Aerospace And Defense Materials Market - Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth And Forecast 2024-2030

Overview

The Aerospace and defense materials market size is forecast to reach USD 51.70 billion by 2030, after growing at a CAGR of 7.39% during 2024-2030. Due to their excellent performance, strength, and heat resistance, aerospace and defense materials are becoming more and more popular. The market for aerospace and defense materials is mostly propelled by the aviation industry's increasing need. Moreover, the spacecraft industry's fast-rising demand for it has also raised its demand, which is driving the rise of the aerospace and defense materials industry. 

Report Coverage

The report “Aerospace and Defense Materials Market– Forecast (2024-2030)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Aerospace and Defense Materials market.
By Product Forms: Round Products (Bar, Rod, Pipe, Others), Flat Products (Slab, Plat, Sheet, Others), Net-shaped products (Forging, Near-net-shaped powdered products, Machined components)
By Material: Metals & Alloys (Aluminum, Titanium alloys, Nickel-based alloys, Steels, Superalloys, Tungsten, Niobium, Others), Composites, Plastics, (Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyamide-imide (PAI), Others), Others
By Application: Airframe, Cabin interior, Propulsion, Aero Engine, Naval System, Weapons, Navigation and sensors, Satellites, and Others.
By End-use Industry: Aircrafts (Wide Body Aircrafts, Single Aisle Aircrafts, Regional Transport Aircrafts), Rotorcrafts, Spacecrafts, Others.
By Geography:  North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, RoW

Key Takeaways

• Innovation in the realm of aerospace and defense materials is being fueled by ongoing advancements in materials science and engineering. The development of stronger, more resilient, and lighter materials such as improved composites and alloys is made possible by these breakthroughs. These materials are essential for increasing performance, reducing fuel consumption, and extending the life of defense and aerospace systems. For instance, the use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) in airplane components has significantly reduced weight without sacrificing structural integrity, saving fuel and improving performance. The fabrication of complicated geometries and bespoke components is made possible by developments in additive manufacturing techniques, which further expand the capabilities of materials used in aerospace and defense.
• Several nations' governments are making significant investments in R&D projects to create cutting-edge defense and aerospace technologies. For instance, as per the International Trade Administration, Canada has aerospace sector spent more than C$680 million (about $523 million) on research and development in 2022, making it more than 2.3 times more intensive than the industrial average. For the first C$2 million (about $1.55 million) in eligible R&D expenses, the Canadian government offers complete write-offs of R&D capital and equipment. This encourages businesses in the Canadian sector to maintain an advantage over rivals worldwide.
• As per the Indian Brand Equity Foundation, with approximately $223 billion in planned capital expenditures for aerospace and defense over the next ten years and a projected $130 billion investment over the medium term, the Indian defense sector is among the biggest and most lucrative in the world. This will contribute to an expansion in the market for aerospace and defense materials.

By Product Forms - Segment Analysis
Flat Products dominated the Aerospace and defense materials market in 2023. Advanced high-strength steel alloys and aluminum are examples of flat products that combine strength and lightweight. For aerospace applications, where a lighter aircraft can result in significant fuel savings and increased efficiency, this weight reduction is essential. For instance, in October 2023, GKN Aerospace and IperionX, a titanium developer located in North Carolina, joined to supply titanium plate test components that are produced using powder metallurgy and titanium angular powder processes. The main goal of this collaboration is to manufacture high-performance titanium plates for testing purposes at GKN Aerospace. It ends with the possibility of future cooperation between GKN Aerospace and IperionX, especially for projects related to the Department of Defense (DoD) in the United States.

Slabs provide industrial flexibility since they can be further processed to create a variety of products, including plates, sheets, strips, and structural elements. Because of the material's adaptability, aerospace and defense companies can create a vast array of parts and structures and tailor them to match particular design specifications. For structural elements including fuselage skins, wing panels, bulkheads, floor beams, and armor plating, slabs are widely employed in aerospace and defense applications. For the structural loads, vibrations, and difficult operating conditions found in aerospace and defense settings, slabs offer the strength, stiffness, and longevity needed.

