Man Portable Communication Systems Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.86 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	11.03%
Fastest Growing Segment	Telecommunications
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 12.85 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Man Portable Communication Systems Market will grow from USD 6.86 Billion in 2025 to USD 12.85 Billion by 2031 at a 11.03% CAGR. Man portable communication systems consist of lightweight, soldier-borne transceivers and networking devices designed to establish secure voice and data links in tactical environments. The market is primarily supported by the urgent drive to modernize C4ISR infrastructures and the increasing demand for interoperable, resilient connectivity in contested operational zones. This growth trajectory is underpinned by significant fiscal commitments; according to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in 2024, the collective defense expenditure of its member nations reached an estimated $1.5 trillion, creating a robust funding environment for tactical equipment procurement.

However, the market faces a substantial challenge regarding Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints. The requirement to carry heavy, high-capacity batteries to support advanced data transmission burdens the individual soldier and restricts mobility, thereby complicating the integration of additional capabilities without compromising physical endurance.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Global Defense Expenditures and Military Modernization Programs are fundamentally reshaping the procurement landscape for tactical communications, driving a sustained increase in demand for advanced soldier systems. Governments worldwide are significantly increasing their defense budgets to replace legacy analog infrastructures with digital, interoperable solutions capable of maintaining connectivity in contested environments. This surge in fiscal allocation allows armed forces to acquire high-bandwidth, soldier-borne devices that are essential for modern command and control frameworks. For instance, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), in April 2024, total global military expenditure reached a record high of $2,443 billion in 2023, creating a robust funding environment for defense acquisitions. This broader budgetary growth directly fuels specific procurement activities; for example, according to Thales Group, in September 2024, the company secured a delivery order for 2,705 additional AN/PRC-148F Leader Radios from the U.S. Army to support its tactical network modernization efforts.

Advancements in Software-Defined Radio (SDR) and Cognitive Radio Technologies are simultaneously revolutionizing the market by enabling dynamic frequency management and multi-waveform compatibility in compact form factors. Unlike traditional hardware-centric radios, modern SDRs allow soldiers to transmit voice, video, and data simultaneously over secure networks without the burden of carrying multiple device types. These technologies address critical operational needs for spectrum resilience and real-time situational awareness, particularly in asymmetric warfare scenarios where electronic jamming is prevalent. The operational shift towards these versatile, software-centric solutions is evident in major recent contract awards. According to L3Harris Technologies, in August 2024, the company received a new order from the U.S. Marine Corps for multi-channel handheld and vehicular radio systems worth more than $120 million, underscoring the growing reliance on resilient, adaptive communication architectures.

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Key Market Challenges

The Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraint presents a critical impediment to the expansion of the Global Man Portable Communication Systems Market. As modern warfare becomes increasingly network-centric, the number of electronic devices a soldier must carry has surged, creating an unsustainable physical burden. This issue is not merely operational but directly impacts procurement cycles; defense agencies are frequently forced to delay or reject the acquisition of advanced high-bandwidth transceivers because current battery technologies cannot power them without exceeding human carriage limits. Consequently, the market experiences a deceleration in the adoption of next-generation hardware as manufacturers struggle to balance performance with portability.

This saturation of soldier load limits the addressable market for new communication nodes that do not offer immediate weight savings. The physical limitation creates a hard ceiling on the volume of new systems that can be deployed, as commanders cannot compromise mobility for connectivity. This dynamic stifles the potential revenue growth for heavier, high-capacity manpack solutions. According to the Association of the United States Army, in 2024, the average approach load for a dismounted soldier frequently exceeded 100 pounds, a physical toll that forces procurement officials to restrict the integration of additional power-hungry communication assets.

Key Market Trends

The Integration of Tactical 5G and LTE Technologies is prioritizing high-bandwidth networks for data-intensive tactical applications. Commercial cellular standards enable the seamless transmission of real-time video and AI analytics to dismounted soldiers, capabilities often limited in legacy radios. This shift is accelerated by Open Radio Access Network architectures, which allow defense agencies to flexibly integrate multi-vendor components for greater supply chain resilience. Highlighting this trajectory, according to Hughes Network Systems, November 2024, the company was awarded a $6.5 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy a 5G Open Radio Access Network prototype at Fort Bliss, Texas, to evaluate resilient command and control capabilities.

