Military and government helicopter market continues to be buoyant, despite budgetary pressures

Tuesday 13 September 2011, Amsterdam

According to the new report, the International Military and Government Helicopter Survey, some US$8.1 billion worth of contracts were placed in 2010 for 673 new and remanufactured helicopters.

Military orders totalled 543 airframes at a cost of US$6.8 billion or 84 per cent of the total. Of this amount, about 52 per cent or US$3.5 billion was spent by the US on military helicopters. Government helicopter orders totalled US$1.3 billion or 16 per cent of the total and 130 airframes. The US and Japan were the largest government customers.

Orders for medium-sized helicopters dominated both the military and government market with contracts worth more US$5.1 billion placed in 2010 covering about 376 aircraft.

An estimated US$2.3 billion worth of contracts were awarded in the first half of 2011. The US accounted for about 57 per cent or US$1.3 billion with foreign government orders dominating the remainder.

Defence will remain by far the largest market area for helicopters. Based on current contracts and requirements, a forecast of 3,671 new and remanufactured military helicopters will be delivered in the period 2011-2015 potentially worth in excess of US$50 billion with 606 aircraft to be delivered in 2011 and 738 in 2012.

The US and Europe will inevitably dominate deliveries in 2011-2015 as the biggest spenders on helicopter procurement, although there will be a rising number of helicopters supplied to the Middle East and the Asia and Pacific region.

The 240-page International Military and Government Helicopter Survey, published in August 2011, assesses current trends in the military and government helicopter market.

It features more than 48 figures, tables and data based on current and planned procurement to assess the current military and government helicopter primarily through to 2015 and beyond - complete with regional forecasts, estimated delivery schedules, listings of main contractors and subcontractors as well as major type operators and fleet estimations, helicopter specifications, contracts and requirements.