Increasing defense expenditure by various nations along with high demand for combat-ready aircrafts and fighter jets will fuel the growth of defense ground support equipment market. Economies around the globe are focusing on upgrading their existing fleet with technologically advanced aircrafts. Surging procurement of defense aircraft is, hence, propelling the market growth.
Growing government support coupled with rising focus of manufacturers on R&D investments for developing new-age special mission aircrafts and fighter jets will act as a growth fueling factor for the market. Surging adoption of advanced and multipurpose ground support equipment is further augmenting the market outlook.
According to new Research report., the defense ground support equipment market is slated to cross US $0.6 billion by the year 2026.
Based on equipment terrain, the market is segmented into Ground Power Unit (GPU), Air Start Unit (ASU), Air Conditioning Unit (ACU), Tow Tractors, and Deicers. Ground power unit (GPU) segment is presumed to gain traction over the forthcoming years, owing to easy operability and less operational & maintenance costs of the equipment. Citing an instance, in April 2018, the US Air Force acquired multi-output diesel-powered GPU from Aviation Ground Equipment Corporation to support JSF F-35 program. These units are designed as per military standards and can deliver voltage with a range of 72kW to 28.5VDC for all aircrafts types.
Based on type, defense ground support equipment market is bifurcated into fixed and Mobile equipment. Mobile segment is anticipated to gain traction in the approaching years, on account of rising technological advancements. Introduction of mobility in ground support equipment has improved the scope of applications. This equipment supports remote operation of fighter jets. Newly introduced mobile defense ground support equipment do not require external power and are foldable and compact. The abovementioned factors are slated to advance the demand for mobile defense ground support equipment.
Speaking of the power segmentation, electric ground support equipment segment is expected to witness high demand across Europe in the upcoming years, owing to strict government directives regarding carbon emission mitigation. On the other hand, hybrid ground support equipment offer high output with low maintenance expenditure, thereby gaining popularity over conventional equipment.
Elaborating on the aircraft type, rising adoption of technologically advanced fighter jets will negatively impact the defense ground support equipment market growth. These next-generation aircrafts are equipped with indigenous operational capabilities which have eliminated the need for ground support operations. For instance, in 2001, Dassault Systems launched fighter jet Rafale with additional systems, and after many upgradations its latest model is equipped with built-in APU (auxiliary power unit), optronics, and OBOGS (on-board oxygen generation system). Growing introduction and adoption of such jets in defense sector will impede the growth of defense ground support equipment market over the projected timeline.
Considering the regional landscape, Asia Pacific defense ground support equipment market will display substantial growth through 2026, cites the report. The regional growth can be attributed to rising defense expenditure and surging demand for aircrafts from nations like South Korea, China, and India.
As per the report, the key players functioning in the defense ground support equipment market are ITE GSE, JBT Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Tronair, Guinault, Enersys, and Cavotec SA among others. Prominent aircraft manufacturers are aiming to gain competitive edge by offering support equipment along with aircrafts. To cite an instance, Lockheed Martin F-35A is the fifth generation combat aircraft that relies heavily on support equipment to increase the efficiency and flight time of the aircraft.
Furthermore, the market giants are entering into long-term contracts with government to develop and deliver advanced support equipment which can align with the ongoing upgradations of combat aircrafts. Inflowing investment for developing next-generation support equipment for new aircrafts will amplify the growth of defense ground support equipment market.