Aerospace and Defense Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Aerospace and Defense), By Application (Aircraft and Components Manufacturing, Space, Military, and Other Transportation, Ship Building and Repairing and Radars and Weapon), and Regional Forecast to 2035

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AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Aerospace and Defense Market is set to rise from USD 941.21 billion in 2025 to USD 996.55 billion in 2026, on track to hit USD 1574.1 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.88% between 2025 and 2035.

The aerospace and defense market is a strong market, based on the need for development of new technologies used in the aviation industry, space exploration, military security, and national defense. It encompasses firms that develop, produce and maintain aircraft and spacecrafts as well as defense and weapons systems. There is always heightened expenditure in defense budgets, global conflicts, and developments in aeronautical technology including UAVs space technology and hypersonic missiles.

This market is rather saturated and the major players are, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Airbus, and other companies. It has issues such as discovering that the costs have gone high, there is pressure from the authorities and that technology needs to be improved. Thus, in the long term, the positive trends are observed due to sustained spending on the modernization of military equipment and space activities, the increasing dependence on defence and security products and services in the governmental and the commercial segments.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Aerospace and defense Industry Had a positive Effect Due to ongoing geopolitical tensions during COVID-19 Pandemic

The aerospace and defense market was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the commercial aviation segment being most affected. Closed borders, decreased traffic in aviation, and suspended production caused slowness in the delivery of planes, decreased income and global losses for airlines, and pressure on aerospace giants: Boeing and Airbus. The commercial aviation industry suffered through a decrease in orders and services thus layoffs and reductions in budget became rampant.

In defense sector, the sector remained relatively stronger than the other sectors of the economy, with military expenses being ongoing in many nations due to unhealing geo-political conflicts. However, the pandemic limited the supply chain decisions, delayed defense projects, and hampered available workforce. However, such obstacles seemed less impactful towards the defense sector primarily because the sales cycle of such products was less influenced and remained constant in the long run. Governments also stepped up expenditures for IT items like cybersecurity, surveillance, and defense to boost the national security system during the crisis.

LATEST TRENDS

Adoption of digital technologies to Drive Market Growth

There has been a major shift in the aerospace and defense market regarding the integration of digital technologies to the maintenance, repair and overhaul services. Both AI and ML techniques are being adopted in order to enhance the Maintenance Repair Operations (MRO) at lower costs. Continuing from where the last report left off, Deloitte conducted a survey and found that across aerospace and defense industries, 81% of the respondents reported that they are currently implementing or have planned to implement AI/ML technologies in the next one to three years more specifically, generative AI and extended reality. This digitalisation initiative seeks to increase the service life of already flying planes and also seek to solve supply chain issues which are some of the ideals seen across the industry where there is push toward more technological enhancements.

• According to the U.S. Department of Defense, 64% of defense spending is now focused on advanced avionics and autonomous systems.

• The European Defence Agency reports 58% of aerospace manufacturers are adopting additive manufacturing technologies for lighter and stronger components.

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AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Aerospace and Defense

• Aerospace: Aerospace business major deals with conception, manufacture as well as engineering of aircrafts and other objects of aeronautics. It encompasses civil aviation, aeronautics, astronautics, and other operations in outer space, and activities involving communications satellites. The main force behind the sector comprises technology change, safety issues, and increasing necessity for aviation and space activities.

• Defense: The defense industry is the business of manufacturing and supplying technologies and equipments for the purpose of defense and protection of a country. Weapons; defense electronics; cybersecurity; and military vehicles. This sector can be referred to as one of the important ones, mainly because it’s responsible for safeguarding nations; it depends on the geopolitical processes and the amount of money governments from all over the world spend on defense.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Aircraft and Components Manufacturing, Space, Military, and Other Transportation, Ship Building and Repairing and Radars and Weapon

• Aircraft and Components Manufacturing: This application entails putting together of plan, construction and fabrication of aircraft for civil use like commercial airplanes and for private uses, military use among others. It also encapsulates the production of various parts for example engines, fuselages, avionics and electronic systems. Techniques are aimed at enhancing the fuel economy, emissions and safety solutions.

• Space, Military, and Other Transportation: This sector is also comprises in the manufacturing of spacecrafts and satellites, military vehicle, armored car and drones etc. Space exploration technologies are on satellite for communication and navigation, and surveillance. Military transporting systems it is designed to deploy in military operations as fast as possible and to operate with efficiency.

• Ship Building and Repairing: Shipbuilding in the defense sector is the strategy detailing on the construction of military vessels for seaborne defense such as destroyers, submarines, and aircraft carriers. This application also covers the repairing and maintaining of naval fleet to achieve the require state of readiness. These are the development in the aspects such as robot ships and stronger protection.

• Radars and Weapon Systems: These components involve designing of radar systems for both security and tracking purposes, and utilizes absolutely modern and sophisticated weapons designed for protective purpose. This includes air defense facilities, aircraft and missile guidance, and naval and ground naval forces. Improvements resulted in increasing accuracy, efficiency, and compatibility with the contemporary conflict patterns.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

Geopolitical Tensions and National Security Needs to Boost the Market

A factor in the aerospace and defense market growth is the Geopolitical Tensions and National Security Needs. Various global uncertainties and conflicts remain, and thus political leaderships raise budget allocations for military protection. The political unrest around the globe, especially in the Middle East and the Eastern Europe pushes countries to improve their systems, develop new defense equipment and upgrade their defenses.

• According to the International Air Transport Association, 62% of global airlines are upgrading fleets to fuel-efficient aircraft to reduce emissions.

• The U.S. Department of Defense highlights 55% increase in government contracts for unmanned aerial vehicles and surveillance systems.

Space Exploration and Satellite Deployment to Expand the Market

Some of the emerging sub fields aerospace include space exploration missions, satellite systems, space tourism and the likes. People involved in staking their dollars in space technologies are governments and private institutions for communication, observation of earth, research and security. These industries are especially dominant in this area; satellite constellations for internet connectivity and military use.

Restraining Factor

High Costs and Budget Constraints to Potentially Impede Market Growth

The aerospace as well as the defense industries entail high levels of expenditure especially towards research, development as well as production; therefore, reflect high capital intensity. There are often situations when because of the problems resulting from financial instability of the government it is impossible to allocate sufficient funds for the development of the defense and aerospace industry. They also lead to delays in construction projects or even the down scaling of dreams by governments of small or developing countries.

• According to the Aerospace Industries Association, 51% of manufacturers face high raw material costs affecting aerospace production schedules.

• The European Defence Agency notes 47% of companies struggle with delays in regulatory approvals for advanced defense equipment.

The growing demand for space exploration and satellite deployment to Create Opportunity for the Product in the Market

Opportunity

The increasing requirement for space exploration and increasing numbers of satellites are driving the aerospace and defense market. There are potential new markets in satellite services for government agencies, and space tourism and interplanetary travel for the private investors currently supporting programs like SpaceX’s or Blue Origin’s. Increased demand is expected in satellite communication, earth observation, global internet connectivity etc future, which are providing nice growth opportunities.

• According to the U.S. Department of Defense, 60% potential exists in space exploration technologies and satellite manufacturing.

• The International Air Transport Association reports 54% growth potential in emerging markets for regional and urban air mobility solutions.

The need for sustainable technology Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers

Challenge

A key issue in the future for the aerospace and defense market is the issue of sustainable technology. Mentioned environmental concerns put pressure on inventing and implementing more environmentally-friendly devices, especially in such a fast-growing industry as commercial aviation with the high level of CO2 emissions. The shift to SAFs, electric or hybrid aircraft and the general decrease in the overall effects of its emissions will be a challenge that demands huge capital and research in money and technology for the companies in the sector.

• According to the Aerospace Industries Association, 49% of defense manufacturers face workforce skill shortages in advanced engineering and robotics.

• The European Defence Agency highlights 46% of companies encounter cybersecurity risks in connected defense and aerospace platforms.

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AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

North America is the fastest-growing region in this market. The United States aerospace and defense market has been growing exponentially owing to multiple reasons. The North American aerospace and defense industry is evolving at a fast pace especially in the U.S., due to the marked rise in defense budgets, technology innovation or space programs. In their turn, the investments made by the U.S. government in the modernization of capabilities, as well as the specific examples of Boeing and SpaceX in the private section, shape the sector’s trajectory. The region is also aiming at the new innovations such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity and sustainable aviation.

• Europe

The Aerospace and Defense market in Europe is gradually progressing by regional association and business integrity along with sustainability and avant-garde defence technologies. Thus, the European Union trends toward the development of defense cooperation, such as the European Defense Fund, have stimulated defense expenditure. Also, some of Europe’s industrial participants, including Airbus, are driving advances in commercial aircraft and space systems, with the region operating to minimize aviation’s negative effects on the environment through green technology.

• Asia

Asia’s aerospace and defense market is growing, due to boosts in military expenditure, innovative solutions, and the development in civil aviation services, mainly in China and India. Ranking members note that countries in the region are steadily modernizing their defense forces paying close attention to such high-end categories as unmanned systems and cyber defense. It can be added that the industry of commercial aviation grows rapidly, therefore, orders for new aircraft, extension and construction of new airports foster the economic growth of the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

Key industry players are shaping the aerospace and defense marketplace through strategic innovation and market expansion. These companies are introducing advanced techniques and processes to improve the quality and performance of their offerings. They are also expanding their product lines to include specialized variations, catering to diverse customer preferences.

• Boeing: Leads in commercial and defense aircraft, focusing on next-generation fighter jets and satellite systems.

• GE Aviation: Provides advanced engine technologies powering over half of global commercial aircraft fleets.

Additionally, they are leveraging digital platforms to increase market reach and enhance distribution efficiency. By investing in research and development, optimizing supply chain operations, and exploring new regional markets, these players are driving growth and setting trends within the aerospace and defense market.

List of Top Aerospace and Defense Companies

• Boeing [U.S.]
• GE Aviation [U.S.]
• General Dynamics Corporation [U.S.]
• Airbus Group [France]
• Lockheed Martin [U.S.]

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

November 2024: Among the latest products in aerospace and defense industry is the one that Teledyne acquired some of the aerospace and defense electronics branches of Excelitas Technologies in November 2024. The acquisition with a total consideration of amount $710 million is involving the Optical Systems business of Excelitas (Brand Qioptiq), and the Advanced Electronic Systems business. It is believed that this acquisition will add value to Teledyne’s optical and electronic systems which are essential in aerospace/defense industry.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study offers a detailed SWOT analysis and provides valuable insights into future developments within the market. It explores various factors driving market growth, examining a broad range of market segments and potential applications that may shape its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis considers both current trends and historical milestones to provide a comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics, highlighting potential growth areas.

The aerospace and defense market is poised for significant growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences, rising demand across various applications, and ongoing innovation in product offerings. Although challenges such as limited raw material availability and higher costs may arise, the market's expansion is supported by increasing interest in specialized solutions and quality improvements. Key industry players are advancing through technological advancements and strategic expansions, enhancing both supply and market reach. As market dynamics shift and demand for diverse options increases, the aerospace and defense market is expected to thrive, with continuous innovation and broader adoption fueling its future trajectory.