Global Fighter Aircraft Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In June 2022, Jordan received a letter of offer from Lockheed Martin for the purchase of eight new production F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The acquisition of these advanced fighter jets is set to bolster Jordan's existing fleet capabilities significantly.

• In November 2021, United Aircraft Corporation commenced production of the Sukhoi Checkmate at its Siberian facility. Developed under a partnership between the UAE and Russia, as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2017, this single-engine 5th generation fighter jet represents a significant collaboration effort. Unveiled as a prototype at the MAKS 2021, the Sukhoi Checkmate is currently showcased at the Dubai Air Show 2021, marking a pivotal milestone in meeting the UAE's requirement for a single-engine fighter jet equipped with advanced capabilities.

This report extensively covers different segments of Global Fighter Aircraft Market and provides an in depth analysis (including revenue analysis for both historic and forecast periods) for all the market segments.

It reveals distinct categories based on take-off and landing configurations and aircraft types. In terms of take-off and landing, fighter aircraft are categorized into conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), short take-off and landing (STOL), and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) configurations. Conventional take-off and landing aircraft utilize traditional runway infrastructure for both take-off and landing operations, offering versatility in deployment and operational flexibility. Short take-off and landing aircraft are designed to operate from shorter runways or unprepared surfaces, enabling operations in austere environments or confined spaces. Vertical take-off and landing aircraft, on the other hand, are capable of taking off and landing vertically without the need for a runway, providing greater flexibility in deployment and operation in areas with limited infrastructure.

The fighter aircraft market is segmented by type, encompassing a diverse range of specialized roles and functionalities. These include light attack aircraft designed for precision strike missions in low-threat environments, electronic warfare aircraft equipped with advanced electronic countermeasure systems for disrupting enemy communications and radar systems, multi-role fighters capable of performing a variety of missions including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance, trainer aircraft used for pilot training and proficiency development, and other specialized types tailored to specific mission requirements. Each type offers unique capabilities and features, catering to various operational needs and requirements of military forces worldwide. This segmentation facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the fighter aircraft market landscape, enabling stakeholders to identify opportunities and tailor strategies to capitalize on emerging trends and market dynamics.

Global Fighter Aircraft Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Fighter Aircraft Market has been segmented by Take-Off and Landing , Type and Geography.

Global Fighter Aircraft Market, Segmentation by Take-Off and Landing

The Global Fighter Aircraft Market has been segmented by Take-Off and Landing into Conventional Take-Off Landing, Short Take-Off & Landing, and Vertical Take-Off & Landing.

The conventional take-off and landing segment is poised for significant growth in the Global Fighter Aircraft Market during the forecast period. This growth trajectory is attributed to several factors, including the segment's ability to accommodate a higher payload capacity for weapons and equipment, as well as its extended battle range. This increased capability is particularly advantageous for military operations that require long-range engagements and the carriage of heavier weaponry. Furthermore, advancements in technology and the development of new fighter aircraft programs, such as China's J-20, Su-37, Mig-35, Su57, and India's TejasMK2, are driving the demand for conventional take-off and landing aircraft. These next-generation aircraft are designed to replace aging fourth-generation fighter jets with more advanced 4.5th, 5th, and 6th generation platforms, offering enhanced performance, stealth capabilities, and operational effectiveness.

Countries worldwide are actively engaged in modernization programs aimed at upgrading their existing fighter aircraft fleets to maintain military superiority and address evolving security challenges. Programs such as the modernization of F-16, F-15, and F/A-18 aircraft highlight the continued investment in conventional take-off and landing platforms to improve aircraft capabilities and extend their operational life. Several prominent countries are either planning or have already initiated procurement programs to acquire new fighter aircraft, driven by concerns over the obsolescence of their current military assets. These procurement initiatives further underscore the growing demand for conventional take-off and landing fighter aircraft in the global defense market.

Global Fighter Aircraft Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Fighter Aircraft Market has been segmented by Type into Light Attack, Electronic Warfare, Multi-Role Fighter, Trainer, and Other Types.

