Defense Industry Outlook

Webinar

15th October 2025

EVENT OVERVIEW

Key Trends Shaping the Future of Global Defense Markets

As defense budgets grow and technological advancements accelerate, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for global defense strategies This webinar will explore the disruptive technologies and market trends redefining defense capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. Drawing from MarketsandMarkets' latest research and insights, the discussion will cover how emerging innovations like hypersonic weapons, counter-drone systems, AR/VR in military training, and AI-driven cybersecurity are changing the defense landscape. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the technologies, trends, and geopolitical shifts that will shape defense strategies over the next decade.

Key Predictions for 2025

COUNTER-DRONE SYSTEMS - Driven by growing threat from small UAS & Loitering munition, the counter-drone market is poised to grow from USD 2.16 billion in 2024 to USD 2.83 billion in 2025.

HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGIES - The global hypersonic weapons market is expected to grow significantly, with the Pentagon planning to invest USD 7 billion in hypersonic programs.

HYPERSONIC INTERCEPTORS - Hypersonic interceptors are expected to have technological advancements and test flights in 2025.

SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS - 2025 will witness an increased threat from the growing number of objects in space, which will drive the adoption of SSA capabilities by global defense forces.

AR & VR - AR & VR technologies in aerospace & defense is valued at USD 233.2 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 42.8% to reach USD 387.3 billion in 2025.

LASER SPACECOM - Laser-based satellite communication is poised to revolutionize military communications by providing high-speed, secure, and resilient networks essential for modern defense operations.

WEAPONIZATION OF ROBOTS - Modern warfare strategies are evolving to adopt robotic systems into military operations, reflecting an emphasis on efficiency, safety, and tactical superiority.

CYBERSECURITY - The intersection of AI and cybersecurity is reshaping the defense landscape, enabling the market to reach USD 4.86 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of ~20%.

NATO UNDER TRUMP - NATO faces potential shifts in operations and funding under Trump, requiring member nations to balance defense spending with domestic needs while preserving core alliance principles amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  1. The Evolving Threat Landscape - Defense priorities are shifting rapidly due to emerging threats like loitering munitions, drone swarms, and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. These trends are pushing defense forces to rethink their strategies and invest in advanced countermeasures.
  2. Advancements in Hypersonic Technologies - Significant investments from nations such as the US, UK, and India are accelerating the development of hypersonic weapons and interceptors. These technologies are reshaping military strategies with both offensive and defensive capabilities advancing rapidly.
  3. AI, AR & VR in Defense Modernization - Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality are playing transformative roles in defense. AR & VR adoption is growing at over 40%, revolutionizing training, simulations, and real-time decision-making. AI is also driving advancements in cybersecurity, autonomous platforms, and mission planning.
  4. The New Frontier: Space in Defense Strategy - Rising concerns over space debris and the militarization of space are prompting significant investments in space situational awareness and laser-based communications. These technologies are critical for securing future military operations and protecting assets in orbit.
  5. Autonomous and Robotic Systems - Autonomous systems are expanding across air, land, sea, and space domains. From unmanned vehicles to AI-enabled combat systems and robotic platforms, these technologies are redefining operational tactics and minimizing human risk in high-threat scenarios.
  6. Defense Sector's Shift Toward Sustainability - Military organizations are adopting greener technologies, including hybrid propulsion systems, sustainable fuels, and emissions-reduction strategies. These initiatives align with global netzero targets and represent a long-term shift toward more sustainable defense operations

3:00 - 3:30 PM CEST

Opening Keynote by MarketsandMarkets

3:30 - 4:10 PM CEST

Discussion

4:10 - 4:15 PM CEST

Closing remarks