Global Defense Satcom Demand to Exceed 7.5 Tbps as NGSO Networks Reshape Military Connectivity
Paris, France | September 2026 — Novaspace’s Satellite Communications for Defense and Security, 2nd Edition highlights a defense Satcom market poised for rapid growth. By 2035, commercial satellite service revenues are projected to exceed $22.6 billion, while global defense Satcom demand is forecast to surpass 7.5 Tbps, driven by the adoption of next-generation non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) constellations.
As defense organizations prioritize mobility, situational awareness, and network resilience, satellite communications are becoming a core element of modern military architectures, driving investment in secure, resilient connectivity for mission-critical operations.
“The growing adoption of distributed satcom architectures is rapidly enhancing military satcom resilience against disruption, jamming, and kinetic attacks,” notes Santiago Perez, Senior Manager at Novaspace. “As defense users increasingly adopt multi-orbit connectivity strategies, NGSO constellations will play a pivotal role in delivering the capacity, low latency, and resilience required for future military operations.”
NGSO service revenues are expected to reach $21.3 billion by 2035, supported by a 34% CAGR. Although GEO revenues will decline from $2.3 billion in 2025 to $1.3 billion in 2035, GEO capacity demand is forecast to triple, underscoring its strategic importance within hybrid, multi-orbit networks.
The United States is expected to remain the largest defense Satcom market through 2035, accounting for more than 50% of global demand and 48% of revenues. China is projected to follow with around 30% of global demand and revenues, reinforcing the central role of satellite communications in the military modernization efforts of the world’s leading powers.
“What we’re witnessing is not simply a shift in satellite capacity demand. This is a fundamental evolution in military communications,” adds Perez. “Multi-orbit connectivity is becoming the foundation of modern defense networks and will shape procurement, operations, and strategic planning for years to come.”
About the Report
Novaspace’s Satellite Communications for Defense and Security, 2nd Edition delivers a comprehensive analysis of the military Satcom market, examining key industry trends and the evolving balance between supply and demand for broadband satellite communications. The report provides detailed qualitative and quantitative insights by region, military force, orbit, and frequency band, alongside profiles of the leading commercial satellite systems supporting defense and security operations.