Aerospace & Defence Elastomers Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (EPDM, Fluoroelastomers, Silicone Elastomers, Others), By Application (O-Rings & Gaskets, Seals, Profiles, Hoses, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Aerospace & Defence Elastomers Market was valued at USD 76.54 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 95.73 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.93%. The Aerospace and Defense Elastomers Market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing demand for high-performance, lightweight materials across the aviation and defense sectors. Polymers, composed of monomers made from elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and silicon, form the backbone of these advanced materials. Elastomers, a class of polymers with rubber-like elasticity, are widely used in applications requiring flexibility, resilience, and durability—such as seals, adhesives, o-rings, and molded components.

In aerospace and defense, elastomers are engineered to perform under extreme conditions, particularly above their glass transition temperatures. Key types include silicone elastomers, fluor elastomers, and ethylene propylene diene monomers (EPDM). Silicone rubbers are valued for their heat resistance and electrical insulation properties, while fluor elastomers offer superior chemical resistance, making them ideal for harsh environments. In 2023, the U.S. aerospace and defense (A&D) industry generated a total business output of $955 billion, with $533 billion coming directly from industry operations and nearly $422 billion stemming from indirect activity through the domestic A&D supply chain. This substantial economic footprint contributed $425 billion in economic value, accounting for approximately 1.6% of the nation’s nominal GDP. This strong industry performance has significant implications for the Aerospace and Defense Elastomers market, as sustained output and supply chain activity fuel consistent demand for high-performance elastomeric materials. These materials are critical in ensuring the reliability, safety, and durability of aircraft and defense systems, further reinforcing their importance in the sector’s continued expansion.

The market's growth is primarily fueled by the aviation industry’s shift toward lighter aircraft, which necessitates the use of advanced elastomeric materials. Rising global demand for new aircraft, especially in developed markets, and increasing government defense expenditure further support this trend. Also, the replacement of aging aircraft fleets with newer models continues to generate demand for elastomer components.

Despite these positive drivers, the market faces certain challenges. The aerospace industry is cyclical, typically experiencing ten-year economic cycles, and is susceptible to global volatility. High maintenance costs and capital investment requirements for manufacturing also pose barriers. Limited awareness regarding technological advancements in elastomer applications may restrict market penetration.

Nonetheless, ongoing innovations in elastomer technologies and materials, combined with strategic investments in aircraft design and defense infrastructure, are expected to drive continued growth. As the industry evolves, there are substantial opportunities to enhance the performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency of aerospace and defense elastomer solutions.

Key Market Drivers

Expansion in Commercial Aviation

Commercial aviation plays a pivotal role in the global economy, serving as a vital catalyst for international trade, tourism, and business travel. In recent years, this sector has witnessed remarkable growth, propelled by factors such as burgeoning economies, an upsurge in disposable income, and a surging demand for air travel.

This exponential expansion in commercial aviation has, in turn, spurred an unprecedented demand for new aircraft and spacecraft, thus fueling the rapid growth of the aerospace and defense elastomers market. Elastomers, renowned for their exceptional properties like flexibility, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals, find extensive utilization within the aerospace and defense industry. Seals, gaskets, hoses, and insulation are just a few of the myriad applications where elastomers are indispensable. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India is projected to become the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030, surpassing China and the United States. This surge is supported by a sharp rise in aircraft operations, with the fleet expected to reach 1,100 planes by 2027. Passenger traffic in FY25 (up to December 2024) stood at 196.91 million, while domestic traffic during April–December 2024 reached 246.7 million—an 8.1% year-over-year increase. International traffic rose 13.5% to 56.8 million in the same period. For FY24, domestic and international passenger traffic totaled 306.79 million (up 13.5% YoY) and 69.64 million (up 22.3% YoY), respectively. Additionally, freight traffic from FY16 to FY24 witnessed a CAGR of 3% domestically and 2.7% internationally. This aviation boom is expected to fuel robust demand for advanced elastomeric materials.

