Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market

Market Overview

The global maritime patrol aircraft market size was valued at USD 20,270.46 million in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 35,517.32 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.43% during the forecast period (2023-2031). 

Maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), or maritime reconnaissance aircraft, refer to a fixed-wing craft that is designed to operate over water for facilitating Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Search and Rescue (SAR), and Anti-Ship Warfare (AShW) military proceedings. It consists of numerous air-deployable measuring systems buoys, such as square measures and torpedoes used to extend flights at low altitudes, sensors, data linkages, over-the-horizon communications systems, infrared cameras, and other air-deployable measuring system buoys. At a reasonable cost, MPA provides technical help that is readily available, dependable, secure, flexible, and scalable. It is currently offered in various forms, including armored and unarmored.

Market Dynamics

Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market Drivers

Growing Necessity to Upgrade, Modernize, or Replace the Aging Maritime Patrol Aircraft Fleets

Demand for the market is anticipated to be driven by the need to replace outdated maritime patrol aircraft that are being operated past their useful lives with more modern, efficient, and capable aircraft. A marine patrol aircraft has an average lifespan of about 50 years, although use beyond this point entails more significant dangers and maintenance costs. There are many benefits to replacing outdated MPAs with new ones, including improved efficiency and capability of patrolling. The so-called "second-tier platform" market is also expanding, especially among nations that need to protect their coastlines and marine approaches but do not need to patrol extensive lengths of open ocean. To upgrade from its aging fleet of Soviet-era planes, India has become the first export buyer for the P-8 Poseidon Multi-Role Maritime Surveillance aircraft. Long-range intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions, and anti-surface and anti-submarine operations are all well-suited to the P-8I aircraft's design. Marine operations, humanitarian missions, search and rescue, and coastal patrol are all within its capabilities.

Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market Restraint

Growing Preference for Unmanned Platforms

In the last 20 years, the naval forces' desire for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) has grown significantly. Countries invest heavily in unmanned aircraft programs, such as purchasing high-altitude maritime surveillance systems, carrier-capable uncrewed combat aircraft demonstration programs, and rotary and small fixed-wing tactical UAS for maritime surveillance. Large unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) may have developed to their present level of technical sophistication due to a rapid increase in R&D expenditures on these platforms, which have supported and expanded their military applications throughout the past few decades. UAVs are gradually transitioning from complementary roles to mainstream roles as they compete with manned platforms in terms of capability, flexibility, reliability, and safety in various usage scenarios.

Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market Opportunities

Growing Focus on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)

Developing cutting-edge maritime technology, such as unmanned marine systems and stealth submarines, requires the naval forces to make significant investments in creating countermeasures that serve as deterrents for such threats. Anti-submarine warfare has grown to be essential in defending maritime assets against a quick, covert attack from enemy forces operating below the surface of the water as counter- and anti-denial measures have evolved as an essential component of the maritime strategies of significant naval forces. In this approach, anti-submarine warfare extensively uses fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft that are getting better at covering large oceanic areas. Major marine patrol aircraft models, including the Kawasaki P-1, Boeing's P-8I, and Lockheed P-3 Orion aircraft, are built for long-range anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. These aircraft are among the most widely purchased and technologically advanced surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft.

Segmental Analysis

The global maritime patrol aircraft market is segmented by engine type.

Based on engine type, the global maritime patrol aircraft market is bifurcated into turbofan and turboprop. 

The turboprop segment is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.88% during the forecast period. A propeller-driven gas turbine is the heart of a turboprop engine, which uses the energy released during the combustion of an air-fuel mixture to primary power the compressor and propeller and direct the remaining energy toward producing thrust. Above 450 mph, the turboprop engine's blade tip achieves supersonic speeds and produces shockwaves on the blade surface, which may cause engine failure. Below this speed, the turboprop engine may operate effectively. Turboprop aircraft have the innate capacity to fly efficiently on shorter and non-concrete runways, which may be a significant element in some strategic settings, such as naval stations on islands and coastal regions, encouraging nations to continue using turboprop MPAs. While France uses the Atlantique 2 (ATL2) from the 1980s, Germany uses the Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion to search broad ocean areas for submarines and other potential threats. The new MPA is expected to have operational characteristics that are on par with or better than the Airbus 400M military transport aircraft.

The architecture of a turbofan differs slightly from that of a turboprop. There is a speed difference between the fan and engine core in a turbofan because the front fan is primarily driven directly by the turbine using two different shafts. Due to the cowl surrounding the fan, some air is directed to the turbine portion while the remainder is bypassed around the engine to generate most of the thrust. Due to their reduced fuel burn rate, MPAs powered by turbofan engines offer greater endurance. Therefore, they have a higher engine efficiency than turboprops. Although there is now less demand for new-generation turbofan-powered MPAs than there is for turboprop MPAs, the adoption is anticipated to increase throughout the forecast period due to changing international rules governing aviation carbon emissions. India has ordered 8 Boeing P-8I MPAs to track and pursue enemy submarines with light torpedoes and depth charges. The Indian Navy intends to replace its outdated Russian-made maritime reconnaissance capabilities with a fleet of 22 P-8I MPAs.

Regional Analysis

The global maritime patrol aircraft market is divided into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. 

Europe Dominates the Global Market

Europe is the most significant revenue contributor and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.03% during the forecast period. The United Kingdom prioritizes maritime security, which has become even more important since the country decided to exit the European Union. Nearly 95% of all imports and exports from the UK travel by sea via more than 400 British ports. Rich fishing grounds, vital infrastructure including underwater cables, oil rigs, wind farms, and seven coastal nuclear power plants can all be found in UK waters. Sweden and the northwest and northwestern coasts of the United Kingdom both share maritime borders with Germany. The German Navy is in charge of flying the two Dornier 228/NG and eight P-3C aircraft that make up Germany's fleet of maritime patrol aircraft. The replacement of Eurofighter Tranche 1, PEGASUS, a substitute for Tornado bombers, naval helicopters based on the NH90, an airborne anti-submarine warfare capability, and a tactical air defense system are among the top priorities. This will help the market under study expand even more.

North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.58% during the forecast period. In recent years, there has been much interest in multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft in the United States. As a result, the country has placed more orders for maritime patrol aircraft to improve its capacity for maritime surveillance. When Patrol Squadron 40 switched to the P-8, the P-3C was officially phased out of US Navy active-duty service. With the P-3C's complete phaseout anticipated for 2023, two Navy Reserve squadrons and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 30 continue to operate the aircraft. Based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), the CP-140 Aurora is Canada's main aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft; however, it has a different and more complete sensor package. The Aurora offers a comprehensive spectrum of maritime, coastal, and overland surveillance capabilities and anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare for domestic and deployed missions supporting Canadian sovereignty and international goals. The Aurora fleet's lifespan is being extended by the Canadian government as well. The aircraft's wings and horizontal stabilizers are being replaced as part of the Aurora Structural Life Extension Project (ASLEP). The CP-140 Aurora fleet's operational life will now last until 2030.

China has developed into a potent military force in its immediate maritime area. It is increasingly engaging in activities in farther-off seas, such as the Indian Ocean, the Western Pacific, and the seas surrounding Europe. A comprehensive range of ship, aircraft, and weapon acquisition programs, as well as enhancements to doctrine, maintenance and logistics, personnel quality, education and training, and exercises, are all included in China's naval modernization drive. India recently strengthened its maritime patrol capacity by procuring new aircraft to replace the older aircraft in service with the Indian Navy. India has an extensive coastline and commerce sea routes linking with Europe and Africa. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned aircraft manufacturer in India, and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) have agreed to a midlife upgrade program for 17 Dornier Do-228 maritime surveillance aircraft. Defense Acquisition Council authorized ICG's 17 Do 228 aircraft's midlife upgrade (DAC).

Brazil's 7,400 km long coastline is one of the longest in South America. The Brazilian Navy and Air Force have recently strengthened their emphasis on maritime patrol and surveillance through fleet expansion and modernizing current maritime patrol aircraft. According to the plan, Akaer replaced several exterior wing components, including top covers, front and rear spars, upper wing panels, and center wing boxes. The Brazilian Air Force Air Base in Rio de Janeiro was to serve as the location for disassembly and assembly. The Argentine Navy uses 4 King Air 200 and 2 S-2 aircraft for maritime patrol duties. The Argentine Navy said in October 2019 that it had agreed with the Pentagon's Excess Defense Articles program to purchase four surpluses of Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft from the United States.

Recent Developments

• July 2022- Boeing delivered the 150th P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.
• October 2022- Saab received an order for deliveries of additional underwater vehicles called Double Eagle SAROV (Semi-Autonomous Remotely Operated Vehicle); these were to be used to dispose of sea mines safely. Deliveries of the Double Eagle systems are scheduled with those of new vessels to the Polish Navy during 2026-2027.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market Segmentation

By Engine Type

• Turbofan
• Turboprop

By Regions

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• LAMEA