Military Helicopters Market Size

The military helicopter market is experiencing growth driven by increasing defense budgets, evolving security threats, and advancements in helicopter technology. The market size is influenced by the rising demand for adaptable and flexible platforms due to the changing nature of modern warfare, including asymmetric threats and hybrid warfare tactics. North America leads in market share, followed by the Asia-Pacific and Europe, with significant investments in helicopter modernization programs. The global market is expected to see substantial procurement activities, reflecting the strategic importance of military helicopters in contemporary defense operations.

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Market Size of military helicopters Industry

Military Helicopters Market Summary
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Icons Lable Value
svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 8.60 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 10.21 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Body Type Multi-Mission Helicopter
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) 2.90 %
svg icon Largest Share by Region North America
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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Military Helicopter Market Analysis

The Military Helicopters Market size is estimated at 8.60 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 10.21 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.90% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

8.6 B

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

10.2 B

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

2243

Total Deliveries in the Historic Period (2017-2023)

2496

Total Deliveries during the Forecast Period (2024-2030)

Largest Market by Body Type

46.98 %

value share, Multi-Mission Helicopter, 2023

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The ability to perform various combat missions is attracting various countries to focus more on the procurement of these helicopters.

Largest Market by Region

38.25 %

value share, North America, 2023

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Various ongoing military modernization programs aimed at procuring advanced rotorcraft across the region are anticipated to drive the market's growth.

Largest Market by Country

35.68 %

value share, United States, 2023

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The United States' focus on procuring more advanced helicopters to maintain its military supremacy supports the growth of the military helicopter market.

Leading Market Player

31.07 %

market share, Lockheed Martin Corporation, 2022

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Lockheed Martin provides a wide range of high-performance combat and ISR rotorcraft. Its vast geographical presence enables it to be a leading player.

Second Leading Market Player

20.53 %

market share, Textron Inc., 2022

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Textron also dominates the market at a global level with its extensive range of product offerings, including various types of military helicopters.

The multi-mission helicopter segment is expected to generate the highest demand in the overall military helicopters market to counter various emerging threats

  • There is an increase in the use of rotorcraft due to increased military conflicts, terrorism, border disputes, territory invasions, and violations. A number of regional armed forces are also upgrading their helicopters with cutting-edge technologies to gain a military advantage over their adversaries. In addition to providing close air support to troops and destroying enemy armor, multi-mission helicopters can be used for anti-tank missions.
  • During the historical period, the multi-mission helicopter was the most procured model, accounting for 49% of the total military helicopter fleet, followed by other rotorcrafts (utility helicopters, maritime helicopters, anti-submarine warfare helicopters, and training helicopters) and transport helicopters, which accounted for shares of 37% and 13%, respectively. During the same period, some of the most procured rotorcraft models were the UH-60 series helicopter with 409 procurements, followed by AH-1Z and CH-47D/F with 180 and 173 aircraft procurements, respectively.
  • Furthermore, the demand for military helicopters has been fueled by several factors, such as the changing nature of modern warfare, characterized by asymmetric threats and complex operational environments, which has necessitated the need for highly adaptable and flexible platforms. The rise of hybrid warfare conventional and unconventional tactics has also increased the demand for helicopters with advanced ISR capabilities. Factors such as these are expected to drive the demand for military aircraft procurement. During the forecast period, a total of 2,854 rotorcraft are expected to be delivered globally.
Global Military Helicopters Market

Rising geopolitical threats associated with increasing defense budgets are driving the market

  • The global military helicopter market witnessed significant growth over the years, driven by increasing defense budgets, evolving security threats, and advancements in helicopter technology. Military helicopters play a crucial role in modern warfare, providing rapid transport, close air support, and combat capabilities.
  • In 2022, the war between Russia and Ukraine further fueled the defense budgets across various countries and the need to reassess the operational readiness of the armed forces globally. The global military expenditure rose by 3.7% in 2022 to reach a record high of USD 2240 billion. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a major driver of the growth in spending in 2022. The five biggest spenders in 2022 were the United States, China, Russia, India, and Saudi Arabia, which together accounted for 63% of world military spending.
  • In terms of military helicopter procurements during 2017-2022, North America dominates the market, with 38% of the total helicopter fleet, primarily driven by the United States. The United States has the largest military helicopter fleet globally, with 32% of the global share. Asia-Pacific is another significant market, with a share of 25%, due to the increasing defense budgets of countries like China and India. Europe has witnessed a substantial growth of 20%, with countries like Russia, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom investing in helicopter modernization programs. The Middle East and Africa and South America are also investing in military helicopters to enhance their defense capabilities and have a share of 15% and 3% respectively. Due to such developments, the global rotorcraft aircraft market is expected to procure around 2,854 helicopters between 2023 and 2030.

Military Helicopters Industry Segmentation Military Helicopter Industry Segmentation

Multi-Mission Helicopter, Transport Helicopter, Others are covered as segments by Body Type. Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, North America, South America are covered as segments by Region.

  • There is an increase in the use of rotorcraft due to increased military conflicts, terrorism, border disputes, territory invasions, and violations. A number of regional armed forces are also upgrading their helicopters with cutting-edge technologies to gain a military advantage over their adversaries. In addition to providing close air support to troops and destroying enemy armor, multi-mission helicopters can be used for anti-tank missions.
  • During the historical period, the multi-mission helicopter was the most procured model, accounting for 49% of the total military helicopter fleet, followed by other rotorcrafts (utility helicopters, maritime helicopters, anti-submarine warfare helicopters, and training helicopters) and transport helicopters, which accounted for shares of 37% and 13%, respectively. During the same period, some of the most procured rotorcraft models were the UH-60 series helicopter with 409 procurements, followed by AH-1Z and CH-47D/F with 180 and 173 aircraft procurements, respectively.
  • Furthermore, the demand for military helicopters has been fueled by several factors, such as the changing nature of modern warfare, characterized by asymmetric threats and complex operational environments, which has necessitated the need for highly adaptable and flexible platforms. The rise of hybrid warfare conventional and unconventional tactics has also increased the demand for helicopters with advanced ISR capabilities. Factors such as these are expected to drive the demand for military aircraft procurement. During the forecast period, a total of 2,854 rotorcraft are expected to be delivered globally.
Body Type
Multi-Mission Helicopter
Transport Helicopter
Others
Region
Asia-Pacific
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
South Korea
Thailand
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Europe
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Russia
Spain
UK
Rest of Europe
Middle East and Africa
Algeria
Egypt
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East and Africa
North America
Canada
Mexico
United States
Rest of North America
South America
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Rest of South America
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Military Helicopters Market Size Summary

The military helicopter market is experiencing a steady expansion, driven by the increasing need for advanced rotorcraft in response to global military conflicts, terrorism, and border disputes. This growth is further fueled by the modernization of regional armed forces, which are upgrading their helicopter fleets with cutting-edge technologies to maintain a strategic advantage. Multi-mission helicopters, in particular, have become a focal point due to their versatility in providing close air support, anti-tank missions, and other combat capabilities. The evolving nature of modern warfare, characterized by asymmetric threats and hybrid warfare tactics, has heightened the demand for helicopters equipped with advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This trend is expected to continue, with a significant number of rotorcraft anticipated to be delivered globally over the forecast period.

The global military helicopter market is also influenced by rising defense budgets and geopolitical tensions, as seen in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which prompted increased military spending worldwide. North America, led by the United States, dominates the market, while the Asia-Pacific region is witnessing substantial growth due to increased defense expenditures in countries like China and India. Europe is also investing in helicopter modernization, with significant contributions from Russia, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The Middle East and Africa, along with South America, are enhancing their defense capabilities through military helicopter procurements. The market is fairly consolidated, with major players such as Airbus SE, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Russian Helicopters, Textron Inc., and The Boeing Company holding significant shares. Recent contracts and government approvals, such as the US State Department's sale of CH-47 Chinook helicopters to Germany and Boeing's contract for AH-64E Apache helicopters, highlight ongoing investments and strategic partnerships in the sector.

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Military Helicopters 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 Body Type

      1. 1.1.1 Multi-Mission Helicopter

      2. 1.1.2 Transport Helicopter

      3. 1.1.3 Others

    2. 1.2 Region

      1. 1.2.1 Asia-Pacific

        1. 1.2.1.1 Australia

        2. 1.2.1.2 China

        3. 1.2.1.3 India

        4. 1.2.1.4 Indonesia

        5. 1.2.1.5 Japan

        6. 1.2.1.6 Malaysia

        7. 1.2.1.7 Philippines

        8. 1.2.1.8 Singapore

        9. 1.2.1.9 South Korea

        10. 1.2.1.10 Thailand

        11. 1.2.1.11 Rest of Asia-Pacific

      2. 1.2.2 Europe

        1. 1.2.2.1 France

        2. 1.2.2.2 Germany

        3. 1.2.2.3 Italy

        4. 1.2.2.4 Netherlands

        5. 1.2.2.5 Russia

        6. 1.2.2.6 Spain

        7. 1.2.2.7 UK

        8. 1.2.2.8 Rest of Europe

      3. 1.2.3 Middle East and Africa

        1. 1.2.3.1 Algeria

        2. 1.2.3.2 Egypt

        3. 1.2.3.3 Qatar

        4. 1.2.3.4 Saudi Arabia

        5. 1.2.3.5 South Africa

        6. 1.2.3.6 Turkey

        7. 1.2.3.7 United Arab Emirates

        8. 1.2.3.8 Rest of Middle East and Africa

      4. 1.2.4 North America

        1. 1.2.4.1 Canada

        2. 1.2.4.2 Mexico

        3. 1.2.4.3 United States

        4. 1.2.4.4 Rest of North America

      5. 1.2.5 South America

        1. 1.2.5.1 Brazil

        2. 1.2.5.2 Chile

        3. 1.2.5.3 Colombia

        4. 1.2.5.4 Rest of South America

Military Helicopters Market Size FAQs

The Global Military Helicopters Market size is expected to reach USD 8.60 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 2.90% to reach USD 10.21 billion by 2030.

In 2024, the Global Military Helicopters Market size is expected to reach USD 8.60 billion.

Military Helicopter Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts UP TO 2029