As the commercial aviation sector continues to soar, the demand for these elastomers is poised to witness a substantial surge. The proliferation of aircraft and spacecraft necessitates an increased requirement for various components, thereby driving the need for a greater supply of elastomers. Furthermore, the mounting emphasis on lightweight materials within the aerospace industry, aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, further augments the growth prospects of this market. Therefore, the growth and expansion of commercial aviation serve as significant drivers propelling the global aerospace and defense elastomers market. As this sector continues to flourish, it is expected to generate ample opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers in the elastomers market, cementing its position as a thriving and prosperous industry.

Growing Demand for Defence related Product and Euipment 

The growing demand for defense-related products and equipment is a key driver propelling the growth of the global aerospace and defense elastomers market. As global geopolitical tensions intensify and national security concerns continue to rise, governments across the world are ramping up their defense spending. This has resulted in increased procurement of advanced military aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and naval vessels—each of which requires high-performance materials, including specialized elastomers. In 2024, global military expenditure surged to $2,718 billion, marking the tenth consecutive year of growth. All of the top 15 military-spending nations increased their defense budgets, highlighting a worldwide focus on strengthening defense capabilities. The global military burden—measured as the percentage of global GDP spent on defense—also rose to 2.5%. This rising defense investment is directly boosting demand in the aerospace and defense elastomers market. Elastomers, known for their flexibility, durability, and resistance to extreme conditions, are essential in military applications such as aircraft components, missile systems, and armored vehicles. As defense sectors prioritize advanced, high-performance materials, the need for specialized elastomers continues to rise, supporting market expansion globally.Elastomers are essential in defense applications due to their superior flexibility, resilience, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and chemical exposures. They are widely used in components such as seals, gaskets, hoses, vibration dampeners, and insulation systems, ensuring durability and reliability in mission-critical systems. 

In particular, silicone elastomers and fluorocarbon-based elastomers are gaining traction due to their high thermal and chemical resistance, making them ideal for use in harsh environments, including high-altitude and underwater operations. The increasing adoption of lightweight and durable materials to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and improve operational performance further strengthens the demand for aerospace-grade elastomers. The modernization and upgrading of existing defense fleets, especially in developed economies such as the U.S., China, and major European nations, is also boosting the consumption of elastomers in retrofitting and maintenance programs.

Moreover, emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and Southeast Asian countries are expanding their defense capabilities and investing in indigenous manufacturing under various national programs, thereby creating new opportunities for elastomer manufacturers. Strategic collaborations between defense OEMs and material science companies are fostering the development of advanced elastomer formulations that meet evolving military standards and sustainability goals. In the face of rising defense contracts and global efforts to improve national defense infrastructure, the aerospace and defense elastomers market is expected to witness consistent demand. As a result, manufacturers are focusing on innovation, customization, and expanding production capacities to meet the evolving needs of the global defense sector, ultimately fueling market growth over the forecast period.

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Key Market Challenges

Complexities Associated with Compatibility of Material

In the aerospace and defence industry, elastomers play a crucial role due to their impressive properties, including flexibility, durability, and exceptional resistance to heat and chemicals. These unique characteristics make them highly suitable for a wide range of applications, such as seals, gaskets, hoses, and many more.

However, despite their numerous advantages, the compatibility of elastomers with the diverse range of substances they come into contact with poses a significant challenge. This includes fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids, and even aggressive cleaning agents. Choosing the wrong type of elastomer can result in material degradation, which can ultimately compromise the safety and performance of the equipment.

The complexities associated with material compatibility have a profound impact on the aerospace and defence elastomers market. Manufacturers face the challenge of carefully selecting the appropriate type of elastomer that can withstand the harsh conditions prevalent in aerospace and defence applications. This issue becomes even more pronounced as aerospace manufacturers strive to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency. As a result, new materials and fluids are being introduced, which may not be compatible with the existing elastomers.

Considering these intricate details and challenges, it becomes evident that meticulous attention must be given to the selection and testing of elastomers in order to ensure optimal performance and reliability in aerospace and defence applications.

