Communications networks for defense applications are going higher in frequency and operating over much broader bandwidths, according to Strategy Analytics. These networks provide connectivity among many different domains of operation.

In response to increasing performance requirements, spending on defense communications systems will increase to $38 billion in 2028. The Strategy Analytics report addresses communication system spending and shipments of radios, communications satellites, VSAT terminals, datalinks, and networks with the forecast data segmented by region, domain, mission, and semiconductor content. The report forecasts that GaN will be the fastest-growing device technology, with revenue increasing nearly six-fold over the forecast period.

“The effectiveness of evolving battlefield philosophies relies heavily on the speed at which data is acquired, evaluated, and transmitted as a command,” noted Eric Higham, Director of the Advanced Defense Systems service at Strategy Analytics. “To keep forces agile, resources from different domains, including space and autonomous platforms must all communicate effectively. This places an enormous burden on communications networks and GaN technology will see a big revenue boost because it will enable system performance improvements.”