Firefighting Aircraft Market Expected to Reach $27.2 Billion by 2040

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Firefighting Aircraft Market," The firefighting aircraft market size was valued at $9.5 billion in 2024, and is estimated to reach $27.2 billion by 2040, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2025 to 2040.

The firefighting aircraft industry is experiencing several key trends driven by technological advancements, safety regulations, and the growing demand for efficient off-road operations. One of the prominent trends is the shift toward LED lighting due to its energy efficiency, long lifespan, and brighter output compared to traditional lighting options like halogen or incandescent bulbs. LED lights are increasingly being used for various applications, including work lights, headlights, and hazard lights, as they provide superior illumination and durability in challenging conditions. Alongside this, smart lighting solutions are gaining traction. These systems integrate sensors, connectivity, and advanced control mechanisms to adjust light intensity based on environmental conditions, improving visibility while reducing energy consumption. For instance, in April 2025, Stellantis partnered with Valeo to launch the first remanufactured LED headlamp and remanufactured infotainment display screen in Europe, reflecting a broader trend in the automotive and off-highway vehicle industries towards sustainability and cost-efficiency. By focusing on remanufacturing, the companies are contributing to the growing demand for energy-efficient LED lighting solutions in off-highway vehicles, providing a more sustainable option for operators of construction, agricultural, and mining vehicles.

Moreover, the focus on safety and compliance, with lighting systems increasingly designed to meet industry standards and enhance operator visibility. With the increase in complexity of off-highway vehicle operations, there is a growing emphasis on meeting safety standards and ensuring maximum visibility in low-light environments. As a result, firefighting aircraftsystems are being designed to meet specific industry regulations and improve operator safety, particularly in construction, mining, and agriculture. In addition, the rise of automation and electrification in off-highway vehicles is driving the development of lighting systems that are optimized for electric and autonomous machinery. for instance, in October 2024, Kia launched the electric EV9 and modular PV5 concepts, both featuring rugged off-road-style lighting elements, highlighting a crossover of design trends from the firefighting aircraft market analysis, where durable, high-visibility lighting is essential for performance and safety in demanding environments. Moreover, there is a growing demand for rugged, weather-resistant lighting that can withstand extreme conditions such as rain, snow, and high vibrations, ensuring reliability in remote and harsh environments. These trends reflect the market's push towards more efficient, safer, and technologically advanced lighting solutions for off-highway vehicles.

By Vehicle Type, the tractor segment attained the highest market share in 2024. This dominance is driven by the extensive use of tractors in agriculture, where operations often extend into early morning or late evening hours, requiring reliable and high-performance lighting. Tractors operate in varied terrain and weather conditions, making durable, energy-efficient lighting systems essential for safety and productivity. The growing adoption of LED lights for better visibility, lower energy consumption, and longer lifespan has further fueled demand.

By End User, the construction segment attained the highest firefighting aircraft market share in 2024. This is primarily due to the growing number of large-scale infrastructure projects, urban development, and road-building activities across emerging and developed economies. Construction machinery such as excavators, loaders, and dump trucks operate in low-light environments or during night shifts, requiring robust and efficient lighting systems for safety and productivity. The adoption of LED lighting in these vehicles further supports better visibility, energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance. Additionally, increased investments in smart cities and industrial expansion continue to drive demand for reliable lighting solutions in construction equipment.

Region wise, Asia-pacific attained the highest market share in 2023 and emerged as the leading region in the firefighting aircraft market growth. This is due to rapid industrialization, infrastructure development, and expansion of the agriculture and construction sectors. Countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are witnessing increased use of off-highway vehicles, boosting the demand for reliable lighting systems. The shift toward LED and smart lighting technologies is gaining traction due to their energy efficiency and durability. Rise in safety awareness, growing mechanization in agriculture, and government investments in mining and infrastructure projects are contributing to the strong market growth across the region.

However, North America is projected to grow at the fastest rate during the firefighting aircraft market forecast. This due to the region's strong presence of key industries such as construction, agriculture, and mining, which heavily rely on off-highway vehicles. The demand for advanced lighting systems is high due to the need for safety, extended work hours, and challenging operational environments. The widespread adoption of LED technology, increased investment in infrastructure development, and the presence of major manufacturers have fueled market growth. Regulatory standards promoting worker safety have also driven the adoption of high-performance lighting solutions. The key players operating in the global firefighting aircraft market include Valeo, HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA, truck-lite co., llc, WESEM, APS Lighting and Safety, Grote Industries, J.W. Speaker Corporation, Peterson Manufacturing Co., hamsar diversco inc., and ECCO Safety Group. They have adopted strategies such as contracts, agreements, acquisition, and product launch to improve their market positioning.

Key Takeaways

• On the basis of aircraft type, the fixed wing airplanes segment held the largest share in the firefighting aircraft market in 2024.
• By tank capacity, the less than 10,000 litres segment was the major shareholder in 2024.
• By maximum takeoff weight, the less than 8000 kg segment dominated the market, in terms of share, in 2024.
• By range, the 1,000 to 3,000 km segment dominated the firefighting aircraft market trends, in terms of share, in 2024.
• Region wise, North America region held the largest market share in 2023.