ABI Research Forecasts Defense OT Ethernet Market Growth to $9.7 Billion by 2030

ABI Research forecast that the total addressable market for Operational Technology Ethernet in defense and military applications will rise from $7.4 billion in 2026 to $9.7 billion by 2030. The forecast centers on a move toward deterministic connectivity as aircraft, missiles, drones, vehicles, and command-and-control infrastructure modernize.

ABI Research attributed the growth outlook to digitization programs and defense spending it projected to reach $2.6 trillion in 2026. The analysis also identified missiles as the largest OT Ethernet revenue category in 2026 and 2027, with spending expected to shift toward command-and-control centers afterward.

In ABI Research’s framing, Ethernet requirements in military operational technology increasingly involve deterministic communication, secure embedded networking, and Time-Sensitive Networking. The report described a transition in which legacy standards such as MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and CAN bus face performance limits relative to next-generation mission requirements. ABI Research said it expects TSN-enabled products to be certified for harsh defense environments.

ABI Research linked the market outlook to modernization initiatives and platform programs including JADC2 in the United States, NATO’s Federated Mission Networking efforts, and sixth-generation combat aircraft programs such as NGAD, FCAS, and Tempest, along with China’s J-36. The report cited vendor activity across ruggedization, deterministic communications, and secure embedded networking, including Curtiss-Wright, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, Mercury Systems, RTX/Collins Aerospace, and Thales, plus component suppliers such as Analog Devices, Intel, Marvell, Microchip, and Texas Instruments.

“The defense sector is moving beyond platform-centric modernization toward network-centric and software-defined operations, and that is making Ethernet a strategic enabler rather than just a connectivity option,” said Dimitris Mavrakis, Senior Research Director at ABI Research. “As sensor fusion, autonomous missions, and edge AI become core requirements, suppliers that can deliver ruggedized, secure, and deterministic Ethernet solutions will be best positioned to capture long-term opportunity.”

Provided by Globe Newswire on behalf of ABI Research. Click to read original content.