China Surveillance Air Traffic Control Equipment Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The China Surveillance Air Traffic Control Equipment Market is witnessing steady growth driven by increasing air traffic and modernization of aviation infrastructure.

• Surveillance systems such as radar, ADS-B, and multilateration are critical for ensuring safe and efficient airspace management in China.

• Growing investments in airport expansion and air navigation service provider (ANSP) upgrades are supporting market growth.

• Civil and military aviation sectors in China are increasingly adopting advanced surveillance technologies.

• Integration of digital air traffic management systems is enhancing situational awareness and operational efficiency.

• Regulatory mandates for improved airspace safety are accelerating adoption of surveillance equipment.

• Technological advancements are enabling higher accuracy, reliability, and real-time data processing.

China Surveillance Air Traffic Control Equipment Market Size and Forecast

The China Surveillance Air Traffic Control Equipment Market is projected to grow from USD 3.6 billion in 2025 to USD 7.9 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 14.1% during the forecast period. Market growth is primarily driven by increasing global air passenger traffic and rising demand for enhanced airspace safety.

Investments in new airports and modernization of existing ATC infrastructure are fueling equipment demand. In China, government-led aviation development programs are playing a significant role in market expansion. The transition toward digital and satellite-based surveillance systems is expected to further accelerate growth through 2031.

Introduction

Surveillance air traffic control equipment refers to systems used to monitor, track, and manage aircraft movements within controlled airspace. These systems provide real-time data to air traffic controllers, enabling safe separation and efficient traffic flow.

In China, surveillance equipment forms the backbone of air traffic management, supporting both civil and defense aviation operations. Technologies such as primary radar, secondary radar, ADS-B, and multilateration are widely deployed. As airspace becomes more congested, the importance of reliable surveillance solutions continues to increase.

Future Outlook

By 2031, the surveillance air traffic control equipment market in China is expected to transition toward more integrated and automated systems. Satellite-based surveillance and data fusion platforms will enhance coverage, especially in remote and oceanic airspace.

Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics will improve traffic prediction and conflict detection capabilities. Collaboration between aviation authorities and technology providers will drive innovation. Overall, surveillance systems will play a pivotal role in enabling next-generation air traffic management in China.

China Surveillance Air Traffic Control Equipment Market Trends

• Shift Toward ADS-B and Satellite-Based Surveillance
  Aviation authorities in China are increasingly adopting ADS-B technology to enhance aircraft tracking accuracy. Satellite-based ADS-B provides coverage in remote and oceanic regions where traditional radar is limited. This shift improves situational awareness and reduces dependency on ground-based infrastructure. Airlines benefit from optimized routing and improved fuel efficiency due to better surveillance data. The trend reflects a broader movement toward global, seamless airspace monitoring.

• Integration of Surveillance Systems with Digital ATC Platforms
  Modern ATC systems in China are integrating surveillance equipment with digital traffic management platforms. This integration allows real-time data sharing across control centers and stakeholders. Enhanced data fusion improves decision-making and reduces controller workload. Digital integration also supports automation and predictive analytics. As digital transformation accelerates, integrated surveillance solutions are becoming standard.

• Growing Adoption of Multilateration Systems
  Multilateration systems are gaining popularity in China due to their high accuracy in complex airport environments. These systems complement radar and ADS-B by providing precise aircraft position data. They are particularly useful in terminal airspace and ground movement monitoring. Airports are adopting multilateration to enhance safety during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. This trend highlights the need for layered surveillance solutions.

• Rising Focus on Cybersecurity for ATC Surveillance
  With increasing digitalization, cybersecurity has become a major focus in the China surveillance ATC market. Surveillance systems are being designed with enhanced security protocols to protect sensitive aviation data. Authorities are implementing stricter standards to prevent data breaches and system disruptions. Cyber-resilient infrastructure is essential for maintaining operational continuity. This trend underscores the growing intersection of aviation safety and cybersecurity.

• Modernization of Legacy Radar Systems
  Many air navigation service providers in China are upgrading or replacing aging radar systems. Modern radar technologies offer improved range, resolution, and reliability. Upgraded systems reduce maintenance costs and enhance operational efficiency. Modernization initiatives are often supported by government funding and international aviation standards. This trend reflects ongoing efforts to maintain safe and efficient airspace operations.

Market Growth Drivers

• Increasing Air Traffic and Airport Expansion
  Rising air passenger and cargo traffic in China is placing pressure on existing airspace infrastructure. Airports are expanding capacity, leading to higher demand for advanced surveillance equipment. Increased aircraft movements require precise monitoring to maintain safety standards. Surveillance systems enable efficient traffic flow management and reduce congestion. This driver is fundamental to sustained market growth.

