US Military Aviation Market Size
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Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
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Market Size (2024) | USD 21.15 Billion |
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Market Size (2030) | USD 31.34 Billion |
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Largest Share by Sub Aircraft Type | Fixed-Wing Aircraft |
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CAGR (2024 - 2030) | 6.77 % |
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Fastest Growing by Sub Aircraft Type | Fixed-Wing Aircraft |
Major Players |
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
US Military Aviation Market Analysis
The US Military Aviation Market size is estimated at 21.15 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 31.34 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.77% during the forecast period (2024-2030).
21.2 B
Market Size in 2024 (USD)
31.3 B
Market Size in 2030 (USD)
1695
Total Deliveries in the Historic Period (2017-2023)
2070
Total Deliveries during the Forecast Period (2024-2030)
Largest Market by Sub-Aircraft Type
83.23 %
value share, Fixed-Wing Aircraft, 2023
The country's focus on maintaining military supremacy and enhancing its combat capabilities by procuring advanced combat aircraft is driving the market's growth.
Fastest-growing Market by Sub-Aircraft Type
6.88 %
Projected CAGR, Fixed-Wing Aircraft, 2024-2030
Ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts worldwide are leading the country to procure advanced multi-role aircraft to enhance its combat superiority.
Largest Market by Body Type
51.91 %
value share, Multi-Role Aircraft, 2023
The ability to perform ground strikes, air superiority, suppression of enemy air defenses, and electronic warfare missions are driving the procurement of advanced multi-role aircraft.
Leading Market Player
56.96 %
market share, Lockheed Martin Corporation, 2022
The company's ability to provide its most advanced fighter jets with superior lethality, connectivity, and survivability enables it to capture a major market share.
Second Leading Market Player
24.51 %
market share, The Boeing Company, 2022
The wide range of military aircraft and helicopters offered by the company is responsible for its market penetration, making it the second-largest market player.
Rising defense budgets and huge aircraft procurement are driving the market
- Competition in technology between China and the United States is accelerating as both countries are increasingly focused on the R&D of emerging technologies to prepare for future warfare. In 2022, the United States accounted for 39% of global defense military spending, which increased by USD 877 billion in 2022, or 0.7%. The total includes military assistance to Ukraine, estimated at USD 19.9 billion. In 2022, the country released the Department of the Air Force budget, which outlined the budget request for FY 2023 at approximately USD 194.0 billion.
- A significant portion of the defense budget is allocated for F-35 jets, B-21 Raider bombers, KC-46A Pegasus tankers, and other helicopters. Some of these new aircraft will replace the existing fleet that has been operational for over 50 years. In 2022, the Air Force planned to cut down the total fleet of C-130 aircraft and upgrade about 92 C-130 aircraft. The US Air Force plans to retire the older models for the new C-130J aircraft fleet. By the end of 2022, the United States received 47 F-35s, with outstanding deliveries for 1,943 aircraft expected during the forecast period.
- Several ongoing and future procurement programs of the country are expected to drive its military helicopter market during 2023-2029. In March 2023, Boeing announced that the US Army had awarded a contract to build new AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters under a USD 1.95 billion four-year order. In September 2018, the US Air Force (USAF) selected the MH-139 to replace its fleet of UH-1N Huey helicopters. As of December 2022, nine helicopters were delivered, with the rest of the deliveries expected during the forecast period. During the forecast period, a total of 2,330 aircraft are expected to be procured by the country.
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US Military Aviation Market Trends
The increase in defense spending can be attributed to the various geopolitical threats faced by the US
- In 2022, the US accounted for 39% of global defense spending military spending, which increased by USD 877 billion in 2022, or 0.7%. In 2022, the US released the Department of the Air Force budget, which outlined that for FY 2023, the budget request was approximately USD 194.0 billion, a USD 20.2 billion or 11.7% increase from the FY 2022 request. The US DoD proposed USD 276.0 billion in acquisition funds for FY2023 (Procurement and Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E)), which comprised USD 145.9 billion for Procurement and USD 130.1 billion for RDT&E. The financing requested in the budget is a balanced portfolio approach to implementing the National Defense Strategy recommendations.
- Of the USD 276 billion in the request, USD 56.5 billion (USD 16.8 billion for RDT&E and USD 39.6 billion for Procurement) will finance aircraft and related systems, including money for aircraft R&D, aircraft acquisition, initial spares, and aircraft support equipment. The single most expensive defense program, the fifth generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), has USD 11.0 billion in requests for 61 aircraft for the Navy (F-35C), Marine Corps (F-35B & C), and Air Force (F-35A). Funding for FY 2023 also included the purchase of 24 F-15EX, 79 logistics and support aircraft, 119 rotary wing aircraft, and 12 UAV/UAS.
