
Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By Components (Flight Control Computers, Actuators, Sensors, Control Surface Mechanisms), By End Use (Military, Defense Forces, Government Agencies), By Application (Combat Aircraft, Transport Aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Trainer Aircraft), By Type (Fly-by-Wire, Fly-by-Light, Mechanical Flight Control Systems, Digital Flight Control Systems), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa), Key Companies, Competitive Analysis, Trends, and Projections for 2026-2035
Key Market Insights
Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market is projected to grow from USD 12.8 Billion in 2025 to USD 21.9 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% from 2026 through 2035. This market encompasses the advanced electronic systems that manage and operate the flight surfaces and overall control of military aircraft, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aerial vehicles. These avionics are critical for ensuring stable, precise, and responsive flight, enabling complex maneuvers and enhancing mission effectiveness. The market's expansion is fundamentally driven by the continuous modernization efforts of global air forces, aiming to upgrade legacy aircraft with more sophisticated, digitally integrated flight control systems. Growing geopolitical tensions worldwide necessitate robust defense capabilities, prompting increased military spending on advanced aircraft and their associated avionics. Technological advancements, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor fusion, are further pushing the boundaries of flight control capabilities, offering enhanced autonomy, safety, and performance. However, significant market restraints include the high research and development costs associated with developing cutting-edge avionics, the long product development cycles, and the stringent certification processes required for military-grade systems. Supply chain disruptions and the complex regulatory landscape also pose challenges for manufacturers.
Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035

2025 - 2035
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Important trends shaping the market include the increasing adoption of open architecture systems, allowing for greater modularity and easier integration of new technologies, and the rising demand for fly-by-wire and fly-by-light systems due to their superior performance, reliability, and reduced weight compared to traditional mechanical controls. Fly-by-wire, in particular, represents the leading segment, underscoring its widespread acceptance and maturity in military aviation. The growing emphasis on cyber security within flight control systems is another critical trend, as these systems become increasingly interconnected and vulnerable to digital threats. Opportunities abound in the development of next-generation autonomous flight control systems for unmanned platforms, as well as in the retrofitting of existing fleets with advanced digital avionics. The pursuit of enhanced human-machine interfaces and augmented reality integration for pilots also presents fertile ground for innovation and market growth. As military operations become more data-intensive, the ability of flight control avionics to seamlessly integrate with broader battlefield networks and provide real-time situational awareness will be paramount.
North America stands as the dominant region in the global military aircraft flight control avionics market, primarily due to the presence of major defense contractors, significant military R&D investments, and a robust defense industrial base that consistently develops and deploys advanced aerospace technologies. The region's sustained commitment to air superiority and the continuous modernization of its aerial assets contribute significantly to its market leadership. Conversely, Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, driven by escalating defense expenditures from countries modernizing their air forces, an increasing demand for advanced military aircraft, and the indigenous development of aerospace capabilities across several nations in the region. Key players in this highly competitive market include Textron, Lockheed Martin, UTC Aerospace Systems, Rockwell Collins, Safran, Raytheon Technologies, Honeywell, Boeing, General Dynamics, and Leonardo. These companies are actively engaged in strategic collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and continuous innovation to develop cutting-edge flight control solutions, secure long-term contracts, and expand their global footprint, reflecting the dynamic nature of this critical defense sector.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 12.8 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 21.9 BillionLeading Segment:
Fly-by-Wire (46.8% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
North America (45.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
6.4%
Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Emerging Trends and Insights
AI Powered Autonomous Flight Control
Military aircraft flight control is rapidly transitioning to AI powered autonomous systems. This trend reflects a drive for enhanced mission effectiveness and pilot safety. AI algorithms are increasingly sophisticated, capable of making real time flight decisions, optimizing trajectories, and performing complex maneuvers without direct human input. This autonomy extends to threat evasion, sensor management, and coordinated operations with other platforms. The shift aims to reduce pilot workload in demanding environments, enable operations in communication denied zones, and unlock new tactical capabilities. Future combat scenarios will heavily rely on these self governing aircraft, allowing human operators to focus on higher level strategic objectives while AI manages the intricate details of flight and engagement. This evolution signifies a fundamental change in how military aircraft are designed and operated.
Cyber Secure Avionics Architectures
The trend towards Cyber Secure Avionics Architectures in military aircraft flight control is a direct response to the escalating threat of cyberattacks. Modern avionics, increasingly interconnected and software defined, present attractive targets for adversaries aiming to disrupt flight operations, compromise aircraft, or steal sensitive data. This trend emphasizes designing and implementing avionics systems with security built in from the ground up, rather than as an afterthought. It involves employing robust encryption, secure boot processes, intrusion detection systems, and hardware based security measures. Furthermore, it necessitates adopting resilient network architectures that can isolate critical flight control systems and incorporate redundancy to maintain functionality even under attack. The goal is to ensure the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of flight control avionics against sophisticated cyber threats, guaranteeing operational safety and mission success.
