It was estimated prior to this unanticipated outbreak that the Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) Market was likely to witness an impressive CAGR of 14.2% during the forecast period. However, the gradual slowing down of industries will undoubtedly impose limits on the previously estimated growth rate. Progressions in military technology have surged the development of unsurpassed air defense systems, which have posed a grave challenge for airborne units operating in enemy airspace causing severe damage, attrition of units, and loss of personnel. Electronic warfare technologies are accentuated on mitigating the instances of detection by enemy radars and providing the necessary time to evade them. All these factors are significantly contributing to the growth of the global digital radio frequency memory market.
Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) Market Segment Insights:
By Platform Type:
The defense segment comprises air, naval, land, and unmanned platforms. Naval DRFM systems are mostly employed for Electronic Support Measures (ESM). Giant players engaged in the manufacturing of naval DRFM systems deliver a wide range of Naval Laser Warning (NLW) systems, and ESM and ELINT systems for submarine and surface vessels. These naval DRFM systems render capabilities for early detection, analysis, threat warning, and protection from Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCMs).
By Application Type:
The electronic warfare segment is estimated to be the largest-application segment of the market. The electronic warfare systems are mounted on both, air and naval platforms. Electronic warfare commands electromagnetic spectrum to disrupt enemy electronic systems. The employment of DRFM systems in jammers has enhanced the capability of electronic warfare technologies. The DRFM systems incorporate the ability to store and modify signals, before transmitting them to the enemy radar. These systems employ various deception techniques, such as multiple false target generation, range gate pull-off, and velocity gate pull-off, among others, to deceive the enemy radar. DRFM-based systems are further used for Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) missions to arrest the electromagnetic signatures of enemy aircraft, ships, and other units. These electromagnetic signatures deliver intelligence about the capabilities of enemy ships and types of electronic systems in operation.
By Architecture Type:
The memory stores the digital waveform of the inbound radar signal. DRFM processes this signal to be transmitted back to the target radar for deception jamming. Based on the architecture type, the processors segment registered the largest share of the market in 2018.
By Region:
North America accounted for the largest share of the global DRFM market in 2018. The market is driven by the increasing investments made by the defense forces in the region for the development of technologically-advanced DRFM systems. Giant manufactures, such as Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.) and BAE Systems plc (U.K.) are among the well-renowned and prominent DRFM manufacturers in this region, who are estimated to drive the market during the forecast period. Europe and Asia-Pacific are also expected to offer substantial growth opportunities in the coming five years.