Aerospace and Defense Wheel & Brake Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Aircraft Type (Commercial Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, General Aircraft, and Military Aircraft), By Product Type (Wheel, Carbon Brake, and Steel Brake), By End Use (OEM, Aftermarket), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 7.91 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.45%
Fastest Growing Segment	General Aircraft
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 11.51 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Aerospace and Defense Wheel & Brake Market will grow from USD 7.91 Billion in 2025 to USD 11.51 Billion by 2031 at a 6.45% CAGR. The Global Aerospace and Defense Wheel & Brake Market encompasses the engineering, manufacturing, and aftermarket support of critical landing gear subsystems designed to manage aircraft weight and ensure safe deceleration during ground operations. The primary driver supporting this market is the rapid expansion of the global commercial aircraft fleet necessitated by rising air travel demand which compels airlines to invest in new airframes and frequent replacement of these consumable components. Additionally, the sector is bolstered by sustained military modernization programs and a growing preference for lightweight carbon materials that enhance fuel efficiency across aviation platforms.

Despite these strong growth factors, the industry faces a significant challenge regarding supply chain fragility and raw material volatility that can disrupt production schedules and increase manufacturing costs. However, recent operational metrics confirm a robust trajectory for utilization rates which fuels the aftermarket segment. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, total global passenger traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometers increased by 10.4% compared to the previous year. This utilization growth directly correlates to higher wear rates and drives the continuous need for wheel and brake maintenance services to maintain fleet airworthiness.

Key Market Drivers

The Expansion of Global Commercial Aircraft Fleets acts as the primary catalyst for growth in the wheel and brake sector, driven by the aggressive renewal strategies of major airlines aiming to capitalize on travel demand and fuel efficiency. As carriers phase out aging airframes in favor of next-generation models, the demand for original equipment manufacturing (OEM) landing gear subsystems surges, directly stimulating production lines for advanced carbon braking units and electric actuation systems. This fleet modernization generates a parallel requirement for initial provisioning of rotable spares, further deepening the market's revenue streams. According to Airbus, in January 2025, in the 'Annual Orders and Deliveries 2024' update, the manufacturer delivered 766 commercial aircraft throughout 2024, an increase that underscores the intensifying pressure on the supply chain to deliver critical landing systems. Illustrating the scale of this global ramp-up, according to Boeing, in 2025, the company delivered 348 commercial airplanes during the previous year, contributing significantly to the installed base requiring long-term wheel and brake support.

Rising Defense Budgets and Military Aircraft Procurement simultaneously bolster the market, as nations prioritize air superiority and rapid mobility capabilities amidst heightening geopolitical instability. Increased government spending facilitates the acquisition of heavy-lift transport aircraft, high-performance fighters, and tactical rotorcraft, all of which necessitate robust, high-energy absorption braking technologies to handle rigorous operational profiles. This influx of capital not only funds new platform procurement but also sustains the modernization of legacy military fleets with upgraded landing gear components designed for enhanced durability. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in April 2025, in the 'Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2024' fact sheet, global military spending grew by 9.4% in real terms to reach a record $2.72 trillion in 2024, reflecting a strategic shift that secures sustained funding for aerospace defense contractors and their subsystem suppliers.

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Key Market Challenges

Supply chain fragility and raw material volatility fundamentally impede the Global Aerospace and Defense Wheel & Brake Market by creating unpredictable production bottlenecks. Manufacturers depend on a steady flow of specialized inputs, such as high-grade aluminum, titanium, and carbon composites, to fabricate these safety-critical components. When global supply networks fracture, the procurement of these essential materials becomes erratic, forcing manufacturers to extend lead times or halt production lines entirely. This inability to maintain consistent manufacturing schedules prevents the industry from effectively capitalizing on the rising demand for new aircraft and replacement parts, directly resulting in lost revenue opportunities and delayed deliveries to airframe original equipment manufacturers.

Furthermore, this volatility introduces severe cost instability that erodes profit margins and complicates long-term financial planning. As the price of raw commodities fluctuates, manufacturers face increased operating burdens that are difficult to absorb or pass on to airline customers immediately. The financial strain of these logistical inefficiencies is evident in recent industry expenditure trends. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, total global airline industry expenses rose by 9.4% compared to the previous year, a surge largely attributed to rising material costs and persistent supply chain constraints that continue to challenge operational efficiency.

Key Market Trends

The Transition from Hydraulic to Electric Brake Actuation Technologies is fundamentally reshaping the market by eliminating bulky hydraulic infrastructure in favor of lightweight electromechanical actuators. This technological shift not only reduces overall aircraft weight but also simplifies maintenance through plug-and-play component capabilities that minimize ground turnaround times while enabling granular real-time health monitoring. According to Safran Group, November 2025, in the 'Riyadh Air selects Safran's wheels & electric carbon brakes on its Boeing 787' press release, the company finalized a long-term agreement to equip Riyadh Air’s fleet of over 70 Boeing 787-9 aircraft with electric brakes, explicitly citing the system's capacity to facilitate real-time maintenance assessments and optimize performance in high-altitude environments.