• Government Investments in Aviation Infrastructure
  Governments in China are investing heavily in aviation modernization programs. These investments include upgrading air traffic control systems and surveillance equipment. Public funding supports the deployment of advanced technologies across national airspace. Such initiatives improve safety, efficiency, and compliance with international regulations. Government support remains a key growth catalyst for the market.

• Rising Emphasis on Airspace Safety and Efficiency
  Safety remains a top priority for aviation authorities in China. Surveillance equipment plays a critical role in preventing mid-air collisions and airspace violations. Enhanced monitoring capabilities improve response times during emergencies. Efficiency gains from better surveillance reduce delays and operational costs. This emphasis on safety and efficiency continues to drive adoption.

• Technological Advancements in Surveillance Systems
  Innovations in radar, sensors, and data processing are enhancing surveillance performance. New systems offer higher accuracy, faster refresh rates, and improved reliability. Advanced analytics enable predictive traffic management and conflict detection. These technological improvements make modern surveillance equipment more attractive to operators. Continuous innovation is fueling market expansion.

• Military and Defense Aviation Requirements
  Defense aviation in China relies heavily on advanced surveillance systems for national security. Military airspace monitoring requires high-precision and resilient equipment. Dual-use technologies are increasingly adopted for both civil and defense applications. Defense procurement programs contribute significantly to market demand. This driver highlights the strategic importance of surveillance ATC equipment.

Challenges in the Market

• High Cost of Installation and Maintenance
  Surveillance ATC equipment requires significant capital investment in China. Installation of radar and satellite-based systems involves high upfront costs. Ongoing maintenance and system upgrades add to operational expenses. Smaller airports may struggle to afford advanced surveillance technologies. Cost concerns can slow adoption, particularly in developing regions.

• Complexity of System Integration
  Integrating new surveillance equipment with existing ATC infrastructure can be complex. Legacy systems may not be fully compatible with modern technologies. Integration challenges can lead to delays and increased project costs. Skilled technical expertise is required to ensure seamless operation. This complexity remains a barrier for some operators in China.

• Regulatory and Certification Requirements
  Surveillance equipment must meet stringent aviation regulations and certification standards. The approval process in China can be time-consuming and costly. Compliance with international and local regulations adds complexity for manufacturers. Delays in certification can impact market entry timelines. Regulatory challenges can hinder rapid deployment of new technologies.

• Cybersecurity Risks and Data Protection Concerns
  Increasing digitalization exposes surveillance systems to cyber threats. Protecting sensitive flight and airspace data is critical in China. Cybersecurity breaches could disrupt operations and compromise safety. Implementing robust security measures increases system complexity and costs. Addressing cybersecurity risks remains an ongoing challenge.

• Shortage of Skilled Air Traffic Management Professionals
  Advanced surveillance systems require trained personnel for operation and maintenance. In China, there is a shortage of skilled air traffic management and technical professionals. Training programs are often time-intensive and costly. Workforce gaps can limit the effective utilization of advanced equipment. This challenge highlights the need for continuous training and capacity building.

China Surveillance Air Traffic Control Equipment Market Segmentation

By Equipment Type

• Primary Surveillance Radar

• Secondary Surveillance Radar

• ADS-B Systems

• Multilateration Systems

• Others

By Application

• Civil Aviation

• Military Aviation

• Airport Surface Surveillance

• En-Route Surveillance

By End-User

• Airports

• Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs)

• Defense Organizations

Leading Key Players

• Thales Group

• Raytheon Technologies Corporation

• Indra Sistemas, S.A.

• Leonardo S.p.A.

• Saab AB

• Northrop Grumman Corporation

• HENSOLDT AG

• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

Recent Developments

• Thales Group upgraded next-generation radar systems for major airports in China.

• Raytheon Technologies Corporation introduced advanced ADS-B surveillance solutions in China.

• Indra Sistemas, S.A. partnered with aviation authorities in China to modernize ATC infrastructure.

• Leonardo S.p.A. deployed multilateration systems for enhanced airport surveillance in China.

• Saab AB expanded its digital air traffic surveillance portfolio in China.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

1. What is the projected size and CAGR of the China Surveillance Air Traffic Control Equipment Market by 2031?

2. Which surveillance technologies are most widely adopted in China?

3. How are government investments influencing market growth?

4. What are the key challenges faced by ATC surveillance system providers?

5. Who are the leading companies shaping the surveillance ATC equipment market in China?