Key Market Trends

Advancements in Elastomer Technologies

Elastomers, known for their exceptional flexibility, durability, and remarkable resistance to heat and chemicals, have emerged as indispensable materials in the aerospace and defence industry. These versatile materials find wide-ranging applications in critical components such as seals, gaskets, hoses, and beyond.

In recent years, the field of elastomer technologies has witnessed substantial advancements aimed at augmenting the performance characteristics of elastomers. The primary objective of these advancements is to make elastomers even more suitable for demanding applications within the aerospace and defence industry, where reliability and resilience are of utmost importance.

The ongoing advancements in elastomer technologies are profoundly impacting the aerospace and defence elastomers market. For instance, the development of novel elastomer materials with enhanced properties, such as superior resistance to extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals, is significantly expanding the potential applications of elastomers in this industry. The introduction of lightweight elastomers has emerged as a game-changer in the aerospace sector, where weight reduction is a critical objective to bolster fuel efficiency and curb emissions. These lightweight elastomers not only facilitate weight reduction but also maintain exceptional performance standards, making them highly sought after in the industry.

These technological advancements are not only elevating the performance of aerospace and defence equipment but also serving as key drivers for the growth of the elastomers market. Manufacturers and suppliers in this sector are poised to benefit from these advancements, as they present new opportunities for innovation and expansion.

Segmental Insights

Application Insights

The O-Rings & Gaskets segment is projected to experience rapid growth during the forecast period. O-rings, the most commonly used and widely available rubber sealing rings in the market, are essential components in various industries. Also known as packings or toric joints, O-rings are mechanical gaskets shaped like tori. They consist of a loop of elastomer with a round cross-section, designed to create a seal at the interface when seated in a groove and compressed between two or more parts during assembly.

These versatile sealing solutions find applications in both static and dynamic scenarios. In static applications, O-rings are used for fluid or gas sealing, where they are compressed to achieve zero clearance. The O-ring material is vulcanized solid, ensuring impermeability to the fluid or gas, while also possessing resistance to degradation caused by the medium.

In dynamic applications, O-rings play a crucial role in sealing mechanisms subjected to relative motion between parts. Examples include rotating pump shafts and hydraulic cylinder pistons. The flexibility and durability of O-rings enable them to maintain a reliable seal even in demanding environments. With their wide range of materials and sizes available, O-rings offer versatility and efficiency in sealing applications across various industries, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

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Regional Insights

North America was established as the largest market in the Global Aerospace & Defence Elastomers Market in 2024, holding the significant market share in terms of value. Countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, and others are the major markets in this region, driven by the continuous upgradation and expansion of the aviation industry and the growing production of oil and gas. This region encompasses the world's top economy, the United States, which allocates significant investments in defense to continuously enhance its intelligence and defense priorities. The global aerospace industry, including regional jets, commercial aerospace, defense, space, and general aviation, constitutes a market worth several hundred billion dollars. Given the substantial size of the market and its promising long-term development prospects, the aerospace industry presents an exceedingly attractive opportunity for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), material suppliers, engine suppliers, and part suppliers to thrive and succeed.

Recent Developments

• In 2023, Greene, Tweed and L3Harris, two leading aerospace companies, joined forces in an exciting collaboration. Their shared goal was to develop innovative elastomeric seals specifically designed to withstand the challenges of harsh aerospace environments. This groundbreaking partnership aimed to revolutionize the industry by introducing advanced sealing solutions that would enhance safety, efficiency, and performance in aerospace applications.

Key Market Players

• Saint-Gobain Limited
• LANXESS AG
• Solvay SA
• Dow Corning Ltd
• Greene Inc
• The Chemours Company
• Wacker Chemie AG
• Trelleborg AB
• Momentive Performance Materials Inc
• 3M Company

Report Scope:

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

• Aerospace & Defence Elastomers Market, By Type:

o   EPDM

o   Fluoroelastomers

o   Silicone Elastomers

o   Others

• Aerospace & Defence Elastomers Market, By Application:

o   O-Rings & Gaskets

o   Seals

o   Profiles

o   Hoses

o   Others

• Aerospace & Defence Elastomers Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Aerospace & Defence Elastomers Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Aerospace & Defence Elastomers Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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