- The US Army's budget request for FY 2022 was USD 173 billion, the Navy's was USD 212 billion, and the Air Force's request was USD 213 billion. The aircraft and related systems category includes the following subgroups: Combat Aircraft (USD 23.0 billion), Cargo Aircraft (USD 5.0 billion), Support Aircraft (USD 1.6 billion), with the remaining budget for UAS, aircraft support, technology development, and aircraft modifications.
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Fleet modernization and growing modern warfare are the driving factors for the country's active fleet enhancement
- The US Air Force (USAF) continues to develop and procure next-generation aircraft to meet the demands of modern warfare. Fielding of new aircraft has slowed the increase in fleet age. The US Air Force is not buying enough new aircraft to sustain its force structure at its current size. A further decrease in fleet size is likely to be witnessed in the future. The average age of a few aircraft is high, at 45 years for bombers, 49 years for tankers, 32 years for helicopters, 32 years for trainers, and 29 years for fighter/attack aircraft. The Navy and the Army also face challenges with aging aircraft and maintaining their fleets. However, the Air Force is in far worse shape in terms of aging and the slow acquisition of replacements. As of December 2022, the United States had the biggest fleet of military aircraft in the world, with a total of 13,300 operational planes. A considerable chunk of this fleet is made up of combat helicopters (42%) and combat planes (21%). In contrast, training planes and helicopters account for 20%, while transport planes make up only 7%. Meanwhile, tankers and special mission aircraft each represent 5% of the fleet.
- For FY2023, the US Air Force asked for permission from Congress to retire up to 150 aircraft, including 21 A-10, 33 F-22, 8 E-8, 15 E-3 Sentries, 10 C-130H Hercules, 50 T-1 Jayhawks, and 13 KC-135 tankers. The USAF also trimmed its F-35A purchases to free up funds to develop Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and roll out the F-15EX. The USAF plans to buy 33 F-35As in 2023, fewer than the 48 the service asked for in FY2022. With the dynamic nature of modern warfare, the United States aims to maintain a smaller fleet of effective aircraft, which may significantly reduce the overall fleet size during the forecast period.
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OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- The country's GDP growth is anticipated to be supported by the increasing economic stability
US Military Aviation Industry Overview
The US Military Aviation Market is fairly consolidated, with the top five companies occupying 113.13%. The major players in this market are Airbus SE, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Textron Inc. and The Boeing Company (sorted alphabetically).
US Military Aviation Market Leaders
Airbus SE
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Textron Inc.
The Boeing Company
Other important companies include Leonardo S.p.A.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order.
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US Military Aviation Market News
- May 2023: The US State Department approved a potential sale of CH-47 Chinook helicopters, engines, and equipment worth USD 8.5 billion to Germany.
- March 2023: Boeing has been awarded a contract by the US government to manufacture 184 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the US military and international customers. The US government announced USD 1.95 million, indicating that the helicopter will be delivered to the US military and overseas buyers - specifically Australia and Egypt - as a part of the paramilitary process to the Foreign Service (FMS) from the US government. Contract completion is expected by the end of 2027.
- February 2023: Boeing received a contract from the US Air Force for E-7 Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft.
Free with this Report
We provide a complimentary and exhaustive set of data points on global and regional metrics that present the fundamental structure of the industry. Presented in the form of 45+ free charts, the section covers data on commercial aircraft deliveries by manufacturer, backlogs of commercial aircraft, active military aircraft fleet by type of aircraft, overall business jets and helicopters fleet by manufacturer and also classified by type of ownership.
US Military Aviation Market Report - Table of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
2. REPORT OFFERS
3. INTRODUCTION
- 3.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
- 3.2 Scope of the Study
- 3.3 Research Methodology
4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
- 4.1 Gross Domestic Product
- 4.2 Active Fleet Data
- 4.3 Defense Spending
- 4.4 Regulatory Framework
- 4.5 Value Chain Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)
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5.1 Sub Aircraft Type
- 5.1.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft
- 5.1.1.1 Multi-Role Aircraft
- 5.1.1.2 Training Aircraft
- 5.1.1.3 Transport Aircraft
- 5.1.1.4 Others
- 5.1.2 Rotorcraft
- 5.1.2.1 Multi-Mission Helicopter
- 5.1.2.2 Transport Helicopter
- 5.1.2.3 Others
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
- 6.2 Market Share Analysis
- 6.3 Company Landscape
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6.4 Company Profiles
- 6.4.1 Airbus SE
- 6.4.2 Leonardo S.p.A
- 6.4.3 Lockheed Martin Corporation
- 6.4.4 Northrop Grumman Corporation
- 6.4.5 Textron Inc.
