Global Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna Market Strategic Research Report

Scope of the Report

The global Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna market size is predicted to grow from US$ 532 million in 2025 to US$ 796 million in 2032; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2026 to 2032.

A submarine is a naval platform that can stay underwater for an extended period to carry out missions, both offensive and defensive. It is a complex platform that includes multiple components. As radio waves cannot propagate in water, communication with submarines is difficult. To overcome this issue, submarines are being installed with antennas that can be raised above the water surface level, and employ ordinary radio transmissions for communication.

A photonics mast is a sensor on a submarine which functions similarly to a periscope without requiring a periscope tube, thus freeing design space during construction and limiting risks of water leakage in the event of damage. A photonics mast replaces the mechanical, line-of-sight viewing system with digital equipment, similar to a digital camera array, and it has fewer locational and dimensional constraints than a traditional periscope.

Unlike a periscope, it need not be located directly above its user, and it requires only a small pressure hull penetration for cabling. This allows the photonics mast to fit entirely within the sail of the submarine and means the control room need not be placed directly below the sail.

A photonics mast operates by rising above the water similarly to a telescoping car-antenna and provides information through an array of sensors, such as high definition low-light and thermo graphic cameras. Images and information can appear on display panels for analysis. The photonics mast can also support the navigation, electronic warfare, and communications functions of a conventional optical-periscope mast.

Submarines require a suite of antennas to provide the necessary communications, navigation, and Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) capabilities. Submarine antennas, as compared to surface ship antennas, are unique in design, shape, materials, and performance due to a submarine’s space and weight limitations, extreme environmental conditions, and stealth considerations.

Players:

The global key players of Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna include Thales, L3Harris Technologies, Safran, Hensoldt, Comrod Communication AS, Indra, Gabler Maschinenbau, and etc. In 2023, the global top five players occupied for a share approximately 58% in terms of revenue.

AI Technology:

While the physical characteristics of the mast are still being improved, the recent trend - and the main focus of current development - is to optimize image processing using the latest digital computing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). This in turn reduces the time the periscope/mast needs to be raised to less than three seconds in some cases, thereby reducing its chances of being detected. The ultimate goal is to collect as much information as possible with the fewest number of mast "raises".

Key Players:

HENSOLDT has a very busy development program in its submarine sensor product line. The company continues to develop its SERO series of periscope systems and has a strong market position in Asia and South America, providing embedded stand-alone installations or fully integrated console-operated retrofit solutions for older submarines. Development of the optronics mast "front end" continues, with the recent launch of the OMS -150 and -300 optronics masts. The OMS-150 now has integrated SWIR capabilities.

HENSOLDT also unveiled a new system called OctoEye360, which will enter service on Germany's new 212CD submarines in 2026.

Iridium satcom X-SUBs allow to send a phone call from submarine or to communicate by chat messages with shore for example. Encryption software can be implemented by the end-user to enhance communication security.

Israel is investing in new capabilities related to underwater warfare to counter the growing Iranian threat. Some systems are already operational, while others are still being tested. The latest to join is the Blue Whale unmanned submarine from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Italy purchases three Israeli unmanned submarines in March 2024.

This report presents a comprehensive overview of the global Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna market, covering market size and forecast, segmentation by product type and application, competitive landscape, leading players and regional and country-level outlook.

Segment by Type

• Photonics Mast
• Antenna

Segment by players, this report covers

• Thales
• L3Harris Technologies
• Safran
• Hensoldt
• Comrod Communication AS
• Indra
• Gabler Maschinenbau

Segment by Application

• Military Reconnaissance
• Military Strike

Who Can Use This Report?

This report is written for decision-makers who need a clear, data-backed view of the global Military Submarine Photonics Mast and Antenna market:

• Manufacturers, suppliers and solution providers benchmarking their position and planning product, capacity and go-to-market strategy
• Distributors, channel partners and end users in Military Reconnaissance, Military Strike evaluating demand and sourcing options
• Investors, financial analysts and consultants assessing growth opportunities, competitive dynamics and M&A potential
• Government agencies, industry associations and research institutions tracking industry developments and policy impact