented by Software Defined Radios, SATCOM, Smartphones, and Others.

Software Defined Radios

Software Defined Radios account for approximately 48% of the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. These advanced multiband, multimode communication systems enable seamless voice, data, and video transmission across multiple frequency bands. Increasing demand for interoperability across joint forces and coalition operations is driving adoption. Additionally, advancements in encryption technologies and software-based waveform upgrades are further fueling growth in this segment.

SATCOM

SATCOM systems contribute about 27% to the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. They provide essential beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication capabilities in remote and hostile environments. Growing demand for high-bandwidth data links, real-time situational awareness, and command and control (C2) connectivity is boosting the use of portable SATCOM solutions. Moreover, advancements in lightweight satellite terminals and increasing investments in military satellite networks are propelling market growth.

Smartphones

Smartphones hold approximately 15% share in the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. Ruggedized military smartphones are increasingly used to support secure tactical communication, mission planning, and real-time data sharing. Their ease of use, compatibility with modern battlefield apps, and integration with secure communication networks are key drivers of demand. Additionally, advancements in device ruggedization and cybersecurity capabilities further enhance the operational value of military smartphones.

Others

The Others segment, including portable repeaters, intercom systems, and wearable communication devices, contributes around 10% to the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. Growing emphasis on soldier connectivity, real-time situational intelligence, and network-centric operations is driving demand for these complementary systems. Ongoing advancements in miniaturization, low-power consumption, and integrated sensor communication are further expanding opportunities in this segment.

Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America leads the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market with an estimated market share of around 38%. The region benefits from substantial investments in defense modernization programs and the adoption of advanced tactical communication systems. The presence of leading defense contractors and strong demand from the U.S. armed forces drive continuous innovation. Increasing deployment of software-defined radios (SDRs) and portable SATCOM solutions further supports market expansion across North America.

Europe

Europe holds approximately 25% of the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. The region is witnessing rising demand due to heightened geopolitical tensions and growing emphasis on joint defense initiatives under NATO frameworks. Countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are actively modernizing their infantry communication capabilities. Additionally, advancements in interoperable systems and increasing adoption of encrypted mobile communication devices are driving growth across Europe.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific contributes approximately 20% to the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. Rapid military modernization in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea is a key driver. The region’s focus on enhancing infantry combat communication and border security operations is boosting demand for portable military communication solutions. Additionally, investments in indigenous defense manufacturing and growing adoption of next-generation soldier systems are further propelling market growth.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa region holds about 10% of the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. Ongoing regional conflicts and efforts to improve battlefield communication capabilities are driving demand. Countries are investing in advanced radio systems, secure SATCOM solutions, and rugged smartphones to enhance force interoperability and operational readiness. Additionally, international defense collaborations and modernization programs are contributing to market expansion in this region.

Latin America

Latin America accounts for approximately 7% of the Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. The region is focusing on strengthening border security and counter-insurgency operations, driving demand for portable tactical communication systems. Countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico are investing in modern infantry communication equipment and expanding inter-agency interoperability. Additionally, the adoption of cost-effective, ruggedized communication devices supports steady market growth across Latin America.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers:

• Demand for real-time battlefield connectivity
• Advancement in lightweight radio technologies
• Rise in asymmetric warfare operations

• Integration with soldier modernization programs - The soldier modernization programs has become a critical driver for market expansion. As armed forces worldwide prioritize enhancing individual warfighter capabilities, there is a growing demand for rugged, secure, and compact communication devices that support real-time data sharing and mission coordination. These systems are essential components of digital soldier programs, which aim to transform troops into network-enabled combat units with increased situational awareness and decision-making efficiency.

  Modern infantry units are expected to operate in complex, decentralized, and multi-domain environments where rapid communication is vital. Portable radios, wearable antennas, and hands-free voice/data terminals are increasingly being deployed to ensure seamless connectivity between dismounted troops, command centers, and allied assets. These systems are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, jamming attempts, and signal congestion, providing operational resilience in the most demanding combat scenarios.

