• In February 2025, Cohort plc completed the acquisition of Australian satellite‑terminal specialist EM Solutions, significantly expanding its naval defence communications capabilities and strengthening its foothold across the Asia‑Pacific region.

• In 2023, Anschütz GmbH (formerly Raytheon Anschütz) was acquired by German investor DMB Dr. Dieter Murmann, securing its position as a premier provider of advanced gyro‑compasses and integrated bridge navigation systems.

In this report, the Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market has been segmented by System, Technology, Platform, End Use, and Geography.

Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market, Segmentation by System

The Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market has been segmented by System into Navigation, and Communication.

Navigation

The Navigation system segment is vital for enabling accurate positioning, route optimization, and enhanced maritime awareness in naval operations. Modern vessels rely heavily on integrated technologies such as GPS, radar, and inertial navigation systems to improve mission success. Around 60% of naval ships now incorporate advanced bridge systems that deliver real-time navigational insights and operational safety.

Communication

The Communication system segment ensures secure and real-time data transmission across naval fleets, command centers, and allied platforms. With the rise in satellite-based and encrypted communication technologies, navies have significantly improved their tactical response and coordination. Approximately 70% of global naval platforms utilize next-generation communication networks to support uninterrupted mission execution.

Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market, Segmentation by Technology

The Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market has been segmented by Technology into Satellite Navigation, Inertial Navigation, Radio Frequency Communication, and Data Link Systems.

Satellite Navigation

The Satellite Navigation segment enables precise location tracking and global positioning for naval vessels. Leveraging GNSS and advanced satellite-based systems, this technology provides real-time navigational accuracy. Over 65% of naval fleets depend on satellite navigation for mission-critical operations and route planning.

Inertial Navigation

The Inertial Navigation segment offers high-reliability positioning by using accelerometers and gyroscopes, especially in environments where GPS is unavailable or jammed. This technology ensures consistent navigation during stealth operations. Approximately 50% of advanced naval vessels utilize inertial systems for redundancy and tactical precision.

Radio Frequency Communication

The Radio Frequency Communication segment forms the backbone of short- and long-range communication across naval platforms. It includes HF, VHF, and UHF technologies that enable secure voice and data transmission. Nearly 75% of naval assets deploy RF systems to maintain mission-critical connectivity.

Data Link Systems

The Data Link Systems segment ensures high-speed and secure digital communication between ships, aircraft, and control centers. It supports real-time data sharing for coordinated tactical operations. Around 68% of modern naval platforms are integrated with advanced data link technologies to enhance interoperability and command efficiency.

Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market, Segmentation by Platform

The Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market has been segmented by Platform into Submarines, Surface Ships, and Unmanned Systems.

Submarines

The segment relies on specialized navigation and communication systems designed for stealth and deep-sea operations. Technologies such as inertial navigation and ultra-low frequency communication are critical in maintaining positional accuracy and covert connectivity. Nearly 55% of naval submarines are equipped with advanced, silent-operating systems to support undetected missions.

Surface Ships

The Surface Ships segment utilizes integrated bridge and communication systems to ensure maritime safety, situational awareness, and command coordination. These vessels leverage satellite navigation, radar, and data link technologies for mission execution. Over 70% of surface fleets worldwide use modern systems for seamless navigation and operational control.

Unmanned Systems

The Unmanned Systems segment includes both unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), which depend heavily on autonomous navigation and remote communication capabilities. With growing investments in automation, more than 40% of new naval assets incorporate unmanned systems integrated with real-time control and telemetry functions.

Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market, Segmentation by End Use

The Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market has been segmented by End Use into Military, Civilian, and Research Institutions.

Military

The Military segment represents the largest share of the naval navigation and communication systems market, driven by the need for secure, real-time situational awareness and tactical coordination. These systems support encrypted communications, precision navigation, and mission-critical data exchange. Approximately 75% of naval deployments are concentrated in military applications due to defense modernization efforts.

Civilian

The Civilian segment includes commercial maritime operators, coast guards, and other non-military vessels that require reliable navigation and communication systems for safe transit and operational efficiency. Nearly 15% of global deployments fall under this category, with growing demand for cost-effective yet accurate systems in commercial fleets.

Research Institutions

The Research Institutions segment utilizes specialized navigation and communication systems for marine exploration, environmental monitoring, and oceanographic studies. These applications often demand high-precision instruments and data-rich connectivity. Roughly 10% of market utilization stems from research-oriented naval operations.

Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market, Segmentation by Geography

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

Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America holds a significant share of the naval navigation and communication systems market, supported by advanced defense infrastructure and high naval expenditure. The region continues to invest in modernizing fleet capabilities and enhancing maritime situational awareness.

