The Internet of Things (IoT) has been one of the biggest buzzwords in the tech industry over the past decade, and its impact is being felt across a wide range of sectors. The aerospace and defence industry is no exception, and IoT is increasingly being used to drive innovation and improve operations in this complex and highly regulated sector.
IoT refers to the interconnectedness of devices and machines through the internet, allowing for real-time data collection, analysis, and sharing. In the aerospace and defence industry, IoT is being used to improve maintenance, reduce downtime, and enhance safety and security.
According to a recent report by Market Research Future (MRFR), the global IoT in aerospace and defence market is expected to reach USD 37.78 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 10.42% during the forecast period. This growth is being driven by factors such as the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military and commercial applications, the growing demand for real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance, and the need for enhanced security and surveillance.
IoT in aerospace and defence refers to the use of connected devices, sensors, and data analytics to optimize operations, improve safety and security, and drive innovation in the industry. This includes everything from connected aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to ground support equipment, maintenance systems, and supply chain management.
IoT is transforming the aerospace and defence industry by providing real-time data insights that can help improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety and security. By connecting devices and systems across the industry, IoT is enabling stakeholders to make more informed decisions and improve overall performance.
Executive Summary
The IoT in aerospace and defence market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing adoption of connected devices and the need for real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.42% during the forecast period, reaching a value of USD 37.78 billion by 2026.

Important Note: The companies listed in the image above are for reference only. The final study will cover 18–20 key players in this market, and the list can be adjusted based on our client’s requirements.
Key Market Insights
- The global IoT in aerospace and defence market is expected to reach USD 37.78 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 10.42% during the forecast period.
- The increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military and commercial applications is driving the growth of the market.
- The need for real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance is also contributing to the growth of the market.
- North America is expected to dominate the market due to the presence of major aerospace and defence players in the region.
Market Drivers
- Increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
UAVs, also known as drones, have become an increasingly important tool in the aerospace and defence industry. UAVs can be used for a wide range of applications, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and even combat. With the rise of IoT, UAVs can be equipped with sensors and connected devices that enable real-time data collection and analysis, improving their effectiveness and reducing the risk of human error.
- Real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance
IoT enables real-time data collection and analysis, which can help identify potential problems before they occur. This is particularly important in the aerospace and defence industry, where downtime can be costly and even dangerous. By using IoT to monitor equipment and systems, stakeholders can identify potential issues and take proactive steps to address them before they become major problems.
- Enhanced safety and security
IoT can also be used to enhance safety and security in the aerospace and defence industry. Connected devices and sensors can be used to monitor aircraft, UAVs, and other equipment in real-time, providing insights that can help improve safety and prevent accidents. IoT can also be used for surveillance and security purposes, enabling stakeholders to monitor and protect critical infrastructure and assets.
Market Restraints
- High implementation costs
One of the major challenges facing the adoption of IoT in the aerospace and defence industry is the high implementation costs. IoT requires significant investment in hardware, software, and infrastructure, which can be a barrier to entry for smaller players in the industry. Additionally, the complexity of implementing IoT in a highly regulated industry can also be a challenge, requiring significant expertise and resources.
- Cybersecurity concerns
The increasing use of connected devices and data sharing also raises concerns about cybersecurity. With more devices and systems connected to the internet, there is an increased risk of cyberattacks and data breaches. In the aerospace and defence industry, where security is paramount, cybersecurity is a major concern that must be addressed to ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure and assets.
Market Opportunities
- Growth of commercial aviation
The global commercial aviation industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by factors such as rising disposable incomes and increasing travel demand. This presents an opportunity for the aerospace and defence industry to leverage IoT to improve operations, reduce costs, and enhance safety and security.
- Emergence of new technologies
The emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and edge computing is creating new opportunities for the aerospace and defence industry to leverage IoT. These technologies can be used to enhance data analytics, improve cybersecurity, and enable real-time decision-making, among other applications.

Market Dynamics
The IoT in aerospace and defence market is characterized by intense competition, with major players such as Boeing, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin dominating the market. These players are investing heavily in IoT and related technologies to gain a competitive advantage and improve their operations.
The market is also characterized by the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are being used for a wide range of military and commercial applications. The use of UAVs is expected to continue to grow, driving the demand for IoT-enabled devices and systems.
Regional Analysis
North America is expected to dominate the IoT in aerospace and defence market due to the presence of major aerospace and defence players in the region, such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and General Electric. The region is also home to some of the largest military and commercial aviation markets in the world, driving the demand for IoT-enabled devices and systems.
Europe is also expected to be a significant market for IoT in aerospace and defence, driven by factors such as the growth of commercial aviation and the emergence of new technologies.
Competitive Landscape
Leading companies in the IoT in Aerospace and Defence Market:
- IBM Corporation
- Cisco Systems, Inc.
- Microsoft Corporation
- SAP SE
- General Electric Company
- Honeywell International Inc.
- Intel Corporation
- Siemens AG
- Thales Group
- Oracle Corporation
Please note: This is a preliminary list; the final study will feature 18–20 leading companies in this market. The selection of companies in the final report can be customized based on our client’s specific requirements.

