Global Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

Recent Developments

• In February 2023, Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, secured an order from the Australian Army for 40 UH-60M Black Hawks, valued at approximately USD 1.95 billion. The UH-60M Black Hawk, renowned for its military-grade capabilities, serves as a medium-lift helicopter essential for various defense operations.

• In January 2023, The Boeing Company was awarded a contract worth USD 497.1 million by the US Army for CH-47F Chinook helicopters. The CH-47F, a heavy-lift helicopter predominantly utilized in military applications, is recognized for its versatility and robust performance in challenging environments.

In this report, the Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market has been segmented by Type, Engine Type, Helicopter Type, Application, and Geography.

Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market, Segmentation by Type

The Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market has been segmented by Type into Medium-lift and Heavy-lift.

Medium-lift

This segment holds approximately 58% share of the Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market. Medium-lift helicopters are highly versatile, offering optimal balance between payload capacity and operational flexibility. They are widely deployed for troop transport, search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and disaster relief missions. The increasing demand for multi-role rotary-wing platforms and advancements in engine performance and aerodynamic design are driving the growth of this segment.

Heavy-lift

Heavy-lift helicopters account for around 42% of the market. These helicopters are indispensable for military logistics, large equipment transport, and construction support operations. They are capable of carrying substantial payloads over extended distances, making them vital for strategic airlift capabilities and humanitarian missions in remote areas. The growing requirement for enhanced lift performance, increased range, and advanced avionics is fueling investments in next-generation heavy-lift helicopters across both defense and commercial sectors.

Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market, Segmentation by Engine Type

The Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market has been segmented by Engine Type into Turbine Engines and Piston Engines.

Turbine Engines

This segment dominates the market with approximately 87% share. Turbine engines are the preferred choice for medium and heavy-lift helicopters due to their superior power-to-weight ratio, fuel efficiency, and ability to operate in challenging environments. They enable reliable performance for a range of missions including military transport, offshore operations, emergency medical services (EMS), and firefighting. Ongoing advancements in turboshaft engine technology and the development of next-generation propulsion systems continue to propel demand in this segment.

Piston Engines

Piston engines represent about 13% of the market. While primarily used in smaller or legacy helicopter models, piston engines offer cost-effective solutions for training, light utility, and certain commercial applications. However, their limited payload capacity and lower altitude performance restrict their usage in medium and heavy-lift categories. Despite this, advancements in engine efficiency and ongoing retrofit programs are helping to maintain a niche demand for piston engine-powered helicopters in select markets.

Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market, Segmentation by Helicopter Type

The Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market has been segmented by Helicopter Type into Single-Rotor Helicopters and Multi-Rotor Helicopters.

Single-Rotor Helicopters

This segment leads the market with approximately 75% share. Single-rotor helicopters are highly valued for their aerodynamic efficiency, longer range, and superior payload capacity, making them the preferred choice for both medium-lift and heavy-lift missions. They are extensively used in military logistics, offshore oil & gas operations, search and rescue (SAR), and disaster relief. Continuous innovations in rotor blade design, avionics integration, and engine performance are further enhancing the capabilities of single-rotor platforms.

Multi-Rotor Helicopters

Multi-rotor helicopters account for about 25% of the market. These platforms offer enhanced lift stability and improved maneuverability, particularly valuable in heavy-lift operations and vertical replenishment missions. Multi-rotor configurations are increasingly being adopted for transporting oversized cargo and supporting construction projects in remote locations. Advances in flight control systems and rotorcraft structural engineering are expected to expand the operational scope of multi-rotor helicopters in the coming years.

Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market, Segmentation by Application

The Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market has been segmented by Application into Civil and Commercial and Military.

Civil and Commercial

This segment holds approximately 41% share of the Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market. Civil and commercial operators deploy these helicopters for offshore oil & gas transport, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS), and infrastructure development. The increasing demand for heavy-lift aerial construction and urban air mobility solutions is driving growth in this segment. Furthermore, advancements in flight safety systems and fleet modernization programs are accelerating the adoption of medium and heavy-lift helicopters in civil and commercial applications.

