Europe Military Aviation Market Size

The Europe Military Aviation Market is projected to experience growth over the forecast period, driven by increased defense spending and the modernization of military fleets. The market's expansion is influenced by geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which have prompted European nations to boost their military expenditures. This includes significant investments in fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft, as countries seek to replace aging fleets and enhance combat capabilities. The focus on acquiring next-generation combat aircraft and multi-mission helicopters reflects the region's commitment to maintaining operational effectiveness and interoperability with NATO forces.

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Market Size of europe military aviation Industry

Europe Military Aviation Market Summary
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Icons Lable Value
svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 12.84 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 13.79 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Sub Aircraft Type Fixed-Wing Aircraft
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) 1.20 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country Russia
svg icon Market Concentration High

Major Players

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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Europe Military Aviation Market Analysis

The Europe Military Aviation Market size is estimated at 12.84 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 13.79 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.20% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

12.8 B

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

13.8 B

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

1371

Total Deliveries in the Historic Period (2017-2023)

1706

Total Deliveries during the Forecast Period (2024-2030)

Largest Market by Sub-Aircraft Type

82.92 %

value share, Fixed-Wing Aircraft, 2023

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The countries' aim to meet the NATO standards in defense spending is driving the fixed-wing aircraft market growth in the region.

Fastest-growing Market by Sub-Aircraft Type

3.65 %

Projected CAGR, Rotorcraft, 2024-2030

The countries' aim to meet the NATO standards in defense spending is driving the rotorcraft market growth in the region.

Largest Market by Body Type

52.54 %

value share, Multi-Role Aircraft, 2023

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Countries in the region are opting for multirole aircraft to perform ground strikes, air superiority, and suppress the enemy air defenses.

Largest Market by Country

15.76 %

value share, Russia, 2023

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The country's six-year defense spending framework is being adjusted and increased according to the current geopolitical situation to counter the threats.

Leading Market Player

30.71 %

market share, Airbus SE, 2022

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Airbus dominates the European market with its extensive range of product offerings, including all types of military helicopters.

The fixed wing aircraft segment is expected to witness significant growth

  • Europe's defense expenditure surged by around 23% from 2021 to 2022, reaching USD 512 billion in 2022. Military R&D and weaponry purchases accounted for most of the growth in defense expenditure in Europe.
  • The Russia-Ukraine conflict became the center stage in Europe in 2022. The armed conflict worsened in March and April 2021, when Russia deployed thousands of additional troops on its border with Ukraine. In February 2022, a full-fledged war started between the two countries. By the end of March 2022, numerous European NATO member nations had announced plans to increase military expenditures in reaction to the Russian-Ukraine War, aiming to meet or exceed the NATO spending target of 2% of the GDP or higher.
  • In total, 26 of the 27 European NATO nations had available financing for their armed forces in 2022. The SIPRI Military Expenditure Database showed that, among the 26 countries, eight spent at least 2% of their GDP on the military in 2022.
  • In the fixed-wing aircraft segment, 40 procurements of Rafale fighter jets by France, 74 F-35 fighter jets by the UK worth USD 4.5 billion, and 15 Eurofighter jets and up to 35 US-made F-35 fighter jets by Germany were some of the major contracts that took place.
  • The fixed-wing aircraft segment is expected to witness higher growth due to the increasing procurement of next-generation combat aircraft. The overall military aviation market is also expected to be driven by the military forces' plans to replace their aging aircraft fleet with fighter jets, big transport aircraft, and special-mission aircraft.
  • In the rotorcraft segment, more than 1,000 helicopters are expected to be delivered in the region during the forecast period. Most countries are planning to procure multi-mission helicopters to enhance their combat capabilities.
Europe Military Aviation Market

Factors such as fleet modernization and rising geopolitical tensions are driving the market

  • Europe has a robust and technologically advanced military helicopter market that is driven by various factors, including geopolitical concerns, modernization efforts, and defense budget allocations. The defense budgets of European countries play a crucial role in shaping the military helicopter market. Despite economic challenges, defense spending has remained a priority for many European nations due to rising security concerns. In 2022, Europe spent USD 480 billion on its military, an increase of 13% over 2021. By the end of March 2022, numerous European NATO member nations announced plans to increase military expenditures in reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, aiming to meet or exceed the NATO spending target of 2% of GDP or higher.
  • During 2017-2022, in terms of fleet procurement, the region procured 20% of the global total fleet. Of these total fleets, the countries that procured most of the fleet are Italy with 33%, followed by Germany with 20%, France and the UK with 13% each, and Spain with 10%.
  • Many European nations are actively engaged in modernizing their military helicopter fleets to meet the evolving security landscape. Upgrading aging platforms with state-of-the-art helicopters enables countries to enhance their operational effectiveness, increase mission versatility, and maintain interoperability with NATO and other allied forces. Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the Rest of Europe plan to purchase helicopters from 2023 to 2029. A total of 566 helicopters are expected to be delivered in Europe during the forecast period. During the forecast period, Romania and Hungary also plan to expand their fleet by procuring 60 and 18 helicopters, respectively.

Europe Military Aviation Industry Segmentation

Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Rotorcraft are covered as segments by Sub Aircraft Type. France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, UK are covered as segments by Country.

  • Europe's defense expenditure surged by around 23% from 2021 to 2022, reaching USD 512 billion in 2022. Military R&D and weaponry purchases accounted for most of the growth in defense expenditure in Europe.
  • The Russia-Ukraine conflict became the center stage in Europe in 2022. The armed conflict worsened in March and April 2021, when Russia deployed thousands of additional troops on its border with Ukraine. In February 2022, a full-fledged war started between the two countries. By the end of March 2022, numerous European NATO member nations had announced plans to increase military expenditures in reaction to the Russian-Ukraine War, aiming to meet or exceed the NATO spending target of 2% of the GDP or higher.
  • In total, 26 of the 27 European NATO nations had available financing for their armed forces in 2022. The SIPRI Military Expenditure Database showed that, among the 26 countries, eight spent at least 2% of their GDP on the military in 2022.
  • In the fixed-wing aircraft segment, 40 procurements of Rafale fighter jets by France, 74 F-35 fighter jets by the UK worth USD 4.5 billion, and 15 Eurofighter jets and up to 35 US-made F-35 fighter jets by Germany were some of the major contracts that took place.
  • The fixed-wing aircraft segment is expected to witness higher growth due to the increasing procurement of next-generation combat aircraft. The overall military aviation market is also expected to be driven by the military forces' plans to replace their aging aircraft fleet with fighter jets, big transport aircraft, and special-mission aircraft.
  • In the rotorcraft segment, more than 1,000 helicopters are expected to be delivered in the region during the forecast period. Most countries are planning to procure multi-mission helicopters to enhance their combat capabilities.
Sub Aircraft Type
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Multi-Role Aircraft
Training Aircraft
Transport Aircraft
Others
Rotorcraft
Multi-Mission Helicopter
Transport Helicopter
Others
Country
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Russia
Spain
UK
Rest of Europe
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Europe Military Aviation Market Size Summary

The Europe Military Aviation Market is poised for steady growth, driven by increased defense expenditures and a focus on modernization and procurement of advanced military aircraft. The geopolitical landscape, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has significantly influenced defense spending across European NATO member nations, prompting many to enhance their military capabilities to meet or exceed NATO's spending targets. This surge in defense budgets has been largely directed towards military research and development, as well as the acquisition of new weaponry, including next-generation combat aircraft and multi-mission helicopters. The fixed-wing aircraft segment is expected to experience substantial growth due to the procurement of advanced fighter jets, while the rotorcraft segment is set to expand with the delivery of over a thousand helicopters, reflecting the region's commitment to bolstering its aerial combat capabilities.

The market is characterized by a robust and technologically advanced military aviation sector, with key players such as Airbus SE, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, and United Aircraft Corporation dominating the landscape. Despite economic challenges, defense spending remains a priority for many European countries, driven by rising security concerns and the need to replace aging aircraft fleets. The active aircraft fleet in Europe has seen a modest increase, with a significant portion dedicated to fixed-wing and rotorcraft segments. As countries like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain continue to invest in next-generation aircraft and upgrade helicopter capabilities, the market is expected to maintain its growth trajectory, supported by strategic procurement and modernization efforts.

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Europe Military Aviation Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Sub Aircraft Type

      1. 1.1.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

        1. 1.1.1.1 Multi-Role Aircraft

        2. 1.1.1.2 Training Aircraft

        3. 1.1.1.3 Transport Aircraft

        4. 1.1.1.4 Others

      2. 1.1.2 Rotorcraft

        1. 1.1.2.1 Multi-Mission Helicopter

        2. 1.1.2.2 Transport Helicopter

        3. 1.1.2.3 Others

    2. 1.2 Country

      1. 1.2.1 France

      2. 1.2.2 Germany

      3. 1.2.3 Italy

      4. 1.2.4 Netherlands

      5. 1.2.5 Russia

      6. 1.2.6 Spain

      7. 1.2.7 UK

      8. 1.2.8 Rest of Europe

Europe Military Aviation Market Size FAQs

The Europe Military Aviation Market size is expected to reach USD 12.84 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 1.20% to reach USD 13.79 billion by 2030.

In 2024, the Europe Military Aviation Market size is expected to reach USD 12.84 billion.

Europe Military Aviation Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030