Segmentation
The IoT in aerospace and defence market can be segmented based on component, application, and region. By component, the market can be segmented into hardware, software, and services. By application, the market can be segmented into real-time health monitoring, predictive maintenance, aircraft tracking and monitoring, and others. By region, the market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the rest of the world.
Category-wise Insights
- Hardware
Hardware is one of the key components of IoT in aerospace and defence, comprising devices such as sensors, gateways, and other connected devices. The hardware segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period, driven by the increasing use of connected devices and the need for real-time data collection and analysis.
- Software
Software is another key component of IoT in aerospace and defence, comprising the applications and platforms used to analyze and manage data. The software segment is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period, driven by the increasing use of predictive analytics and other data-driven insights.
- Services
Services include consulting, integration, and support services related to IoT in aerospace and defence. The services segment is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period, driven by the need for expertise and support in implementing and managing IoT systems.
Key Benefits for Industry Participants and Stakeholders
- Improved operational efficiency
IoT can help improve operational efficiency in the aerospace and defence industry by providing real-time data insights that can be used to optimize operations and reduce downtime.
- Enhanced safety and security
IoT can also be used to enhance safety and security in the industry, by enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of critical infrastructure and assets.
- Predictive maintenance
By using IoT to monitor equipment and systems, stakeholders can identify potential issues and take proactive steps to address them before they become major problems, reducing maintenance costs and improving reliability.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths:
- IoT enables real-time data collection and analysis, providing valuable insights for stakeholders in the aerospace and defence industry.
- Connected devices and sensors can be used to enhance safety and security, reducing risks and improving overall performance.
- IoT can help reduce downtime and maintenance costs, improving operational efficiency.
Weaknesses:
- High implementation costs can be a barrier to entry for smaller players in the industry.
- The complexity of implementing IoT in a highly regulated industry can also be a challenge.
- Cybersecurity concerns present a significant challenge that must be addressed to ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure and assets.
Opportunities:
- The growth of commercial aviation presents an opportunity for the aerospace and defence industry to leverage IoT to improve operations and reduce costs.
- The emergence of new technologies such as AI, blockchain, and edge computing is creating new opportunities for the industry to leverage IoT.
Threats:
- Intense competition from major players in the market, such as Boeing, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin.
- The increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is driving the demand for IoT-enabled devices and systems, but also presents challenges related to regulation and safety.
Market Key Trends
- Increasing use of predictive analytics
The use of predictive analytics is becoming increasingly important in the aerospace and defence industry, driven by the need to identify potential issues before they become major problems. IoT enables real-time data collection and analysis, providing valuable insights for predictive analytics and other data-driven insights.
- Emergence of new technologies
The emergence of new technologies such as AI, blockchain, and edge computing is creating new opportunities for the aerospace and defence industry to leverage IoT. These technologies can be used to enhance data analytics, improve cybersecurity, and enable real-time decision-making, among other applications.
Covid-19 Impact
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the aerospace and defence industry, with many airlines and military organizations experiencing reduced demand and financial pressures. However, the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of IoT and other digital technologies in improving operations, reducing costs, and enhancing safety and security.
The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of IoT in the industry, as stakeholders look for ways to optimize operations and improve efficiency in the face of reduced demand and financial pressures.
Key Industry Developments
- Airbus and Palantir team up for new data analytics platform
In 2020, Airbus and Palantir announced a partnership to develop a new data analytics platform for the aerospace and defence industry. The platform will use IoT-enabled devices and sensors to provide real-time data insights that can be used to improve operations and reduce costs.
- Honeywell launches new IoT-enabled predictive maintenance platform
In 2021, Honeywell announced the launch of its new IoT-enabled predictive maintenance platform for the aerospace and defence industry. The platform uses data analytics and machine learning to identify potential issues and predict maintenance needs, helping to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
Analyst Suggestions
Analysts suggest that the IoT in aerospace and defence market will continue to grow in the coming years, driven by the increasing adoption of connected devices and the need for real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance. Key trends in the market include the increasing use of predictive analytics, the emergence of new technologies such as AI and blockchain, and the growth of commercial aviation.
Future Outlook
The future outlook for the IoT in aerospace and defence market is positive, with the market expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The increasing use of connected devices and the need for real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance are expected to drive the growth of the market, along with the growth of commercial aviation and the emergence of new technologies.
Conclusion
The IoT is revolutionizing the aerospace and defence industry, providing real-time data insights that can help improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety and security. While there are challenges related to implementation costs and cybersecurity, the benefits of IoT are significant, and the market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. By leveraging IoT and related technologies, stakeholders in the industry can improve their operations and gain a competitive advantage in this complex and highly regulated sector.