Military

The military segment dominates the market with around 59% share. Armed forces globally rely on medium and heavy-lift helicopters for troop transport, combat support, logistics missions, and humanitarian assistance. The demand for helicopters with enhanced payload capacity, extended range, and survivability in hostile environments is fueling investments in this segment. The growing emphasis on joint-force mobility and multi-mission versatility is also contributing to the expansion of military use cases for medium and heavy-lift helicopters.

Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America leads the Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market with approximately 37% share. The region benefits from strong demand driven by military modernization programs, offshore oil & gas operations, and extensive use in search and rescue (SAR) and firefighting missions. The presence of major helicopter manufacturers and continued investments in advanced rotorcraft technologies further solidify North America’s leadership in this market.

Europe

Europe accounts for nearly 26% of the market. The region is witnessing steady growth due to its strong focus on civil aviation modernization and increasing demand for heavy-lift helicopters in military logistics and humanitarian missions. European nations are also investing in cross-border defense collaborations and enhancing helicopter fleets to meet NATO and EU operational requirements.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific holds approximately 21% market share. The region’s growth is driven by rising investments in defense modernization, increasing focus on disaster response capabilities, and growing demand for offshore transportation in the energy sector. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are actively expanding their medium and heavy-lift helicopter fleets to address both military and commercial needs.

Middle East and Africa

Middle East and Africa contribute about 9% of the market. Regional demand is fueled by the need for defense capabilities, oil & gas transport, and humanitarian relief operations in conflict-prone areas. Governments are increasingly investing in modern helicopters equipped with advanced avionics and heavy-lift capacities to support national and regional missions.

Latin America

Latin America holds nearly 7% of the market. The region is witnessing gradual adoption of medium and heavy-lift helicopters for disaster relief, firefighting, law enforcement, and infrastructure development. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia are investing in upgrading their rotary-wing capabilities to enhance national readiness and improve civil aviation services.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities.

Drivers:

• Military Modernization Programs
• Growing Demand for Offshore Operations
• Rise in Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
• Infrastructure Development

• Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief - Humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts often require rapid response and logistical support in challenging environments. Medium and heavy-lift helicopters play a crucial role in these operations by providing transportation for personnel, equipment, and essential supplies to affected areas. Their versatility allows them to access remote or inaccessible locations, such as disaster zones, mountainous terrain, or regions with damaged infrastructure.

  Helicopters can perform critical tasks such as search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, and aerial firefighting, contributing to life-saving efforts during emergencies. The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, underscore the importance of robust helicopter fleets for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief worldwide.
  

Restraints:

• High Acquisition and Operating Costs
• Regulatory Challenges

• Limited Availability of Skilled Pilots - One of the significant challenges facing the medium and heavy-lift helicopter market is the limited availability of skilled pilots. Operating these helicopters requires specialized training, experience, and certification, which can be time-consuming and costly for aspiring pilots.

  Additionally, the demand for skilled pilots often outstrips the supply, leading to recruitment challenges for helicopter operators and military organizations. As a result, there is a persistent shortage of qualified pilots, particularly in regions experiencing rapid economic growth or military expansion. The shortage of pilots not only affects commercial operators but also impacts defense agencies and government organizations reliant on helicopter operations for various missions, including search and rescue, surveillance, and transportation.

Opportunities:

• Fleet Modernization
• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Integration
• Humanitarian and Disaster Response
• Renewable Energy Sector

• Government Contracts and Defense Spending - Government contracts and defense spending represent significant opportunities for manufacturers and operators in the medium and heavy-lift helicopter market. Defense agencies worldwide procure helicopters for a range of missions, including troop transport, combat support, medical evacuation, and maritime surveillance. Government contracts often involve long-term procurement programs, fleet modernization initiatives, and maintenance support services, providing a stable source of revenue for helicopter manufacturers and operators.

  Defense budgets and spending on military equipment are influenced by geopolitical tensions, territorial disputes, and national security priorities, driving demand for advanced helicopter platforms and related technologies. By securing government contracts and leveraging defense spending trends, stakeholders in the helicopter industry can expand their market presence, diversify their customer base, and drive business growth.

Key players in Global Medium and Heavy-lift Helicopters Market include,

• Airbus SE
• The Boeing Company
• Leonardo S.p.A.
• Textron Inc.
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Russian Helicopters JSC
• Aviation Corporation of China (AVIC)
• Kaman Corporation

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