Search and Rescue Helicopter

Global Search and Rescue Helicopter Market to Reach US$2.5 Billion by 2030

The global market for Search and Rescue Helicopter estimated at US$2.1 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$2.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Aero Structures, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 2.1% CAGR and reach US$557.4 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Engine segment is estimated at 3.6% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$569.6 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 5.2% CAGR

The Search and Rescue Helicopter market in the U.S. is estimated at US$569.6 Million in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$476.3 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 5.2% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.2% and 2.2% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 1.6% CAGR.

Global Search and Rescue Helicopter Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is The Demand For Search And Rescue Helicopters Increasing Worldwide?

The global search and rescue (SAR) helicopter market is witnessing strong growth due to increasing emergency response needs across defense, maritime, and disaster relief operations. Search and rescue helicopters play a critical role in locating and extracting individuals in distress, whether in mountainous terrains, offshore environments, or conflict zones. Governments and defense agencies are investing heavily in SAR helicopters to enhance national security and emergency preparedness. Additionally, climate change-related disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, are increasing the demand for rapid aerial response capabilities. The expansion of the oil and gas industry and offshore wind farms is also driving demand for SAR helicopters to provide emergency evacuation support for workers. As global rescue operations become more complex, the need for advanced SAR helicopters continues to rise.

What Technological Innovations Are Transforming SAR Helicopters?

Advancements in rotorcraft design, avionics, and sensor technology are enhancing the capabilities of SAR helicopters. Modern helicopters are being equipped with high-resolution infrared cameras, AI-powered search algorithms, and real-time data transmission capabilities to improve efficiency in locating missing persons. The development of autonomous and unmanned rescue helicopters is also gaining traction, reducing risks for rescue personnel in extreme conditions. Lightweight composite materials and fuel-efficient propulsion systems are extending the operational range of SAR helicopters, allowing them to reach remote or hazardous locations more effectively. Additionally, integration with satellite communication and GPS tracking is improving navigation accuracy, ensuring faster response times in critical situations. These technological advancements are making SAR operations more effective, reliable, and safer.

Which Sectors Are Driving The Demand For SAR Helicopters?

The demand for SAR helicopters is primarily driven by the defense, coast guard, and emergency medical services (EMS) sectors. Military and law enforcement agencies rely on SAR helicopters for combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions, while coastal nations deploy them for maritime rescues and disaster relief. The oil and gas industry also heavily depends on SAR helicopters for offshore emergency evacuations. Additionally, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and humanitarian agencies are expanding their use of SAR helicopters for disaster response and medical evacuations. With increasing global emphasis on emergency preparedness and disaster response, the SAR helicopter market is poised for steady growth.

What Factors Are Fueling The Growth Of The SAR Helicopter Market?

The growth in the SAR helicopter market is driven by increasing defense budgets, rising incidents of natural disasters, and expanding offshore industrial activities. Governments worldwide are investing in upgrading aging SAR helicopter fleets with modernized models equipped with advanced avionics and rescue equipment. Climate change-induced disasters are amplifying the need for fast and efficient aerial rescue capabilities. Additionally, the expansion of remote infrastructure projects, including offshore wind farms and Arctic exploration, is increasing demand for SAR helicopters. As emergency response operations become more advanced, the market for SAR helicopters is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Search and Rescue Helicopter market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Component (Aero Structures, Engine, Avionics, Rescue Equipment, Electrical System, Others); Type (Light, Medium, Heavy); End-Use (Commercial & Civil, Military)

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 43 Featured) -

• AgustaWestland (Leonardo)
• Air Rescue Systems
• Airbus Defence and Space
• Airbus Helicopters
• Babcock International Group
• Bell Textron Inc.
• Boeing Rotorcraft Systems
• Bristow Group Inc.
• CHC Helicopter
• Elbit Systems
• Enstrom Helicopter Corporation
• Everett Aviation Ltd
• FairLifts
• Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
• Honeywell Aerospace
• Kaman Aerospace
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries
• Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd.
• Leonardo S.p.A
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• MD Helicopters Inc.
• NHIndustries
• PHI Aviation LLC
• Priority 1 Air Rescue
• Robinson Helicopter Company
• Russian Helicopters
• Russian Helicopters JSC
• Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin)
• Textron Aviation

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

To our valued clients, we say, we have your back. We will present a simplified market reassessment by incorporating these changes!

APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.

Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:

USA
CHINA
MEXICO
CANADA
EU
JAPAN
INDIA
176 OTHER COUNTRIES.

Leading Economists - Our knowledge base tracks 14,949 economists including a select group of most influential Chief Economists of nations, think tanks, trade and industry bodies, big enterprises, and domain experts who are sharing views on the fallout of this unprecedented paradigm shift in the global econometric landscape. Most of our 16,491+ reports have incorporated this two-stage release schedule based on milestones.

Please note: Reports are sold as single-site single-user licenses. Electronic versions require 24-48 hours as each copy is customized to the client with digital controls and custom watermarks. The Publisher uses digital controls protecting against copying and printing is restricted to one full copy to be used at the same location.

The latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the report. Upon ordering an electronic version, the Publisher will provide a link to download the purchased report.

Prior to fulfillment of an order, the client will be required to sign a document detailing the purchase terms for a publication from this publisher.