By Material - Segment Analysis
Metals & Alloys dominated the aerospace and defense materials market in 2023. The aerospace industry relies heavily on various metals due to their unique properties. To safely interact with and complement the new composite materials that are rapidly taking over the aerospace industry. Metal alloys like titanium and nickel-based superalloys are replacing aluminum structures in applications requiring extraordinarily high strength-to-weight ratios.
The demand for Superalloys based on nickel, cobalt, and iron is also increasing which makes them perfect for hot applications in jet engines. For example, in June 2023, ATI Allvac, which manufactures nickel-base and cobalt-base superalloys, titanium-base alloys, and specialty steels for the aerospace industry, said that it had received an estimated $1.2 billion in new sales commitments from major aerospace and defense industries.
For instance, in October 2023, Novelis, a global leader in aluminum rolling and recycling and a top supplier of sustainable aluminum solutions, announced that it had extended its agreement with Airbus. This agreement strengthens Novelis's long-standing relationship with Airbus and highlights the company's leadership position in supplying cutting-edge aluminum products and services to the commercial aircraft sector.
In October 2022, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) and Boeing India announced a collaboration to create raw materials for the aerospace industry. MIDHANI is a state-owned steel component, superalloy, and other material provider.

By Application - Segment Analysis
Cabin interior dominated the aerospace and defense materials market in 2023. Adoption of new technologies, such as additive manufacturing, has the potential to transform supply chains and product design, driving higher demand for materials used in cabin interiors. 
For example, in February 2023, Chromatic 3D Materials, a 3D-printing technology enterprise, announced that their thermoset polyurethanes passed 14 CFR vertical burn tests, demonstrating anti-flammability norms for airworthiness. The successful examination indicates that the abrasion-resistant materials can be used to 3D-print a wide range of airline parts, including elastomeric components for stowage compartments and ornamental panels, as well as ductwork, cargo liners, fabric sealing, and other applications. 
There has been an increase in demand lately for business jets and older aircraft to be repaired and renovated. For instance, in November 2022, Emirates invested $2 bn and began its huge 2-year refurbishment program with the first of 120 aircraft slated for a full cabin interior upgrade and the installation of the airline's most recent Premium Economy seats. Similarly, refurbishment activities are expected to strengthen the market throughout the forecast period.

By End-use Industry- Segment Analysis
Aircrafts dominated the aerospace and defense materials market in 2023. There is a growing usage of high-performance materials in commercial aircraft applications. for example, Boeing estimates that the airline industry will need more than 44,000 new commercial aircraft by 2038, with a total estimated value of $6.8 trillion. All these aircraft employ composite materials. Aircraft manufacturers are producing new commercial, military, and general aviation aircraft models, which necessitate the use of modern materials with higher performance and lower weight. As a result, the emphasis is shifting toward newer material technologies such as composites. Also, wide-body jet engines have undergone significant transformations in recent years, due to the development of turbofan engines and the use of fuel-efficient techniques. These transformations are expected to increase the market growth.

By Geography - Segment Analysis
North America dominated the aerospace and defense materials market in 2023. In terms of aerospace and defense technologies, the United States and Canada are at the forefront. New, high-performance materials utilized in these industries are developed as a result of ongoing discoveries and developments in materials science. The defense budget of the United States is among the highest in the world. High levels of government investment in defense raise the need for cutting-edge materials for use in aircraft, military hardware, and other defense systems.
For instance, as per the International Trade Administration, Canada has aerospace sector spent more than C$680 million (about $523 million) on research and development in 2022, making it more than 2.3 times more intensive than the industrial average. For the first C$2 million (about $1.55 million) in eligible R&D expenses, the Canadian government offers complete write-offs of R&D capital and equipment. This encourages businesses in the Canadian sector to maintain an advantage over rivals worldwide.
On 11 December 2023, The Department of Defense's (DoD) Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program and the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation® (IACMI) announced a national initiative to help meet critical defense needs in the casting and forging industry for the United States. Curriculum creation for a series of stackable training opportunities in the metals industry, with an emphasis on the development of trades and engineering workers, is currently underway as part of the multi-year agreement between DoD and IACMI.

