Market Insights
“The aerospace and defense wheel market was valued at USD 537.2 million in 2024 and is likely to grow at a decent CAGR of 2.8% in the long run to reach USD 708.4 million in 2034.”
Introduction
Wheels are a critical component of the aerospace and defense industry, playing a vital role in supporting the aircraft’s weight during landing, takeoff, and ground operations. Designed to withstand extreme loads, high speeds, and varying environmental conditions, aircraft wheels ensure safe and efficient ground handling. These wheels are typically made from high-strength materials such as aluminum or magnesium alloys to achieve the necessary balance between durability and lightweight performance. In the defense industry, specialized wheels are engineered to operate under demanding conditions, including rough terrains and rapid deployment scenarios. As global air traffic increases and next-generation aircraft programs expand, the demand for advanced, lightweight, and maintenance-efficient wheel systems continues to rise, driving innovation and growth in the aerospace and defense wheel market.
Segments' Analysis
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Segmentations
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List of Sub-Segments
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Segments with High Growth Opportunity
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Application-Type Analysis
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Commercial Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, General Aviation, and Military Aircraft
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The commercial aircraft segment currently leads the aerospace and defense wheel market and is expected to maintain its dominance, experiencing the highest growth during the forecast period.
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End-Use-Type Analysis
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OEM and Aftermarket
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While the aftermarket category currently dominates the market, OEM is projected to experience higher growth in the coming period.
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Wheels-Type Analysis
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Main Landing Gear Wheel and Nose Landing Gear Wheel
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Dominating the market at present, the main landing gear wheels are forecasted to retain their top position with the higher growth trajectory.
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Region Analysis
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North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World
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Asia-Pacific is set to witness robust growth in the years ahead, with North America retaining its dominant market share.
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By Application Type
“The commercial aircraft represents the widely used application category of the aerospace & defense wheel market.”
The market is segmented into commercial aircraft, regional aircraft, general aviation, and military aircraft. The commercial aircraft segment holds the largest share of the aerospace and defense wheel market primarily due to the extensive global commercial fleet size and the continuous rise in air passenger traffic. Major airlines are expanding their fleets and modernizing existing aircraft to enhance fuel efficiency and operational performance, driving consistent demand for reliable and lightweight wheel systems. Additionally, the high utilization rate and frequent flight operations of commercial aircraft result in increased wear and tear, necessitating regular maintenance, inspection, and replacement of wheel assemblies. Consequently, the combination of fleet expansion, high operational frequency, and ongoing maintenance needs ensures the commercial aircraft segment’s dominance in the aerospace and defense wheel market.
By End-Use Type
“The aftermarket category currently dominates the aerospace & defense wheel market, primarily due to frequent maintenance & replacement requirements in the legacy aircraft.”
Based on the end-use type, the market is segmented into OEM and aftermarket. The aftermarket segment currently dominates the aerospace and defense wheel market, primarily due to the frequent maintenance, repair, and replacement requirements associated with existing and legacy aircraft fleets. Aircraft wheels experience significant wear and tear from repeated take-off and landing cycles, exposure to high loads, and harsh operating conditions, necessitating regular overhauls and replacements to maintain safety and performance standards. Additionally, the expansion of commercial air travel and the aging of in-service aircraft fleets have further intensified the need for wheel refurbishment and replacement services. On the other hand, the OEM segment, while smaller in comparison, is projected to witness substantial growth in the coming years due to increasing aircraft production, fleet modernization programs, and the introduction of next-generation aircraft featuring advanced wheel materials and designs.
By Wheel Type
“Main landing gear wheel is expected to hold a major market share of the aerospace & defense wheel market during the forecast period.”
The market is segmented into main landing gear wheel and nose landing gear wheel based on wheel type segmentation. The main landing gear wheel segment is expected to hold a major share of the aerospace and defense wheel market during the forecast period, primarily due to its critical role in bearing the majority of the aircraft’s weight during landing, takeoff, and ground operations. Main landing gear wheels are typically larger, more numerous, and subject to greater loads and braking forces compared to nose landing gear wheels, resulting in higher demand for both original equipment and replacement units. Additionally, the main landing gear wheels experience higher wear and stress due to their direct involvement in absorbing impact energy during landing and supporting heavy braking operations. As a result, they require more frequent inspections, maintenance, and replacements, further driving aftermarket demand. Therefore, the combination of higher operational loads, wear rates, and replacement frequency ensures the main landing gear wheel’s dominant position in the aerospace and defense wheel market.
Regional Insights
“Asia-Pacific is expected to experience the highest growth in the coming years, driven by increasing air passenger traffic and expanding commercial fleets.”
North America continues to dominate the market due to the strong presence of major aircraft OEMs and wheel manufacturers. The region’s well-established aerospace supply chain, high defense spending, and continuous technological advancements ensure its leadership position. Together, these factors position North America as the mature core of the market, while Asia-Pacific emerges as the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The growth in Asia-Pacific is supported by rising aircraft production in countries such as China, India, and Japan. Overall, these factors are driving steady growth in the demand for advanced aircraft wheel systems.
Key Players
The market is highly concentrated, with only a few players across the region. Most of the major players compete in some of the governing factors, including price, service offerings, regional presence, etc. The following are the key players in the aerospace & defense wheel market. Some of the major players provide a complete range of services.
Here is the list of the Top Players (Based on Dominance)
- Safran
- Meggitt PLC (part of Parker Hannifin Corp)
- Collins Aerospace
- Honeywell International Inc.
Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.
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Company Profiling
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- Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Service portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances
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