Delray Beach – November 03, 2026 -- The global GNSS simulator market will grow from USD 270.9 million in 2026 to USD 424.6 million by 2031, a CAGR of 9.4%, according to MarketsandMarkets. The 2026 figure compares with USD 245.4 million in 2025.
Services and automotive outgrow the overall market
The services segment is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 13.4% through 2031, faster than any other component. By vertical, automotive is projected to grow at 11.8%. Multi-channel simulators are expected to hold the largest market size by simulator type.
Hardware is expected to retain the largest component share. Multi-constellation testing, receiver validation and interference assessment require dedicated signal-generation equipment with high fidelity and configurable parameters. Services revenue spans installation and integration, consulting, training, support and maintenance, and managed services.
Safety-critical and autonomous systems drive validation spending
The safety-critical and autonomous systems application segment is expected to record strong growth. Autonomous vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and aerospace platforms depend on accurate positioning. Simulators let manufacturers test receivers repeatedly under signal loss, multipath, interference, jamming and spoofing without live satellite signals. Growing integration of GNSS with inertial navigation and other sensors is widening simulation requirements.
North America holds 28.4% of the market
North America accounted for the largest regional share, at 28.4% in 2026. MarketsandMarkets attributes this to established aerospace and defense industries, advanced satellite navigation infrastructure and strong demand for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) testing.
In the US, Keysight Technologies announced in September 2026 that it would demonstrate expanded PNT testing at ION GNSS+ 2026. The demonstrations cover sensor-fusion testing, jamming and spoofing resilience, and GNSS integration with non-terrestrial networks.
In Canada, ÉTS Montréal highlighted the C-GUARD initiative in January 2026. The project targets GNSS security and PNT infrastructure resilience, with partners including CMC Electronics and Natural Resources Canada. It uses Safran GNSS simulators to validate receiver performance, reproduce spoofing scenarios and test cyberattack detection. Target applications include civil aviation, defense, telecommunications, transportation and autonomous mobility.
Keysight closes USD 1.46 billion Spirent deal
Keysight Technologies completed its acquisition of Spirent Communications in October 2025 for approximately USD 1.46 billion (£1.16 billion). The deal combines Keysight's electronic design and test capabilities with Spirent's satellite emulation, positioning and network testing portfolio.
Investment across the sector is concentrated on simulation accuracy, multi-constellation capability, scalable software architectures, automated test environments and hardware-in-the-loop integration. Aerospace, defense, automotive and telecommunications customers are driving these priorities.
The report lists 25 leading vendors, including Keysight Technologies, Safran, Rohde & Schwarz, VIAVI Solutions, IFEN GmbH, Hexagon, Racelogic, GMV and Trimble.