Market Trends of Asia-Pacific Heavy-lift Helicopter Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the APAC Heavy-Lift Helicopter Market according to our research experts:
Military Segment is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
The military segment is expected to hold a major share of the Asia-Pacific heavy-lift helicopter market. The region is marred by rugged terrains and poor road connectivity, which escalates the problems of timely transportation of essential equipment from one military base to the other. In most regions, fixed-wing aircraft cannot be used effectively for the transportation of troops and supplies. Hence, heavy-lift helicopters, with their VTOL capabilities and the ability to land on a short runway or rugged terrain with the utmost ease, are generally considered viable options. Most of the nations in Asia-Pacific are investing significantly in the procurement of heavy-lift helicopters, thus, driving the growth prospects of the market. Increasing defense budgets and military expenditures in these countries is one of the additional reasons propelling the growth of the market.
Significant demand for heavy-lift helicopters has been observed in Japan for coastal activities, security enforcement, and disaster relief missions in the country. In April 2020, Japan Coast Guard placed a follow-on order for two H225 helicopters. This order brought JCG's Super Puma fleet to 13 H225s. used for coastal activities, security enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in Japan. Countries, like India, with mountainous borders in its northern part, are also eyeing to enhance the fleet of heavy-lift helicopters to supply essentials to the troops stationed at remote locations. For instance, in April 2021, HAL announced that it is developing new heavy-class multi-role helicopter for the Indian military. Popular as the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), the twin-engined rotorcraft could be available from 2028. Such developments would provide immense flexibility to the Indian Air Force for a variety of tasks. Such helicopters can also be used to provide a boost to the infrastructure and border road projects that were long overdue.
China Held Highest Shares in the Market
China has the largest military helicopter fleet in Asia-Pacific. An increase in defense expenditure and rising procurement of heavy-lift helicopters for military and commercial applications drive market growth across the country. The heavy-lift helicopters in the country are used for transporting troops and equipment to the country's vast border and the diverse and rugged landscape surrounding the country. However, the takeoff weight of China's domestically developed helicopters are usually below 10 metric ton, and heavy-lift helicopters with above 20 metric ton takeoff weight are still in the blank. In November 2021, China signed an agreement with Rostec State Corporation to jointly develop heavy-lift helicopters to fill this service gap and improve the capabilities of heavy-lift helicopters. According to Rostec, a minimum of 200 units of advanced heavy-lift (AHL) helicopters are to be manufactured in China using components sourced from Russia. An AHL helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of 38.2 metric tons, a weigh-lift capability of almost 15 metric tons, a flight range of 800 km, and a maximum speed of 300 kmph. The delivery of the helicopters is scheduled to be completed by 2032. The procurement of new heavy-lift helicopters is also envisioned to play a great role in natural disaster relief or special military operations, and this may drive the growth of the heavy-lift helicopter market in China.