Modular Open System Integration
The Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics market is increasingly embracing Modular Open System Integration MOSI. This trend reflects a crucial shift from proprietary, closed architectures to more adaptable and interoperable systems. MOSI emphasizes the use of open standards and interfaces allowing different components from various vendors to seamlessly integrate. For flight control avionics this means individual modules like flight control computers data buses and sensor interfaces can be developed procured and upgraded independently. This approach fosters innovation reduces vendor lock in and accelerates the deployment of new technologies and capabilities. It significantly enhances system resilience and maintainability by simplifying the replacement or upgrade of specific components without requiring a complete system overhaul. MOSI ultimately provides militaries with greater flexibility faster modernization cycles and reduced lifecycle costs for critical flight control systems.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market
Geopolitical Instability and Defense Modernization Initiatives
Rising global tensions and regional conflicts are compelling nations to enhance their defense capabilities, directly fueling demand for modern military aircraft. This geopolitical instability necessitates advanced flight control avionics systems to ensure superior performance, maneuverability, and survivability in contested airspace. Countries are prioritizing upgrades and acquisitions of new generation fighter jets, transport aircraft, and special mission platforms, all requiring sophisticated fly by wire and flight management systems. The pursuit of technological superiority and the need to counter evolving threats drive significant investments in digital flight control computers, enhanced sensor integration, and advanced cockpit displays. This ongoing modernization cycle across global air forces for deterrence and operational effectiveness is a primary growth engine for the flight control avionics market.
Technological Advancements in Autonomous Flight and Digital Avionics
Technological advancements in autonomous flight and digital avionics are a key driver in the global military aircraft flight control avionics market. The increasing sophistication of unmanned aerial vehicles and the development of optionally piloted aircraft necessitate highly advanced and reliable flight control systems. Innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor fusion are enabling more autonomous decision making and precise control, reducing pilot workload and enhancing mission effectiveness. Furthermore, the shift towards fully digital fly by wire and fly by light systems, with integrated modular avionics architectures, offers improved data processing speeds, redundancy, and reconfigurability. These advancements deliver enhanced safety, performance, and operational flexibility for modern military aircraft, propelling demand for next generation flight control avionics.
Aircraft Fleet Expansion and Obsolescence-Driven Upgrades
Nations are modernizing their air forces, driving demand for advanced flight control avionics. This involves two key aspects. Firstly, the expansion of aircraft fleets, particularly in emerging economies, necessitates new avionics systems for these additional platforms. These new aircraft, whether fighter jets, transport planes, or helicopters, require state of the art flight control capabilities for enhanced performance and safety. Secondly, existing aircraft fleets are undergoing obsolescence driven upgrades. Older aircraft with outdated analog systems are being retrofitted with digital fly by wire and other advanced avionics. These upgrades are crucial for extending aircraft lifespan, improving operational efficiency, and meeting contemporary mission requirements, thereby fueling the market for sophisticated flight control technology.
Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Restraints
Geopolitical Tensions and Export Controls on Advanced Avionics
Geopolitical tensions significantly impede the global military aircraft flight control avionics market. Rising international friction, particularly between major powers, directly translates into stricter export controls on advanced avionics technologies. Nations developing cutting edge flight control systems are increasingly wary of sharing these sensitive components with potential adversaries or even countries perceived as having strong ties to them. This creates substantial barriers for manufacturers seeking to expand their market reach, as they face arduous approval processes and often outright bans on selling their most sophisticated products to certain regions. The political climate thus dictates market accessibility, forcing companies to navigate a complex web of national security concerns and international relations, thereby restricting their sales opportunities and limiting overall market growth for advanced flight control avionics.
Regulatory Hurdles and Certification Delays for New Flight Control Systems
Regulatory hurdles and certification delays significantly impede the introduction of new flight control systems for military aircraft. The rigorous testing and validation processes required by aviation authorities are extensive, demanding meticulous documentation and exhaustive performance verification. These stringent requirements are essential to ensure the safety and reliability of critical flight systems, but they inherently lengthen development cycles. The complexity of modern avionics necessitates comprehensive scrutiny, from initial design to final operational approval. Furthermore, the need for international interoperability and adherence to various national standards adds further layers of bureaucracy and testing. This protracted process can significantly push back the deployment of advanced capabilities, affecting market responsiveness and the ability to rapidly integrate technological advancements into military fleets.
Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Opportunities
Advancing Digital & AI-Enhanced Flight Control Avionics for Military Modernization
The opportunity in advancing digital and AI enhanced flight control avionics is central to global military modernization initiatives. These cutting edge systems deliver superior aircraft performance, significantly enhance safety, and reduce pilot workload, which are critical for future air combat and strategic operations. Integrating sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms enables predictive maintenance, adaptive flight envelope management, and advanced autonomous decision making support, vital for navigating complex and dynamic operational theaters. This modernization drive encompasses both the essential upgrade of existing legacy platforms and the critical outfitting of next generation military aircraft, including advanced fighter jets, versatile transport aircraft, and robust helicopters. Such technological advancements provide a decisive strategic edge, improving precision, responsiveness, and resilience in highly challenging operational environments. The global push for digital transformation within defense sectors, particularly evident in regions like Asia Pacific actively modernizing their air forces, fuels substantial demand for these capabilities, ensuring sustained military air superiority and unparalleled operational effectiveness.
Autonomous & Cyber-Resilient Flight Control Systems for Future Military Air Dominance
The strategic opportunity lies in pioneering Autonomous and Cyber Resilient Flight Control Systems, crucial for securing future military air dominance. These advanced systems are imperative for modernizing aircraft avionics, enabling unparalleled operational advantages. Autonomous capabilities empower platforms with faster decision making, reduced pilot workload, and enhanced maneuverability, critical for complex combat scenarios and supporting both crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations. This translates directly into superior tactical execution and mission effectiveness.
Concurrently, cyber resilience is non negotiable. Protecting flight control systems from sophisticated cyberattacks, electronic warfare, and data spoofing ensures aircraft integrity, reliability, and continuous mission execution in highly contested environments. Such resilience prevents adversaries from compromising vital airborne assets, guaranteeing uninterrupted command and control.
Investing in these innovative flight control technologies offers nations a decisive edge, facilitating air superiority against evolving threats. This capability is paramount for maintaining a qualitative advantage, projecting power, and ensuring national security across diverse theaters.
Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Type
- •Fly-by-Wire
- •Fly-by-Light
- •Mechanical Flight Control Systems
- •Digital Flight Control Systems
By Application
- •Combat Aircraft
- •Transport Aircraft
- •Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- •Trainer Aircraft
By Components
- •Flight Control Computers
- •Actuators
- •Sensors
- •Control Surface Mechanisms
By End Use
- •Military
- •Defense Forces
- •Government Agencies
Segment Share By Type
Share, By Type, 2025 (%)
- Fly-by-Wire
- Digital Flight Control Systems
- Mechanical Flight Control Systems
- Fly-by-Light

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Why is Fly-by-Wire dominating the Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market?
Fly-by-Wire holds a significant market share due to its superior capabilities in enhancing aircraft performance and pilot control. This system replaces traditional mechanical linkages with electronic interfaces, enabling faster response times, reduced weight, and improved maneuverability critical for modern military operations. Its inherent flexibility allows for sophisticated flight envelope protection and integration with advanced avionics, making it the preferred choice for new generation combat and transport aircraft demanding high precision and reliability.
How do various application segments influence demand for military flight control avionics?
The Combat Aircraft segment represents a substantial portion of demand, driven by the need for high performance, agility, and precision in hostile environments. Transport Aircraft also contribute significantly, requiring robust systems for large payload management and long endurance flights. Emerging applications like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are rapidly increasing their share, necessitating specialized, highly automated flight control systems for autonomous operations, pushing innovation in digital and fly-by-light technologies for enhanced reliability and reduced latency.
What component types are crucial for the advancement of military flight control avionics?
Flight Control Computers are paramount, acting as the brains of these complex systems, processing sensor data and issuing commands to actuators. Actuators are equally vital, translating electrical signals into mechanical movements of control surfaces with extreme precision and speed. Sensors provide critical data on aircraft state and environment, feeding information back to the computers. Continuous innovation across these components is essential to support the increasing sophistication of fly-by-wire and fly-by-light systems in modern military and defense platforms.
Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Regulatory and Policy Environment Analysis
The global military aircraft flight control avionics market is heavily shaped by stringent regulatory frameworks ensuring national security and operational reliability. Key drivers include rigorous export control regimes like ITAR and the Wassenaar Arrangement, restricting technology transfer to mitigate proliferation risks. Airworthiness certification is paramount, with national and alliance specific standards NATO STANAGs demanding exhaustive qualification and testing for safety and performance. Government procurement policies, often favoring domestic suppliers or requiring offset agreements, significantly influence market access and competition. Furthermore, increasing emphasis on cybersecurity dictates strict design and development standards to protect critical systems from evolving threats. Intellectual property protection is vital, impacting licensing and joint ventures. These policies collectively create a high barrier to entry, necessitating deep compliance expertise and long term strategic planning for manufacturers and suppliers.
Which Emerging Technologies Are Driving New Trends in the Market?
The global military aircraft flight control avionics market thrives on transformative innovations. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing autonomous flight, predictive control, and real time decision making for enhanced mission effectiveness. Emerging technologies prominently feature advanced sensor integration, leveraging MEMS and fiber optic gyroscopes for unparalleled precision and redundancy.