Drivers – Aerospace and Defense Materials Market
•    The Growing Demand for Lightweight and High-strength Materials
The growing need for lightweight and high-strength materials is driving substantial growth in the global aerospace and defense materials market. Due to their high strength-to-weight ratios, lightweight materials like carbon fiber composites, titanium alloys, and advanced polymers are in high demand by the aerospace and defense industries. These materials not only reduce aircraft weight but also improve structural integrity, which lowers operating costs and fuel efficiency. 
High-strength and lightweight materials have always been essential to building aircraft that are both fuel-efficient and highly effective. aluminum is a major material used to make aircraft. Aluminum was utilized in the production of several aircraft components, including the fuselage and other primary engine sections since it was lightweight, affordable, and easily accessible. Since then, innovative materials have been used to improve aircraft design, including composites (made of carbon and glass fiber, polymeric and epoxy resins) and metals (titanium, steel, new AI alloys).
For instance, on 23 October 2023, The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) under the Biden-Harris administration selected the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center as one of the 31 first Tech Hubs nationwide. About 50 public and private partners are brought together by Gonzaga University's AAMMC Tech Hub to foster innovation and development manufacturing of composite materials for the next generation of lightweight, environmentally friendly aircraft.
For instance, in 2020, NASA engineers have created novel materials that can be utilized to create better aircraft engines and related system elements. Silicon Carbide (SiC) Fiber-Reinforced SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites (SiC/SiC CMCs) are one of these materials. For high-performance machinery, such as aircraft engines, that must run for lengthy periods under harsh conditions, this lightweight, reusable fiber material is perfect. In between maintenance cycles, SiC fibers are robust enough to endure months or even years, and they can tolerate temperatures as high as 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit.

•    The Global Civil Aviation Industry is Expanding Rapidly
The global civil aviation industry's explosive expansion is one of the key factors propelling the aerospace and defense materials market. The aerospace and defense materials industry's demand for materials is heavily influenced by several interrelated factors, all of which contribute to its rise
The rise in air travel worldwide, which is being driven by urbanization and increased disposable incomes, is one of the main factors. The increased demand for commercial air travel as a result has forced airlines to modernize and grow their fleets. The pressure on aerospace manufacturers to make sophisticated, lightweight, and fuel-efficient aircraft is pushing the development of advanced alloys, lightweight composites, and high-performance materials that promote environmental sustainability and passenger safety. For instance, the aviation industry is and will continue to expand rapidly. The International Civil Aviation Organization's most recent projections indicate that throughout the next 20 years, the demand for air travel will rise by an average of 4.3% per year.
For instance, according to the IBEF, India is the third-biggest domestic air travel market globally. By 2024, the domestic aviation market in India is expected to grow to $30 billion, ranking third globally. The aviation industry has benefited from an increase in the proportion of middle-class households, fierce rivalry among low-cost carriers, considerable airport infrastructure investment, and a favorable political climate.

Challenges – Aerospace and Defense Materials Market
•    Stringent regulations and certifications
Strict quality and safety regulations apply to the aerospace and defense sectors, which can present difficulties for suppliers and manufacturers of materials. To guarantee safety, dependability, and compliance, materials used in aerospace and defense must meet strict regulatory requirements and certifications. Because materials must go through lengthy testing and validation procedures, meeting these standards increases the production process complexity and cost.
For aerospace and defense materials, obtaining regulatory licenses and certifications is an expensive and time-consuming procedure. It entails thorough testing, documentation, and adherence to legal requirements set forth by governing bodies like the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. Smaller manufacturers or new entrants may be discouraged from entering the market due to the substantial time and resource investment necessary.

Market Landscape
Technology launches and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the Aerospace and Defense Materials market. In 2023, the Aerospace and Defense Materials market share has been consolidated by the major players accounting for 80% of the share. Major players in the Aerospace and Defense Materials are Alcoa Corporation, Novelis Inc., Thyssenkrupp Aerospace, Toray Industries Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Group, Teijin Limited, Hexcel, Allegheny Technologies, Constellium, Solvay S.A., Formosa, SGL Group, Kobe Steel Ltd., among others.

Developments:

• In October 2023, Novelis and Airbus inked a contract to continue their cooperation. The deal strengthens Novelis and Airbus's long-standing cooperation and highlights the company's leadership in developing cutting-edge aluminum goods and solutions for the commercial aircraft sector.
• In June 2023, as a strategic partner of Spirit's Aerospace Innovation Centre (AIC) in Prestwick, Scotland, Solvay and Spirit AeroSystems (Europe) Limited have deepened their partnership. Together with Spirit's academic, industrial, and supply-chain partners, the AIC fosters cooperative research into environmentally friendly aircraft technology and procedures.
• In June 2022, Sikorsky granted Hexcel Corporation a long-term contract to supply cutting-edge composite structures for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopter. This funding has significantly increased the Hexcel composite composition of the airplane.

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