Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in Aerospace and Defense Industry

Global Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in Aerospace and Defense Industry Market to Reach US$20.7 Billion by 2030

The global market for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in Aerospace and Defense Industry estimated at US$8.8 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$20.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Radiography Testing Technology, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 13.8% CAGR and reach US$4.9 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Ultrasonic Testing Technology segment is estimated at 16.7% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$2.4 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 20.0% CAGR

The Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in Aerospace and Defense Industry market in the U.S. is estimated at US$2.4 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$4.4 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 20.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% and 13.6% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 12.1% CAGR.

Global Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in Aerospace and Defense Industry - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Non-Destructive Testing Indispensable in Aerospace and Defense Operations?
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) plays a mission-critical role in the aerospace and defense industry by ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and performance of complex components without compromising their functionality. Given the high safety margins and operational stakes in these sectors, NDT is used throughout the entire lifecycle-from manufacturing and maintenance to repair and overhaul (MRO). Components such as fuselage panels, turbine blades, landing gear, radar assemblies, and composite skins are subject to microscopic flaws, fatigue, or stress fractures, which NDT helps detect with precision.

The use of advanced materials like carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, titanium alloys, and composite laminates in next-generation aircraft and military systems has further elevated the need for highly sensitive and material-compatible testing methods. NDT techniques such as ultrasonic testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT), eddy current testing (ECT), and thermographic inspection are being integrated into automated platforms for real-time defect detection and life-cycle condition monitoring. These systems enable OEMs and MROs to meet strict regulatory standards, reduce unplanned downtime, and ensure the operational readiness of both commercial and military fleets.

How Are New Technologies Enhancing Accuracy and Efficiency in Aerospace NDT?
Aerospace-grade NDT is evolving with the adoption of robotics, artificial intelligence, and 3D imaging technologies. Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) allows for deep penetration and multidimensional defect mapping in complex composite structures, offering high-speed scanning and data-rich output. Similarly, digital radiography (DR) has replaced film-based RT in many facilities, enabling faster inspection turnaround, lower radiation exposure, and easier archival of results in digital databases.

Automated NDT systems equipped with robotic arms and precision scanners are increasingly deployed in aircraft production lines and hangars. These robots can perform repetitive or difficult inspections-such as wing spar integrity or engine casing scans-with minimal human intervention and higher consistency. When integrated with machine vision and AI algorithms, these platforms can automatically identify defect patterns, learn from historical data, and adapt inspection protocols in real time.

Emerging techniques such as laser shearography, acoustic emission testing, and guided wave ultrasonic testing are also gaining adoption in complex aerospace structures. These methods are particularly valuable for detecting subsurface defects, disbonds, and delaminations in composite components. Additionally, augmented reality (AR) and digital twin technologies are being used to superimpose inspection data onto 3D aircraft models, improving defect localization and technician workflow. These innovations are reshaping how inspections are planned, executed, and documented across the aerospace and defense sectors.

Which Applications and Geographies Are Driving Market Expansion?
In the commercial aviation segment, NDT is integral to airframe and engine inspections during routine maintenance, A/B/C/D checks, and component overhauls. Aircraft OEMs, including Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer, embed NDT systems within their quality assurance frameworks to validate structural integrity at every stage of assembly. Defense applications span across aircraft, naval vessels, drones, missiles, and armored vehicles, where NDT ensures mission-critical performance under high-stress operational environments.

Spacecraft and satellite manufacturing are emerging domains for high-frequency NDT adoption due to the extreme conditions these systems must withstand. The defense aviation sector, particularly in the U.S., Russia, Israel, and France, uses specialized NDT methods to test stealth coatings, radar-absorbent materials, and precision guidance systems. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) in aerospace is creating new NDT demands for layer-by-layer validation of printed components.

Geographically, North America leads the market with its dominant defense budgets and concentration of MRO facilities and aerospace OEMs. Europe follows closely with robust aviation exports and institutional collaborations such as EASA-led inspection mandates. Asia-Pacific is rapidly scaling up, with countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea investing in indigenous aircraft programs, expanding MRO networks, and upgrading military fleets. Emerging players in Latin America and the Middle East are beginning to integrate NDT services in aerospace exports and defense modernization initiatives.

What Is Fueling Growth in the Global NDT Market for Aerospace and Defense?
The growth in the global non-destructive testing market for aerospace and defense is driven by several factors, including increasing aircraft production, growing fleet sizes, tightening maintenance protocols, and the rapid introduction of new aerospace materials. As aircraft become more complex and lightweight materials more prevalent, NDT becomes essential for identifying flaws that traditional methods might miss.

Regulatory oversight from authorities such as the FAA, EASA, and military procurement agencies requires thorough inspection documentation and traceability, prompting OEMs and MROs to invest in certified, auditable NDT systems. The aging of commercial and defense aircraft fleets is another driver, necessitating frequent inspections and life extension assessments, which NDT is ideally suited to perform non-invasively.

The digitization of aerospace maintenance through condition-based monitoring (CBM) and predictive maintenance platforms is integrating NDT into broader asset management ecosystems. Vendors are offering subscription-based NDT software, cloud-integrated inspection analytics, and AI-assisted flaw interpretation tools. As safety, efficiency, and data traceability become core imperatives, the role of advanced NDT in aerospace and defense will only grow in strategic and operational importance.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in Aerospace and Defense Industry market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Technology (Radiography Testing Technology, Ultrasonic Testing Technology, Magnetic Particle Testing & Electromagnetic Testing Technology, Liquid Penetrant Testing Technology, Visual Inspection Technology, Eddy Current Technology); Type (Service, Equipment)

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 36 Featured) -

• Acuren Inspection Inc.
• Applus+ Group
• Ashtead Technology Ltd
• Bureau Veritas S.A.
• Creaform Inc.
• Eddyfi Technologies
• Element Materials Technology
• ETher NDE Ltd
• Fujifilm NDT Systems
• GE Inspection Technologies (Baker Hughes)
• Helling GmbH
• Intertek Group plc
• Mistras Group, Inc.
• Nikon Metrology NV
• Olympus Corporation
• Parker Research Corporation
• Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH
• Sonatest Ltd
• TÜV Rheinland AG
• Waygate Technologies (Baker Hughes)

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