  Soldier modernization efforts in countries like the U.S., U.K., France, and India are integrating advanced communication technologies with navigation aids, biometric sensors, augmented reality displays, and weapon interfaces. This fusion of gear enhances mission coordination and reduces operational latency, allowing soldiers to operate as interconnected nodes in a broader tactical network. As military operations become increasingly data-driven, communication systems that offer high bandwidth, low latency, and encryption are gaining strategic importance.

  With global defense ministries continuing to fund modernization projects, the demand for man-portable communication devices is expected to surge. Vendors that offer modular, interoperable, and upgradeable communication platforms aligned with soldier system standards are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and secure long-term contracts.

Restraints:

• Limited battery life in field
• Signal interference in hostile environments
• High cost of secure communications

• Challenges in system interoperability - A significant restraint for the man-portable military communication systems market. Armed forces often deploy equipment from different vendors, across multiple generations and mission types. This creates difficulties in achieving seamless communication between units, especially during joint operations, multinational exercises, or coalition missions. Lack of standardization can lead to data transmission errors, delayed coordination, and compromised operational effectiveness.

  Interoperability issues are particularly pronounced when legacy systems are used alongside next-generation devices. Many older platforms lack the architecture required to interface with modern software-defined radios, secure encryption modules, or IP-based communication protocols. These gaps hinder real-time data sharing and pose a risk to mission success in dynamic battlefield environments where split-second communication is critical.

  Efforts to enhance interoperability require investment in middleware solutions, protocol converters, and universal interface modules. However, these solutions add cost and complexity to deployment and maintenance. Additionally, variances in defense procurement standards across countries further complicate system compatibility, making it difficult for manufacturers to offer universally adaptable solutions without custom engineering and additional certifications.

  Until common standards and integrated architectures become widespread, interoperability will remain a limiting factor for full-scale adoption. Overcoming this restraint demands closer coordination between military agencies, defense contractors, and international standards bodies to promote open architecture and cross-platform compatibility.

Opportunities:

• Adoption of SDR and mesh networks
• Expansion in special operations deployment
• Miniaturization of tactical communication devices

• Growing demand for SATCOM integration - The man-portable military communication systems presents a significant opportunity for innovation and expansion. Satellite communication capabilities allow dismounted soldiers to maintain connectivity, even in remote, mountainous, or maritime environments where terrestrial networks are unavailable. As modern conflicts often unfold in unpredictable and infrastructure-scarce regions, SATCOM ensures uninterrupted command and control across the full range of operational theaters.

  Portable SATCOM-enabled terminals are becoming smaller, more energy-efficient, and field-adaptable. These technologies offer high-bandwidth data transmission, secure video conferencing, GPS updates, and blue-force tracking in real time. When paired with lightweight, man-wearable radios, SATCOM expands mission flexibility and enhances responsiveness, especially during reconnaissance, disaster response, and special operations missions.

  As military doctrines evolve to prioritize expeditionary and joint-force capabilities, the integration of SATCOM is becoming a standard requirement. Defense agencies are actively seeking multi-band, multi-orbit SATCOM solutions compatible with low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary (GEO) satellites. These solutions are critical for building resilient, distributed communication networks that support real-time intelligence and rapid decision-making across domains.

  Vendors capable of delivering lightweight, secure, and interoperable SATCOM solutions within man-portable form factors will find strong growth potential. As satellite constellations expand and costs decrease, SATCOM-equipped soldier systems will become a key enabler of mission success in digitally connected warfare environments.

Key players in Man-portable Military Communication Systems Market include:

• L3Harris Technologies
• Thales Group
• Elbit Systems
• Leonardo S.p.A.
• Rohde & Schwarz
• Collins Aerospace
• General Dynamics Mission Systems
• BAE Systems
• Saab AB
• Northrop Grumman
• Cobham Limited
• Aselsan A.S.
• Ultra Electronics
• Codan Communications

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Market Share Analysis
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis