PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1890736
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1890736
The global military helicopter market continues to expand steadily as nations modernize defense capabilities and strengthen aerial combat readiness. According to the 2024-2032 market assessment, the global military helicopter market size reached USD 31.73 billion in 2024, driven by rising defense budgets, modernization programs, and increasing geopolitical tensions. Supported by strong procurement cycles across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, the market is projected to grow to USD 35.45 billion in 2025 and further reach USD 42.25 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 2.5% during 2025-2032.
Military helicopters remain indispensable assets for missions such as attack, reconnaissance, transport, search and rescue, maritime surveillance, and special operations. As countries respond to evolving threats-including terrorism, border tensions, and regional conflicts-demand for advanced rotorcraft with enhanced survivability, situational awareness, and autonomy continues to rise.
Market Landscape and Key Growth Drivers
The market is strongly influenced by rising global defense expenditure. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, global military spending increased to USD 2.46 trillion in 2024, up from USD 2.24 trillion in 2023, representing a real growth rate of 7.4%. This increase has fueled procurement of new helicopters and upgrades to existing fleets. Countries are investing heavily in advanced technologies such as AI-enabled autonomy, composite materials, stealth features, and digital avionics to improve mission capability.
Geopolitical tensions-particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle Eastern security challenges, and heightened Indo-Pacific militarization-are accelerating fleet modernization. Nations are prioritizing multi-role, heavy-lift, and attack helicopters to strengthen air dominance and improve rapid deployment capability.
Segment Insights
Engine Type
The twin-engine segment dominated the market in 2024, driven by rising demand for long-range, high-performance rotorcraft suited for combat, transport, and special operations missions. Twin-engine helicopters offer superior safety and reliability in complex terrains and hostile environments.
The segment is expected to grow fastest through 2032, supported by programs such as Ireland's acquisition of H145M helicopters in 2025.
Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW)
Helicopters weighing greater than 9,000 kg held the largest market share in 2024, reflecting increased reliance on heavy-lift platforms. Major programs such as the U.S. Navy's USD 2.7 billion procurement of 35 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters highlight sustained demand in this category.
Lightweight helicopters (<3,000 kg) are expected to record the highest growth rate owing to their use in reconnaissance, surveillance, patrol, and precision operations.
Point of Sale
The new procurement segment dominated the market in 2024, driven by large-scale modernization plans. For example, India intends to induct around 250 new helicopters under the Make in India program, emphasizing indigenous production and fleet expansion.
North America
North America remained the largest market in 2024 with a 55.34% share, valued at USD 17.56 billion. The U.S., with a defense budget of USD 968 billion in 2024, continues to invest heavily in rotorcraft modernization, supported by programs like Future Vertical Lift (FVL). Major OEMs such as Boeing, Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin), and Bell drive technological innovation in the region.
Europe
Europe holds the second-largest share, supported by investments in multi-mission systems and heavy-lift capabilities. France received new H225M helicopters in 2025, replacing aging Puma fleets. Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo remain leading suppliers driving technological advancement.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is expected to grow fastest due to modernization initiatives by China, India, Japan, and South Korea. China is developing its next-generation Z-21 attack helicopter, while India focuses on expanding indigenous capabilities through HAL's Light Utility Helicopter and joint ventures.
Middle East, Africa, and Latin America
These regions are increasing helicopter acquisitions for border security, ISR missions, and counter-terrorism. The UAE and Greece are investing in maintenance, modernization, and procurement-highlighted by Greece's USD 1.95 billion UH-60M Black Hawk contract with Sikorsky.
Industry Developments
Key developments driving market momentum include:
Conclusion
The global military helicopter market is set for steady growth from USD 31.73 billion in 2024 to USD 42.25 billion by 2032, supported by higher defense spending, modernization programs, and rapid technological advancements. As global security threats evolve, nations will continue investing in next-generation rotorcraft with enhanced mobility, firepower, and survivability.
Segmentation By Number of Engines
By Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW)
By Point of Sale
By Region