Military Aircraft Market Forecasts to 2032 - Global Analysis By Aircraft Type (Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Rotorcraft, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ), System, Application, and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Military Aircraft Market is accounted for $68.7 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $102.0 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. The military aircraft covers fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms developed for defense applications, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, surveillance planes, and trainers. It includes procurement, upgrades, maintenance, and support services. Benefits include enhanced national security, force projection, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, rapid troop and equipment mobility, and technological advancements that often drive innovation in materials, avionics, propulsion, and aerospace manufacturing across the broader defense ecosystem.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military expenditure surpassed USD 2.4 trillion in 2023.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes driving defense modernization

Geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes driving defense modernization remain a primary growth catalyst for the military aircraft market, as nations prioritize air superiority, deterrence, and rapid response capabilities. Rising border disputes, alliance commitments, and evolving threat perceptions are compelling governments to replace aging fleets with advanced fighters, transport aircraft, and surveillance platforms. Furthermore, modernization programs increasingly emphasize stealth, electronic warfare, and network-centric operations. These investments sustain long-term procurement pipelines, encourage indigenous manufacturing, and stimulate supplier ecosystems. Consequently, heightened security concerns continue to translate into sustained aircraft orders and upgrades worldwide across multiple regions globally today.

Restraint:

Defense budget constraints and shifting political priorities in many nations

Market expansion is particularly prevalent during periods of economic uncertainty. Competing social spending needs, fiscal consolidation efforts, and public scrutiny often delay or downsize aircraft procurement programs. Additionally, political transitions can redirect defense strategies away from capital-intensive platforms toward cyber or unmanned capabilities. Such volatility disrupts long-term planning for manufacturers and suppliers. As a result, stretched budgets and policy realignments create procurement gaps, slower replacement cycles, and uneven demand visibility, limiting consistent market growth over time across global markets.

Opportunity:

Development and upgrade of aircraft with open-system architecture

The development and upgrade of aircraft with open-system architecture presents a strong opportunity, enabling faster technology integration and lifecycle flexibility. Open architectures allow modular upgrades of avionics, sensors, and mission systems without extensive redesigns. Moreover, this approach reduces vendor lock-in and encourages competition among subsystem suppliers. Militaries benefit from lower upgrade costs, improved interoperability, and accelerated deployment of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced communications. Consequently, the demand for adaptable platforms is expanding, which supports sustained modernization programs and long-term value creation across global defense aviation ecosystems.

Threat:

Escalating arms race leading to regional instability and asymmetric threats

Rapid military buildups can provoke countermeasures, sanctions, or export restrictions that disrupt supply chains and collaboration. Furthermore, asymmetric warfare tactics increasingly emphasize drones, cyber operations, and low-cost systems that may reduce reliance on traditional aircraft. Such shifts introduce uncertainty for long-cycle aircraft programs. Over time, heightened instability can distort procurement priorities, elevate operational risks, and challenge predictable investment returns for both manufacturers and governments in sensitive geopolitical environments around the world.

Covid-19 Impact:

COVID-19 had a measurable impact on the military aircraft market, primarily through supply chain disruptions, workforce constraints, and delayed government decision-making. Lockdowns slowed manufacturing, testing, and certification activities across major aerospace hubs. Additionally, fiscal pressure from pandemic-related spending temporarily shifted defense priorities in several countries. While essential defense programs largely continued, contract timelines were extended and deliveries deferred. As conditions stabilized, pent-up demand supported recovery, but the pandemic underscored vulnerabilities in global sourcing and program execution across complex international defense supply networks worldwide today overall.

The fixed-wing aircraft segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The fixed-wing aircraft segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. This dominance reflects sustained demand for fighter jets, transport aircraft, and surveillance platforms supporting air superiority and strategic mobility. Moreover, fixed-wing platforms offer longer range, higher payload capacity, and proven combat versatility. Ongoing fleet replacements, modernization of legacy aircraft, and integration of advanced weapons systems further reinforce procurement volumes, ensuring this segment remains central to military aviation investment planning globally over the coming years.

The avionics segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the avionics segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. Growth is driven by rising adoption of advanced radar, electronic warfare, flight management, and communication systems. Additionally, digitalization, sensor fusion, and software-defined capabilities are becoming critical for modern combat effectiveness. Upgrades to legacy fleets and requirements for interoperability across allied forces accelerate avionics spending, positioning this segment as a key beneficiary of next-generation military aircraft programs globally over the coming decade and beyond, with steady overall growth.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the North America region is expected to hold the largest market share. North America benefits from high defense spending, strong domestic aerospace manufacturing and continuous fleet modernization by major air forces. Furthermore, the presence of leading aircraft OEMs, advanced R&D infrastructure, and long-term procurement programs sustains demand. Ongoing investments in next-generation fighters, bombers, and support aircraft reinforce regional dominance, ensuring stable revenue generation and technological leadership throughout the forecast timeline, which is supported by allied defense commitments, export programs, and sustained budgetary allocations across the United States and Canada.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. Rising defense budgets, regional security concerns, and expanding indigenous aerospace capabilities fuel Asia Pacific growth. Moreover, countries are accelerating fighter acquisitions, transport upgrades, and surveillance deployments to address evolving threats. Increasing collaboration with global OEMs and local production initiatives further boosts momentum. As countries modernize their military, Asia Pacific is becoming the fastest-growing area for future military aircraft needs, fueled by plans to expand forces, replace old fleets, and invest in air power in important economies in the region and overall growth expectations.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Military Aircraft Market include Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems plc, Airbus SE, Dassault Aviation SA, Leonardo S.p.A., Embraer S.A., Saab AB, United Aircraft Corporation, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Korea Aerospace Industries Co., Ltd., Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Textron Inc., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., and Antonov State Enterprise.

Key Developments:

In December 2025, Lockheed Martin Corporation introduced the new F-35 Global Support Solutions expansion for sustainment and readiness, highlighting deliveries of over 1,000 F-35 aircraft worldwide.

In November 2025, The Boeing Company introduced the new contract with U.S. Navy for additional P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, strengthening Boeing's military aircraft portfolio.

In September 2025, BAE Systems plc introduced the new Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) collaboration with Japan and Italy, advancing sixth-generation fighter development.

Aircraft Types Covered:

• Fixed-Wing Aircraft
• Rotorcraft (Helicopters)
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Systems Covered:

• Airframe
• Engine
• Avionics
• Weapon Systems
• Landing Gear Systems

Applications Covered:

• Combat Operations
• Logistics and Troop Transport
• Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR)
• Search and Rescue (SAR) & Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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