Software-defined radio market seen reaching $29.78B by 2031

Mordor Intelligence says the software-defined radio market will rise from $21.33 billion in 2026 to $29.78 billion by 2031 as defense modernization, 5G buildouts and private networks drive demand. North America leads now, while Asia-Pacific is growing fastest on higher military spending and wireless expansion.

Why it matters: - Software-defined radios are moving from niche defense gear to a core communication platform across defense, aerospace, public safety and industrial networks. - The market’s projected growth signals more demand for flexible systems that can support multiple standards, frequency bands and network types through software updates. - Defense buyers and 5G operators are shaping the next wave of radio infrastructure spending.

What happened: - Mordor Intelligence projects the software-defined radio market will grow from $21.33 billion in 2026 to $29.78 billion by 2031. - The forecast implies a 6.9% compound annual growth rate during 2026-2031. - The company ties the outlook to defense modernization, expanding 5G and private network deployments, and demand for software-driven communications. - North America remains the largest regional market. - Asia-Pacific is expanding quickly on the back of large-scale 5G rollout and higher military investment.

The details: - Private 5G networks are increasing demand for software-defined radios in industrial facilities, ports and enterprise campuses. - Software-defined radios can support multiple frequency bands and communication standards through software updates. - The flexibility reduces infrastructure complexity and improves operational efficiency. - SDR systems can connect terrestrial and satellite networks, widening their use in commercial and industrial communications. - Network-centric warfare is pushing militaries toward radios that can adapt to changing mission needs. - Modern defense communications require secure data sharing and interoperability across multiple platforms. - Governments upgrading defense capabilities are making SDRs a larger part of military and homeland security networks. - Mordor Intelligence listed recent product launches from Anritsu and Emerson in 2026 as examples of continued investment in flexible SDR platforms. - Anritsu launched a software-defined radio solution in June 2026 for wideband signal processing, radio testing and next-generation communications research. - Emerson introduced an upgraded SDR platform in February 2026 for radar, satellite communications and advanced wireless research. - The report segments the market by platform, component, frequency band, end-user and geography. - Platforms include land, sea, air and space. - Components include hardware and software. - Frequency bands include HF, VHF, UHF, SHF, EHF and mmWave. - End-users include government and defense, and commercial users. - Geographic coverage includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. - The competitive landscape includes BAE Systems, L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, RTX, Thales, Elbit Systems, General Dynamics, Leonardo, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, ASELSAN, Israel Aerospace Industries, Ultra Electronics, Rohde & Schwarz, Curtiss-Wright, Keysight, National Instruments, Ettus Research and FlexRadio. - The report is available in Japanese, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese via Mordor Intelligence’s site. - Mordor Intelligence says the report uses structured research practices and a consistent methodology to help decision-makers assess market opportunities.

Between the lines: - The strongest demand is coming from sectors that need secure, adaptable communications rather than fixed-function radios. - The regional split suggests mature defense markets still dominate spending, but 5G infrastructure is becoming a major growth engine in Asia-Pacific. - Recent launches from test and research-focused vendors point to SDR innovation moving beyond deployment into validation, experimentation and multi-domain use cases.

What's next: - Growth is likely to track continued defense modernization programs and the rollout of private wireless networks. - Asia-Pacific could narrow the gap with North America if 5G expansion and military procurement stay on pace. - Further product development is likely to focus on wider frequency coverage, multi-channel performance and software-based flexibility.

The bottom line: - Software-defined radios are gaining share because governments and enterprises want communication systems that can be updated by software instead of hardware replacement.