Market Trends of Fire Control System Industry
The Airborne Platform Segment of the Fire Control System Market is Estimated to Grow Significantly
Fire control systems are critical in combat aircraft for accurately hitting targets in air-to-air missions. Every other fighter aircraft and helicopter is outfitted with fire control systems. Airborne platforms have also been developed to support multi-mission warfare machines that can carry out a variety of operations. These platforms can be utilized for various tasks, including air defense, close air support, bombing, command and control, air dominance, and reconnaissance.
In September 2023, the US Navy awarded a contract for USD 845.5 million to the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for a delta system software configuration (DSSC) E-2D platform scheduled to enter service in 2028. The platform is equipped with a glass cockpit and the capability of cooperative engagement (CEC), which is part of the Naval Integrated Fire Control (NIFC) and the in-flight refueling capability.
These platforms are capable of command and control, air defense, bombing, air domination, close air support, reconnaissance, and other missions. Similarly, in June 2023, Airbus Helicopters awarded Elbit Systems a new contract to supply Airborne Electronic warfare self-protection (AEWS) systems for German Air Force CH‑53GS/GE transport helicopters. The agreement covers Digital Radar Warning Receivers (DRW), Electronic Warfare Controllers (EWC), and Countermeasure Dispensing Systems (CMDS) to improve the helicopter’s operational efficiency and mission success. These developments are expected to aid the segment growth.
North America to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
The primary defense player in the region, the US has been the pioneer of armed warfare and has positioned itself at the apex of military dominance through a steady growth in the procurement of advanced weapon systems.
The changing nature of warfare is one of the prime reasons for the US DoD's increased spending toward arming its armed forces with better weapons. In November 2023, L3Harris Technologies won contracts to develop and upgrade fire control systems for rocket launch vehicles that assist the US Army and allied forces worldwide in achieving battlefield superiority. The contracts, valued at USD 124 million each, will enable L3Harris to provide a standard fire control system.
New weapons are subjected to extensive testing to ensure reliable operation and estimate the level of performance enhancement due to a newly integrated design change. For instance, in July 2022, General Dynamics Mission Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, was awarded a USD 279.9 million US Navy contract to support the development, production, and installation of fire control systems for the Columbia and Dreadnought classes of ballistic missile submarines.
Other major armed forces in the region; for instance, in November 2022, Sweden’s Aimpoint was awarded a contract to supply the Canada Department of Defence (DoD) with a range of FCS13-RE Fire Control System (FCS) and TH-60 thermal sight. During deployed operations, the FCS 13-RE will be used as the primary day and night control system (FCCS) for Canada's inoperable Saab (Saab M3) 84mm Carl Gustav weapons.
In addition, the increased focus on deploying precision-guided weapons, increased research and development investments, and modernization initiatives in the defense industry will further expand the region's global market for fire control systems.
