Special Mission Aircraft Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 6.63 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 7.31 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 1.99 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Special Mission Aircraft Market Analysis
The Special Mission Aircraft Market size is estimated at USD 6.63 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 7.31 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 1.99% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The escalating geopolitical tensions and cross-border issues across the world are driving the rapid increase in military spending by major and emerging economies. Special mission aircraft act as low-cost multi-role substitutes that support a wide range of missions like maritime patrol, electronic warfare, search and rescue, and medevac, among others. The ongoing advancements in aerospace technologies, including sensor systems, communication equipment, and stealth capabilities, drive the demand for modernized special mission aircraft with enhanced performance and capabilities. The integration of cyber warfare capabilities into special mission aircraft is becoming increasingly important as nations seek to enhance their capabilities to detect and counter cyber threats.
According to Bombardier, the demand for medevac-configured special mission aircraft increased in 2020. The evolving global security landscape, including geopolitical tensions and asymmetric threats, propels the need for special mission aircraft to enhance situational awareness and response capabilities. Moreover, growing defense expenditures worldwide are expected to accelerate the demand for special mission aircraft during the forecast period.
Special Mission Aircraft Market Trends
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Segment To Dominate Market Share
The intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) segment currently dominates the market, and it is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. The segment includes special mission aircraft used for ISR missions and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) applications. Similarly, the growing need for monitoring and securing borders against various threats drives the demand for special mission aircraft equipped with ISR capabilities to enhance border surveillance and control. The demand growth of the segment is majorly due to the increased demand for the acquisition of surveillance aircraft due to tensions at land and sea borders for various countries as well as other factors like drug trafficking and high-seas piracy.
For instance, in November 2022, Bombardier Defense received a Global 6000 jet to its US facility, where it will be converted to fit the intelligence-gathering needs of the German military. The aircraft is the first of three Global 6000 business jets to be conjointly modified by the Bombardier and the Lufthansa Technik, as part of Germany’s PEGASUS program. As per the contract, Bombardier will perform major structural modifications to make the jet capable of accommodating a “Kalætron Integral” signal intelligence (SIGINT) system developed by HENSOLDT AG. Once modifications are finished the plane will be moved to the Lufthansa Technik facility where the intelligence-gathering system will be installed. Such fleet modernization plans of the countries are anticipated to propel the growth of the segment during the forecast period.
Asia-Pacific to Witness the Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period due to the border tensions and geopolitical issues in the region. With the increasing military spending, countries such as China, India, and Japan are undertaking aircraft fleet modernization programs to enhance their aerial capabilities (including combat readiness and situational awareness.
For instance, in September 2023, the Indian Air Force (IAF) received its first C-295 transport aircraft, reaching a major milestone in IAF's air capabilities. The aircraft is capable of special missions, disaster response, and maritime patrol duties. In September 2021, the IAF ordered a total of 56 planes from Airbus, of which 16 will be imported from Spain and the rest will be manufactured in India and delivered to IAF by 2031. IAF received the first delivery of C-295 aircraft in September 2023. C-295 aircraft will enhance IAF's tactical lift capability along the Pakistan and China border. Such planned procurements during the forecast period are expected to drive the growth of the market.
Special Mission Aircraft Industry Overview
The special mission aircraft market is fragmented due to the presence of aircraft OEMs and companies that convert commercial or general aviation aircraft into special mission aircraft. Some of the prominent players in the market for special mission aircraft are RTX Corporation, Textron Inc., Dassault Aviation, General Dynamics Corporation, and Saab AB.
The companies are expanding their sales and footprint in various regions through new partnerships with the governments and armed forces. For instance, the US government was awarded a USD 1.6 billion production contract to Boeing in April 2021 for the delivery of 11 P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Out of the 11 aircraft, nine aircraft are planned to be delivered to the US Navy, and two aircraft will be delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). With the order, the total number of P-8A aircraft on order for the US Navy increase to 128 and the RAAF to 14.
The companies are also investing in developing new special mission aircraft based on the requirements of the armed forces. In this regard, in January 2024, the US Armuy awarded a contract to Bombardier Defense for a Global 6500 aircraft to serve as a prototype airframe for the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. The HADES program aims to develop an ISR aircraft that uses a large-cabin business jet with advanced deep-sensing capabilities. Such contracts from various government and armed forces will help the companies increase their footprint in the market.
Special Mission Aircraft Market Leaders
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Textron Inc.
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General Dynamics Corporation
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Saab AB
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RTX Corporation
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Dassault Aviation
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Special Mission Aircraft Market News
In March 2024, Textron Aviation, a part of Textron Inc., was awarded a contract by the US Army Contracting Command for two Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprop aircraft that will be owned and operated by the Djiboutian Air Force (DAF). These aircraft are part of a USD 100 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for acquiring such aircraft from Textron until 2029.