- 6.4.6 The Boeing Company
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR AVIATION CEOS
8. APPENDIX
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8.1 Global Overview
- 8.1.1 Overview
- 8.1.2 Porter’s Five Forces Framework
- 8.1.3 Global Value Chain Analysis
- 8.1.4 Market Dynamics (DROs)
- 8.2 Sources & References
- 8.3 List of Tables & Figures
- 8.4 Primary Insights
- 8.5 Data Pack
- 8.6 Glossary of Terms
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- ACTIVE MILITARY AIRCRAFT FLEET, NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT, VOLUME, UNITED STATES, 2016 - 2030
- Figure 2:
- DEFENSE SPENDING, USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 3:
- NUMBER OF NEW AIRCRAFT DELIVERIES, VOLUME, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 4:
- NUMBER OF NEW AIRCRAFT DELIVERIES, USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 5:
- MILITARY AVIATION DELIVERIES BY SUB AIRCRAFT TYPE, VOLUME, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 6:
- MILITARY AVIATION DELIVERIES BY SUB AIRCRAFT TYPE, USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 7:
- MILITARY AVIATION DELIVERIES BY SUB AIRCRAFT TYPE, VOLUME %, UNITED STATES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 8:
- MILITARY AVIATION DELIVERIES BY SUB AIRCRAFT TYPE, VALUE %, UNITED STATES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 9:
- FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT DELIVERIES BY BODY TYPE, VOLUME, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 10:
- FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT DELIVERIES BY BODY TYPE, USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 11:
- FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT DELIVERIES BY BODY TYPE, VOLUME %, UNITED STATES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 12:
- FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT DELIVERIES BY BODY TYPE, VALUE %, UNITED STATES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 13:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY MULTI-ROLE AIRCRAFT, UNITS, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 14:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY MULTI-ROLE AIRCRAFT, USD, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY BODY TYPE, USD, %, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 16:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY TRAINING AIRCRAFT, UNITS, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 17:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY TRAINING AIRCRAFT, USD, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 18:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY BODY TYPE, USD, %, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 19:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT, UNITS, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 20:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT, USD, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 21:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY BODY TYPE, USD, %, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 22:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY OTHERS, UNITS, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 23:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY OTHERS, USD, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 24:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY BODY TYPE, USD, %, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 25:
- ROTORCRAFT DELIVERIES BY BODY TYPE, VOLUME, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 26:
- ROTORCRAFT DELIVERIES BY BODY TYPE, USD, UNITED STATES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 27:
- ROTORCRAFT DELIVERIES BY BODY TYPE, VOLUME %, UNITED STATES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 28:
- ROTORCRAFT DELIVERIES BY BODY TYPE, VALUE %, UNITED STATES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 29:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY MULTI-MISSION HELICOPTER, UNITS, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 30:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY MULTI-MISSION HELICOPTER, USD, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 31:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY BODY TYPE, USD, %, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 32:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY TRANSPORT HELICOPTER, UNITS, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 33:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY TRANSPORT HELICOPTER, USD, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 34:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY BODY TYPE, USD, %, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 35:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY OTHERS, UNITS, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 36:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY OTHERS, USD, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 37:
- US MILITARY AVIATION MARKET, BY BODY TYPE, USD, %, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 38:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES, NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, UNITED STATES, 2018-2023
- Figure 39:
- MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, COUNT, UNITED STATES, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 40:
- MAJOR PLAYERS REVENUE SHARE (%), UNITED STATES, 2023
US Military Aviation Industry Segmentation
Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Rotorcraft are covered as segments by Sub Aircraft Type.
- Competition in technology between China and the United States is accelerating as both countries are increasingly focused on the R&D of emerging technologies to prepare for future warfare. In 2022, the United States accounted for 39% of global defense military spending, which increased by USD 877 billion in 2022, or 0.7%. The total includes military assistance to Ukraine, estimated at USD 19.9 billion. In 2022, the country released the Department of the Air Force budget, which outlined the budget request for FY 2023 at approximately USD 194.0 billion.
- A significant portion of the defense budget is allocated for F-35 jets, B-21 Raider bombers, KC-46A Pegasus tankers, and other helicopters. Some of these new aircraft will replace the existing fleet that has been operational for over 50 years. In 2022, the Air Force planned to cut down the total fleet of C-130 aircraft and upgrade about 92 C-130 aircraft. The US Air Force plans to retire the older models for the new C-130J aircraft fleet. By the end of 2022, the United States received 47 F-35s, with outstanding deliveries for 1,943 aircraft expected during the forecast period.
- Several ongoing and future procurement programs of the country are expected to drive its military helicopter market during 2023-2029. In March 2023, Boeing announced that the US Army had awarded a contract to build new AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters under a USD 1.95 billion four-year order. In September 2018, the US Air Force (USAF) selected the MH-139 to replace its fleet of UH-1N Huey helicopters. As of December 2022, nine helicopters were delivered, with the rest of the deliveries expected during the forecast period. During the forecast period, a total of 2,330 aircraft are expected to be procured by the country.
| Sub Aircraft Type | Fixed-Wing Aircraft | Multi-Role Aircraft |
| Training Aircraft | ||
| Transport Aircraft | ||
| Others | ||
| Sub Aircraft Type | Rotorcraft | Multi-Mission Helicopter |
| Transport Helicopter | ||
| Others |
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Market Definition
- Aircraft Type - All the military aircraft and rotorcraft which are used for various applications are included in this study.