Light attack aircraft, characterized by their agility and precision, are designed for conducting targeted strikes in low-threat environments, providing air support for ground forces, and engaging in close air support missions. These aircraft are typically equipped with light weapons and sensors optimized for effective ground attack operations while maintaining cost efficiency and operational flexibility. Electronic warfare aircraft play a critical role in disrupting enemy communication and radar systems, jamming enemy signals, and conducting electronic intelligence gathering. Equipped with advanced electronic countermeasure systems, these aircraft are essential for maintaining air superiority and protecting friendly forces from electronic threats.

Multi-role fighter aircraft represent a versatile category capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, reconnaissance, and air interdiction. These aircraft are designed to excel in multiple roles, providing military forces with a flexible and adaptable platform to meet diverse operational requirements. Trainer aircraft serve as essential platforms for pilot training and proficiency development, offering a safe and controlled environment for novice pilots to gain flight experience and hone their skills. These aircraft are equipped with dual controls and simulation systems to simulate combat scenarios and provide realistic training for aspiring fighter pilots. Other Types encompasses specialized fighter aircraft tailored to specific mission requirements, such as unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), stealth fighters, and air superiority fighters, reflecting the evolving nature of modern aerial warfare and the need for specialized capabilities in the global fighter aircraft market.

Global Fighter Aircraft Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Fighter Aircraft Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Fighter Aircraft Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

Asia-Pacific is poised to dominate the global fighter aircraft market, driven by China's significant strides in designing and engineering advanced fighter jets. China has actively competed with the United States in developing next-generation aircraft, notably introducing the stealth fighter J-20. Despite lagging behind in aircraft engine development, China has made notable advancements, including upgrading the JF-17 fighter jets with J-20 stealth fighter technologies. China's efforts extend to building a new carrier-based fighter plane to replace the problematic J-15 jets, aligning with its ambitious plans to establish multiple aircraft carrier groups. The introduction of a medium-sized stealth aircraft to complement the J-20 is expected to further bolster China's military capabilities and positively impact the Asia-Pacific fighter aircraft market.

In North America, increased investment in technologically superior weapon systems is driven by evolving battlefield capabilities in China and Russia. The United States, in particular, has been enhancing its aviation capabilities through initiatives such as the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for current F-16C/D Vipers. This program aims to extend the combat life of existing aircraft and incorporate cutting-edge military technology, ensuring the readiness of the US military forces. Efforts to upgrade outdated aircraft models further contribute to market growth, with Lockheed Martin playing a pivotal role in modernizing the US Air Force's fleet through initiatives like the SLEP, which is set to cover a significant number of aircraft and extend their operational lifespan until at least 2048.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Fighter Aircraft Market.

Drivers:

• Geopolitical Tensions
• Continuous Advancements
• Military Modernization Programs
• Replacement Cycles

• Export Opportunities: Export Opportunities play a crucial role in the global fighter aircraft market, presenting significant avenues for growth and expansion for manufacturers and suppliers. With increasing globalization and the rising demand for advanced military equipment worldwide, fighter aircraft manufacturers actively seek export opportunities to diversify their customer base and capitalize on emerging markets. These opportunities enable manufacturers to leverage their expertise and technological capabilities to meet the evolving defense needs of international allies and partners.

  For many countries, exporting fighter aircraft offers strategic advantages beyond economic benefits. By establishing partnerships and alliances through defense contracts, exporting nations can strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance geopolitical influence on the global stage. Exporting fighter aircraft can also facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing, enabling recipient countries to enhance their indigenous defense capabilities and foster domestic defense industries. Strategic partnerships formed through fighter aircraft exports often extend beyond the initial procurement phase, leading to long-term collaboration in areas such as maintenance, logistics, and training, thereby creating sustainable economic and strategic partnerships.

  Export opportunities in the fighter aircraft market are influenced by various factors, including geopolitical dynamics, defense budgets, and technological advancements. Emerging economies with growing defense budgets and modernization plans present lucrative markets for fighter aircraft exports, as these countries seek to upgrade their military capabilities and enhance their national security posture. Geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts drive demand for advanced fighter aircraft, particularly in regions experiencing security challenges or territorial disputes. Technological advancements in aerospace technologies, such as stealth, avionics, and weapon systems, enhance the attractiveness of fighter aircraft exports, as nations seek to acquire state-of-the-art platforms to maintain a competitive edge in modern warfare.

