Attack Helicopter Market Size

Market Size Snapshot

Note – Market size depicts the revenue generated over the financial year

The worldwide market for attack helicopters is set to grow at a steady rate, with a current market size of $ 11.74 billion in 2024, and a projected $ 15 billion in 2035. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.25% between 2025 and 2035. The expansion is due to the increase in defense budgets across many countries, owing to the increasing tensions in the world, and the need for advanced military equipment. The development of avionics, weaponry and integration of UAVs into attack helicopters is also driving demand. The major players in the attack helicopter market, such as Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing, are investing in research and development to enhance their products. Strategic initiatives, such as partnership with government agencies and collaboration with technology companies, are also defining the competitive landscape. Recent launches of products with advanced stealth technology and enhanced targeting systems are a reflection of the industry’s focus on meeting the requirements of modern warfare. The attack helicopter market is expected to continue its steady growth over the coming years, as the world’s governments continue to invest in military modernization.

Regional Market Size

Regional Deep Dive

Attack helicopters have been in use for a long time. They are used in combat, and they are used for transporting troops and material. The North American market, especially the American market, is favored by large budgets and the development of high-tech weapons. Europe is seeing a growing trend towards a joint approach to enhancing national defense capabilities. Asia-Pacific is expanding rapidly, mainly because of increasing defense expenditures. The Middle East and Africa are influenced by local conflicts and the need for modern air solutions, while Latin America is slowly increasing its defense expenditures. Each region presents opportunities and challenges that are influenced by local economic conditions, regulatory frameworks, and cultural factors.

Europe

• The European Union, through its Permanent Structural Cooperation, is promoting the co-operation of its members in the field of advanced military equipment, including attack helicopters, with the aim of increasing interoperability and reducing costs.
• Airbus Helicopters is actively working on the development of the Tiger Mk III, an upgraded version of the existing Tiger attack helicopter, which reflects the region's commitment to modernizing its aerial combat capabilities.

Asia Pacific

• China's rapid modernization has developed a new type of attack helicopter, Z10, which has changed the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region, and has made neighboring countries improve their own capabilities.
• India's procurement of Apache helicopters from Boeing is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its defense posture amid regional tensions, indicating a growing emphasis on advanced aerial warfare capabilities.

Latin America

• Brazil's recent defense procurement strategy includes the acquisition of modern attack helicopters to bolster its military capabilities, reflecting a shift towards enhancing aerial combat readiness in the region.
• Colombia's partnership with the U.S. for the acquisition of Black Hawk helicopters underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing regional security challenges.

North America

• The U.S. Army's Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program aims to develop next-generation attack helicopters, emphasizing speed, range, and survivability, which is expected to significantly influence the market dynamics in North America.
• Lockheed Martin's acquisition of Sikorsky has strengthened its position in the attack helicopter market, allowing for enhanced innovation and integration of advanced technologies into existing platforms like the AH-64 Apache.

Middle East And Africa

• The ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Syria have driven demand for attack helicopters, with countries like Saudi Arabia investing heavily in platforms such as the AH-64 Apache to enhance their military capabilities.
• The UAE's investment in the development of the 407GX attack helicopter, in collaboration with Bell Helicopter, highlights the region's focus on indigenous defense production and modernization efforts.

Did You Know?

“The AH-64 Apache, one of the most iconic attack helicopters, has been in service since the 1980s and has undergone numerous upgrades, making it a cornerstone of modern aerial warfare.” — U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence

Segmental Market Size

Attack Helicopters are playing a vital role in modern military operations, and they are experiencing steady growth, which is a result of the growing geopolitical tensions and the need for advanced aerial combat capabilities. Modernization of the armed forces and the focus on counter-terrorist operations have been the main drivers of this demand. In addition, the technological developments in avionics and weaponry have enhanced the operational capabilities of the attack helicopters. Hence, the attack helicopter market is currently in a mature phase of development, with the U.S. players like Boeing and Lockheed Martin leading the market in the U.S. , while countries like India and Turkey are ramping up their procurement. The main application areas of attack helicopters are close air support, reconnaissance, and anti-armor operations. The integration of unmanned systems is a trend that is likely to further boost the growth of the attack helicopter market, while the technological developments in advanced targeting systems and artificial intelligence are likely to shape the future of the attack helicopters.

Future Outlook

The Attack Helicopter Market is expected to grow steadily from 2024 to 2035, with a CAGR of 2.25% from $11.74 billion to $15.0 billion. The demand for advanced military capabilities among nations, especially in regions experiencing a rise in tensions, is expected to drive the market. The increasing military budgets, especially in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, are expected to spur the demand for next-generation attack helicopters with advanced avionics, precision weapons, and survivability features. By 2035, the penetration rate of advanced attack helicopters in the military fleet is expected to reach about 30%, driven by modernization programs and the need for flexible air combat solutions. In the future, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced targeting and decision making, as well as the development of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), which can complement the traditional attack helicopters, will further shape the market. Also, international defense collaborations and joint military exercises will support the demand for attack helicopters. In the future, the shift towards multi-role helicopters and the adoption of hybrid-electric propulsion systems for improved operational efficiency will also have a significant impact on the market. The market is expected to grow steadily until 2035, in response to the changing priorities and the technological developments.