Firefighting Aircraft Market Report 2026

The firefighting aircraft market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $9.67 billion in 2025 to $10.36 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing frequency of wildfires driving demand for aerial firefighting support, expansion of government-operated fleets including single-engine and large airtankers, rising use of water scoopers and smokejumper aircraft for difficult-terrain operations, advancements in airborne surveillance improving fire-response coordination, growth in refurbishment and conversion of older aircraft into firefighting platforms.

The firefighting aircraft market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $13.87 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising investment in modern, purpose-built firefighting aircraft to improve response efficiency, increasing adoption of advanced fire-retardant delivery technologies, expansion of contracting and leasing programs for seasonal firefighting operations, development of autonomous and remotely piloted aircraft for high-risk fire zones, growing need for rapid-deployment aerial assets due to longer and more severe fire seasons. Major trends in the forecast period include rising deployment of large airtankers for high-intensity wildfires, growing adoption of water scoopers for rapid initial attack, increased integration of multipurpose helicopters for aerial suppression, expansion of drone-based wildfire surveillance and ignition control, growing investment in high-capacity tank systems for fixed-wing aircraft.

The growing number of wildfires is expected to drive the growth of the firefighting aircraft market going forward. A wildfire refers to an unplanned fire that burns in natural areas such as forests or grasslands. Wildfires can be caused by human activity or natural events such as lightning, and they can occur at any time or in any location. Firefighting aircraft are used to help control the spread of fires in forests and reduce damage. As a result, an increase in the number of wildfires will raise the demand for firefighting aircraft. For example, in June 2025, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), a U.S.-based coordination center supporting wildland fire management and emergency response, approximately 64,897 wildfires occurred in 2024, a significant rise from the 56,580 recorded in 2023. Additionally, in 2024, a total of 8.92 million acres were burned, compared to 2.69 million acres in 2023. Therefore, the growing number of wildfires is contributing to the expansion of the firefighting aircraft market.

Major companies in the firefighting aircraft market are focusing on technological advancements such as autonomous helicopters to improve efficiency, safety, and response times during wildfire suppression. Autonomous helicopters utilize advanced navigation systems, AI-assisted flight controls, and real-time situational data, allowing them to operate in hazardous environments with minimal human intervention. For instance, in September 2025, Sikorsky, a U.S.-based aerospace company and subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, partnered with CAL FIRE to develop the autonomy-enabled S-70i FIREHAWK® helicopter. This aircraft adds to CAL FIRE’s fleet and is designed to reduce pilot workload, enhance situational awareness, and improve precision during firefighting missions. By combining traditional helicopter capabilities with autonomous features, it enables safer and more effective wildfire management in challenging terrain and low-visibility conditions.

In July 2025, Vallfirest, a Barcelona-based provider of wildland firefighting equipment and innovation, acquired Aerial Fire Control PTY LTD for an undisclosed amount. Aerial Fire Control PTY LTD, an Australia-based provider of specialized aerial firefighting systems such as helicopter buckets and modular tank systems, enhances Vallfirest’s existing portfolio and strengthens its ability to deliver next-generation wildfire suppression solutions worldwide.

Major companies operating in the firefighting aircraft market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Airbus, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Marsh Aviation Company, Leonardo S.p.A., Textron Inc., Bombardier Inc., Conair Group Inc., SEI Industries Ltd., Sabena Technics Group, Kaman Corporation, Erickson Incorporated, Viking Air Limited, Neptune Aviation Services Inc., Isolair Inc., AeroFlite Inc., Air Tractor Inc., Dauntless Air LLC, Coulson Aircrane Ltd., ShinMaywa Industries Ltd., Aerial Fire Control Pty Ltd, Airgrup Helicopter Services S.L., Supair S.A., Safire Aircraft Company LLC, RainerFire Inc., CAMAIR S.A.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the firefighting aircraft market in 2025. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the firefighting aircraft market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are influencing the firefighting aircraft market by increasing the cost of imported components such as avionics, fire-retardant tank systems, and specialized composite structures, raising overall manufacturing and maintenance expenses. These impacts are most pronounced in regions dependent on foreign aircraft parts, particularly North America and Europe, and affect segments such as fixed wing airtankers and high-capacity rotary-wing systems. While tariffs create cost pressures and delay procurement cycles, they also encourage domestic production, promote local supply-chain development, and stimulate innovation in cost-efficient firefighting aircraft technologies.

The firefighting aircraft market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides firefighting aircraft market statistics, including firefighting aircraft industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a firefighting aircraft market share, detailed firefighting aircraft market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the firefighting aircraft industry. This firefighting aircraft market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

A firefighting aircraft is a specially designed aircraft used for water bombing and sprinkling water at high fire-attack locations. It provides aerial support to firefighters, serving as crucial eyes in the sky for those on the ground and ensuring safe aviation operations.

The primary types of firefighting aircraft are fixed-wing and multi-rotor. Fixed-wing aircraft are capable of carrying fire retardant or water, dropping it on or in front of a fire to help slow down its progression. This type of firefighting aircraft is the most commonly used. Water capacities vary, including less than 5,000 Ltr, 5,000-10,000 Ltr, and more than 10,000 Ltr, catering to different firefighting needs. These aircraft find applications in various sectors, including firefighting organizations, military, and others.

The countries covered in the firefighting aircraft market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The firefighting aircraft market consists of sales of single engine airtanker, large airtankers, water scoopers, and smokejumper aircraft. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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