Military Helicopters Global Market Report 2024

The military helicopters market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $59.69 billion in 2023 to $63.65 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to increasing military expenditure, a growing demand for lightweight helicopters, increased demand for attack and transport helicopters, and low-interest rates.

The military helicopters market is poised for robust growth in the coming years, with an anticipated expansion to $77.9 billion by 2028, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. The projected growth is attributed to heightened territorial and political conflicts, rapid technological advancements, and the introduction of increasingly sophisticated military helicopter models. Key trends during this forecast period include the integration of technological innovations such as dynamics modeling and fly-by-wire controls into lightweight helicopter products. Additionally, industry players are incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) systems and artificial intelligence technology into their products to enhance competitiveness. The utilization of 3D printing technology for manufacturing lightweight parts at reduced costs, adopting a single-engine operative mode for helicopters to minimize noise and fuel emissions for environmental friendliness, integrating autonomous systems for upgraded autonomous functionality, and exploring collaborations with smaller companies to improve cost efficiency and helicopter maintenance are among the notable trends.

The growth of the military helicopter market is significantly influenced by the escalating global military expenditure. In April 2022, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported a 0.7% increase in total global military spending to $2,113 billion in 2021, marking the seventh consecutive year of growth. Notably, military research and development (R&D) funding in the United States surged by 24% between 2012 and 2021, while China, the world's second-largest spender, allocated an estimated $293 billion to its military in 2021, reflecting a 4.7% increase from 2020. This surge in military spending has led to heightened procurement of warships, submarines, aircraft, and helicopters, thereby contributing to increased revenues in the military helicopter market.

The proliferation of drone usage is expected to further propel the growth of the military helicopter market. Drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) without human pilots, are often employed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering. This complements the role of military helicopters, which are deployed for diverse purposes such as troop transport, cargo delivery, search and rescue, and combat missions. The synergy between drones and helicopters enhances the comprehensiveness of military operations. As of August 2023, more than 863,000 drones were registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), showcasing the rising prominence of drone technology and its impact on the military helicopter market.

Technological advancements in helicopter manufacturing processes are playing a pivotal role in shaping the military helicopter market. The industry is witnessing substantial transformations with advancements such as additive manufacturing, computational structural dynamics modeling, fly-by-wire controls, condition-based maintenance (CBM), health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), and advanced turbine engine programs. These innovations promise significant advancements in rotorcraft capabilities. For instance, Israel-based Steadicopter Ltd. launched the Black Eagle 50H in February 2022, featuring a hybrid gas-electric power system with an extended range of up to five hours, making it suitable for various applications in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) on land and sea.

Major companies in the military helicopter market are introducing new products, including combat-capable helicopters, to expand their customer bases, increase sales, and boost revenue. Combat-capable helicopters, or attack helicopters, are specifically designed and equipped for offensive operations in combat scenarios. In April 2023, Airbus unveiled the H125 military configurations, known as AH-125 and MH-125 Ares. While the AH-125 Ares is designed as the armed variant, the MH-125 Ares serves as a multi-role helicopter capable of performing diverse activities, contributing to the extensive lineup of military helicopters offered by Airbus.

Major companies operating in the military helicopters market report are The Boeing Company, Airbus, Russian Helicopters, Lockheed Martin, Leonardo SpA, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, Textron Inc., Raytheon Technologies, BAE Systems, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, TATA Advanced Systems, Korea Aerospace Industries, Kawasaki Aerospace Company, Subaru Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric, Dassault Aviation, NHIndustries, Kazan Helicopters, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, CHC Helicopter, StandardAero, MD Helicopters, Inc., Kaman Aircraft, Robinson Helicopter Company, Bombardier Inc., De Havilland, Northrop Grumman, McDonnell Douglas, Spirit AeroSystems, General Dynamics, Cicaré S.A., Embraer S.A., Empresa Nacional de Aeronautica (ENAER), Calidus LLC, Israel Aerospace Industries, Bearing Man Group (Pty) Ltd., Menzies Aviation (Handling) (Pty) Ltd., Denel Aerostructures (Pty) Ltd., Precision Aviation Helicopters (Pty) Ltd., Stellair cc.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the military helicopters market in 2023. Western Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global military helicopters market share during the forecast period. The regions covered in the military helicopters market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the military helicopters market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Canada, Spain. The military aircraft market consists of sales of aircraft with weapons, artillery tanks, and radar equipment for military purposes. 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 primary types of military helicopters are light military helicopters, medium military helicopters, and heavy military helicopters. Various components and systems used in military helicopters include airframes, main rotor systems, anti-torque systems, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, avionics, stability augmentation systems, flight control systems, undercarriages, environmental control systems, emergency services, special-purpose systems, and engines. The number of engines can be single or twin. Military helicopters serve various applications, including utility military helicopters, transport military helicopters, attack/assault military helicopters, search and rescue military helicopters, multi-role military helicopters, and reconnaissance and observation military helicopters. Utility military helicopters are highly versatile aircraft capable of performing a range of missions, from reconnaissance and attack to transport and evacuation.

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

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.