Middle East Strategic and Tactical Communications Market Assessment

Credit Crunch Notwithstanding, the Middle East Strategic and Tactical Communications Market Poised for Robust Growth, Boosted by Satellite Communications

With SATCOM now widely recognised as a force multiplier, the Middle East Ministry of Defences (MODs) are earnestly acquiring the SATCOM capability, boosting growth in the regional defence communication market at an anticipated compound annual growth rate of 12.5 per cent from 2009 to 2018. "The military satellite communication (MILSATCOM) terminal market is experiencing a major shift towards miniaturised multi-band communication-on-the-move (COTM) terminals as higher bands are gradually being widely utilised," says the analyst of this research. "Miniaturised multi-band terminals are likely to dominate the future SATCOM terminal market due to advantage of higher mobility, flexibility of accommodating a range of higher bands such as Ku,and Ka with an option to accommodate futuristic advanced extremely high frequency (AEHF) band that ensures connectivity with faster throughput in the last tactical mile. Communication companies need to focus more on R&D and innovation in this direction to remain competitive. Companies with budgetary constraints related to R&D should investigate the potential of collaborations.

The radio market is moving towards the software-defined radio (SDR) technology based tactical networks, with High Capacity Data Radio (HCDR) being the centrepiece. This will offer the advantage of upgrading radios through new software waveforms based on software communication architecture (SCA) or its European equivalent, while keeping the existing hardware intact. It will allow greater bandwidths, faster throughputs and transmission of Internet protocol (IP)-based applications, resulting in integration with SATCOM. However, the benefit of the technology depends largely on the efficacy of waveforms, most of which are still in the laboratory stage. Compared to the previous growth rate of 14.0-15.0 per cent, the market has slowed to a growth rate of 4-5 per cent. This indicates that the market is still stable and will gain momentum by 2011-2013, depending on the cycle time.

System Integrators to Focus on the Intangible Benefits of Projects in Terms of Branding to Win More Bids in the Region

The Middle East MODs are increasingly replicating European model of Through-life service support, albeit with a bit difference. "Whereas, Euroean MODs are either wholly owning the total MILSATCOM infrastructure including space craft and ground terminals or completely leasing the whole system such as SKYNET 5; their Middle East counter parts are mostly leasing the transponders from hybrid satellites while owning the ground terminals" explains the analyst. As through-life support is being treated as an integral part of the project in the current scenario, major system integrators need to develop in-house 'through life capability management' (TLCM) expertise to bring in greater visibility in term of ascertaining costs related to managed services offering over the life cycle. "System integrators should consider the intangible value that the project brings to the company in terms of branding, provided a superior quality project and associated services are delivered," concludes the analyst. "This will have a cascading effect of winning further bids elsewhere in the region, as references to past projects have a distinct advantage in the Middle East market."

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Satellite communication bandwidths
• SATCOM terminals
• Radio systems

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Space technology
• Wireless and network technology
• Microwave technology