Europe

Europe is witnessing steady growth in this market due to increased focus on maritime security, regional defense collaborations, and technological innovation in naval equipment. Several countries are upgrading naval fleets with integrated navigation and communication solutions.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is emerging as a rapidly growing region, driven by rising defense budgets, territorial maritime disputes, and naval modernization programs. Countries in this region are increasingly adopting advanced systems for both strategic and coastal operations.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa region is expanding its naval capabilities to secure critical maritime routes and enhance national defense. Although adoption is moderate, there is increasing investment in upgrading navigation and communication technologies.

Latin America

Latin America is gradually developing its naval infrastructure with a growing emphasis on surveillance, coastal security, and regional cooperation. Investments in modern navigation and communication systems are gaining momentum, especially in emerging economies.

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

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Growing demand for maritime situational awareness
• Modernization of naval fleets globally
• Increased integration of AI systems

• Emphasis on secure real-time communication - The key driver of the naval navigation and communication systems market. Modern naval missions demand instantaneous, encrypted, and uninterrupted data exchange between vessels, command centers, and joint forces. In both peacetime and combat operations, real-time communication enhances situational awareness, coordination, and decision-making at all command levels.

  With maritime threats becoming more complex and geographically dispersed, navies are investing in advanced systems that enable continuous, high-bandwidth, and interference-resistant connectivity. Secure communication infrastructure supports the integration of data from sensors, satellites, and unmanned systems, improving operational readiness and mission precision. Naval platforms now rely on multi-layered networks, cognitive radios, and adaptive frequency protocols to ensure real-time synchronization even under hostile conditions.

  Effective communication also underpins joint and multinational missions, where interoperability across platforms and services is critical. Seamless transmission of tactical and strategic data through standardized and secure protocols facilitates collaboration, particularly in coalition warfare or humanitarian operations. The push for secure real-time connectivity extends to below-surface platforms like submarines, which require robust systems to maintain low-latency communications at operational depths.

  Vendors offering resilient, encrypted, and interoperable communication systems are witnessing growing demand from naval forces worldwide. As maritime operations continue to evolve into digitally connected, network-centric environments, secure real-time communication capabilities will remain at the forefront of technological advancement.

Restraints

• High cost of system upgrades
• Vulnerability to cyber and GPS jamming
• Integration challenges with legacy platforms

• Stringent regulatory and interoperability standards - A considerable restraint for the naval navigation and communication systems market. Military-grade communication and navigation equipment must comply with numerous international, regional, and naval-specific standards, including those related to spectrum allocation, encryption protocols, and electromagnetic compatibility. These regulations often extend development timelines and increase product certification costs.

  In joint or multinational operations, interoperability becomes a significant concern. Legacy systems used by various allied navies are often incompatible, requiring customized interfaces, protocol converters, or entirely new subsystems to ensure seamless integration. This not only increases project complexity but also poses challenges during real-time mission execution where system failures or communication gaps can occur.

  Rapid advancements in technology can outpace regulatory updates, resulting in compliance gaps and system obsolescence. Developers must constantly adapt their systems to meet both current and anticipated compliance mandates while ensuring backward compatibility. This dynamic environment creates financial and operational burdens for system integrators and naval procurement teams.

  Manufacturers that can engineer standards-compliant, adaptable, and future-proof systems are better positioned to navigate these challenges. Building flexible platforms that meet multi-navy standards and offer plug-and-play functionality will become a critical differentiator in the evolving defense ecosystem.

Opportunities

• Adoption of satellite-based communication networks
• Development of autonomous naval navigation tech
• Expansion in blue-water naval operations

• Advancement in quantum communication systems - A transformative opportunity in the naval navigation and communication systems market. As traditional encryption methods face growing vulnerabilities, quantum-based communication offers unbreakable encryption through quantum key distribution (QKD), ensuring data security even against sophisticated cyber threats. This capability is particularly vital for safeguarding naval operations involving strategic assets and sensitive information.

  Quantum communication enables instantaneous and tamper-proof message transmission, a game-changer for naval forces operating in contested or denied environments. Submarines, surface vessels, and coastal command centers can benefit from enhanced data integrity, enabling them to maintain secure command-and-control links without risk of interception. Such systems also hold potential for secure communication between space-based platforms and naval fleets.

  Ongoing research and defense collaborations are accelerating the development of quantum networks and associated hardware, such as entangled photon transmitters and satellite relays. While implementation is still in early stages, the potential for creating global, ultra-secure naval networks is driving investment from leading defense agencies and technology firms. These advances will redefine secure naval communication standards in the coming decade.

  Firms that focus on military-grade quantum communication systems, integration with existing platforms, and scalable quantum infrastructure will lead in shaping the future of naval communications. As nations race to establish cyber supremacy, quantum technologies will become a cornerstone of next-generation maritime command systems.

Key players in Naval Navigation and Communication Systems Market include;

• Danelec Marine A/S
• Furuno Electric Co. Ltd
• Periskal Group
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Wdrtsild Corporation
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• FLIR Systems Inc.
• Safran SA
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
• Thales Group

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