Asia-Pacific Military Helicopter Growth Opportunities

Growth Strategies Informed by Looming Threats from China Require Massive Acquisition Programs to Reinforce Helicopter Fleets

This research assesses the state of the military helicopter market in Asia-Pacific (APAC) and identifies opportunities among countries attempting to counter the Chinese and North Korean arms races. The APAC attack helicopter segment is stronger than that of Western markets.

Countries with acquisition programs tend to develop and produce helicopter platforms locally, and although no next-generation helicopter programs exist, local helicopter (with up-to-date capabilities) acquisition progresses. On appearance, APAC departments of defense (DoDs) are not considering electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for their vertical aircraft fleet, with no advocacy for an unmanned or optionally manned fleet. However, an opportunity exists for innovative multinational programs to take advantage of unmanned aircraft benefits in offensive scenarios.

The main challenge among most APAC countries is to deter Chinese offensive maneuvers. Except for India, the other countries would certainly be defeated. If invaded, those countries can at least pretend to represent a costly target. They must equip themselves as much as possible using their limited defense budgets. APAC countries must collaborate to resist Chinese economic interests and strengthen their political development and independence.

In this context, opportunities for private companies exist. Among the 3 helicopter markets, 1 has definite growth potential: the armed light utility segment has orders for more than 400 units during the next few years. In the next 5 years, the APAC military helicopter market will reach approximately $60 billion, with the procurement of 2,000 units, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 4%.

This analysis discusses market drivers and restraints but primarily focuses on the development of helicopter segments (attack, utility, heavy lift). Finally, the study offers several growth opportunities for companies currently involved in or looking to enter the military helicopter or vertical take-off and landing aircraft markets.