Global Next-Generation Soldier Connectivity Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The next-generation soldier connectivity market focuses on advanced, secure, and resilient communication and data-sharing solutions that digitally connect soldiers within squads, units, and joint force networks.
• These systems enable real-time voice, data, video, and sensor information exchange at the tactical edge, enhancing combat effectiveness and survivability.
• Next-generation connectivity integrates wearable radios, edge computing devices, sensors, navigation, and cloud-enabled battlefield services.
• Soldier connectivity is a foundational pillar of modern soldier modernization and future infantry programs worldwide.
• Networked soldiers operate as intelligent nodes within multi-domain operational networks spanning land, air, cyber, and space.
• NATO countries lead adoption due to network-centric doctrines and sustained investment in infantry digitization.
• Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are high-growth regions driven by border security, counter-insurgency, and indigenous soldier programs.
• Secure, low-latency, and resilient connectivity is increasingly viewed as a force multiplier at the tactical level.
• Cybersecurity, electronic warfare resistance, and low probability of detection are core system requirements.
• Strategic collaboration between defense electronics companies, communication providers, and armed forces accelerates capability deployment.

Next-Generation Soldier Connectivity Market Size and Forecast

The global next-generation soldier connectivity market was valued at USD 3.86 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 7.92 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.9%. Market growth is driven by expanding soldier modernization programs, increasing demand for real-time battlefield awareness, and rapid adoption of network-centric infantry operations.

Market Overview

The next-generation soldier connectivity market encompasses advanced communication systems, wearable networking devices, tactical radios, edge computing platforms, and software that enable seamless connectivity for dismounted soldiers. These systems support blue force tracking, mission coordination, sensor data sharing, and real-time command integration. Modern solutions emphasize lightweight, power-efficient, and secure architectures suitable for prolonged operations in contested environments. North America dominates the market due to large-scale infantry digitization initiatives, followed by Europe with multinational modernization programs. Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid adoption through new soldier systems aligned with regional security needs. The market continues to evolve toward integrated, software-defined, and AI-enabled soldier connectivity ecosystems.

Future Outlook

The future of the next-generation soldier connectivity market will be shaped by fully integrated digital soldier ecosystems operating at the tactical edge. AI-assisted edge analytics will support threat detection, navigation, and mission planning at the individual soldier level. Secure mesh networks and self-healing communication architectures will enhance resilience in electronic warfare environments. Integration with unmanned systems, smart sensors, and battlefield clouds will expand operational reach. Advances in power management and miniaturization will reduce soldier burden. As infantry operations become increasingly data-driven, next-generation connectivity will be central to battlefield dominance.

Next-Generation Soldier Connectivity Market Trends

• Expansion of Secure Mesh and Self-Healing Tactical Networks
  Next-generation soldier connectivity increasingly relies on decentralized mesh networking architectures. These networks enable soldiers to maintain connectivity without fixed infrastructure. Self-healing capabilities reroute data when nodes are disrupted or jammed. Mesh networks improve resilience in urban and contested environments. Reduced reliance on centralized command nodes enhances survivability. Continuous connectivity supports distributed infantry operations. This trend reflects a shift toward decentralized command and control. Mesh networking is becoming a standard feature of modern soldier systems.

• Integration of Edge Computing and AI at the Soldier Level
  Soldier connectivity platforms now incorporate edge computing for local data processing. AI-enabled analytics support real-time threat recognition and decision support. Edge processing reduces latency and dependence on backhaul links. These capabilities improve responsiveness in time-critical situations. AI assists with navigation, target identification, and situational awareness. Power-efficient processors enable sustained operation. This trend enhances tactical autonomy. Edge intelligence is transforming soldier connectivity.

• Growing Adoption of Low-Signature and Anti-Jam Communication Technologies
  Modern battlefields are characterized by intense electronic warfare activity. Next-generation soldier connectivity emphasizes low probability of detection and interception. Frequency hopping and adaptive waveforms improve resilience. Anti-jam capabilities ensure communication continuity under attack. Secure encryption protects sensitive data. Reduced electromagnetic signatures enhance survivability. This trend reflects evolving threat environments. Electronic resilience is now mission-critical.

• Convergence of Soldier Connectivity with Multi-Domain Networks
  Soldiers are increasingly connected to air, ground, cyber, and space assets. Connectivity platforms support data exchange with UAVs, vehicles, and command centers. Integration enhances situational awareness beyond line of sight. Multi-domain connectivity supports coordinated operations. Standardized interfaces improve interoperability. Data fusion enhances decision-making. This trend aligns with multi-domain warfare doctrines. Soldier connectivity is becoming an integral part of joint networks.

Market Growth Drivers

• Global Expansion of Soldier Modernization Programs
  Armed forces worldwide are investing in next-generation soldier systems. Connectivity is a core requirement of modernization initiatives. Digitally connected soldiers enhance operational effectiveness. Governments allocate long-term budgets for infantry upgrades. Integrated systems improve command responsiveness. Modernization programs drive sustained procurement. This driver is a primary contributor to market growth.

• Rising Importance of Information Superiority at the Tactical Edge
  Modern conflicts emphasize rapid access to accurate information. Soldier connectivity enables real-time situational awareness. Faster information flow improves decision-making speed. Tactical advantage is increasingly data-driven. Connectivity reduces coordination delays. Enhanced awareness improves survivability. This need strongly drives market adoption.

• Increasing Electronic Warfare and Cyber Threat Environment
  Adversaries actively target communication networks. Next-generation connectivity systems are designed to counter jamming and cyberattacks. Secure and resilient architectures ensure mission continuity. Threat evolution drives continuous technology upgrades. Investment in protected communications is prioritized. Electronic resilience is now essential. This driver accelerates demand for advanced solutions.

• Advancements in Wearable Electronics and Power Management
  Miniaturization enables lighter and more comfortable soldier equipment. Improved batteries extend operational duration. Energy-efficient components reduce power consumption. Wearable designs improve soldier mobility. Technology advances lower lifecycle costs over time. Improved ergonomics increase adoption. This driver supports large-scale deployment.

Challenges in the Market

• Weight, Power, and Endurance Constraints
  Connectivity systems add to the soldier’s carried load. Battery life limits mission duration. Power management remains a critical challenge. Lightweight designs increase engineering complexity. Balancing capability and endurance is difficult. Extended operations stress power resources. These constraints directly affect system usability.

• Cybersecurity and Electronic Warfare Vulnerabilities
  Networked soldier systems face persistent cyber and EW threats. Jamming and spoofing can disrupt communications. Secure architectures add cost and complexity. Continuous updates are required to maintain protection. Patch management in field conditions is challenging. Threat evolution increases risk exposure. Security remains a major concern.

• Interoperability Across Units and Coalition Forces
  Different forces use varied connectivity standards. Coalition operations require seamless interoperability. Legacy equipment complicates integration. Standard harmonization is resource-intensive. Interoperability gaps reduce effectiveness. Achieving compatibility increases cost and complexity. This challenge affects multinational deployments.

• High Cost and Procurement Complexity
  Advanced connectivity solutions are expensive to develop and deploy. Budget constraints may limit scale. Customization for specific missions increases costs. Procurement cycles are often lengthy. Smaller forces face affordability issues. Cost justification is required. Financial barriers slow adoption.

• Training, Human Factors, and Cognitive Load
  Advanced systems require extensive soldier training. Interface complexity may increase cognitive burden. Overreliance on digital systems can affect situational intuition. Training programs add time and cost. Human factors influence operational effectiveness. User-centered design is critical. Adoption success depends on usability.

Next-Generation Soldier Connectivity Market Segmentation

By Component

• Tactical Radios and Communication Devices

• Wearable Computing and Displays

• Edge Computing and Networking Modules

• Sensors, Navigation, and Positioning Systems

By Network Type

• Secure Mesh and Ad Hoc Networks

• Line-of-Sight (LOS) Communications

• Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) Communications

By Application

• Infantry and Dismounted Operations

• Special Operations Forces

• Border and Internal Security

• Expeditionary and Peacekeeping Missions

By End User

• Military Forces

• Paramilitary and Internal Security Forces

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

Leading Key Players

• L3Harris Technologies

• Thales Group

• Elbit Systems Ltd.

• BAE Systems

• Leonardo S.p.A.

• Collins Aerospace

• Saab AB

• Rohde & Schwarz

• General Dynamics Mission Systems

• Rheinmetall AG

Recent Developments

• L3Harris Technologies expanded next-generation tactical soldier networking solutions with enhanced anti-jam performance.

• Thales Group advanced integrated soldier connectivity platforms for future infantry programs.

• Elbit Systems introduced AI-enabled wearable connectivity and edge processing solutions.

• BAE Systems strengthened secure soldier communication architectures for dismounted operations.

• Rohde & Schwarz launched resilient tactical communication systems optimized for electronic warfare environments.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

• What is the projected market size and growth rate through 2031?

• Which connectivity technologies define next-generation soldier systems?

• How does soldier connectivity improve tactical awareness and survivability?

• What challenges affect power, security, interoperability, and cost?

• Who are the leading players and how do they differentiate their solutions?

• Which regions show the strongest growth potential?

• How do electronic warfare threats influence connectivity design?

• What role does AI and edge computing play in soldier connectivity?

• How are legacy infantry forces being digitally transformed?

• What future innovations will define next-generation soldier connectivity systems?