Features Military Operations
Asia Pacific to outpace U.S. as largest military market

China, India, South Korea and Australia are among the leading spenders in the Asia Pacific region, with major investments directed towards the procurement of multi-mission and attack helicopters.
 
Rashmi Hegde, analyst at SDI, says: “China’s growing assertiveness in territorial disputes with its neighbours and an ongoing arms race among the Asian countries are primary drivers of the region’s rotorcraft market. Additionally, the countries are undertaking joint research programmes and are entering into technology agreements to co-develop helicopters which will lead to significant cost savings.”
 
Although the U.S. will still account for the highest share of the global market in 2015, the country will start lagging behind Asia in the coming years. According to the report, the North American rotorcraft market is forecast to decline during 2016-2018, caused by budget sequestration measures undertaken by the US government. “The consequent focus on upgrading and remanufacturing helicopters instead of developing new models will cause a slowdown in the US helicopter market,” says Hegde.
 
Global market set to reach US$27.3 billion in 2025
 
The global military rotorcraft market will grow at a projected CAGR of 2.6% over the next ten years, increasing from US$21.1 billion in 2015 to US$27.3 billion in 2025. In terms of growth rate, the Middle East is anticipated to see the fastest growth with a CAGR of 4.7%, primarily due to robust modernization plans and strong economic growth. Hegde adds: “Although defence budget cuts mainly by the US and a few European countries is expected to negatively impact the global military rotorcraft market, higher spending by BRIC countries and countries in the MENA region will outweigh this decline.”