In July 2022, Northrop Grumman Corporation and Boom Supersonic collaborated on Supersonic aircraft for quick-reaction missions. As per the plan, the aircraft will be fitted with specialized capabilities, the aircraft will have the capability to be used to deliver medical supplies, provide for emergency medical evacuation, or surveil vast areas faster than conventional aircraft. The special mission overture variant will be used to coordinate other aircraft and ground assets in a variety of scenarios.
In July 2022, ELTA Systems Ltd., a part of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) signed a contract of over USD 200 million to supply special mission aircraft to a NATO country in Europe. IAI-ELTA offers four lines of Special-Mission Aircraft; AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) Aircraft, AGS (Air to Ground Surveillance) aircraft, MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft), and SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) aircraft.
Special Mission Aircraft Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
- 4.1 Market Overview
- 4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.3 Market Restraints
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4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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5.1 Application
- 5.1.1 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
- 5.1.2 Maritime Patrol Aircraft
- 5.1.3 Other Applications
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5.2 Geography
- 5.2.1 North America
- 5.2.1.1 United States
- 5.2.1.2 Canada
- 5.2.2 Europe
- 5.2.2.1 United Kingdom
- 5.2.2.2 France
- 5.2.2.3 Germany
- 5.2.2.4 Russia
- 5.2.2.5 Rest of Europe
- 5.2.3 Asia-Pacific
- 5.2.3.1 China
- 5.2.3.2 India
- 5.2.3.3 Japan
- 5.2.3.4 Australia
- 5.2.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.2.4 Latin America
- 5.2.4.1 Brazil
- 5.2.4.2 Rest of Latin America
- 5.2.5 Middle-East and Africa
- 5.2.5.1 United Arab Emirates
- 5.2.5.2 Turkey
- 5.2.5.3 Rest of Middle-East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
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6.1 Company Profiles
- 6.1.1 RTX Corporation
- 6.1.2 IAI
- 6.1.3 Elbit Systems Ltd.
- 6.1.4 The Boeing Company
- 6.1.5 Dassault Aviation
- 6.1.6 Northrop Grumman Corporation
- 6.1.7 Lockheed Martin Corporation
- 6.1.8 Textron Inc.
- 6.1.9 General Dynamics Corporation
- 6.1.10 Airbus SE
- 6.1.11 Bombardier Inc.
- 6.1.12 Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
- 6.1.13 Leonardo S.p.A.
- 6.1.14 Saab AB
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
** Subject To AvailablitySpecial Mission Aircraft Industry Segmentation
Special mission aircraft are aircraft equipped with a wide range of sensors and military equipment to support a wide range of non-combat missions such as search and rescue, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, etc. The market includes procurement, upgrade, and maintenance of special mission aircraft. The scope does not include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and rotorcraft used for ISR, search and rescue, and other non-combat missions of armed forces.
The special mission aircraft market is segmented by application and geography. Based on application, the market is segmented into ISR, maritime patrol aircraft, and other applications. The other applications segment includes aircraft used for electronic warfare, air ambulance, and VIP transportation. The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the special mission aircraft market in major countries across different regions. For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).
| Application | Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) | |
| Maritime Patrol Aircraft | ||
| Other Applications | ||
| Geography | North America | United States |
| Canada | ||
| Geography | Europe | United Kingdom |
| France | ||
| Germany | ||
| Russia | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Geography | Asia-Pacific | China |
| India | ||
| Japan | ||
| Australia | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Geography | Latin America | Brazil |
| Rest of Latin America | ||
| Geography | Middle-East and Africa | United Arab Emirates |
| Turkey | ||
| Rest of Middle-East and Africa |
Special Mission Aircraft Market Research FAQs
How big is the Special Mission Aircraft Market?
The Special Mission Aircraft Market size is expected to reach USD 6.63 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 1.99% to reach USD 7.31 billion by 2029.
What is the current Special Mission Aircraft Market size?
In 2024, the Special Mission Aircraft Market size is expected to reach USD 6.63 billion.
Who are the key players in Special Mission Aircraft Market?
Textron Inc., General Dynamics Corporation, Saab AB, RTX Corporation and Dassault Aviation are the major companies operating in the Special Mission Aircraft Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Special Mission Aircraft Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Special Mission Aircraft Market?
In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Special Mission Aircraft Market.
What years does this Special Mission Aircraft Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Special Mission Aircraft Market size was estimated at USD 6.50 billion. The report covers the Special Mission Aircraft Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Special Mission Aircraft Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Special Mission Aircraft Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Special Mission Aircraft market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Special Mission Aircraft analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2024 to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
