Growth seen in communications market

BOSTON, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- A U.S. defense analysis firm says the growing market for military drones will lead to concomitant growth in sophisticated airborne communications systems.

Strategy Analytics Advanced Defense Services in its "Airborne Communications Platforms -- Advanced Electronics Component Forecast," said growth in communications systems for the unmanned aerial vehicles will be steady through 2020.

"The relatively long development cycles of these airborne platforms keep them better insulated from fluctuations seen in the broader economy," said Asif Anwar, director of the Strategy Analytics ADS Service. "In addition, network-centric battle strategies are placing greater demands on communication networks. This increasing sophistication leads to increased demand for radio electronics with opportunities for emerging semiconductor technologies."

The organization also said fighter aircraft would continue to represent the largest category of airborne platforms driving demand for communications systems and components.

"Driven by multi-band and higher frequency radio requirements, the electronics content of the radio (communications segment) is forecast to grow at a … compounded average annual growth rate of 5 percent to reach $167 million in 2020," it said.