Simultaneously, the Adoption of Multi-Orbit Man-Portable Satellite Terminals allows warfighters to leverage LEO and GEO constellations for enhanced resilience. These systems provide robust, high-throughput connectivity that is significantly more resistant to electronic jamming than traditional single-orbit links, ensuring persistent communication in contested zones. By automatically switching between orbits, soldiers maintain critical data links without the latency issues associated with legacy hardware. This focus on resilient multi-domain connectivity is illustrated by recent investments; according to Viasat, December 2024, the company secured a five-year contract from the U.S. General Services Administration with a $568 million ceiling to deliver advanced tactical networking and satellite communications solutions for Special Operations Forces.

Segmental Insights

The Telecommunications segment is emerging as the fastest-growing area in the Global Man Portable Communication Systems Market. This trend is primarily driven by the escalating demand for satellite and radio-based connectivity in remote locations where terrestrial networks are unavailable. Furthermore, the critical need for rapid network restoration during disaster management operations necessitates the deployment of portable communication units. Commercial operators are increasingly investing in these mobile systems to ensure service continuity and extend network coverage. This shift highlights a strategic focus on flexible communication solutions to support efficient data exchange across global telecommunications infrastructures.

Regional Insights

North America holds a dominant position in the global man portable communication systems market, primarily attributed to the substantial defense budgets allocated by the United States. The U.S. Department of Defense actively funds modernization initiatives to replace legacy infrastructure with secure, high-bandwidth tactical networks. This focus on enhancing interoperability and field connectivity drives consistent demand for advanced radios and satellite terminals. Additionally, the region benefits from the established presence of major defense manufacturers who collaborate closely with government agencies to develop compliant communication solutions, thereby securing North America's status as the leading regional market.

Recent Developments

In October 2024, Elbit Systems unveiled its latest advancement in tactical communications, the E-LynX SR soldier radio, at the International Dismounted Soldier Conference in London. This new multi-channel software-defined radio was engineered specifically to meet the evolving needs of dismounted soldiers in modern combat zones. The device featured a compact, wearable design that integrated seamlessly into soldier vests, providing secure, real-time voice and data transmission. By supporting high-bandwidth connectivity and interoperability with autonomous platforms, the system aimed to significantly enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness for frontline troops operating in contested environments.
In October 2024, Domo Tactical Communications introduced the BluSDR-90-UL, a new ultra-lightweight software-defined radio module designed for unmanned systems and soldier applications. The device was developed to provide long-range, high-bandwidth connectivity while maintaining a minimal size, weight, and power profile, weighing just 210 grams. Optimized for use in contested and congested electromagnetic environments, the radio supported reliable mesh networking capabilities. This launch addressed the growing demand for flexible, resilient communication links that could be easily integrated into small drone platforms or carried by dismounted personnel to ensure mission-critical data exchange at the tactical edge.
In September 2024, Thales Defense & Security Inc. received a delivery order from the U.S. Army to supply 2,705 additional AN/PRC-148F Leader Radios as part of the service’s tactical radio modernization program. This procurement, known as Full Rate Production-4, reinforced the Army's reliance on these two-channel, software-defined systems for secure voice and data communications. The radios were equipped with advanced waveforms that facilitate robust networking in challenging conditions. This order ensured that infantry brigades and other operational formations remained equipped with reliable, handheld communication tools capable of supporting the Army's next-generation command and control objectives.
In January 2024, L3Harris Technologies secured a significant contract with a potential value of $479 million to supply next-generation tactical communications systems to the U.S. Special Operations Command. This indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreement involved the production and delivery of advanced handheld and manpack radios designed to meet the rigorous demands of special operations forces. The contract also encompassed associated sustainment and support services to ensure the continued operational readiness of these critical communication assets. This award highlighted the company's continued role in providing resilient and secure communication solutions that enhance situational awareness for warfighters in complex environments.

