Air-based Defense Equipment

Global Air-based Defense Equipment Market to Reach US$267.6 Billion by 2030

The global market for Air-based Defense Equipment estimated at US$195.7 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$267.6 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Weapons Component, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 4.3% CAGR and reach US$134.0 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Fire Control Component segment is estimated at 6.8% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$53.3 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 8.3% CAGR

The Air-based Defense Equipment market in the U.S. is estimated at US$53.3 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$53.0 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 8.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% and 5.2% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 3.4% CAGR.

Global Air-Based Defense Equipment Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Air-Based Defense Equipment Central to Strategic Deterrence, Force Projection, and National Security in an Evolving Threat Landscape?
Air-based defense equipment—including fighter jets, surveillance drones, transport aircraft, rotary-wing platforms, airborne early warning systems, and missile defense systems—continues to play a pivotal role in securing national airspace, enabling rapid military response, and maintaining strategic superiority. These platforms are essential for both offensive and defensive operations, offering speed, range, and versatility unmatched by other force components. Their relevance is further elevated by the evolving nature of modern warfare, where threats are increasingly multidimensional—spanning conventional combat, unmanned incursions, electronic warfare, and hypersonic missiles.

The resurgence of geopolitical tensions, border disputes, and regional arms races is driving sustained investment in modernizing air defense fleets. Governments are prioritizing air-based systems that enhance surveillance, precision strike capabilities, and agile force mobility. Multi-role aircraft with integrated electronic warfare suites, advanced targeting, and network-centric capabilities are now central to air dominance doctrines. Asymmetric threats and contested airspace environments are also prompting demand for integrated, interoperable air defense networks that combine manned and unmanned assets.

How Are Technological Advancements, Modular Architectures, and Next-Gen Combat Systems Shaping the Air-Based Defense Equipment Landscape?
Technological convergence is redefining the capabilities of air-based defense platforms. Innovations in stealth materials, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile systems, and AI-driven avionics are enabling aircraft to operate with greater survivability, situational awareness, and lethality. The proliferation of fifth- and sixth-generation combat aircraft is accompanied by the rapid integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loyal wingman systems to augment and support manned platforms in high-risk missions.

Modular platform architectures are facilitating faster upgrade cycles, interoperability across allied forces, and system reconfiguration based on mission type—whether ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), electronic warfare, or strategic bombing. Additionally, advancements in propulsion, composite materials, and energy management are improving speed, endurance, and payload capacity. Enhanced command-and-control systems are linking air-based assets with land and naval platforms to create multi-domain operational capabilities across theaters.

Which Regional Defense Budgets, Procurement Programs, and Strategic Alliances Are Fueling Demand for Air-Based Military Platforms?
The United States, China, and Russia remain dominant players in both production and deployment of air-based defense systems, each investing heavily in modernization to maintain or expand their aerial combat superiority. NATO countries are pursuing interoperability upgrades and joint procurement programs, especially in Eastern Europe, where regional tensions drive accelerated acquisition of advanced fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, and early warning platforms.

Asia-Pacific is emerging as a hotspot for air defense procurement, led by India, South Korea, Japan, and Australia, all of which are pursuing indigenous development programs and strategic partnerships to counter rising regional threats. The Middle East continues to invest in cutting-edge air-based equipment as part of broader military modernization strategies, while Latin America and Africa, though limited by budget constraints, are prioritizing surveillance and air mobility assets to counter insurgencies and support humanitarian missions.

What Strategic Role Will Air-Based Defense Equipment Play in Enabling Multi-Domain Superiority, Rapid Threat Neutralization, and Networked Warfare Readiness?
Air-based defense equipment will be central to the realization of future warfighting doctrines built on multi-domain integration, real-time intelligence, and precision engagement. These platforms not only secure national borders but also provide a mobile deterrent that can be rapidly deployed across conflict zones, humanitarian operations, and international peacekeeping mandates. As combat scenarios become more asymmetric, high-tech, and cyber-contested, air platforms will serve as both offensive and connective assets linking ground and maritime domains.

Looking forward, air-based defense systems are expected to serve as foundational nodes within AI-enabled, sensor-fused, and satellite-connected combat ecosystems. Their ability to provide real-time tactical dominance, enforce no-fly zones, and execute strategic strikes with minimal collateral impact will define their continued investment priority. Could air-based defense equipment become the decisive element in securing geopolitical influence and battlefield supremacy in a digitized, hypersonic, and unmanned future of conflict?

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Air-based Defense Equipment market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Component (Weapons Component, Fire Control Component, Command & Control Component); Type (Fighter Aircrafts, Military Helicopters, Military Gliders, Drones); Operation (Autonomous Operation, Manual Operation)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 44 Featured) -

• Almaz-Antey Corporation
• Airbus Defence and Space
• Aselsan A.S.
• BAE Systems plc
• Bharat Electronics Limited
• China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC)
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Hanwha Corporation
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
• Leonardo S.p.A.
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
• MBDA
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Rheinmetall AG

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