
Global Orbital Defense System Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By End Use (Government, Private Sector), By Application (Military Defense, Civil Defense, Research and Development), By Technology (Laser Systems, Kinetic Energy Weapons, Electromagnetic Weapons, Particle Beam Weapons), By System Type (Missile Defense Systems, Space Surveillance Systems, Tracking Systems, Command and Control Systems), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa), Key Companies, Competitive Analysis, Trends, and Projections for 2026-2035
Key Market Insights
Global Orbital Defense System Market is projected to grow from USD 12.8 Billion in 2025 to USD 31.5 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 14.2% from 2026 through 2035. This market encompasses the development, deployment, and operation of systems designed to protect assets in space from various threats, including anti satellite weapons, orbital debris, and adversary space capabilities. The increasing militarization of space, coupled with a growing reliance on satellite infrastructure for communication, navigation, and intelligence gathering, is a primary driver for market expansion. Geopolitical tensions and the perceived vulnerability of critical space assets are compelling nations to invest heavily in advanced orbital defense capabilities. The market is segmented by Technology, System Type, Application, and End Use, indicating a diverse range of solutions from kinetic interceptors to electronic warfare systems and space based surveillance.
Global Orbital Defense System Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035

2025 - 2035
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Key trends shaping the orbital defense landscape include the development of sophisticated artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for enhanced threat detection and response, as well as the proliferation of small satellite constellations, which present both new vulnerabilities and opportunities for distributed defense architectures. Miniaturization of components and increased autonomy are also significant trends. However, the market faces restraints such as the high cost of developing and deploying advanced orbital defense systems, the inherent technical complexities, and the ongoing debate surrounding space arms control treaties, which could limit certain types of development. Opportunities abound in the development of dual use technologies, where commercial advancements in satellite technology can be adapted for defense purposes, and in international collaborations for shared space situational awareness and joint defense initiatives.
North America is currently the dominant region in the global orbital defense system market. This dominance is attributed to significant defense spending, robust research and development activities by leading aerospace and defense contractors, and a strategic focus on maintaining superiority in space. The region benefits from a mature industrial base and a strong ecosystem of specialized technology providers. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest growing region. This rapid growth is driven by increasing space ambitions, heightened concerns over regional security, and a surge in investment by countries in indigenous space capabilities and advanced defense technologies. Key players like BAE Systems, Ball Aerospace, Raytheon Technologies, Airbus, Northrop Grumman, Horizon Technologies, Boeing, SES S.A., Lockheed Martin, and Thales Group are actively pursuing strategies such as technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market position and expand their global footprint, catering to the leading Government segment which holds the vast majority of market share.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 12.8 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 31.5 BillionLeading Segment:
Government (92.8% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
North America (58.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
14.2%
What is Orbital Defense System?
An Orbital Defense System encompasses a network of space based assets designed to protect planetary interests from various threats. This can include kinetic interceptors lasers or other directed energy weapons positioned in orbit. Its core concept involves detecting tracking and neutralizing incoming projectiles missiles or hostile spacecraft before they reach their target. The significance lies in providing an outer layer of defense safeguarding satellites ground infrastructure and even terrestrial regions from both conventional and unconventional attacks. Applications range from protecting national security assets to defending against rogue asteroids or space debris. This system represents a crucial layer in modern strategic defense architecture.
What are the Trends in Global Orbital Defense System Market
AI Powered Threat Detection and Interception
Proliferation of Small Satellite Constellation Defense
Hypersonic Missile Tracking and Countermeasure Innovation
Directed Energy Weaponry for Orbital Protection
Cyber Resilience for Space Based Defense Assets
AI Powered Threat Detection and Interception
Global Orbital Defense Systems are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence for advanced threat detection and interception. This trend signifies a shift from reactive to proactive defense strategies. AI algorithms analyze vast streams of sensor data from orbiting platforms in real time, identifying subtle anomalies and predicting potential threats ranging from hypersonic missiles to adversarial satellites with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
Machine learning enables systems to adapt and learn from new threat profiles, continuously improving their ability to distinguish legitimate space debris from genuine hostile incursions. AI drives autonomous interception capabilities, allowing defensive systems to calculate optimal trajectories and deploy countermeasures with minimal human intervention. This automation significantly reduces response times, enhancing the overall resilience and effectiveness of orbital defenses against sophisticated, rapidly evolving threats. The focus is on intelligent, predictive security.
