Military Trainer Aircraft Market Size, Share, Industry Analysis, & Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis, By End-user (Air Forces, Land Forces, and Naval Forces), By Type (Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing), By Solution (OEM and Aftermarket), By Training Type (Combat Training, Basic & Intermediate Pilot training, and Advanced pilot training), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global military trainer aircraft market size was valued at USD 26.16 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow from USD 26.98 billion in 2023 to USD 37.68 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.89% during the forecast period.

Military trainer aircraft refers to an aircraft in military aviation that is used and designed to train pilots to operate advanced aircraft effectively. Military training aircraft are used in military applications to train pilots and aircrew on various missions, such as combat and advanced flight training. There are several aircraft that are used across the globe, both fixed-wing as well as rotary-wing aircraft.

Military Trainer Aircraft (MTA) demand is expected to gain momentum during the forecast period owing to growing geopolitical differences among nations and increased spending on military aviation training and equipment from armed forces worldwide. Additionally, the growing fleet size of armed forces is leading to a rise in the need to replace or modernize older aircraft fleets, leading to new deliveries and further driving market growth. The growing fleet of military aircraft globally is creating a demand for trained and qualified pilots to operate them. Growing demand for trained pilots has fueled the growth of the military aircraft simulation and training market during the forecast period. The development of new and advanced aircraft and the increasing cost of real-time pilot training for these advanced aircraft types are other key factors supporting market growth.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR IMPACT

Russia-Ukraine War Has Led To a Surge in Demand for Combat Training, Leading to a Rise in Global Trainer Aircraft Deliveries

The raging war between Russia and Ukraine positively influenced the market in 2022. The war has increased the demand for advanced and combat aircraft training in the global market. Additionally, a rise in the overall government spending for the procurement of trainer aircraft is leading to market growth.

• For instance, in July 2023, The French National Assembly approved a sharp increase in military spending due to the war in Ukraine. President Emmanuel Macron has pushed for a bigger budget to spend approximately USD 450 billion, the biggest spending increase in half a century. The money would help modernize France's nuclear arsenal, increase intelligence spending, and develop more remotely controlled weapons.

The war has also led to a great impact on the growth of technological advancements in training. Advanced military trainers are being deployed worldwide to support either side of the war. Numerous countries, allies of the warring countries- Russia and Ukraine, are sending aid to help the nations fight the war.

LATEST TRENDS

Implementation of Technologically Advanced Training Equipment to Bolster Market Growth

There has been a recent surge in the increased use of simulators and next-generation technologies, equipment, and aircraft in the trainer aircraft market. Increased use of simulators has led the market to shift toward emerging technologies for training for the most advanced missions without placing the aircraft at risk and saving major costs. Technological advancements facilitate more detailed simulations of weapons and operating environments, allowing Air Forces worldwide to transition training from the real to the virtual world. Additionally, implementing 5th and 6th-generation aircraft and training is expected to boost the military trainer aircraft market growth.

For instance, in February 2023, the U.S. Air Force trainer, Second Air Force, unveiled their plans to implement a 6th generation learning environment across their technical training wings. In the new sixth-generation learning environment, flexible and personalized content would be delivered to meet different preferences, styles, and levels of learning experiences.

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DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Application of Advanced Training for Airmen to Boost Market Growth

As global military forces advance technologically, there is a rise in demand for skilled and trained pilots, leading to an overall increase in the demand for advanced training equipment and aircraft for them to train on. Globally, advanced trainer aircraft are gaining traction to provide appropriate advanced and combat training to the future of global air forces. To facilitate the same, countries are readily procuring and producing technologically advanced, new-generation trainer aircraft to compete with the world. Numerous countries send their airmen to different nations for additive training on advanced aircraft.

For instance, in June 2023, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. announced plans to develop HAL HLFT-42 next-generation advanced supersonic jet trainer aircraft, which will play a critical role in modern combat aircraft training. The MTA would be equipped with a new engine and modern avionics such as AESA radar, electronic warfare (EW) suite, Infrared Search and Track (IRST), and Fly-By-Wire (FBW) system.

Increasing Modernization of Existing Fleet to Drive Industry Growth

The transition of the fleet from pre-existing old aircraft to new and technologically advanced aircraft is leading market growth. As years pass, there has been a rise in the need to modernize training aircraft fleets to train budding pilots, thereby leading to the decommissioning of older aircraft and the order of new aircraft. Older aircraft had to be discontinued due to their lack of security, wear and tear, and outdated technology and mechanisms, thereby creating room for newer aircraft to train on.

For instance, in April 2022, The Boeing Company unveiled the first 351 next-generation jet trainers to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force. The delivery is subject to being a part of the USD 9.2 billion order by the U.S. government. The T-7A Red Hawk, built at a facility in St. Louis Company, was praised for its three-year digital design and fabrication process, as well as its historical support of Tuskegee airmen from World War II and the Conflict.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Growing Potential of UAVs and Decommissioning of Aircraft to Limit Market Growth

Despite experiencing robust post-pandemic growth, the market for military trainer aircraft is expected to be restrained due to growing applications of UAVs. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are being readily used and replaced with airmen for various combat and regular missions. Additionally, the decommissioning of older aircraft is a major restraining factor since it leads to a decreased number of fleets, thereby restraining the market.

For instance, in March 2023, the U.S. Air Force unveiled the retirement of 310 aircraft in its proposed USD 185.1 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024. According to officials, the request would allow them to invest more in capabilities in the future, such as Next Generation Airborne (NGAD) fighter aircraft and drone development to join combat.

SEGMENTATION

By End-user Analysis

New Aircraft Orders and Deliveries to Bolster Air Forces Segment Growth

Based on end-user, the market is categorized into air forces, land forces, and naval forces.

The air forces segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022 and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The segment’s growth is owed to the growing aircraft orders and deliveries to countries across the globe. The growing need for advanced training, building cross-border tensions, and budding terrorism has led to a rise in the need for advanced training of air forces, thereby leading to a growth in the procurement of new advanced aircraft, thereby driving the overall segment growth over the forecast period.

The naval forces segment is predicted to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. This is due to a growth in the naval applications of trainer aircraft. A surge in applications of military training and aircraft carriers in naval missions has led to this stupendous growth. For instance, in February 2023, the U.S. Military forces entered a contract with global aircraft manufacturer Textron Aviation to deliver up to 64 twin-engine propeller crafts- Beechcraft King Air 260s for marine and coast guard training.

By Type Analysis

Higher Number of Deliveries and Increased Demand to Propel Fixed-Wing Segment Growth

By type, the market is segmented into fixed-wing and rotary-wing.

The fixed-wing segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022 and is expected to grow with the highest CAGR over the forecast period. The primary reason for this could be availability and preference given to fixed-wing aircraft. Additionally, converting business jets and regional aircraft for special missions and defense transport due to lower purchasing and operating costs is expected to drive market growth further.

For instance, in June 2022, the Boeing T-X, officially known as the T-7A Red Hawk, a new advanced pilot training system, was offered by Boeing in partnership with Saab for the U.S. Air Force's T-X Advanced Pilot Training Program (USAF). The T-X aircraft was designed to replace the USAF's aging T-38 Talon training fleet.

The rotary-wing segment accounted for a significant market share in 2022. This was due to the increased training for helicopter and rotorcraft pilots for various missions such as surveillance, search and rescue, and basic mission training.

By Solution Analysis

Pre-existing Fleet of Military Trainer Aircrafts Add Up to the High Growth of the Segment  

On the basis of solution, the market is bifurcated into OEM and aftermarket.  

The aftermarket segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022 due to the wide fleet availability and growing market year-on-year. The aftermarket segment is also expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the study period. This is owing to a growth in refurbishment and maintenance of pre-existing aircraft. In addition, the high retirement age of military trainer aircraft is expected to be a major factor driving the market growth. 

The OEM segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the study period owing to new aircraft deliveries. The growing military budget of nations and growing geopolitical tensions amidst war have led to a rise in the need for appropriate military training and combat, boosting the segment growth over the forecast period.

For instance, in September 2023, a Russian-made YAK-130 combat training aircraft joined the Iranian air force. The advanced combat training aircraft is capable of meeting the training needs of pilots learning to fly the 4th generation fighter aircraft.

By Training Type Analysis

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Rising Number of Deliveries Led to Basic and Intermediate Pilot Training Segment Growth  

Based on training type, the market is segmented into combat training, basic & intermediate pilot training, and advanced pilot training.  

The basic and intermediate pilot training segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022. This was due to the wide application and initiation of all training from the initial and intermediate jet trainers. Additionally, the growing number of deliveries due to a rising number of airmen is expected to boost the market over the forecast period.   

The advanced pilot training segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the study period. This is owing to new and conventional ways of pilot training. Advanced pilot training is avidly supported by advanced and integrated technologies, such as immersive, interactive simulator training, which makes it the highest-growing segment. 

• For instance, in August 2023, the Pentagon announced that the U.S. would begin training Ukrainian pilots to fly American-made F-16 fighter jets from the Air National Guard base in October. The training is part of a U.S. and European effort to send advanced fighter jets to Ukraine to defend against invading Russian forces.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

By region, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

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North America was valued at USD 8.64 billion in 2022 and is expected to dominate the market due to the presence of top OEMs such as Boeing and a pre-existing global market. The region has a growing number of top military trainer aircraft deliveries. Additionally, the U.S. military forces are the largest procurers of global military training aircraft worldwide.

Asia Pacific is predicted to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Due to the rise in government defense spending and raging cross-border tension among countries in the region, there has been a rise in demand for appropriate training for airmen, leading to regional market expansion. In addition, governments in the region are indulging in procuring military trainer aircraft from other developed nations to strengthen their military forces.

For instance, in September 2022, Australia – U.S. F-22 fighter jets were being trained in northern Australia alongside host country F-35A jets as part of an initiative to improve interoperability between their armed forces. Six F-22s from the 15th Wing based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, arrived at RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territories, in mid-August, and the training began shortly after that.

Europe accounted for a significant market share in 2022. The region's market share is due to the growing purchasing power of nations and emerging key players, such as Pilatus Aircraft (Switzerland). The booming aviation industry and the impact on demand for trainer aircraft from the Russia-Ukraine war accentuate the overall regional market growth over the forecast period.

The rest of the world consists of Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. The regions are expected to grow over the forecast period due to growing economies and globalization. The demand for military trainer aircraft in the region is expected to flourish due to the entrance of global market players. This, in turn, is expected to boost market growth during the forecast period.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Market Players are Competitive in Nature to Co-Exist and Sustain their Market Position

The military trainer aircraft market is consolidated, with several global and regional players operating in this industry. Key market players are competitive in nature to co-exist with emerging and domestic service providers. The top players in the industry are Textron Inc. (U.S.), Airbus SE (France), The Boeing Company (U.S.), Leonardo SPA (Italy), and other listed companies in the ranking analysis. The Boeing Company is expected to lead the market owing to its global presence. Other prominent players involved in the market include Bombardier Inc. (Canada), GE Aviation (U.S.), United Aircraft Building Corporation (Russia), and other market players highly involved in new product launches and frequent partnerships and acquisitions to sustain their market position.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Embraer S.A. (Brazil)


• Textron Inc. (U.S.)


• Airbus SE (France)


• The Boeing Company (U.S.)


• Leonardo SpA (Italy)


• United Aircraft Building Corporation (Russia)


• Bae Systems plc (U.K.)


• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)


• Pilatus Aircraft (Switzerland)


• Saab AB (Sweden)


• Piper Aircraft Inc. (U.S.)


• Bombardier Inc. (Canada)


• General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.)


• Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)


• GE Aviation (U.S.)


• Dassault Aviation SA (France)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2023 – General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics, announced that it was awarded a Flight School Training Support Services contract to support the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence. Awarded in March, the USD 1.7 billion contract, managed by the U.S. Army Simulation, Training and Equipment Executive Office, has a base term of five years and seven years of follow-on option.


• March 2023 – The U.S. Air Force entered a contract with The Boeing Company worth up to USD 1.2 billion to begin work on the first E-7A combat management, command, and control aircraft, with plans to deploy a total of 26 aircraft. The E-7, which the agency hopes to enter into service for the first time in fiscal 2027, is a modernized battlefield management aircraft originally developed for the Royal Australian Air Force and nicknamed Wedgetail.


• December 2022 – The U.S. Air Force unveiled the delivery of 12 T-6 military training aircraft to Vietnam as a part of their initiative for the modernization of Southeast Asian countries’ forces. The delivery consisted of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II trainer aircraft.


• November 2022 – The Tunisian Air Force (TAF) received the first of eight Beechcraft T-6C trainer aircraft from Textron Aviation, the company announced during the Manama 2022 Air Power Symposium. Tunisian pilots were then training with the new aircraft in the U.S. before moving to North African countries.


• January 2022 – Leonardo SPA, a global aircraft manufacturer, unveiled an order for advanced jet trainers from Qatar. The nation initiated the order due to the ongoing fighter procurement program to buy high-end jets from three different sources to ensure adequate pilot training for its fast-expanding air force.