| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 8.89 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 9.91 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 2.20 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Military Rotorcraft Market Analysis
The Military Rotorcraft Market size is estimated at USD 8.89 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 9.91 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 2.2% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The increasing military spending of several countries globally due to geopolitical tensions and border issues is accelerating the procurement of new helicopters to enhance their aerial and defense capabilities. In addition, various countries are investing in modernizing existing helicopters with the latest equipment to extend the operational life of the helicopters and also to strengthen their capabilities. Such investments into procurement and modernization of the military helicopter fleet are expected to propel the market growth during the forecast period.
In addition to procurement and fleet modernization, several governments and armed forces are investing in developing new helicopter models with advanced sensor suites for situational awareness, communication, and weapon systems. Such investments into developing new helicopter programs are anticipated to boost the market's growth in the future.
The increasing need to deploy unmanned aerial surveillance assets over hostile airspace to prevent damage or danger to expensive manned helicopters is driving the adoption of UAVs by various countries. Besides ISR missions, UAVs can carry out various combat target acquisition and search and rescue missions. The rise in demand for UAVs is majorly driven by the safety of the crew members in non-combat missions. The procurement cost of UAVs is much lower than that of helicopters used for the same mission, resulting in the acquisition of these unmanned platforms in developing countries. This factor is expected to hamper market growth.
However, the changing nature of modern warfare, characterized by asymmetric threats and complex operational environments, necessitates the need for highly adaptable and flexible platforms poised to create future market opportunities.
Military Rotorcraft Market Trends
Attack Helicopter Segment to Dominate Market Share During the Forecast Period
Attack helicopters are indispensable for modern warfare, providing effective aerial support during precision strikes and closer air support. Many countries have increased their defense budgets to strengthen their military capabilities, and this factor is driving the demand for the combat and attack helicopters market. For instance, in February 2024, the US approved the sale of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to Nigeria for USD 1 Billion to bolster the country’s defense. The contract is expected to be completed by June 2024. Similarly, in December 2023, the German MoD awarded a contract to Airbus to deliver 62 H145M light attack helicopters for USD 2.3 billion. Of these 62 helicopters, approximately 57 are procured for the country’s army, and the rest are for the Air Force. Deliveries of these helicopters are stated to be started in 2024.
Furthermore, in March 2023, the US Army awarded Boeing a multi-year contract to purchase up to 184 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for USD 1.9 billion. An additional 54 Apaches will be built under the contract for foreign nations that have purchased Apaches through the foreign military sales program. The US State Department also authorized several countries to buy 86 new attack helicopters, including Australia, Egypt, Kuwait, and the Philippines. Such future procurement programs of these countries are anticipated to accelerate the segment's growth during the forecast period.
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Asia Pacific to Exhibit the Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
Several countries in Asia-Pacific are actively modernizing their defense forces to enhance their combat capabilities, leading to a surge in demand for military helicopters. The expansion of defense budgets in the region is a significant driver for market growth. China’s current military spending priorities follow the guiding principles in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). China implements military aircraft modernization and retrofit programs with this mass defense spending.
Additionally, in 2023, it was observed that multiple countries in the region had increased their defense spending, which resulted in a USD 41.5 billion increase in defense spending in 2023 compared to 2022. With this vast defense spending, various countries in the region are upgrading their helicopter fleets and placing huge helicopter orders to bolster their defense capabilities. For instance, in March 2024, the Indian MoD awarded a contract to HAL India to deliver 34 ALH Dhruv attack helicopters to enhance its combat capabilities in the Western desert sector. Similarly, in November 2023, India contracted HAL to 156 Prachand helicopters to boost the overall combat capability of the armed forces.
Similarly, in December 2023, Japan MoD announced that for FY 2024, it approved the procurement of six SH-60L helicopters. In addition to such procurement programs, various companies are developing new helicopter models tailored to meet the requirements of the armed forces. In this regard, in February 2024, China's Aviation Industry Corporation unveiled its Z-10EM attack helicopter at the Singapore Airshow. Such investments in the procurement and development of new helicopters are anticipated to propel the market's growth in the region during the forecast period.
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Military Rotorcraft Industry Overview
The military rotorcraft market is consolidated, with few players accounting for most of the market share. Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Textron Inc., Rostec State Corporation, and Leonardo S.p.A are some of the prominent players in the market.
With support from the government, these companies are increasing their geographic presence in the market through innovations and contracts with government agencies and armed forces in various regions. For instance, in March 2024, Leonardo S.p.A unveiled its new AW249 attack helicopter. The AW249 can perform missions such as aerial escort, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR), close air support, and air interdiction.
In addition to international players, local players like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd, and Turkish Aerospace, among others, are entering the market of military helicopters by developing new and advanced helicopter models. The long-term contracts of helicopter OEMs with various country's armed forces for developing and delivering new helicopter programs are expected to help them increase their footprint in the market during the forecast period.
Military Rotorcraft Market Leaders
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The Boeing Company
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Textron Inc.
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Lockheed Martin Corporation
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Rostec State Corporation
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Leonardo S.p.A
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Military Rotorcraft Market News
- April 2024: Greece's MoD signed a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to procure 35 Sikorsky’s UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters under the US’s foreign military sale.
- December 2023: The Republic of Korea signed a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) to produce its second batch of light-armed helicopters (LAH) for USD 1.1 billion. The helicopters are scheduled to be delivered from 2025 to 2028.
Military Rotorcraft Industry Segmentation
Military rotorcraft includes all types of manned rotorcraft (or helicopters) used for military purposes. Military helicopters perform combat roles, transport troops or equipment, and perform other special missions.
The military rotorcraft market is segmented by type and geography. By type, the market is segmented into attack, transport, and multi-mission and training helicopters. In addition to procurement, the scope of the study also includes modification and upgrades as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul of military helicopters. The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the military rotorcraft market in major countries across different regions. For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).
| By Type | Attack Helicopters | |
| Transport Helicopters | ||
| Multi-mission and Training Helicopters | ||
| Geography | North America | United States |
| Canada | ||
| Geography | Europe | United Kingdom |
| France | ||
| Germany | ||
| Russia | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Geography | Asia-Pacific | China |
| India | ||
| Japan | ||
| South Korea | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Geography | Latin America | Brazil |
| Argentina | ||
| Rest of Latin America | ||
| Geography | Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
| United Arab Emirates | ||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa |
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Military Rotorcraft Market Research Faqs
How big is the Military Rotorcraft Market?
The Military Rotorcraft Market size is expected to reach USD 8.89 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 2.20% to reach USD 9.91 billion by 2030.
What is the current Military Rotorcraft Market size?
In 2025, the Military Rotorcraft Market size is expected to reach USD 8.89 billion.
Who are the key players in Military Rotorcraft Market?
The Boeing Company, Textron Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Rostec State Corporation and Leonardo S.p.A are the major companies operating in the Military Rotorcraft Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Military Rotorcraft Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Military Rotorcraft Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Military Rotorcraft Market.
What years does this Military Rotorcraft Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Military Rotorcraft Market size was estimated at USD 8.69 billion. The report covers the Military Rotorcraft Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Military Rotorcraft Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Military Rotorcraft Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Military Rotorcraft market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Military Rotorcraft analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
