Global Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna Market Growth (Status and Outlook) 2025-2031

Global Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna Market Growth (Status and Outlook) 2025-2031

The global Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna market size is predicted to grow from US$ 479 million in 2025 to US$ 694 million in 2031; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2031.

A submarine is a naval platform that can stay underwater for an extended period to carry out missions, both offensive and defensive. It is a complex platform that includes multiple components. As radio waves cannot propagate in water, communication with submarines is difficult. To overcome this issue, submarines are being installed with antennas that can be raised above the water surface level, and employ ordinary radio transmissions for communication.

A photonics mast is a sensor on a submarine which functions similarly to a periscope without requiring a periscope tube, thus freeing design space during construction and limiting risks of water leakage in the event of damage. A photonics mast replaces the mechanical, line-of-sight viewing system with digital equipment, similar to a digital camera array, and it has fewer locational and dimensional constraints than a traditional periscope.

Unlike a periscope, it need not be located directly above its user, and it requires only a small pressure hull penetration for cabling. This allows the photonics mast to fit entirely within the sail of the submarine and means the control room need not be placed directly below the sail.

A photonics mast operates by rising above the water similarly to a telescoping car-antenna and provides information through an array of sensors, such as high definition low-light and thermo graphic cameras. Images and information can appear on display panels for analysis. The photonics mast can also support the navigation, electronic warfare, and communications functions of a conventional optical-periscope mast.

Submarines require a suite of antennas to provide the necessary communications, navigation, and Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) capabilities. Submarine antennas, as compared to surface ship antennas, are unique in design, shape, materials, and performance due to a submarine’s space and weight limitations, extreme environmental conditions, and stealth considerations.

Players:

The global key players of Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna include Thales, L3Harris Technologies, Safran, Hensoldt, Comrod Communication AS, Indra, Gabler Maschinenbau, and etc. In 2023, the global top five players occupied for a share approximately 58% in terms of revenue.

AI Technology:

While the physical characteristics of the mast are still being improved, the recent trend - and the main focus of current development - is to optimize image processing using the latest digital computing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). This in turn reduces the time the periscope/mast needs to be raised to less than three seconds in some cases, thereby reducing its chances of being detected. The ultimate goal is to collect as much information as possible with the fewest number of mast "raises".

Key Players:

HENSOLDT has a very busy development program in its submarine sensor product line. The company continues to develop its SERO series of periscope systems and has a strong market position in Asia and South America, providing embedded stand-alone installations or fully integrated console-operated retrofit solutions for older submarines. Development of the optronics mast "front end" continues, with the recent launch of the OMS -150 and -300 optronics masts. The OMS-150 now has integrated SWIR capabilities.

HENSOLDT also unveiled a new system called OctoEye360, which will enter service on Germany's new 212CD submarines in 2026.

Iridium satcom X-SUBs allow to send a phone call from submarine or to communicate by chat messages with shore for example. Encryption software can be implemented by the end-user to enhance communication security.

Israel is investing in new capabilities related to underwater warfare to counter the growing Iranian threat. Some systems are already operational, while others are still being tested. The latest to join is the Blue Whale unmanned submarine from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Italy purchases three Israeli unmanned submarines in March 2024.

LPI (LP Information)' newest research report, the “Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna Industry Forecast” looks at past sales and reviews total world Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna sales in 2024, providing a comprehensive analysis by region and market sector of projected Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna sales for 2025 through 2031. With Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna sales broken down by region, market sector and sub-sector, this report provides a detailed analysis in US$ millions of the world Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna industry.

This Insight Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna landscape and highlights key trends related to product segmentation, company formation, revenue, and market share, latest development, and M&A activity. This report also analyses the strategies of leading global companies with a focus on Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna portfolios and capabilities, market entry strategies, market positions, and geographic footprints, to better understand these firms’ unique position in an accelerating global Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna market.

This Insight Report evaluates the key market trends, drivers, and affecting factors shaping the global outlook for Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna and breaks down the forecast by Type, by Application, geography, and market size to highlight emerging pockets of opportunity. With a transparent methodology based on hundreds of bottom-up qualitative and quantitative market inputs, this study forecast offers a highly nuanced view of the current state and future trajectory in the global Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna.

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna market by product type, application, key players and key regions and countries.

Segmentation by Type:
Photonics Mast
Antenna

Segmentation by Application:
Military Reconnaissance
Military Strike

This report also splits the market by region:
Americas
United States
Canada
Mexico
Brazil
APAC
China
Japan
Korea
Southeast Asia
India
Australia
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Russia
Middle East & Africa
Egypt
South Africa
Israel
Turkey
GCC Countries

The below companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analyzing the company's coverage, product portfolio, its market penetration.
Thales
L3Harris Technologies
Safran
Hensoldt
Comrod Communication AS
Indra
Gabler Maschinenbau

Please note: The report will take approximately 2 business days to prepare and deliver.