Global Attack Helicopter Market Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Global Attack Helicopter Market Size was valued at USD 8.4 Billion in 2023.
• The Market is Growing at a CAGR of 5.09% from 2023 to 2033
• The Worldwide Attack Helicopter Market Size is Expected to reach USD 13.8 Billion by 2033
• Asia Pacific is Expected to Grow the fastest during the forecast period

The Global Attack Helicopter Market Size is Expected to reach USD 13.8 Billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 5.09% during the forecast period 2023 to 2033.

The necessity for military equipment upgrading, rising defence budgets across the globe, and geopolitical unrest have all contributed to the attack helicopter market's consistent expansion. Numerous nations, particularly those with ageing fleets, were spending money to modernise their armed forces, which included buying cutting-edge attack helicopters. Attack helicopters have been deployed for surveillance, close air support, and counter-insurgency operations due to the persistent danger posed by terrorist organisations and insurgent groups across the globe. Although conventional manned attack helicopters are still essential, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are becoming more and more popular for use in combat situations. The long-term dynamics of the market are probably going to be impacted by this move towards unmanned platforms.

Attack Helicopter Market Value Chain Analysis

During the research and development stage, new attack helicopter platforms are conceptualised, designed, and developed, or old platforms are upgraded. It entails carrying out viability studies, creating prototypes, testing, and validating novel features and technologies. Critical parts and subsystems, including as airframes, engines, avionics, weapons systems, sensors, and other mission equipment, are supplied by a number of providers for attack helicopters. The attack helicopters are produced and put together when the parts are acquired. Airframe fabrication, subsystem integration, final assembly, and quality assurance procedures to guarantee adherence to standards and specifications are all part of this stage. OEMs are in charge of managing assembly lines, suppliers, quality control, and the full production process. Manufacturers sell their attack helicopter platforms to prospective clients, such as governmental bodies, defence contractors, and military organisations. Throughout the attack helicopters' lifecycle, aftermarket services include technical assistance, training, acquisition of spare parts, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). The ultimate consumers of attack helicopters are governmental and military institutions. These platforms are used for a variety of missions, such as troop transport, special operations, anti-armor, close air support, and reconnaissance.

Attack Helicopter Market Opportunity Analysis

Numerous nations are seeking to update their fleets of helicopters as well as their armed forces. Manufacturers now have the chance to provide improved or next-generation attack helicopter platforms with improved mission flexibility, survivability, and firepower. A growing number of emerging economies are investing in cutting-edge military hardware, such as attack helicopters, due to increased defence resources. Manufacturers can enter these markets by providing affordable products that are suited to the unique needs of these nations. Attack helicopters that can perform counter-insurgency operations are in high demand due to the persistent danger posed by terrorist and insurgent groups in different parts of the world. Manufacturers are able to create customised platforms that are ideal for counterterrorism operations and asymmetrical combat scenarios including metropolitan areas.

Market Dynamics

Attack Helicopter Market Dynamics

Increasing emphasis on fleet modernization

The goal of modernization initiatives is to keep the fleets of attack helicopters in use successful in changing operational conditions by providing them with cutting-edge technologies and capabilities. Improvements to avionics, sensor suites, weapons systems, and mission computers, among other components, improve situational awareness, precise targeting, and mission flexibility. These upgrades guarantee that the helicopters will always be relevant and ready to handle new threats. The objective of fleet modernization programmes is to prolong the operating lifespan of attack helicopters by means of structural upgrades, engine enhancements, and other improvements. Defence forces can maximise return on investment and postpone the need for expensive replacements by upgrading outdated aircraft with contemporary systems and components, hence maximising fleet availability and readiness.

Restraints & Challenges

Numerous governments worldwide are confronted with financial limitations and conflicting agendas, potentially restricting their capacity to allocate funds towards the procurement of new attack helicopters or fleet modernization initiatives. The demand for attack helicopters may be impacted by tight defence budgets, which could cause delays in procurement decisions or lower funding for defence programmes. The attack helicopter industry purchases parts, subsystems, and raw materials from a variety of suppliers through a global supply chain network. The supply chain can be disrupted by events like natural catastrophes, trade disputes, geopolitical conflicts, or pandemics. This can lead to production delays, higher costs, and shortages of essential components. There is fierce competition among the leading companies and newcomers in the attack helicopter market as they compete for market share.

Regional Forecasts

North America Market Statistics

North America is anticipated to dominate the Attack Helicopter Market from 2023 to 2033. Attack helicopters are frequently used in joint and combined weapons operations in North America in cooperation with ground forces, fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and command and control platforms. When operating attack helicopters, interoperability and integration with other components of the joint force are crucial factors. Manufacturers in North America aggressively seek out export markets for their attack helicopter platforms, targeting both foreign and ally customers. Attack helicopter exports to partner nations looking for sophisticated rotorcraft capabilities are made possible via government-to-government agreements, government-to-government programmes, and participation in defence fairs and trade exhibits.

Asia Pacific Market Statistics

Asia Pacific is witnessing the fastest market growth between 2023 to 2033. A number of Asia-Pacific nations have been augmenting their defence budgets as a reaction to changing security scenarios and geopolitical strains. The aforementioned tendency has resulted in an increase in defence procurement endeavours, encompassing the procurement of sophisticated attack helicopters to augment military capabilities. The Asia-Pacific area's governments need attack helicopters and other cutting-edge military hardware due to ongoing territory disputes, tensions in the region, and security concerns. Strategic stability and deterrence against possible rivals are driving nations like Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United States to aggressively modernise their armed forces. In an effort to modernise their outdated defence systems and improve their military prowess, numerous nations in the Asia-Pacific area are undertaking modernization initiatives.

Segmentation Analysis

Insights by Maximum Take-Off Weight

The above 8 metric ton (above 16,000 lbs) segment accounted for the largest market share over the forecast period 2023 to 2033. Compared to their smaller counterparts, attack helicopters in the 8 metric ton category and upwards are outfitted with more potent engines, sophisticated avionics, and heavier armament packages. This makes aircraft more effective in contemporary combat situations by allowing them to carry a greater variety of weaponry, such as air-to-air missiles, cannons, rockets, and anti-tank missiles. Larger attack helicopters frequently include enhanced survivability features like armoured protection, backup systems, and cutting-edge defences against threats like radar- and infrared-guided weapons. They are therefore more equipped to operate in dangerous situations and endure clashes with the enemy. Advanced attack helicopters in the over 8 metric tonne sector are becoming more and more in demand as emerging economies modernise their military services and boost defence budgets.

Insights by Platform

The air force segment is dominating the market with the largest market share over the forecast period 2023 to 2033. In order to accomplish strategic goals, modern air forces are progressively implementing multi-domain operational concepts that combine air, land, sea, space, and cyber capabilities. Attack helicopters are essential to air force tasks because they support ground forces with close air support, combat interdiction, and surveillance. Attack helicopters are used by air forces for counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, air interdiction, convoy escort, and special operations support, among other specialised tasks and missions. These platforms are adaptable and agile enough to perform operations in a variety of operational situations, ranging from rocky terrain to metropolitan areas. To modernise their armed forces and handle security issues, emerging nations with growing air forces are boosting their investment in attack helicopter capabilities.

Recent Market Developments

• In September 2023, a final deal for thirteen 737 MAX aircraft was announced by the Boeing Company and Aviation Capital Group LLC.

Competitive Landscape

Major players in the market

• The Boeing Company
• Russian Helicopters
• MD Helicopters.
• HAL Turkish Aerospace Industries
• Leonardo – Finmeccanica
• Bell Helicopter
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Textron Inc
• Airbus Helicopters
• Denel

Market Segmentation

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2023 to 2033.

Attack Helicopter Market, Maximum Take-Off Weight Analysis

• Above 8 tons (Above 16,000 lbs)
• Below 8 tons (Above 16,000 lbs)

Attack Helicopter Market, Platform Analysis

• Army
• Navy
• Air Force

Attack Helicopter Market, Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • Uk
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa