Market Trends of military fixed-wing aircraft Industry
Increased border tensions and the need for new aircraft has led to a surge in defense expenditure
- Asia-Pacific spent a total of USD 569 billion on military expenditures. Geopolitical conflicts such as border issues between China and India, internal security challenges, maritime surveillance, and counter-terrorism operations are some of the factors aiding the growth of the fixed-wing aircraft fleet of the countries in this region. The rise in military spending in China and India was the main cause of the increase in 2022. The combined military spending of the two nations in the region in 2022 was 66%. The increase in defense spending of the nations over the past ten years was driven by economic growth and territorial disputes.
- Major military powers, including India, China, Japan, and South Korea, are present in the Asia-Pacific region and are yearly growing their defense budgets. This budget includes a significant portion for the improvement and expansion of air superiority, which is driving the growth of military aviation in the region. For instance, in the budget of FY 2023, the Indian government allocated about 10% more for the Indian Air Force compared to the previous budget, including payments for the new Rafale fighters and the manufacturing of Sukhoi-30MKIs and Tejas fighters.
- The increased military spending in the Asia-Pacific region is intended to gain an advantage in several political and border conflicts, such as the tension in the South China Sea with many regional sovereign entities and border conflicts between India-China and India-Pakistan. The defense spending of major countries in China is expected to cross over USD 400 billion by 2030.
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Fleet modernization and new procurements are projected to improve the APAC's military active fleet
- By the end of 2022, there were 15,543 active aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region, of which fixed-wing aircraft accounted for 60% while rotorcraft accounted for the remaining fleet. China, India, Japan, and South Korea together accounted for 55% of the total active fleet in the region.
- In 2020, the average aircraft fleet age in Asia-Pacific amounted to 9.5 years, which was projected to increase by 2030, when the average aircraft fleet age across the region was expected to be 10.7 years. The older aircraft, some of which date back to the 1960s, have been slowly phased out by the Indian Air Force. The MiG 21 and MiG 27 have been the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The average age of these aircraft is around 45 years. Australia’s two fighter aircraft, FA-18 and F-35, have been in service for the last 16 years and 8 years, respectively.
- Countries such as China, India, and South Korea are expanding their aircraft fleet size to fulfill the demands of modern warfare. They may continue to produce and acquire next-generation aircraft during the forecast period. The regional armed forces are also enhancing the capabilities of helicopters with cutting-edge technology to obtain military superiority over the external threat.
- Asia Pacific's active fleet increased by 3% in 2022 compared to 2017. Indonesia and Thailand accounted for 63% of the total fleet in Southeast Asia. In the coming years, the aircraft fleet may increase as major countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines plan to procure over 135 aircraft. The active fleet of the region is expected to expand at a healthy rate during the forecast period.
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OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- The Asia-Pacific economies have been subject to an increase in economic pressure due to a surge in public debt, which has had a negative impact on their defense spending
- The increased inflation has adversely impacted the growth of the region
- In South America, commodity exporters have been able to capitalize on external demand as an engine for growth
- Fleet replacement programs for older aircraft are projected to be the main driver for Middle Eastern military aviation
- The fleet replacement programs for aging aircraft are expected to aid in active fleet numbers
- Major military powers in the region have surged their defense expenditure
- The defense expenditure in the region has declined due to the reduction of military budgets by major military powers
- The Ukraine-Russia War is expected to improve defense contribution, even with economic growth uncertainty
- Improving economic stability can aid in the growth of North America
- Fixed-wing aircraft accounted for 54% of the total fleet in the European military aviation market
- Fleet modernization and the rising need for modernization of aircraft are the driving factors in North America
- NATO alliances are contributing to the region's defense spending
- Geopolitical threats are the main reason behind the increase in defense spending in the region
