One of the major factors fuelling the rising integration for airborne detection systems, for submarines, is the soaring defense budget of many countries across the world. Several nations are increasingly focusing on modernizing their defense programs, thus leading to the purchase of advanced defense equipment, such as arms, lethal systems, and various other kinds of weapons and weapons systems. For instance, for the fiscal year (FY) 2018, the U.S. Department of Defense asked the government for a budget worth $639.1 billion, out of which 27.0% was reserved for the U.S. Marine Corps.

The other important factor pushing the integration of airborne submarine detection systems is the rising number of conflicts amongst several countries sharing sea borders with each other. Due to these factors, the revenue generated from the worldwide sales of airborne detection systems (for use in submarines) is expected to increase from $611.8 million in 2017 to $930.9 million by 2023. The global airborne detection systems for submarines market is additionally predicted to advance at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period (2018–2023).

Increasing research and development (R&D) activities on airborne detection systems have resulted in the development of magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) systems that can detect submarines by tracking the changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. There are multiple types of airborne detection systems used against submarines, namely dipping sonars, radars, sonobuoys, and MAD systems. Amongst these, the sonobuoy detection systems recorded the highest usage in 2017. This is primarily attributed to the numerous advantages offered by these airborne detection systems over other systems, such as lower costs and shorter time period required for deployment.

Several airborne detection systems manufacturing companies around the world are increasingly focusing on the development of advanced MAD sensor technology that will aid aircrafts and helicopters in tracking submarines. For instance, CAE Inc., one of the major airborne detection systems manufacturing companies in the world, recently developed the magnetic anomaly detection-extended role (MAD-XR) system. These systems are lighter in weight and smaller in size and require less power and are thus suitable to be integrated on small fixed-wing aircrafts, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems.

Globally, North America registered the highest adoption of anti-submarine airborne detection systems in 2017. In North America, the U.S. recorded the higher adoption of these systems in 2017, due to its advanced and strong defense capabilities. Moreover, the U.S. is widely considered to be one of the most powerful nations in the world, in terms of military strength. Additionally, the increasing involvement of the country in various international conflicts is further pushing the adoption of these systems by the U.S. Navy, thereby causing the airborne detection systems for submarines market to grow in the country.

Hence, the incorporation of airborne detection systems against submarines is expected to increase in the coming years, owing to the rising need for advanced military equipment and the increasing defense budget of many countries.