Key Market Players

L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
Thales Group
RTX Corporation
General Dynamics Corporation
Northrop Grumman
BAE Systems plc
Saab AB
Elbit Systems Ltd.
Cobham Limited
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA

By Communication Type	By Application	By End-User	By Region
Satellite Communication Software-Defined Radio (SDR) High Frequency (HF) Very High Frequency (VHF) Ultra High Frequency (UHF)	Defense & Homeland Security Commercial	Military & Defense Emergency Services Industrial Outdoor Recreation Telecommunications	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Man Portable Communication Systems Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Man Portable Communication Systems Market, By Communication Type:

Satellite Communication
Software-Defined Radio (SDR)
High Frequency (HF)
Very High Frequency (VHF)
Ultra High Frequency (UHF)

Man Portable Communication Systems Market, By Application:

Defense & Homeland Security
Commercial

Man Portable Communication Systems Market, By End-User:

Military & Defense
Emergency Services
Industrial
Outdoor Recreation
Telecommunications

Man Portable Communication Systems Market, By Region:

North America

United States
Canada
Mexico

Europe

France
United Kingdom
Italy
Germany
Spain

Asia Pacific

China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea

South America

Brazil
Argentina
Colombia

Middle East & Africa

South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Man Portable Communication Systems Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Man Portable Communication Systems Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Communication Type (Satellite Communication, Software-Defined Radio (SDR), High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF))

5.2.2. By Application (Defense & Homeland Security, Commercial)

5.2.3. By End-User (Military & Defense, Emergency Services, Industrial, Outdoor Recreation, Telecommunications)

5.2.4. By Region

5.2.5. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Communication Type

6.2.2. By Application

6.2.3. By End-User

6.2.4. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Communication Type

6.3.1.2.2. By Application

6.3.1.2.3. By End-User

6.3.2. Canada Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Communication Type

6.3.2.2.2. By Application

6.3.2.2.3. By End-User

6.3.3. Mexico Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Communication Type

6.3.3.2.2. By Application

6.3.3.2.3. By End-User

7. Europe Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Communication Type

7.2.2. By Application

7.2.3. By End-User

7.2.4. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Communication Type

7.3.1.2.2. By Application

7.3.1.2.3. By End-User

7.3.2. France Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Communication Type

7.3.2.2.2. By Application

7.3.2.2.3. By End-User

7.3.3. United Kingdom Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Communication Type

7.3.3.2.2. By Application

7.3.3.2.3. By End-User

7.3.4. Italy Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Communication Type

7.3.4.2.2. By Application

7.3.4.2.3. By End-User

7.3.5. Spain Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Communication Type

7.3.5.2.2. By Application

7.3.5.2.3. By End-User

8. Asia Pacific Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Communication Type

8.2.2. By Application

8.2.3. By End-User

8.2.4. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Communication Type

8.3.1.2.2. By Application

8.3.1.2.3. By End-User

8.3.2. India Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Communication Type

8.3.2.2.2. By Application

8.3.2.2.3. By End-User

8.3.3. Japan Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Communication Type

8.3.3.2.2. By Application

8.3.3.2.3. By End-User

8.3.4. South Korea Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Communication Type

8.3.4.2.2. By Application

8.3.4.2.3. By End-User

8.3.5. Australia Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Communication Type

8.3.5.2.2. By Application

8.3.5.2.3. By End-User

9. Middle East & Africa Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Communication Type

9.2.2. By Application

9.2.3. By End-User

9.2.4. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Communication Type

9.3.1.2.2. By Application

9.3.1.2.3. By End-User

9.3.2. UAE Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Communication Type

9.3.2.2.2. By Application

9.3.2.2.3. By End-User

9.3.3. South Africa Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Communication Type

9.3.3.2.2. By Application

9.3.3.2.3. By End-User

10. South America Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Communication Type

10.2.2. By Application

10.2.3. By End-User

10.2.4. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Communication Type

10.3.1.2.2. By Application

10.3.1.2.3. By End-User

10.3.2. Colombia Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Communication Type

10.3.2.2.2. By Application

10.3.2.2.3. By End-User

10.3.3. Argentina Man Portable Communication Systems Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Communication Type

10.3.3.2.2. By Application

10.3.3.2.3. By End-User

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Man Portable Communication Systems Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. Thales Group

15.3. RTX Corporation

15.4. General Dynamics Corporation

15.5. Northrop Grumman

15.6. BAE Systems plc

15.7. Saab AB

15.8. Elbit Systems Ltd.

15.9. Cobham Limited

15.10. Kongsberg Gruppen ASA

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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