Defense platforms often have life cycles of 20–30 years.Embeded systems  must be designed with longevity in mind and offer pathways for upgrades to keep pace with technological evolution.

Communication Systems

Robust, secure, and fast communication is a necessity in defense. Embedded systems enable encrypted communications, satellite uplinks, and data links between command centers, vehicles, and troops.

Advanced platforms like the E-3 Sentry (AWACS) aircraft manage hundreds of communication and radar links simultaneously, thanks to embedded processing units.

Radar and Sensor Systems

Embedded computers process raw sensor data from radar, infrared, sonar, and other sensing technologies to create actionable information. They enable early-warning systems, surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance.

Stealth aircraft like the F-35 integrate multiple sensors into a single data fusion system managed by powerful embedded processors.

Unmanned Aerial and Ground Vehicles

Drones and autonomous vehicles heavily depend on embedded  systems for navigation, obstacle avoidance, flight control, and mission management. Systems must integrate sensor data, make autonomous decisions, and communicate back to human operators or other assets.

Military drones like the MQ-9 Reaper can carry out complex missions autonomously thanks to advanced embedded control units.