Integrated Modular Avionics IMA architectures are becoming standard, enabling software defined control and significantly faster, more cost effective upgrades. Fly by light systems are gaining traction, offering superior electromagnetic interference immunity and reduced weight compared to traditional fly by wire. Cybersecurity enhancements are critical, with robust solutions being integrated directly into flight control systems to protect against sophisticated threats. Further advancements include cognitive avionics, data fusion, and edge computing for distributed processing, all contributing to safer, more agile, and highly adaptable military aircraft operations globally. These advancements underscore a clear trajectory towards increasingly intelligent and resilient airborne platforms.
Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Regional Analysis
Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market
Trends, by Region

North America Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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Dominant Region
North America · 45.2% share
North America undeniably dominates the Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market, commanding a substantial 45.2% share. This leadership is driven by several key factors. The United States, a primary contributor, boasts a robust aerospace and defense industry with continuous investment in advanced avionics research and development. Significant domestic demand for cutting edge military aircraft and their associated flight control systems further fuels this growth. Additionally, the presence of major defense contractors and technological innovators within the region ensures a steady pipeline of advanced flight control solutions. Strict regulatory frameworks and high spending on defense modernization programs also solidify North America's position as the leading region in this specialized market segment.
Fastest Growing Region
Asia Pacific · 7.9% CAGR
Asia Pacific is poised for significant expansion in the global military aircraft flight control avionics market, projecting the fastest growth with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 7.9% from 2026 to 2035. This surge is primarily fueled by escalating geopolitical tensions and a corresponding increase in defense spending across nations like China, India, and Australia. Modernization initiatives by these countries to upgrade their aging aircraft fleets with advanced avionics systems are a key driver. Furthermore, indigenous aerospace development programs and a growing emphasis on enhancing combat capabilities through sophisticated flight control technologies contribute substantially to this robust regional growth. The pursuit of military self reliance and technological superiority underscores the accelerated demand.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitical tensions are a primary driver. Ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, coupled with rising defense budgets in Asia Pacific, fuel demand for advanced military aircraft. Modernization efforts by NATO allies and their partners to counter near peer adversaries necessitate investment in state of the art flight control avionics. Strategic competition, particularly between major powers, incentivizes continuous technological upgrades to maintain air superiority, pushing demand for sophisticated and resilient systems. Export controls and international arms regulations also shape market access and competitive landscapes.
Macroeconomic factors influence defense spending. Economic growth supports increased military expenditure, but inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions can impact production costs and delivery timelines. Government defense procurement policies, often tied to domestic industrial bases, create opportunities and challenges for international suppliers. Currency fluctuations affect the affordability of imported avionics components and systems. Research and development investment, often government funded, underpins innovation in this high technology market, ensuring a pipeline of next generation flight control solutions.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
Lockheed Martin and Rockwell Collins announced a strategic partnership to develop next-generation AI-powered flight control systems for advanced military aircraft. This collaboration aims to integrate machine learning algorithms for enhanced autonomous capabilities and predictive maintenance within avionics.
- June 2024
Honeywell launched its new 'Sentinel Flight Control Suite,' a modular and open-architecture avionics platform designed for easy integration into existing and future military aircraft. This product emphasizes cybersecurity enhancements and flexible configurability to meet diverse operational requirements.
- November 2024
Safran acquired a significant stake in a specialized European firm focusing on quantum computing applications for real-time flight control data processing. This acquisition reflects Safran's strategic initiative to explore cutting-edge computational power for ultra-low-latency and highly secure avionics systems.
- February 2025
Raytheon Technologies unveiled a new 'Adaptive Flight Control System' for uncrewed combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) during a major defense exhibition. This system features dynamic control surface adjustments based on real-time environmental data and mission objectives, significantly improving maneuverability and survivability.
Key Players Analysis
Lockheed Martin and Boeing, as major aircraft manufacturers, drive market growth through integrated flight control systems. Raytheon Technologies and Honeywell are key avionics suppliers, providing advanced fly by wire and redundant systems. Safran and UTC Aerospace Systems focus on sophisticated actuators and sensors. Textron, General Dynamics, and Leonardo contribute across various military aircraft platforms, pushing for enhanced automation and precision, reflecting the market's demand for innovation and reliability.
List of Key Companies:
- Textron
- Lockheed Martin
- UTC Aerospace Systems
- Rockwell Collins
- Safran
- Raytheon Technologies
- Honeywell
- Boeing
- General Dynamics
- Leonardo
- Thales Group
- Moog
- Northrop Grumman
- L3Harris Technologies
- BAE Systems
- Airbus
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 12.8 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 21.9 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 6.4% |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Regional Analysis |
|
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Components, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Components, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Components, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Components, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Components, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Components, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa Military Aircraft Flight Control Avionics Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
