3D Printing in Aerospace and Defense Market Size, Share and Growth Projections

3D Printing in Aerospace and Defense Market Trends, Growth and Future Outlook

The 3D printing in aerospace and defense market is set to grow from USD 3.49 billion in 2025 to USD 28.22 billion by 2034, with an expected CAGR of 26.13% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Introduction

The 3D printing in aerospace and defense market is a crucial sector of the aerospace industry. This industry deals in developing 3D printing solutions for the aerospace sector. There are several components of this sector comprising of printers, materials, services, software and some others. This sector uses different types of technologies consisting of polymerization, power bed fusion, material extrusion or fusion deposition molding and some others. The end-products of this sector includes engine components, structural components and some others. The rising developments in the 3D printing industry is driving the market growth. This market is projected to grow significantly with the rise of the additive manufacturing sector in different parts of the world.

• According to the INCIT Organization, the global 3D printing market was valued at US$ 15.1 billion in 2021 that is expected to reach US$ 44.5 billion in 2026.

Highlights of the 3D Printing in Aerospace and Defense Market

• Europe held the largest share of the 3D printing in aerospace and defense market due to the presence of several aerospace companies in this region.
• North America is expected to grow with a significant CAGR due to the advancements in 3D printing technology in this region.
• The aircraft segment held the largest share of the market due to the rising demand for commercial aircrafts in different parts of the world.
• The special metal segment led the industry due to the growing application of gold, titanium, silver and some others in aerospace industry.

Key Metrics and Overview

3D Printing in Aerospace and Defense: Trends in the Industry

• Numerous aircraft companies are integrating 3D printing technologies for manufacturing different aircraft parts.
• Several aerospace brands have started using 3D printed prototypes for testing functional rockets.
• The market players are investing heavily for developing 3D printed wind tunnel test parts for airplanes.
• Various defense organizations are integrating 3D printing in aerospace operations for training engineers.

Industry Leader Announcement

In February 2025, Brigitte de Vet-Veithen, the CEO of Materialise announced that, “The opening of our new Aerospace Competence Center aligns with our commitment to support the aerospace industry through more than three decades of experience in additive manufacturing and software solutions, as well as our pioneering role in producing certified parts, By joining this selective aerospace network, we can strengthen our capabilities, expand partnerships, and enable other aerospace leaders in this hub to accelerate innovation and explore new possibilities with AM.”

Geographical Insights

Europe held the largest share of the 3D printing in aerospace and defense market. The rising investment in 3D printing industry by numerous private companies has boosted the market expansion. Also, the growing research and development activities in defense sector coupled with technological advancement in aerospace industry is crucial for the industrial growth. Moreover, the presence of several aerospace companies such as Airbus SE, BAE Systems, Leonardo SpA and some others is driving the growth of the market growth in this region.  

Competitive Landscape

The 3D printing in aerospace and defense market is a highly competitive industry with the presence of several dominating players. Some of the prominent companies in this industry consists of Moog Inc., Safran SA, GE Aviation, The Boeing Company, Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc, MTU Aero Engines AG, Airbus SE, Samuel, Son & Co., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., American Additive Manufacturing LLC, and some others. These companies are constantly engaged in developing 3D printing solutions for aerospace and defense sector and adopting numerous strategies to maintain their dominance in this industry.

• According to the annual report of Moog, the revenue of the company in 2023 was US$ 3319122 that increased to US$ 3609160 in 2024.

Market Segmentations

By Application

• Aircraft
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
• Spacecraft

By Material

• Alloys
• Special Metals

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa