Search and Rescue Equipment Market By Equipment (Rescue Equipment, Search Equipment, Communication Equipment, Technical Equipment, Planning Equipment, Others), By Platform (Airborne, Marine, Ground-Based), By Application (Combat SAR and Urban SAR Industrial), and Region - Market Perspective, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecast for 2023 – 2032

Market Perspective

The global Search and Rescue Equipment Market size was worth around USD 73 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach a valuation of USD 89 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 2% between 2023 and 2032.

Search and rescue equipment has undergone significant technological advancements, allowing rescuers to swiftly locate individuals in damaged buildings, collect disaster information, detect hazardous materials, and operate in hazardous environments while providing first aid equipment. However, there is still room for improvement, and search and rescue robots could be more affordable, compact, smarter, and adaptable. Integrating artificial intelligence with robotics has made it feasible to automate the location of victims and sources of danger.

Technological developments have had a significant impact on the search and rescue equipment market worldwide. Enormous investments in search and rescue equipment, software, and components have led to the creation and development of new drones that are more durable, flexible, and usable in hostile environments. As a result, the SAR market is projected to experience growth due to the rising incidence of terrorism and insurgency.

The growth trajectory of the search and rescue equipment market has changed significantly due to the launch of new models and technology. For instance, numerous advancements have been made to searchlights, helmet-mounted displays, cameras, anti-spin technology, crew wireless communication, and equipment that aids in the safe and rapid location of missing persons. Moreover, the governments of various countries, including the United States, China, India, France, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, are constantly deploying sophisticated systems to address increasingly complex combat operations.

 Key Insights

• Based on equipment, the rescue segment held the largest market share
• Based on platform, the ground-based segment generated the highest revenue
• By application, the combat SAR equipment segment accounted for the largest market share
• On the basis of region, North America to continue dominating the market

Technological Advancement in the Search and Rescue Equipment Augments the Market Growth

Technological advances have become a major trend in the search and rescue equipment market. New models and technology are changing the way search and rescue (SAR) missions are conducted. Several improvements have been made to searchlights, helmet-mounted displays, cameras, anti-spin technology, crew wireless communication, and equipment to help find missing people safer and faster. Moreover, authorities in these countries are conducting extensive research to develop advanced technologies and have extensively invested in military modernization programs. Thus, the high investments in military modernization programs are also expected to increase the demand for search and rescue robots.

Technological advances have become a major trend in the search and rescue equipment market. New models and technology are changing the way search and rescue (SAR) missions are conducted. Several improvements have been made to searchlights, helmet-mounted displays, cameras, anti-spin technology, crew wireless communication, and equipment to help find missing people safer and faster.

Increasing Terrorism and Insurgency Drives the Market Growth

Increasing terrorism and insurgency directly cause economic destruction of property and lives and indirectly affect the economy through xenophobia, loss of tourism, creating market uncertainty, and increased insurance claims. For instance, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a US-based NGO, there were nearly 73 terrorist attacks and plots in the United States in 2021. Therefore, increasing terrorism and insurgency are driving the growth of the search and rescue equipment market.

Limited Operational Range Pose as a Challenge for the Market

Most working search and rescue equipment run on batteries whose battery life and operating range are extremely limited. Therefore, these robots are not suitable for remote use. Battery technology currently available for drones can fly for less than an hour, and some drones can even last 10-20 minutes. Thus, the limited robustness of equipment is expected to obstruct the growth of the global search and rescue robot market during the forecast period. Although, the increase in rescue operations after disasters such as natural disasters has prompted governments worldwide to upgrade search and rescue equipment with increased operational range to prepare for unexpected disasters.

Recent Developments

In June 2022: Holmatro launched Cordless Mini Cutter, the first battery-powered, compact, and lightweight tool that is easy to use in tight spaces and takes up little space in your emergency vehicle. Its innovative design gives maximum freedom of movement and optimal cutting performance.

In December 2022: Zelim launched a remotely piloted rescue vessel with a capital investment of USD 2.44 million. The fast rescue vessel with both manned and unmanned flexibility aims to transform emergency response operations across the maritime sector.

Segmental Analysis

Based on the equipment, the market is categorized into rescue equipment, search equipment, communication equipment, technical equipment, planning equipment, and others. The rescue equipment segment is the most dominating segment as it requires lower operational costs and robust high-end products for reduced risk during SAR operations.

Based on the platform, the market is segmented as airborne, marine, and ground-based. The ground-based segment is the dominating segment, which is primarily driven by the increasing demand to provide better services for ground search and rescue to people in distress during accidents and natural calamities on land.

Based on application, the market is bifurcated into combat SAR and urban SAR industrial. The combat SAR equipment segment is projected to lead the market. The technological advancements in SAR equipment used in and near combat zones and the rise in defense budgets globally.

North America is Dominating the Market Due to Modernization Programs for SAR Aircraft and Increasing Demand for Human Safety

North America contributed the largest share owing to the high demand for search and rescue helicopters and the presence of prominent search and rescue agencies. In North America, several agencies such as the US Department of Defence, Royal Canadian Air Force, US Coast Guard, and others offer various SAR missions such as mountain rescue, and urban. search and rescue, shallow or land search and rescue, cave rescue, marine and combat search and rescue.

The distribution of SAR responsibilities in the region is prioritized at the local, state, and national levels. The such as United States and Canada are continuing their dominance due to modernization programs for SAR aircraft and the increasing demand for human safety. Moreover, a rise in military spending directly boosts the growth of the defense equipment industry, which covers everything from aircraft and weapons to search and rescue robots.

Asia-pacific is the Fastest Growing Market Owing to the Increasing Number of Natural Disasters

Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest growth driven by the use of helicopters in SAR operations to provide essential services and products during natural disasters in developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The region is large and developing countries are looking to increase their search and rescue fleets, which will contribute to the growth of the region.

In addition, search and rescue helicopter manufacturers are trying to set up factories in APAC countries, as they offer favorable policies to foreign manufacturers to attract foreign investment, which will boost growth in the region. Major countries such as China, Japan, India, and Australia are significantly accelerating market growth due to increasing investments in search and rescue robots.

Additionally, increasing military spending and increasing regional conflicts between neighboring countries such as China, South Korea, and North Korea are fuelling the growth of the market in the region. Manufacturers of search and rescue helicopters are trying to set up factories in APAC countries because they offer favorable policies to foreign manufacturers to attract foreign investment, which boosts the market growth in the region.

Competitive Landscape

• ACR Electronics, Inc.
• Airbus
• ANGLOCO LIMITED
• Collins Aerospace
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
• Honeywell International, Inc.
• Leonardo UK Ltd
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Thales

The global search and rescue equipment market is segmented as follows:

By Equipment

• Rescue Equipment
• Search Equipment
• Communication Equipment
• Technical Equipment
• Planning Equipment
• Others

By Platform

• Airborne
• Marine
• Ground-Based

By Application

• Combat SAR
• Urban SAR Industrial

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Nordic countries
    • Denmark
    • Finland
    • Iceland
    • Sweden
    • Norway
  • Benelux Reunion
    • Belgium
    • The Netherlands
    • Luxembourg
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Malaysia
    • Singapore
    • Rest of Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America