Restraints:

• Technology Transfer Restrictions
• Development Costs
• Export Control Regulations

• Political Uncertainty: Political Uncertainty presents a significant challenge in the global fighter aircraft market, impacting procurement decisions, defense budgets, and international collaborations. In regions where geopolitical tensions are high or diplomatic relations are strained, uncertainty regarding future military expenditures and defense policies can lead to delays or cancellations in fighter aircraft procurement programs. Political instability within countries may result in shifts in defense priorities, diverting resources away from fighter aircraft acquisition towards other areas deemed more pressing. Such uncertainties can disrupt long-term planning and investment strategies for both governments and aerospace companies, creating volatility in the market.

  Trade disputes and sanctions between nations can exacerbate political uncertainty in the fighter aircraft market. Restrictions on exports of military technology and components can hinder international collaboration and limit access to critical technologies, impacting the ability of countries to develop and procure advanced fighter aircraft. Political tensions between key players in the global arms trade can also lead to trade barriers and retaliatory measures, further complicating international defense contracts and negotiations. Uncertainty surrounding trade policies and regulations can introduce unpredictability into the market, influencing decision-making processes and investment strategies.

  Changes in government leadership and policies can introduce uncertainty regarding defense spending priorities and procurement strategies. Shifts in administrations may result in revisions to defense budgets, alterations in military modernization plans, and changes in strategic alliances and partnerships. The introduction of new defense strategies or doctrines by incoming governments may necessitate adjustments in fighter aircraft acquisition plans, leading to delays or reevaluations of existing programs. Political uncertainty stemming from changes in leadership and policies can create a challenging environment for stakeholders in the fighter aircraft market, requiring adaptability and agility to navigate evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Opportunities:

• Technological Innovation
• Collaborative Ventures
• Upgrades and Modernization

• Offset Obligations: Offset Obligations in the global fighter aircraft market refer to the requirements imposed by governments on defense contractors to offset the economic impact of large-scale defense procurement projects. These obligations typically arise in international defense contracts and aim to ensure that the purchasing country benefits economically from the procurement of fighter aircraft. Offset obligations may include various forms of industrial, commercial, or technological compensation, often tailored to meet the specific needs and priorities of the purchasing country. These obligations are commonly implemented as a condition for winning defense contracts and are intended to promote economic development, technological transfer, and job creation in the purchasing country.

  Common form of offset obligation is industrial participation, which requires defense contractors to invest in or establish manufacturing facilities, research centers, or other industrial infrastructure within the purchasing country. This enables the transfer of technology and expertise, fosters the development of domestic defense industries, and creates job opportunities for local workers. Offset obligations may include subcontracting agreements, where defense contractors are required to source a certain percentage of components or services from local suppliers, thereby stimulating growth in the domestic supply chain and enhancing the country's industrial base.

  Offset obligations may extend beyond industrial participation to include technology transfer, training programs, and investments in research and development (R&D) initiatives. Technology transfer provisions enable the purchasing country to gain access to advanced military technologies and capabilities, facilitating the development of indigenous defense capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Training programs may involve the upskilling of local workforce to enhance their technical expertise and proficiency in aerospace manufacturing processes. Investments in R&D initiatives promote innovation and knowledge transfer, positioning the purchasing country to advance its technological capabilities and competitiveness in the global defense market.

Key players in Global Fighter Aircraft Market include

• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Saab AB
• The Boeing Company
• Airbus SE
• United Aircraft Corporation
• Chengdu Aircraft Industrial (Group) Co. Ltd
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
• BAE Systems PLC
• Dassault Aviation SA
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
• Aero Vodochody Aerospace A.S
• Embraer SA
• Textron Aviation (Textron Systems)
• Korea Aerospace Industries
• Turkish Aerospace Industries

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis