Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market Size

The Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market is projected to experience growth as regional armed forces modernize their helicopter capabilities with advanced technologies. Multi-mission helicopters are anticipated to dominate the market due to their versatility in providing close air support and conducting anti-tank operations, which are crucial for the armed forces in the region. The market's expansion is driven by the procurement needs of countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Algeria, which are expected to invest significantly in upgrading their helicopter fleets. Despite geographic tensions and a fragmented Gulf region, the demand for military rotorcraft remains strong, with defense budgets in both the Middle East and Africa reflecting an increase in spending on military aviation.

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Market Size of middle east and africa military helicopters Industry

Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 1.09 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 1.47 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Body Type Multi-Mission Helicopter
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) 5.09 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country Turkey

Major Players

Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market Analysis

The Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market size is estimated at 1.09 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 1.47 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.09% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

1.1 B

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

1.5 B

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

259

Total Deliveries in the Historic Period (2017-2023)

425

Total Deliveries during the Forecast Period (2024-2030)

Largest Market by Body Type

93.29 %

value share, Multi-Mission Helicopter, 2023

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

Largest Market by Country

32.07 %

value share, Turkey, 2023

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The country's focus on tactical reconnaissance and attack aircraft to support its Air Force’s border operations is acting as a catalyst for its dominant position in the region.

Leading Market Player

29.26 %

market share, Textron Inc., 2022

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The company focus on its higher goals and unique military aircraft products is prompting the countries to procure aircraft from the company.

Second Leading Market Player

28.35 %

market share, Airbus SE, 2022

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An extensive range of product offerings that include multi-mission helicopters, transport helicopters, and other helicopters for various countries is expected to support Airbus's domination in the region.

Third Leading Market Player

22.40 %

market share, Leonardo S.p.A, 2022

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Leonardo provides a wide range of high-performance combat and ISR rotorcraft, and its vast geographical presence boosts its position as a third-leading player.

Geopolitical challenges and rising defense budgets are the driving factors of military rotorcraft in the region

  • The regional armed forces are modernizing the capabilities of helicopters with cutting-edge technologies to gain a military edge. During the forecast period, multi-mission helicopters are expected to hold the major share of the market. Multi-mission helicopters can provide close air support to ground troops and conduct anti-tank operations to destroy enemy armor. The armed forces in the region require these capabilities, aiding the procurement of multi-mission helicopters.
  • There are currently 3,118 combat helicopters in operation in the Middle East & Africa. With a 474-helicopter operational force, Turkey possesses the most combat helicopters in the region. Egypt and Algeria have active fleets of 313 and 276 combat helicopters, respectively, after Turkey.
  • Turkey, Algeria, and Egypt are anticipated to purchase most of the helicopters throughout the forecast period. Egypt plans to buy 24 EW-149 multi-mission helicopters by 2024. By 2024, Algeria plans to purchase 42 Mi-28 attack helicopters. Around 160 helicopters will likely be purchased by Turkey, including 109 S-70 utility helicopters. By 2026, all the helicopters are expected to be delivered.
  • Earlier in 2018, the United Arab Emirates signed a USD 242 million contract with The Boeing Company for the procurement of 17 Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, which are expected to be delivered by 2023. Turkey is currently developing a new T629 attack helicopter, with a total displacement of six tons, lighter than its T129 ATAK predecessor. By the second half of 2020, Turkish Aerospace Industries started delivering ATAK FAZ 2 helicopters.
Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market

The demand for fleet upgradation and fleet replacement programs for the growing aging fleet is expected to aid the market growth

  • The defense expenditure in the Middle East was around USD 184 billion in 2022, with a decline of over 3.2% compared to 2022. It was around USD 39.4 billion in Africa in 2022, with a decline of over 5% from 2021.
  • The Gulf region continues to be fragmented due to geographic tensions between the countries in the region. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, and Algeria are the major arms importers globally. They also have active programs for procuring combat and utility helicopters in the rotorcraft segment. These countries are expected to procure newer rotorcraft for fleet upgradation during the forecast period.
  • In 2022, the rotorcraft accounted for 41% of the overall aircraft deliveries in the region. Some major procurements during 2017-2021 were Boeing's AH-64E combat helicopters by the UAE and the procurement of 48 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters by Saudi Arabia.
  • During 2017-2021, the active rotorcraft fleet grew by around 4% in the Middle East and 6% in Africa. This growth was driven by the overt intervention of regional powers and ongoing conflicts between Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The US, France, and Russia are the major supplier nations of rotorcraft in this region. Apart from the major countries, small countries such as Morocco and Nigeria are also increasing their defense budgets due to the ongoing tensions with Algeria. All such factors are expected to drive the spending on various types of military rotorcraft in the region during the forecast period. During 2023-209, around 514 rotorcraft are expected to be delivered in the region.

Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Industry Segmentation

Multi-Mission Helicopter, Transport Helicopter, Others are covered as segments by Body Type. Algeria, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Arab Emirates are covered as segments by Country.

  • The regional armed forces are modernizing the capabilities of helicopters with cutting-edge technologies to gain a military edge. During the forecast period, multi-mission helicopters are expected to hold the major share of the market. Multi-mission helicopters can provide close air support to ground troops and conduct anti-tank operations to destroy enemy armor. The armed forces in the region require these capabilities, aiding the procurement of multi-mission helicopters.
  • There are currently 3,118 combat helicopters in operation in the Middle East & Africa. With a 474-helicopter operational force, Turkey possesses the most combat helicopters in the region. Egypt and Algeria have active fleets of 313 and 276 combat helicopters, respectively, after Turkey.
  • Turkey, Algeria, and Egypt are anticipated to purchase most of the helicopters throughout the forecast period. Egypt plans to buy 24 EW-149 multi-mission helicopters by 2024. By 2024, Algeria plans to purchase 42 Mi-28 attack helicopters. Around 160 helicopters will likely be purchased by Turkey, including 109 S-70 utility helicopters. By 2026, all the helicopters are expected to be delivered.
  • Earlier in 2018, the United Arab Emirates signed a USD 242 million contract with The Boeing Company for the procurement of 17 Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, which are expected to be delivered by 2023. Turkey is currently developing a new T629 attack helicopter, with a total displacement of six tons, lighter than its T129 ATAK predecessor. By the second half of 2020, Turkish Aerospace Industries started delivering ATAK FAZ 2 helicopters.
Body Type
Multi-Mission Helicopter
Transport Helicopter
Others
Country
Algeria
Egypt
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East and Africa
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Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market Size Summary

The Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market is poised for significant growth, driven by the modernization efforts of regional armed forces seeking to enhance their military capabilities. The focus is on acquiring multi-mission helicopters, which are crucial for providing close air support and conducting anti-tank operations. Countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Algeria are leading the procurement efforts, with plans to purchase a substantial number of helicopters, including advanced models like the Mi-28 and S-70. The market is characterized by a moderate level of consolidation, with major players such as Airbus SE, Leonardo S.p.A, Russian Helicopters, Textron Inc., and The Boeing Company dominating the landscape. The ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the region continue to drive the demand for military rotorcraft, as nations strive to maintain a strategic edge.

The defense expenditure in the Middle East and Africa reflects a complex landscape, with significant investments in military capabilities despite recent declines in spending. The Gulf region remains a major hub for arms imports, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, and Algeria actively procuring combat and utility helicopters. The rotorcraft segment has seen a notable increase in deliveries, supported by the involvement of major suppliers such as the US, France, and Russia. While the active fleet size in Africa has seen a slight decrease, the Middle East has experienced growth, with plans for further expansion in the coming years. The market's trajectory is influenced by both regional dynamics and global defense trends, ensuring a robust outlook for military helicopter acquisitions in the foreseeable future.

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Middle East and Africa 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 Country

      1. 1.2.1 Algeria

      2. 1.2.2 Egypt

      3. 1.2.3 Qatar

      4. 1.2.4 Saudi Arabia

      5. 1.2.5 South Africa

      6. 1.2.6 Turkey

      7. 1.2.7 United Arab Emirates

      8. 1.2.8 Rest of Middle East and Africa

Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market Size FAQs

The Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market size is expected to reach USD 1.09 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.09% to reach USD 1.47 billion by 2030.

In 2024, the Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market size is expected to reach USD 1.09 billion.

Middle East and Africa Military Helicopters Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030