Defense Aircraft Materials Market Report 2026

The defense aircraft materials market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $43.89 billion in 2025 to $46.68 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing adoption of lightweight composite materials to improve aircraft maneuverability and fuel efficiency, rising demand for high-temperature alloys in advanced military engine components, expansion of stealth aircraft programs requiring radar-absorbing materials and coatings, advancements in metal matrix and ceramic composites enabling stronger structural components, growth in defense procurement programs driving production of specialized aircraft materials.

The defense aircraft materials market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $59.01 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing need for next-generation materials supporting hypersonic and high-performance military aircraft, rising investment in multifunctional coatings offering thermal, radar, and corrosion protection, increasing use of additive manufacturing to produce lightweight and complex aircraft components, expansion of unmanned combat aerial vehicle production boosting demand for advanced structural materials, development of sustainable and energy-efficient material solutions for modernized defense aviation. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for lightweight and ultra-high-strength materials, growing adoption of stealth-enhancing materials, increased use of ceramic matrix composites, expansion of additive manufacturing, greater integration of multi-functional materials.

The growing demand for advanced military aircraft is expected to drive the expansion of the defense aircraft materials market in the future. Advanced military aircraft are high-tech combat planes equipped with stealth features, precision systems, and superior speed designed for modern defense operations. This demand is rising due to escalating geopolitical tensions, as countries focus on achieving aerial superiority, preparing for advanced warfare, and improving rapid response in unstable areas. Defense aircraft materials like aerospace superalloys and advanced composites are essential for boosting the performance, durability, and survivability of these aircraft by enduring extreme temperatures, lowering weight, and enhancing fuel efficiency and maneuverability. For example, in January 2024, the U.S. Department of State, which manages the country’s foreign policy and international relations, reported that $80.9 billion worth of military equipment and services were transferred in 2023, a 55.9% increase compared to the $50.9 billion transferred in fiscal year 2022. Therefore, the rising demand for advanced military aircraft is propelling growth in the defense aircraft materials market.

Key players in the defense aircraft materials market are concentrating on innovations such as carbon-fiber 3D printing materials to improve aircraft performance, reduce weight, and increase fuel efficiency. Carbon-fiber 3D printing materials consist of composite filaments or powders made by combining a base material like nylon, PLA, or polyamide with short carbon fibers. These fibers boost the strength, stiffness, and durability of printed parts while keeping them lightweight. For instance, in June 2024, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), an Indian government agency, introduced FS6130CF-F, a high-performance carbon-fiber-reinforced PA6 material designed for Farsoon’s industrial flight 3D printing systems. This material is fully compatible with Flight HT403P-2 (dual-laser) and Flight HT/ST252P high-temperature laser PBF platforms and is now available in the US and European markets.

In January 2025, Tex Tech Industries Inc., a US-based manufacturer specializing in high-performance textiles and engineered materials, acquired Fiber Materials Inc. for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition aims to strengthen Tex Tech’s expertise in advanced materials designed for extreme conditions, enhancing its ability to supply critical aerospace and defense components such as thermal protection systems and composite structures. Fiber Materials Inc. is a US-based producer of composite materials serving the defense industry.

Major companies operating in the defense aircraft materials market are Airbus SE, General Dynamics Corporation, SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation), Northrop Grumman Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Safran S.A., Thales Group, Toray Industries Inc., Evonik Industries AG, Kobe Steel Ltd., Alcoa Corporation, Celanese Corporation, Teijin Limited, Novelis Inc., Howmet Aerospace Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd., Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, Hexcel Corporation, SGL Carbon SE, Tex Tech Industries Inc.

North America was the largest region in the defense aircraft materials market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the defense aircraft materials 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 on metals and advanced composites have increased production costs for aluminum, titanium, steels, and polymer-based materials used in defense aircraft manufacturing, particularly impacting North America and Europe. These tariffs disrupt supply chains for structural, engine, and coating materials and slow procurement for combat and transport aircraft. However, they promote domestic material development, strengthen local manufacturing ecosystems, and accelerate innovation in alternative lightweight and high-heat-resistant materials.

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

Defense aircraft materials are specialized substances used in the construction of military aircraft, designed to meet rigorous requirements for strength, durability, and weight. These materials improve aircraft performance, longevity, and stealth by offering high strength-to-weight ratios, resistance to extreme temperatures, and enhanced radar absorption.

The primary types of defense aircraft materials include aluminum alloys, steels, titanium alloys, and composites. Aluminum alloys consist mainly of aluminum combined with elements such as copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon, or zinc to enhance particular properties. These materials are used in products like cleaning chemicals, aviation paint strippers, degreasers, aircraft leather cleaners, specialty solvents, aircraft washes, and polishes. They are applied across various platforms including transport aircraft, combat aircraft, military cargo planes, helicopters, and more, serving end users such as military organizations, defense contractors, and government agencies.

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

The defense aircraft materials market consists of sales of raw materials, structural components, engine components, interior components, weapon systems, and coating and surface treatments. 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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