MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - Use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based computing, data storage, security, networking, and collaboration tools is accelerating in U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) applications, market analysts say.
Spending for COTS components in military C4ISR will increase over the next five years, despite a flat market for military C4ISR applications overall, say analysts at market researcher Frost & Sullivan in Mountain View, Calif.
Cloud computing and big-data technologies will complement COTS-based smartphones, tablets, wireless networks, and productivity applications of all kinds through 2020.
The DOD's appetite for cloud computing as an enterprise network service will grow dramatically, despite lingering security concerns, analysts say.
A total of $39.54 billion has been earmarked for 2016 DOD programs for C4ISR, electronic warfare, and information operations, as well as multipurpose technologies, Frost & Sullivan experts say. This is an increase of 8.8 percent from 2015. C4ISR spending will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 1.4 percent during 2014 through 2020.
"Sharp procurement spikes without significant corresponding research reductions for ballistic missile defense, unmanned vehicles, and satellites resulted in a substantial uptick in requested 2016 C4ISR spending," says Brad Curran, Frost & Sullivan aerospace & defense senior industry analyst.
Combat systems integration, collaborative targeting, and improved surface ship self-defense are priorities for the U.S. DOD through 2020, analysts say.
"With C4ISR products and services likely to experience price and technology upgrade pressure from commercial process control, imagery, IT, as well as energy and power industries, market participants must quickly revise their strategies for success," Curran says. "Additionally, adequate emphasis on maintenance, spares, logistics, and training services will be essential for new sales."
In 2014, the top 10 firms held 40.9 percent of U.S. DOD C4ISR contract value. Future growth rates and margins will depend on the extent to which they adapt to emerging market requirements.
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