Non Destructive Testing (NDT) in Aerospace and Defense Market Report 2025

The non destructive testing (NDT) in aerospace and defense market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $2.29 billion in 2024 to $2.59 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1%. The growth during the historic period was driven by aircraft failures and accidents, the demand for lightweight materials, efforts to extend the lifecycle of legacy fleets, global conflicts and military modernization, as well as requirements from aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The non destructive testing (NDT) in aerospace and defense market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.21 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9%. Growth in the forecast period is expected to result from increased aircraft production, higher global defense budgets, a shift toward composite materials, expansion of unmanned aerial systems, stricter safety and quality standards, and the integration of cyber-physical technologies (Industry 4.0). Key trends during this time include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for defect detection, advancements in phased array ultrasonic testing, digital radiography and computed tomography (CT), the adoption of robotic and automated NDT systems, and the implementation of augmented reality (AR) to assist inspections.

The increase in global defense budgets is expected to drive the growth of non-destructive testing (NDT) in the aerospace and defense market moving forward. Defense budgets represent the total financial resources governments allocate to maintain and develop their armed forces and defense-related activities. The rise in these budgets is largely due to escalating geopolitical tensions and security threats, prompting nations to strengthen military capabilities, modernize equipment, and safeguard national security amid global instability. Non-destructive testing in aerospace and defense helps maximize defense spending by identifying defects early without damaging parts, which reduces costly failures and limits the frequency of part replacements. For example, a report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a UK-based strategic security research organization, noted that global defense spending increased to $2.46 trillion in 2024, up from $2.24 trillion the previous year. As a result, the growth in defense budgets is fueling the expansion of non-destructive testing in aerospace and defense.

Key players in the non-destructive testing market for aerospace and defense are advancing technologies such as sophisticated X-ray inspection systems to improve flaw detection, safety, reliability, and maintenance efficiency of critical components. Advanced X-ray inspection technology offers high-resolution imaging that detects tiny structural defects, thereby enhancing the overall safety and dependability of aerospace and defense equipment. For instance, in February 2024, Rad Source Technologies Inc., a US-based company specializing in X-ray and irradiation solutions, launched the NDT 1000 X-ray Inspection System. This compact, portable system provides real-time, high-resolution imaging for non-destructive testing across aerospace, defense, electronics, and automotive sectors. Powered by a standard 120V outlet, it can penetrate steel up to 0.6 inches thick in under a second, delivering clear digitized images that enable faster and more precise defect identification. Its main goal is to improve on-site inspection capabilities, simplify maintenance workflows, and enhance quality control in evaluating critical components.

In January 2025, Trigo Group, a France-based provider of quality services for transportation, aerospace, and heavy industries, acquired Controreupe SARL for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition strengthens Trigo’s expertise in non-destructive testing and broadens its service offerings within the industrial sector. Controreupe SARL, also based in France, specializes in non-destructive testing, penetrant testing, and 3D measurement of complex parts, serving industries including aerospace and defense.

Major players in the non destructive testing (NDT) in aerospace and defense market are Waygate Technologies GmbH, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Testia SAS, Shimadzu Corporation, Intertek Group plc, TWI Ltd, Applus+ Services S.A., Acuren Inspection Inc., MISTRAS Group Inc., YXLON International GmbH, Zetec Inc., TRIGO Group, Eddyfi Technologies Inc., Nasmyth TMF, Magnaflux Corporation, Rad Source Technologies Inc., Nikon Metrology NV, Magnetic Inspection Laboratory Inc., QC Laboratories Inc., and MQS Technologies Pvt Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the non destructive testing (NDT) in aerospace and defense market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in non-destructive testing (NDT) in the aerospace and defense report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the non-destructive testing (NDT) in the aerospace and defense market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

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.

The sharp hike in U.S. tariffs and the associated trade disputes in spring 2025 are notably impacting the aerospace and defense sector by raising costs for titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics materials largely sourced from global suppliers. Defense contractors, locked into fixed-price government contracts, absorb these added costs, while commercial aerospace firms face airline pushback on higher aircraft prices. Delays in component shipments due to customs bottlenecks further disrupt tight production schedules for jets and satellites. The industry is responding by stockpiling critical materials, seeking waivers for defense-related imports, and collaborating with allied nations to diversify supply chain.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) in aerospace and defense involves various inspection methods aimed at assessing the condition, characteristics, and strength of materials, parts, and assemblies without damaging them or affecting their functionality. This process helps identify defects, ensures adherence to safety regulations, confirms manufacturing quality, and prolongs the lifespan of critical equipment like aircraft components, missiles, and defense systems.

The primary nondestructive testing (NDT) methods include ultrasonic testing, radiography, magnetic particle testing, eddy-current testing, and others. Ultrasonic testing, for example, employs high-frequency sound waves to detect internal flaws, measure material thickness, and assess structural integrity. These techniques are applied across various products such as consumables, inspection equipment, testing services, training and certification programs, and software solutions. Applications range from component and weld inspection to material integrity testing, structural health monitoring, and the detection of fatigue and fractures. End users include aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers, research institutions, and government agencies.

The nondestructive testing (NDT) market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides nondestructive testing (NDT) market statistics, including nondestructive testing (NDT) industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a nondestructive testing (NDT) market share, nondestructive testing (NDT) market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the nondestructive testing (NDT) industry. This nondestructive testing (NDT) 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.

The non-destructive testing (NDT) in the aerospace and defense market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), computed radiography (CR) testing, and visual inspection. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The non-destructive testing (NDT) in the aerospace and defense market also includes sales of ultrasonic flaw detectors, radiographic testing equipment, eddy current testing instruments, magnetic particle inspection systems, thermography devices, and visual inspection tools. 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 and 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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