Military Aircraft Avionics - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Military Aircraft Avionics Market size is estimated at USD 37.14 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 45.05 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.94% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Due to geopolitical tensions and border disputes, several countries worldwide are expediting the procurement of new military aircraft, helicopters, and drones, leading to a significant rise in military spending. Numerous nations invest in modernizing their fleets with state-of-the-art equipment to bolster their aerial capabilities. These investments in the procurement and modernization of military aircraft are anticipated to drive market growth in the future.

The introduction of advanced avionics generates the need to replace old avionics systems in conventional military aircraft. These new avionics suites support the aircraft in meeting the new battlefield requirements, such as electronic warfare defense and long-distance target detection and tracking. Therefore, to stay abreast of adversaries, the defense forces plan to modernize the avionics in military aircraft. Various countries procure next-generation military aircraft to expand their fleets.

Various nations' rising demand for UAVs is driven by the increasing necessity to deploy them over hostile airspace, aiming to prevent any potential damage or danger to expensive manned aircraft. Besides their effectiveness in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, UAVs can carry out combat target acquisition and search and rescue operations. The rising demand for UAVs is primarily motivated by the safety of crew members involved in non-combat missions. Additionally, the lower procurement cost of UAVs than traditional aircraft used for similar purposes has led to their acquisition by developing countries. However, the changing nature of modern warfare, characterized by asymmetric threats and complex operational environments, necessitating the need for highly adaptable and flexible platforms, may create opportunities in the future.

Military Aircraft Avionics Market Trends

The Flight Control System will Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period

A military aircraft's flight control systems (FCS) consist of hardware and software systems for cockpit flight controls such as data acquisition systems, autopilot, flight recorders, active inceptor systems, and aircraft management computers. Currently, the flight control systems in military aircraft are developed based on fly-by-wire (FBW) technology. The rising geopolitical tensions across various regions have compelled defense forces to enhance their combat capabilities. Many countries have increased their defense budgets to strengthen their military capabilities, driving the demand for military aircraft and UAVs.

Additionally, the aircraft OEMs partnered with the avionics OEMs to develop and equip advanced flight control systems in the new-generation aircraft. Also, key players are focusing on integrating next-generation technologies such as big data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) into computers to enhance the autonomous operations of human-crewed and uncrewed aircraft. For instance, in January 2023, France granted Thales and Sabena Technics a contract to upgrade the CN-235 military transport fleet of the French Air and Space Force. Once the upgrade is done, the CN-235 fleet will be operational through 2040. Similarly, in March 2024, Canada's Department of National Defence (DND) awarded Arcfield Canada a contract to provide avionics in-service support for the CF-18 fleet for USD 157 million. Such developments are expected to accelerate the market's growth during the forecast period.

North America is Expected to Exhibit the Largest Market Share During the Forecast Period

North America is expected to emerge as the dominant player in the market. The demand for military aircraft avionics significantly increased in the US due to various factors such as the rise of global conflicts, growing geopolitical tensions, terrorism, and the increasing capabilities of potential adversaries of the US.

The US government has invested heavily in technological platforms to enhance its defense capabilities. For instance, in 2023, the US military defense expenditure rose to USD 916 billion, a growth of 2.3% compared to 2022. Rising investments in advanced weaponry are due to the increasing threat to the country from Russia and China on the battlefield. With this increased military expenditure, the US Department of Defense (US DoD) is working to modernize and expand the country's regional defense forces capabilities.

For instance, in February 2024, the US Army awarded Triumph Group a contract to upgrade the EMC32T Hydraulic Metering Assembly (HMA) fuel control on the T55 engines for the CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleet. Triumph will overhaul more than (100) EMC32T HMAs each year from 2024 to 2028 to ensure they meet the latest standards. Similarly, in March 2024, the Naval Air Systems Command awarded Boeing a contract to build 17 new F/A-18 Super Hornet jet fighter bombers, sensors, and avionics for USD 1.4 billion. The Super Hornet features active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, large cockpit displays, and a joint helmet-mounted cueing system. Such investments by countries in North America to enhance their aerial capabilities are anticipated to propel the growth of the market.

Military Aircraft Avionics Industry Overview

The market for military aircraft avionics is semi-consolidated, with few players accounting for most of the market share. RTX Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, THALES, BAE Systems PLC, and Northrop Grumman Corporation are prominent players in the market. The key players enter long-term contracts with aircraft OEMs to provide avionic systems. THALES is a prominent head-up display (HUD) provider that supports rotary-wing aircraft programs such as NH90, AH-1Z Viper, T129, UH-1Y Venom, Tiger, and Rooivalk helicopters. BAE Systems PLC provides active inceptor systems, electronic warfare suite, vehicle management computers, and electronic components for identification, communication, and navigation systems in F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. The key players invest in research and development and develop advanced products to capture new markets.

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