Global Military and Public Services Helicopters Market, Forecast to 2026

After almost 10 years of stagnation and delayed programme in key regions, the market for military and public services helicopters is facing a slow recovery globally, driven primarily by dynamic economies such as Asia-Pacific and Central & South Asia. However, recent political uncertainty amongst leading economies over international trade agreements and subsequent actions leading to economic sanctions and reissuing of trade barriers could impact helicopter production lines and exports. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) need to consider new strategies for international competitions and retain traditional export customers.

Military customers are continually facing fleet shortages primarily due to:

• Low-paced replacements on account of budget constraints
• More operational requirements and deployments increasing attrition rates
• Growing lack of skills, particularly in transitioning economies

Introducing the new generation of helicopters will partially remediate these issues as unsatisfactory operational capability levels and availability rates are the main critics brought to new platforms. Moreover, helicopters need to integrate the rise of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and their increasing operational usage in front lines. Operationally, new employments of helicopters and UAS together in missions are being considered. This will generate new opportunities for helicopter OEMs in terms of new platform developments and designs to enable joint operations.

The publisher expects that the growth of the military and public services helicopters market will remain slow and sustained for the next 10 years. New developments in rotorcraft will be mainly about reducing accident rates (especially in DVE), catching up with fixed wing aircraft technology (avionics, tactical communications) and embracing UAS operations (MUM-T), whilst tackling asymmetric threats from hostile UAS in asymmetric combat. More players from the commercial helicopter industry are expected to penetrate into the military market at the service levels, beyond MRO and basic logistics support, with new operating business models on offer to relieve military budget pressures.

However, such business models (leasing, outsourcing) are expected to be limited to non-critical missions. Another point to note is upcoming high-value helicopter procurement opportunities in third world countries and emerging markets such as India and Brazil to replace the retiring older fleet. The publisher has analysed key upcoming programmes in this regard and presents key opportunities that the market will yield over the next ten years.