- Sub-Aircraft Type - For this study, sub-aircraft types such as fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft based on their application are considered.
- Body Type - Multi-Role Aircraft, Transport, Training Aircraft, Bombers, Reconnaissance Aircraft, Multi-Mission Helicopters, Transport Helicopters and various other aircraft and rotorcraft are considered in this study.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| IATA | IATA stands for the International Air Transport Association, a trade organization composed of airlines around the world that has an influence over the commercial aspects of flight. |
| ICAO | ICAO stands for International Civil Aviation Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations that supports aviation and navigation around the globe. |
| Air Operator Certificate (AOC) | A certificate granted by a National Aviation Authority permitting the conduct of commercial flying activities. |
| Certificate Of Airworthiness (CoA) | A Certificate Of Airworthiness (CoA) is issued for an aircraft by the civil aviation authority in the state in which the aircraft is registered. |
| Gross Domestic Product (GDP) | Gross domestic product (GDP) is a monetary measure of the market value of all the final goods and services produced in a specific time period by countries. |
| RPK (Revenue Passenger Kilometres) | The RPK of an airline is the sum of the products obtained by multiplying the number of revenue passengers carried on each flight stage by the stage distance - it is the total number of kilometers traveled by all revenue passengers. |
| Load Factor | The load factor is a metric used in the airline industry that measures the percentage of available seating capacity that has been filled with passengers. |
| Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) | An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) traditionally is defined as a company whose goods are used as components in the products of another company, which then sells the finished item to users. |
| International Transportation Safety Association (ITSA) | International Transportation Safety Association (ITSA) is an international network of heads of independent safety investigation authorities (SIA). |
| Available Seats Kilometre (ASK) | This metric is calculated by multiplying Available Seats (AS) in one flight, defined above, multiplied by the distance flown. |
| Gross Weight | The fully-loaded weight of an aircraft, also known as “takeoff weight,” which includes the combined weight of passengers, cargo, and fuel. |
| Airworthiness | The ability of an aircraft, or other airborne equipment or system, to operate in flight and on the ground without significant hazard to aircrew, ground crew, passengers or to other third parties. |
| Airworthiness Standards | Detailed and comprehensive design and safety criteria applicable to the category of aeronautical product (aircraft, engine or propeller). |
| Fixed Base Operator (FBO) | A business or organization that operates at an airport. An FBO provides aircraft operating services like maintenance, fueling, flight training, charter services, hangaring, and parking. |
| High Net worth Individuals (HNWIs) | High Net worth Individuals (HNWIs) are individuals with over USD 1 million in liquid financial assets. |
| Ultra High Net worth Individuals (UHNWIs) | Ultra High Net worth Individuals (UHNWIs) are individuals with over USD 30 million in liquid financial assets. |
| Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | The division of the Department of Transportation is concerned with aviation. It operates Air Traffic Control and regulates everything from aircraft manufacturing to pilot training to airport operations in the United States. |
| EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) | The European Aviation Safety Agency is a European Union agency established in 2002 with the task of overseeing civil aviation safety and regulation. |
| Airborne Warning and Control System (AW&C) aircraft | Airborne Warning and Control System (AEW&C) aircraft is equipped with a powerful radar and on-board command and control center to direct the armed forces. |
| The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) | The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 member states – 28 European and two North American. |
| Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) | Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is a development and acquisition program intended to replace a wide range of existing fighter, strike, and ground attack aircraft for the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and formerly Turkey. |
| Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) | A light combat aircraft (LCA) is a light, multirole jet/turboprop military aircraft, commonly derived from advanced trainer designs, designed for engaging in light combat. |
| Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) | Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an international institute that provides data, analysis, and recommendations for armed conflict, military expenditure, and arms trade as well as disarmament and arms control. |
| Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) | A maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), also known as maritime reconnaissance aircraft is a fixed-wing aircraft designed to operate for long durations over water in maritime patrol roles, in particular, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-ship warfare (AShW), and search and rescue (SAR). |
| Mach Number | The Mach number is defined as the ratio of true airspeed to the speed of sound at the altitude of a given aircraft. |
| Stealth Aircraft | Stealth is a Common term applied to low observable (LO) technology and doctrine, that makes an aircraft near invisible to radar, infrared or visual detection. |
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Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the historical and forecast years have been provided in revenue and volume terms. For sales conversion to volume, the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country, and inflation is not a part of the pricing.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
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