North America Military Aviation - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The North America Military Aviation Market size is estimated at 26.32 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 32.78 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.49% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Geopolitical conflicts, ongoing procurements, and plans of modernization are the driving factors in procuring military aircraft and rotorcraft

• The North American military aviation market is segmented by aircraft type into fixed-wing and rotorcraft. Geopolitical conflicts, the rising threat of terrorism and war, and the modernization plans to replace the aging military aircraft played a major role in the procurement of next-generation military aircraft. In 2022, the region's defense expenditure totaled USD 912 billion. North America's military expenditure was largely accounted for by the United States, with 96%, followed by Canada and Mexico, with 3% and 1%, respectively.
• In terms of active fleet size, North America holds 25% of the total fixed-wing in the world. In 2022, out of the total aircraft deliveries around 56% were fixed-wing aircraft. Among the fixed-wing aircraft around 63% of the total aircraft were multirole aircraft, followed by 20% of transport aircraft and 17% of other fixed-wing aircraft. As of 2022, in terms of active fleet size, North America held approximately 29% of the total rotorcraft worldwide.
• With the ongoing procurements and plans of modernization, the US will continue to lead the market and generate significant demand for new aircraft. The US will also focus on new aircraft programs through R&D for future warfare during the forecast period. During 2023-2030, around 2,330 fixed-wing aircraft are expected to be delivered. In 2023, the US planned to purchase 119 rotorcraft, including the CH-47 Chinook, the UH-60 Black Hawk, the CH-53K, and the AH-1Z. In addition, the Mexican government ordered 11 helicopters (four H225M and seven UH-60M) for the Mexican Air Force. Overall, a total of 2,476 aircraft are expected to be procured during the forecast period.

Ongoing procurements and modernization plans are expected to boost the regional market

• Countries in North America, particularly the United States, have been among the first to develop advanced helicopters to counter geopolitical conflicts. Nearly 94% of the military expenditures in the region come from North America. In 2022, the region's defense expenditure totaled USD 912 billion. North America's military expenditures were largely accounted for by the United States (96%), followed by Canada and Mexico, with 3% and 1%, respectively.
• The increased military budgets of various countries in the region may facilitate the expansion of military rotorcraft procurement in the future. In 2023, the United States planned to purchase 119 rotorcraft, including the CH-47 Chinook, the UH-60 Black Hawk, the CH-53K, and the AH-1Z. The Mexican government ordered 11 helicopters (four H225M and seven UH-60M) for the Mexican Air Force.
• North American countries, especially the United States, play a crucial role in global security and power projection. Maintaining a strong military aviation fleet is essential for projecting force and safeguarding national interests abroad. The ability to deploy fighter jets, bombers, and aerial refueling tankers quickly and efficiently enables these countries to respond to emerging threats and participate in international operations effectively. For instance, according to the US military, the F-35 purchase plan for FY 2024 is to purchase 83 aircraft, i.e., 48 for the Air Force, 19 for the Navy, and 16 for the Marine Corps. Over the next five years, 113 KC-46A, 100 B-21, 12 P-8A, 5 E-11A, and 17 MC-130J are expected to be delivered. With the ongoing procurements and modernization plans, the United States may continue to lead the market. During the forecast period, a total of 2,476 aircraft are expected to be procured by the country.

North America Military Aviation Market Trends

Geopolitical threats are the main reason behind the increase in defense spending in the region

• In 2022, the US accounted for 39% of global defense spending military spending increased by USD 877 billion in 2022, or 0.7%. The total includes military assistance to Ukraine, estimated at USD 19.9 billion. In 2022, the US released the Department of the Air Force budget, which outlined that for FY 2023, the budget request is approximately USD 194.0 billion, a USD 20.2 billion or 11.7% increase from the FY 2022 request. This funding includes aircraft R&D, aircraft acquisition, initial spares, and aircraft support equipment. The funding for FY 2023 includes the purchase of 61 F-35, 24 F-15EX, 79 logistics and support aircraft, 119 rotary wing aircraft, and 12 UAV/UAS.
• Over the past few years, Canada also has demonstrated a commitment to increase defense spending to address growing security concerns and modernize its military equipment. The country recognizes the need to adapt to emerging threats, such as cyber warfare and asymmetric challenges, while maintaining conventional defense capabilities. Canada spent USD 26.9 billion on its military in 2022, which was 3.0 % higher than the previous year. Out of the total government spending, the country has allocated 1.2% of its share to the military. As per the Budget 2022, the announcement government will offer more than USD 8 billion for new funding to Canada's national defense over the next five years.
• In Mexico, the use of military forces to combat criminal activity remains the primary driver of military spending in the sub-region. Mexico's defense spending in 2022 was USD 8.5 billion, a decrease of 9.7% compared to 2021. Spending on the National Guard increased by 35% in 2021, accounting for 16% of total military spending. The country's defense expenditure was 0.6% of its GDP in 2022.

Fleet modernization and the rising need for modernization of aircraft are the driving factors in North America

• As of December 2022, North America had an active fleet of 13,676 aircraft and helicopters. Competition in technology is accelerating between China and the United States as both countries are increasingly focused on the R&D of emerging technologies to prepare for future warfare. The United States has the biggest fleet of military aircraft in the region and globally, with a total of 13,300 operational fleets. A considerable chunk of this fleet is made up of combat helicopters (42%) and combat planes (21%). In contrast, training planes and helicopters account for 20%, while transport planes make up only 7%. Meanwhile, tankers and special mission aircraft each represent 5% of the fleet.
• By the end of 2022, Canada had an active fleet of about 356 aircraft and rotorcraft. Of these total 356 aircraft, the most procured fleet is training aircraft/helicopters, accounting for 132, followed by 120 combat helicopters, 63 combat aircraft, 28 transport aircraft, 27 special mission aircraft, and 6 tanker aircraft. Canada has selected F-35s to replace its CF-18 fighter jets, which are scheduled to retire by 2032. If the F-35 deal is finalized, Canada plans to start procuring the new jets in 2025. Mexico had an active fleet of 468 aircraft as of December 2022. Of these total 468 aircraft, the most procured fleet is training aircraft, and helicopters accounted for 203 aircraft, followed by 157 combat helicopters, 46 transport aircraft, 25 special mission aircraft, and 36 combat aircraft. As transnational criminal organizations and drug cartels largely occupy the country, the country utilizes military helicopters to fight drug traffickers.

North America Military Aviation Industry Overview

The North America Military Aviation Market is fairly consolidated, with the top five companies occupying 104.92%. The major players in this market are Airbus SE, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Textron Inc. and The Boeing Company (sorted alphabetically).

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