by Richard Sterk, Electronic Systems Analyst, Forecast International. 
C4I Processing Info. Source: U.S. Army
From civil disobedience to full-scale military intervention involving all-out war, world events continue to increase awareness of the critical role of C4I on the battlefield. Today, militaries share the front line of defense with intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and emergency services, with budgets reflecting the wide variety of systems and technologies currently available – including C4I systems. The glut of oil, and the resulting drop in prices, has caused an economic fallout around the world as governments once again tighten the defense budget purse strings. However, C4I, specifically communications and networking systems, continues to be a primary focus of the overall defense electronics market. Defense products that facilitate the flow of information will remain profitable into the future.
Forecast International’s recently released study, “The Market for C4I,” examines 269 leading C4I programs worldwide and reviews 30 companies involved in the production of C4I systems. It projects that these programs will have a combined market value of at least $68.788 billion over the next 10 years.
The C4I market starts off at $8.186 billion in value in 2016 and increases to a forecast period peak of $8.678 billion in 2017. The market then begins a slow decline from $7.029 billion in 2018 to $5.519 billion in 2025. Much of this drop is due to the completion of several programs, including the PRC-117 and PRC-152 radio programs. The projected 32.57 percent ($2.66 billion) decline in sales between 2016 and 2025 indicates that barely a third of the programs examined will be completed by the end of the 10-year forecast period.
Based on the market as reviewed in this analysis, the top five C4I defense companies over the next 10 years in terms of sales volume and percent market share will be Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and General Dynamics.
Please feel free to use this content with Forecast International and analyst attributions, along with a link to the article. Contact Ray Peterson at +1 (203) 426-0800 or via email at ray.peterson@forecast1.com for additional analysis.
FI’s eight Electronic Systems Market Intelligence Services cover the full range of defense-related systems and programs in the radar, communications, electro-optical, and electronic warfare markets, presenting a comprehensive market outlook for current equipment as well as new systems being developed as the modern battlefield moves toward a technology-based warfare approach with network-centric capabilities.
For 50 years, Forecast International intelligence reports have been the aerospace and defense industry standard for accurate research, analysis, and projections. Our experienced analysts compile, evaluate, and present accurate data for decision makers. FI's market research reports offer concise analysis of individual programs and identify market opportunities. Each report includes a program overview, detailed statistics, recent developments and a competitive analysis, culminating in production forecasts spanning 10 or 15 years. Let our market intelligence reports be a key part of reducing uncertainties and mastering your specific market and its growth potential. Find out more at www.forecastinternational.com
