Search and Rescue Helicopter Market Report 2025

The search and rescue helicopter market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.37 billion in 2024 to $2.53 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing natural disasters, military and defense operations, growing maritime activities, population growth in coastal areas, international humanitarian missions, global terrorism threats.

The search and rescue helicopter market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.35 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising global security concerns, focus on humanitarian aid efforts, enhanced training programs for SAR crews, focus on long-range and endurance, international cooperation in SAR missions. Major trends in the forecast period include adoption of advanced sensor technologies, multi-mission capabilities, night vision and thermal imaging, lightweight construction materials, integration of artificial intelligence, collaboration with satellite systems.

The search and rescue helicopter market is poised for growth due to the increasing demand for advanced helicopters for search and rescue operations worldwide. These helicopters are crucial for quick and secure transportation in various sectors, including military, law enforcement, public safety, and other search and rescue applications. A notable example is the £1.6 billion agreement signed between Bristow Helicopters Ltd., a UK-based civil helicopter operator, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in July 2022. The ten-year agreement involves the delivery of 18 helicopters, including existing models and the introduction of new helicopters and a deployable drone system. This underscores the rising global demand for advanced search and rescue helicopters, propelling the growth of the market.

The search and rescue helicopter market is expected to benefit from the increasing requirements for maritime search and rescue operations. With coordinated efforts to identify, assist, and retrieve individuals or vessels in distress within marine settings, these helicopters enhance the efficiency of maritime search and rescue operations. For instance, in December 2022, the Irish Coast Guard collaborated on responses to 2699 incidents, showcasing the critical role of search and rescue helicopters in maritime safety. The growing maritime search and rescue needs contribute significantly to the expansion of the search and rescue helicopter market.

A prominent trend in the global search and rescue helicopter market is the integration of advanced technologies. Search and rescue teams are incorporating new technologies to enhance their capabilities in life-saving missions and disaster relief efforts. Advanced features include next-generation avionics control display units, night vision devices, self-sealing fuel tanks, FLIR cameras, wireless communication systems, multifunction displays, and advanced direction-finding capabilities. For instance, in November 2022, Bristow Group Inc.'s launch of search and rescue helicopter services for the Netherlands coastguard, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies for all-weather search and rescue missions.

Major companies in the search and rescue helicopter market are pursuing strategic partnerships to enhance the features and competitive advantages of next-generation helicopters. This collaborative approach leverages the strengths and resources of different companies to achieve mutual benefits. In January 2023, Leonardo S.p.A., an Italy-based aerospace and defense company, announced a partnership with Safran S.A. to improve the propulsion system of the AW09 single-engine helicopter. The partnership ensures the use of the latest Arriel 2K engine, offering efficient industrialization, global supply, and customer supportability. This collaboration aims to provide innovative, cost-effective maintenance solutions and operating costs, supported by personalized service plans and digital services.

In August 2022, Bristow Group Inc.'s acquisition of British International Helicopter Services Limited (BIH) aims to enhance Bristow's global government services offering. This strategic move allows Bristow to capitalize on BIH's experience and connections with the U.K. Ministry of Defense, providing reliable vertical lift solutions to military and civilian sectors.

Major companies operating in the search and rescue helicopter market include Airbus S.A.S., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Leonardo S.p.A., Bell Textron Inc., Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, Korea Aerospace Industries, McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems, Robinson Helicopter Company, Russian Helicopters JSC, Sikorsky Aircraft, Marenco Swiss Helicopter, Elbit Systems Ltd., Kaman Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Babcock International, CHC Helicopter Group, Bristow Helicopters Ltd., Air Methods Corporation, Metro Aviation.

North America was the largest region in the search and rescue helicopter market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the search and rescue helicopter market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the search and rescue helicopter market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the search and rescue helicopter market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Search and rescue helicopters are helicopters equipped to conduct search and rescue operations, undertake life-saving missions, and contribute to disaster relief efforts in challenging and inaccessible areas.

The primary types of search and rescue helicopters include light, medium, and heavy-sized models. Light search and rescue helicopters are those with a maximum gross weight of less than 12,000 pounds and are specifically designed for life-saving missions. Key components of search and rescue helicopters encompass aerostructures, engines, avionics, rescue equipment, electrical systems, and other essential elements. The technologies integrated into these helicopters include night vision devices, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras, wireless communication systems, multifunction displays, and advanced direction-finding capabilities. Search and rescue helicopters find applications in various end-uses, including commercial and civil applications as well as military applications.

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The search and rescue helicopter market consists of sales of airframe, fuselage, and landing gear. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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