Proliferation of Small Satellite Constellation Defense
The global orbital defense system market is experiencing a significant trend: the proliferation of small satellite constellation defense. This shift is driven by the increasing vulnerability of large, expensive singular satellites to kinetic and non kinetic attacks. Instead, numerous smaller, more agile satellites are deployed in constellations. These constellations offer inherent redundancy; the loss of one or even several satellites does not cripple the entire defensive capability. They can provide persistent surveillance, advanced missile tracking, and secure communication networks across vast orbital regions. This approach enhances resilience and survivability against sophisticated threats by distributing critical functions across many platforms, making them harder to neutralize comprehensively. It represents a move towards distributed and networked orbital defense architectures for improved strategic depth and responsiveness.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global Orbital Defense System Market
Escalating Geopolitical Tensions and Space Militarization
Advancements in Satellite Technology and Counter-Space Capabilities
Increased Investment in Space-Based Assets by Governments and Commercial Entities
Growing Demand for Secure and Resilient Space Infrastructure
Technological Breakthroughs in AI, Autonomous Systems, and Directed Energy Weapons
Escalating Geopolitical Tensions and Space Militarization
Escalating geopolitical tensions are a primary catalyst for the Global Orbital Defense System market expansion. As nations perceive heightened threats to their space assets and national security, a competitive drive emerges to secure orbital dominance. This manifests in increased investment in capabilities designed to protect satellites from attack, surveil adversary activities, and potentially deny adversary access to critical orbital regions. The perceived weaponization of space by certain powers compels others to develop or acquire advanced defensive systems, including anti-satellite weapons, space situational awareness tools, and resilient satellite architectures. This arms race mentality in orbit directly fuels demand for sophisticated orbital defense solutions, driven by a desire for strategic advantage and deterrence.
Advancements in Satellite Technology and Counter-Space Capabilities
Continuous innovations in satellite technology are propelling the global orbital defense system market forward. Enhanced sensor capabilities, improved propulsion systems, and miniaturization enable more sophisticated surveillance, tracking, and interdiction missions. These advancements lead to the development of more resilient and capable defense assets, offering superior situational awareness and response times against potential threats. Concurrently, the proliferation of counter-space capabilities by various actors necessitates a robust defensive response. Nations are investing in advanced orbital defense systems to protect their space assets from jamming, dazzling, cyberattacks, and kinetic attacks. This arms race in space, driven by both offensive and defensive technological leaps, directly fuels demand for cutting-edge orbital defense solutions, pushing market expansion.
Increased Investment in Space-Based Assets by Governments and Commercial Entities
Governments worldwide are significantly augmenting their investments in space based assets recognizing their critical role in national security and economic development. This includes the development and deployment of advanced surveillance satellites communication networks and navigation systems. Simultaneously commercial entities are rapidly expanding their presence in orbit driven by the burgeoning space economy encompassing satellite internet earth observation and in orbit servicing. This surge in both governmental and commercial space endeavors directly translates into a heightened demand for robust orbital defense systems. Protecting these valuable and strategic assets from potential threats such as space debris adversarial actions or disruptions becomes paramount ensuring operational continuity and safeguarding national and commercial interests in the increasingly congested and contested space domain.
Global Orbital Defense System Market Restraints
Stringent International Regulations & Treaty Limitations
Stringent international regulations and treaty limitations significantly constrain the global orbital defense system market. The Outer Space Treaty for instance prohibits the stationing of weapons of mass destruction in orbit and on celestial bodies, creating a fundamental barrier to certain defensive capabilities. Subsequent agreements and national space policies further regulate activities, including the testing and deployment of anti-satellite weapons and other counter-space technologies.
These legal frameworks necessitate extensive diplomatic negotiations and multilateral approvals for the development and deployment of advanced defensive systems, often resulting in prolonged timelines and increased costs. Nations must navigate complex export controls and arms control regimes when procuring or developing such technologies, limiting market access and collaboration. Concerns over space militarization also drive political pressure for non-proliferation, impacting research and development priorities and potentially limiting the scope of permissible defensive systems. Compliance adds significant layers of bureaucracy and legal hurdles for market participants.
High Development & Deployment Costs Leading to Limited State Adoption
Developing and deploying a global orbital defense system involves incredibly high upfront costs. Research and development alone demand significant investment in advanced technologies like sophisticated sensors, interceptor missiles, space-based platforms, and complex command and control systems. Manufacturing these specialized components and launching them into orbit further compounds expenses. Many nations, particularly those with smaller defense budgets or less developed space infrastructure, find these financial barriers insurmountable. Even technically capable countries face difficult decisions when allocating resources, as the immense capital required for such a system often competes with other pressing domestic and defense needs. This substantial financial hurdle limits the number of states able to independently develop or even acquire substantial parts of such a defense, consequently restricting broader adoption across the globe.
Global Orbital Defense System Market Opportunities
Securing Critical Space Infrastructure: The Expanding Market for Integrated Orbital Threat Detection and Mitigation Systems
The proliferation of critical space infrastructure, including communication, navigation, and intelligence satellites, presents an urgent demand for enhanced orbital security. As these assets become more indispensable globally, their vulnerability to space debris, adversarial anti satellite activities, and cyber threats significantly grows. This creates a compelling opportunity for the development and deployment of integrated orbital threat detection and mitigation systems.
The expanding market seeks comprehensive solutions that combine advanced sensor technologies, sophisticated artificial intelligence for real time threat analysis, and responsive mitigation capabilities. These include active debris removal, secure command and control, and defensive counterspace measures to protect vital assets. Enterprises offering end to end, multi layered defense architectures that ensure the resilience and operational continuity of space systems are poised for substantial growth. The imperative for safeguarding space infrastructure drives significant investment across governmental and commercial sectors worldwide, underscoring the immense potential for innovators in orbital defense.
Next-Generation Space Domain Awareness: Leveraging AI and Autonomous Platforms for Proactive Orbital Defense Capabilities
The burgeoning opportunity in next generation Space Domain Awareness redefines orbital defense. By integrating artificial intelligence and autonomous platforms, nations can achieve unparalleled proactive capabilities. AI algorithms will analyze vast datasets from distributed autonomous sensors, enabling predictive intelligence to identify anomalous activities, potential collisions, and adversarial threats with unprecedented speed and accuracy. This move from reactive to proactive defense involves anticipating dangers like space debris, jamming, or hostile satellite maneuvers before they materialize. Autonomous platforms, ranging from advanced ground stations to constellations of small satellites, provide continuous, comprehensive surveillance, verifying threats and supporting rapid decision making. This synergistic approach allows for the timely deployment of countermeasures or evasive actions, safeguarding critical national and commercial space assets. It ensures resilience and stability in an increasingly contested and congested orbital environment, fostering global space security through intelligent, self aware defense systems.
Global Orbital Defense System Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Technology
- •Laser Systems
- •Kinetic Energy Weapons
- •Electromagnetic Weapons
- •Particle Beam Weapons
By System Type
- •Missile Defense Systems
- •Space Surveillance Systems
- •Tracking Systems
- •Command and Control Systems
By Application
- •Military Defense
- •Civil Defense
- •Research and Development
By End Use
- •Government
- •Private Sector
Segment Share By Technology
Share, By Technology, 2025 (%)
- Laser Systems
- Kinetic Energy Weapons
- Electromagnetic Weapons
- Particle Beam Weapons

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Why is Government dominating the Global Orbital Defense System Market?
The Government end use segment holds a substantial majority share because orbital defense systems are inherently strategic assets crucial for national security. These systems demand significant, long term investments in research, development, and deployment that only national defense budgets can sustain. Governments are the primary drivers for protecting space based assets, managing military satellites, and ensuring geopolitical stability, making them the overwhelming procurers and operators of such advanced defense technologies.
What factors drive the By System Type segmentation in this market?
The By System Type segmentation reveals the multifaceted nature of orbital defense, where Missile Defense Systems, Space Surveillance Systems, Tracking Systems, and Command and Control Systems all play critical, interdependent roles. Missile Defense Systems are crucial for interception capabilities, while Space Surveillance and Tracking Systems provide the essential intelligence layer for detecting threats. Command and Control Systems then integrate these functions, enabling coordinated responses. Each system type represents a vital component of a comprehensive defense architecture.
How does the By Application segment reflect market priorities?
The By Application segment, encompassing Military Defense, Civil Defense, and Research and Development, highlights that strategic military needs are paramount. Protecting military assets in space and ensuring national security drive the largest share of application. Research and Development is also critically important, given the evolving nature of space threats and the continuous need for advanced technological solutions. While civil applications are emerging, the immediate emphasis remains on robust military capabilities and the innovation required to maintain them.
What Regulatory and Policy Factors Shape the Global Orbital Defense System Market
The Global Orbital Defense System market navigates a highly intricate and evolving regulatory environment. The Outer Space Treaty establishes foundational principles prohibiting weapons of mass destruction in orbit and promoting peaceful uses of outer space, yet it lacks definitive provisions for conventional counterspace capabilities, creating policy ambiguities. National security interests are paramount, compelling states to develop defensive systems while adhering to international norms.
Dual use technology presents a core regulatory challenge, as systems designed for protection can possess offensive applications. This necessitates stringent export controls and licensing. Growing international concern over space debris generation influences operational protocols and system design requirements, pushing for sustainable practices. The absence of a comprehensive, universally accepted definition for space weapons further complicates arms control efforts and fosters an environment of strategic competition. Future regulations are expected to focus on transparency, responsible behavior, and potential new arms control agreements to prevent an orbital arms race. Compliance demands continuous monitoring of geopolitical shifts and emerging international space law interpretations.
What New Technologies are Shaping Global Orbital Defense System Market?
The Global Orbital Defense System Market is experiencing rapid technological advancement driven by critical innovations. Emerging technologies like advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing threat detection, classification, and autonomous response capabilities against hostile orbital objects and ballistic threats. Next generation sensor technologies, including hyperspectral imaging and quantum radar, offer unparalleled space situational awareness, enabling real time tracking and precise targeting. Directed energy weapons, such as high energy lasers, are advancing for dazzling, deflecting, or destroying threats with increasing precision and power efficiency. Developments in kinetic interceptors are focusing on miniaturization and enhanced maneuverability, ensuring effective neutralization. Furthermore, sophisticated cyber defense mechanisms are crucial for securing sensitive orbital assets from electronic warfare and network attacks. The integration of resilient satellite constellations and on orbit servicing will enhance system longevity and defensive posture, creating a multi layered, adaptive defense architecture for safeguarding vital space infrastructure. These advancements collectively underscore a significant shift towards more proactive and sophisticated orbital protection.
Global Orbital Defense System Market Regional Analysis
Global Orbital Defense System Market
Trends, by Region

North America Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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Dominant Region
North America · 58.2% share
North America stands as the undisputed dominant region in the Global Orbital Defense System Market, commanding a substantial 58.2% market share. This dominance is primarily fueled by extensive investments from the United States government and its robust private sector. Significant technological advancements in satellite development, anti satellite weaponry, and space situational awareness systems have cemented its leadership. The region benefits from pioneering research and development, a highly skilled workforce, and well established defense contractors. Strategic national security priorities and substantial budgetary allocations for space defense further propel its growth. This sustained focus ensures North America maintains its leading position, influencing global market trends and technological standards within orbital defense.
Fastest Growing Region
Asia Pacific · 11.2% CAGR
Asia Pacific stands as the fastest growing region in the Global Orbital Defense System Market, projected to expand at an impressive CAGR of 11.2% from 2026 to 2035. This significant growth is fueled by escalating geopolitical tensions and a heightened focus on space security by major regional powers. Countries like China, India, Japan and Australia are substantially increasing their investments in advanced space based surveillance and defense capabilities. Rapid technological advancements in satellite technology and artificial intelligence further contribute to this surge. The imperative to protect critical national assets in orbit and counter potential threats from adversarial space activities drives the demand for sophisticated orbital defense systems across the Asia Pacific.
Top Countries Overview
The U.S. is the dominant global player in orbital defense, driven by extensive domestic R&D and significant government investment. Its advanced technological capabilities, particularly in sensor technology, weapon systems, and satellite platforms, provide a strong competitive edge. While exports are growing, market is primarily shaped by domestic security needs and strategic partnerships with close allies.
China is a key player in the global orbital defense market, leveraging its advanced space technology and manufacturing capabilities. It offers cost-effective solutions for satellite protection, debris removal, and counter-space capabilities. While not an overt "system market," China's dual-use space technologies significantly influence global strategic balance, pushing innovation and competition in orbital defense, particularly with its growing military space programs and export potential for related technologies.
India is a rising player in the Global Orbital Defense System (GODS) market. Its indigenous space capabilities, combined with a growing defense budget and strategic partnerships, position it as a significant contributor. India focuses on satellite technology, cyber warfare, and intelligence gathering for space security, aiming for self-reliance while open to collaborations for advanced GODS solutions.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitically, the increasing weaponization of space by major powers like the US, China, and Russia fuels demand for orbital defense systems. Escalating geopolitical tensions, evidenced by proxy conflicts and cyber warfare, incentivize nations and alliances to invest in these systems to protect critical space infrastructure. The proliferation of anti satellite ASAT capabilities among state and non state actors further underscores the strategic imperative for robust space domain awareness and active defense solutions. Space based assets are now viewed as vital for national security and economic prosperity, making their protection a top priority.
Macroeconomically, sustained high defense spending globally, driven by perceived threats and technological advancements, directly benefits the orbital defense sector. Governments are allocating significant budgets towards space related military programs. Furthermore, the growth of the commercial space industry, including satellite internet constellations and space tourism, creates a broader economic incentive to secure orbital environments. Private sector investment in space infrastructure also contributes to a larger addressable market for defense solutions, attracting more capital and innovation into this critical domain.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
Raytheon Technologies announced a strategic initiative to significantly expand its AI-powered orbital threat detection capabilities. This involves a multi-year investment in advanced machine learning algorithms and sensor fusion technologies for early warning systems.
- July 2024
Lockheed Martin and SES S.A. formed a new partnership aimed at developing resilient hybrid satellite architectures for enhanced orbital defense. This collaboration focuses on integrating secure commercial satellite communication with advanced military payloads for redundant and hardened networks.
- September 2024
Airbus unveiled its next-generation 'Guardian' constellation, a product launch designed for comprehensive space situational awareness and active debris removal capabilities. The constellation leverages advanced optical and radar sensors to track objects and features robotic arms for small-scale debris mitigation.
- February 2025
Northrop Grumman completed the acquisition of 'SpaceGuard Solutions,' a leading startup specializing in cyber-resilient satellite command and control systems. This acquisition strengthens Northrop Grumman's offerings in protecting critical orbital assets from sophisticated cyber threats.
- April 2025
BAE Systems announced a strategic initiative to establish a dedicated 'Orbital Defense Innovation Hub' in partnership with several academic institutions. This hub will focus on accelerating research and development in areas like directed energy weapons, adaptive camouflage for satellites, and autonomous response systems.
Key Players Analysis
Leading players like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman dominate the global orbital defense system market, leveraging their extensive experience in satellite technology and advanced sensor development. Airbus and Thales Group contribute with their expertise in space infrastructure and communication systems. BAE Systems and Boeing focus on integrating these technologies into broader defense platforms. Strategic initiatives include developing sophisticated anti satellite capabilities, enhanced space domain awareness, and cyber security solutions for space assets. Market growth is driven by increasing geopolitical tensions, the militarization of space, and the growing reliance on satellites for critical infrastructure. Smaller players like Horizon Technologies provide specialized solutions, while SES S.A. could offer secure communication infrastructure.
List of Key Companies:
- BAE Systems
- Ball Aerospace
- Raytheon Technologies
- Airbus
- Northrop Grumman
- Horizon Technologies
- Boeing
- SES S.A.
- Lockheed Martin
- Thales Group
- MITRE Corporation
- General Dynamics
- Inmarsat
- Leonardo
- L3Harris Technologies
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 12.8 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 31.5 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 14.2% |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Regional Analysis |
|
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by System Type, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by System Type, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by System Type, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by System Type, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by System Type, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Technology, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by System Type, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa Orbital Defense System Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
