Market Share of Special Mission Aircraft Industry
The special mission aircraft market is fragmented due to the presence of aircraft OEMs and companies that convert commercial or general aviation aircraft into special mission aircraft. Some of the prominent players in the market for special mission aircraft are RTX Corporation, Textron Inc., Dassault Aviation, General Dynamics Corporation, and Saab AB.
The companies are expanding their sales and footprint in various regions through new partnerships with the governments and armed forces. For instance, the US government was awarded a USD 1.6 billion production contract to Boeing in April 2021 for the delivery of 11 P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Out of the 11 aircraft, nine aircraft are planned to be delivered to the US Navy, and two aircraft will be delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). With the order, the total number of P-8A aircraft on order for the US Navy increase to 128 and the RAAF to 14.
The companies are also investing in developing new special mission aircraft based on the requirements of the armed forces. In this regard, in January 2024, the US Armuy awarded a contract to Bombardier Defense for a Global 6500 aircraft to serve as a prototype airframe for the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. The HADES program aims to develop an ISR aircraft that uses a large-cabin business jet with advanced deep-sensing capabilities. Such contracts from various government and armed forces will help the companies increase their footprint in the market.
Special Mission Aircraft Market Leaders
Textron Inc.
General Dynamics Corporation
Saab AB
RTX Corporation
Dassault Aviation
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
