By 2032, most military rotorcraft—which includes Transport and Utility Helicopter, Attack Helicopter and Maritime Helicopter—are expected to contain an integrated artificial intelligence (AI) system, according to GlobalData. The leading data and analytics company notes that this is just one of the multiple advanced modernizations that are being pursued by countries such as the US, Russia, China, and India, as global spend is expected to rise from $18.1 billion in 2022 to $24 billion by 2032.

GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Military Rotorcraft Market Size and Trend Analysis, Key Programs, Competitive Landscape and Forecast, 2022-2032, reveals that the push towards this rapid modernization is driven by stealth, speed and load capacity requirements, as well as the need to operate with advanced electronic warfare and communication systems. Upgrades that will take precedence will include increased communication and coordination between aircraft and command centers, the ability to maneuver independently in challenging areas, and increased efficiency. Transport and Utility Helicopter is anticipated to emerge as the leading market segment, accounting for approximately 60% of the global military rotorcraft market.

Samiya Toufeeque, Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: Major investments in the development of next-generation military rotorcrafts by leading military powers such as the US, Russia, China, and Germany will be a major factor driving the market growth over the next ten years. For instance, the US has initiated the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) programs to develop state-of-the-art rotorcrafts for its armed forces. Similarly, the indigenous development of Combat, and Transport and Utility Helicopters by India, China, Turkey, and South Korea is anticipated to drive the procurement of military rotorcrafts over the forecast period.”

To enhance the combat and transportation capabilities, several countries have initiated rotorcraft replacement programs. They are now developing rotorcrafts with advanced flight controls, avionics, and weapons systems to effectively operate in the new centric battlefield. The procurement of these modern rotorcraft will not only strengthen countries’ fleets but will also help armed forces to reduce the operational and maintenance costs spent on servicing aging fleets.

Toufeeque continues: “Market growth can also be attributed to the increased focus on indigenous technology and manufacturing development. Such programs help countries to build robust supply chains while generating employment and helping the local economy. For instance, South Korea’s KUH Surion and India’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) programs are being pursued to meet the current requirements of their armed forces, along with developing the indigenous R&D and manufacturing capabilities.”