Global Insights | Military Helicopter

The International Military Helicopter Interactive Market Report provides an in-depth, accessible overview of global military helicopter programmes, priorities, and emerging technologies. Designed for defence professionals, industry experts, and procurement leaders, this interactive resource helps users navigate the complex and rapidly evolving rotary-wing landscape. With country-specific insights, upcoming programme details, and expert analysis, the report highlights key trends shaping the future of military aviation. Its interactive format allows users to explore data intuitively, compare regional capabilities, and identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation across the global helicopter market.

Our Military Helicopter Global Market Report provides an in-depth analysis of the current rotorcraft landscape, offering defence professionals critical insight into global procurement priorities, technological advancements, and regional market dynamics shaping the sector’s future.

The report draws upon exclusive data, expert commentary, and forecasts to explore key trends in modernisation programmes, fleet sustainment strategies, platform innovation, and industry partnerships driving capability development. It also examines the influence of next-generation technologies on future operational effectiveness.

Discover the latest regional breakdowns and forward-looking assessments by downloading this essential report today. It’s an invaluable resource for military planners, OEMs, and industry stakeholders looking to understand where investment, innovation, and opportunity will converge in the years ahead. Access the full report to explore comprehensive market analysis, data insights, and forecasts through 2030.

In this insightful session, Brigadier General David Cruzille examines the evolving challenges of aero combat and rotorcraft within today’s operational landscape. Drawing on lessons identified from recent conflicts, he explores how armed forces must adapt to meet emerging threats and opportunities.

Key themes include:

• Preparing for the future of aero combat and rotary operations
• Categories of aero combat manoeuvre in modern theatres
• The growing dronisation of air mobile operations
• What the future battlespace might look like for rotorcraft

This presentation offers both strategic reflections and forward-looking perspectives, equipping defence professionals with the understanding needed to anticipate and adapt to the next era of military aviation.

For a long time now, helicopters have been indispensable to military operations - providing lift, attack, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation in every major conflict. That being said, modern battlefields have exposed the limits of relying on rotary assets alone. Peer and near-peer adversaries, contested airspaces, and advancement in technology demands a new approach: one in which crewed helicopters and uncrewed systems operate as a single, integrated force. In our latest article, we explore how manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) is reshaping the next generation of aviation forces – touching on the opportunities it offers, the challenges it poses, and how programmes are adapting.

We were incredibly privileged to receive this interview from a Ukrainian Helicopter Squadron Commander on the current state of play of helicopters on the battlefield. This piece provides unique insight into how the military helicopter's role is adapting to new technologies and challenges. From the use of livery to drones, the interview gives insight into how the Ukrainian forces tackle challenges on the modern battlefield.

As one of the largest players in the military rotorcraft sector, Airbus Helicopter needs to ensure it delivers the most efficient products possible to maintain its market position. This is only possible through a clear market and supplier strategy. We had the privilege of interviewing Airbus’ Head of Marketing and Sales Development, William Sampson, who shared insights into Airbus’ strategy and supplier relationships in the rotorcraft sector.

Defence expert and frequent Defence IQ contributor Dr James Bosbotinis shares his views on the latest developments in military rotorcraft. With the prospect of facing close peers becoming a greater possibility, rotorcraft technology and use have to adapt to the new realities of operating in a highly contested environment. While the more bombastic elements of the media have quickly pointed to rotorcraft performance in Ukraine as evidence that they are confined to secondary roles, Dr Bosbotinis delivers a more nuanced view, advocating that systems and helicopter usage should be updated to reflect the new realities of the battlefield.

When facing the training gap, one question that must be addressed is how do we find effective solutions to enhance operational capability against live training pressures? What would be the right balance? Lieutenant Colonel M J C Garrety delivers his thoughts on synthetic training development in the UK.

The role military helicopters play on the battlefield continues to be significant. While new Anti-Air technologies and tactics have posed challenges to the sector, it continues to address them. New military helicopter programmes worldwide are investing in the latest technologies to increase survivability and capabilities. In preparation for IMH 2025, we are releasing the 2025-2029 Acquisition Report focussing on:

• The latest and most significant military helicopter projects
• Current and future spending on rotorcraft programmes
• Regional Analysis and Trends and their impact on the market
  

In this exclusive interview with Lieutenant Colonel Richard Morris, Defence iQ explores the next generation in Canadian Vertical Lift. Here LT Col Morris delves into the helicopter programmes of the Canadian Armed Forces and what impacts joining the NGRC may have on their programmes as well as the response from industry. A must read for anyone interested in military vertical lift.

In the lead-up to IMH 2025, Defence iQ has created a brand-new interactive report that provides global market intelligence for the international military helicopter market.

It is the most up-to-date and comprehensive data tool for learning where over US$121 billion is being spent across over 40 countries and 130+ rotary programmes.

Hosted on the IMH website, this interactive report is fully customisable. Whether you view spending by country or region or delve deeper into individual programmes, this interactive report empowers you to extract the ultimate value from the global data set.

Download the report now to:

• Discover specific programme forecasts on different helicopter types, including attack, heavy lift, training & utility
• View detailed breakdowns of spending trends across regions and globally. • Access country-specific project spending.
• Gain insights on expenditures by helicopter type and supplier.

Stay ahead on your market intelligence with Defence iQs International Military Helicopter Interactive Report.