Simultaneously, the Widespread Adoption of Carbon-Carbon Composite Braking Systems is displacing steel incumbents across high-utilization narrow-body fleets as operators seek to maximize operational efficiency. Carbon’s superior energy absorption properties and extended service life significantly reduce fuel burn and maintenance intervals, compelling airlines to lock in long-term supply agreements for these critical consumables to ensure fleet reliability. According to The Brake Report, April 2025, in the 'Spirit Extends Safran Brake Contract' article, Safran Landing Systems renewed its partnership with Spirit Airlines to support its A320ceo and A320neo fleet, highlighting that the manufacturer’s carbon brake solutions now equip over 70% of the global A320-family aircraft, totaling more than 5,100 units worldwide.

Segmental Insights

The General Aircraft segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category within the Global Aerospace and Defense Wheel & Brake Market. This accelerated expansion is primarily driven by the rising production of business jets and increased flight hours in private aviation, which leads to higher component wear. Furthermore, regulatory authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration have enforced rigorous maintenance schedules and safety standards for landing gear systems. These requirements necessitate frequent inspections and replacements, thereby sustaining a strong and continuous demand for wheel and brake components across the general aviation fleet.

Regional Insights

North America leads the Global Aerospace and Defense Wheel and Brake Market primarily due to the concentration of major aircraft manufacturers and established component suppliers in the region. This dominance is supported by substantial defense budgets that fund the continuous development and procurement of military aircraft. Furthermore, stringent safety regulations maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration mandate regular maintenance and replacement of landing gear systems, ensuring consistent demand. The combination of a robust industrial base and a large commercial aviation fleet solidifies the region's status as the primary market for these critical aerospace components.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, Safran Landing Systems secured a major long-term contract with Riyadh Air to supply wheels and electric carbon brakes for the airline's fleet of over 70 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The agreement, announced during the Dubai Airshow, established Safran as the exclusive provider of braking systems for these aircraft. The selected electric carbon brakes were noted for their lightweight design, which aimed to significantly reduce fuel consumption and optimize performance in high-altitude environments. Additionally, the deal included the provision of a specific electrical brake tester and comprehensive training for the airline's engineering team to ensure robust internal maintenance capabilities.
• In July 2025, AirExplore entered into a strategic partnership with FL Technics Wheels & Brakes to manage the maintenance of landing gear components for its expanding fleet. The agreement covered a significant portion of the airline's Boeing 737-800 aircraft and utilized FL Technics' network of specialized facilities across Europe. This collaboration was designed to enhance cost efficiency and reliability through a power-by-the-hour model, which introduced a risk-sharing approach for the carrier. The partnership aimed to minimize turnaround times and support the airline's operational growth in both passenger and cargo segments while lowering emissions via reduced transportation distances for repairs.
• In October 2024, Parker Aerospace launched a new wheel and brake system featuring its proprietary NuCarb carbon technology, specifically designed for the Airbus A321neo aircraft. The company developed this advanced braking solution to offer operators a lighter and more efficient alternative, with certification targeted for the aircraft's highest maximum take-off weight. The system was engineered to be available for both new production aircraft and as a retrofit option for existing fleets. Management at Parker Aerospace highlighted that this innovation aligned with the industry's push for sustainable flight by delivering reliable, safe, and cost-effective performance for global airline operators.
• In July 2024, Collins Aerospace was selected by Avianca to equip the airline's new fleet of 103 Airbus A320neo aircraft with its advanced wheel and brake systems. The long-term agreement, spanning 15 years, included full lifecycle support and the installation of brakes featuring DURACARB carbon friction material. This specific material was chosen for its durability, which allowed for an extended brake life and reduced maintenance intervals compared to competing products. The collaboration aimed to enhance the airline's operational efficiency and decrease service interruptions across its network in North, Central, and South America, reflecting a strong commitment to fleet reliability.

Key Market Players

• Meggitt PLC
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Parker Hannifin Corporation
• Safran SA
• RTX Corporation
• The Boeing Company
• Airbus SE
• Bombardier Inc.
• Embraer S.A.
• Héroux-Devtek Inc.

By Aircraft Type	By Product Type	By End Use	By Region
Commercial Aircraft Regional Aircraft General Aircraft Military Aircraft	Wheel Carbon Brake Steel Brake	OEM Aftermarket	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Aerospace and Defense Wheel & Brake Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Aerospace and Defense Wheel & Brake Market, By Aircraft Type:

• Commercial Aircraft
• Regional Aircraft
• General Aircraft
• Military Aircraft

• Aerospace and Defense Wheel & Brake Market, By Product Type:

• Wheel
• Carbon Brake
• Steel Brake

• Aerospace and Defense Wheel & Brake Market, By End Use:

• OEM
• Aftermarket

• Aerospace and Defense Wheel & Brake Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE