Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market Report 2026

The research department explosive (rdx) market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $10.86 billion in 2025 to $11.48 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to established use of rdx in blasting caps, expansion of laboratory-scale explosive testing, availability of controlled manufacturing facilities, early regulatory frameworks for civilian explosives, growth of industrial research activities.

The research department explosive (rdx) market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $13.97 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for precision detonation in mining research, rising investments in explosive safety technologies, expansion of controlled demolition studies, growing use in advanced material testing, stricter compliance requirements for explosive handling. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of precision explosives in research applications, rising demand for controlled detonation materials, growing focus on safety-compliant explosive handling, expansion of specialized blasting cap applications, enhanced quality control in explosive manufacturing.

Rising military expenditure is expected to drive the growth of the research department explosive (RDX) market going forward. Military expenditure refers to the financial resources allocated by a government or nation to support its military forces, defense infrastructure, and related activities. Increasing military spending results in higher demand for research department explosives (RDX), as they are vital for developing and manufacturing advanced military munitions and weapons. For example, in April 2025, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a Sweden-based specialized institute, reported that global military expenditure reached $2.71 trillion in 2024, marking a 9.4 percent increase in real terms from 2023. Therefore, rising military expenditure is fueling the growth of the research department explosive (RDX) market.

Major companies operating in the research department explosive (RDX) market are making strategic investments in building explosives facilities for RDX production to expand production capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and comply with safety and environmental standards. An explosives plant is a specialized manufacturing facility designed for the efficient and safe production of RDX (Research Department Explosive). This initiative aligns with Hungary's broader strategy to strengthen its defense capabilities and secure a domestic supply of essential military materials. For instance, in January 2023, the Hungarian state established a new explosives plant in Várpalota, Hungary, specifically for producing RDX. The technology for the facility is being provided by Rheinmetall Denel Munition Pty (Ltd) from South Africa, a company recognized for its advanced ammunition production expertise. This partnership highlights international collaboration in defense manufacturing.

In August 2023, Rheinmetall AG, a Germany-based global defense and technology company offering military vehicles, munitions, and defense solutions, acquired Expal Systems S.A.U. for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Rheinmetall aimed to expand its ammunition manufacturing capacity and strengthen its position as a leading supplier of high-energy explosives, propellants, and munitions to armed forces worldwide. Expal Systems S.A.U. is a Spain-based producer of artillery ammunition, mortar and medium-caliber rounds, fuses, and rocket propulsion systems.

Major companies operating in the research department explosive (rdx) market are BAE Systems plc, Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Hanwha Corporation, Saab AB, Thales Group, Nammo AS, Eurenco Group, Chemring Group plc, Mil-Spec Industries, Solar Industries India Limited, Explosia a.s., L3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Elbit Systems Ltd., Bharat Dynamics Limited, Munitions India Limited, Denel SOC Ltd., Poongsan Corporation, Norinco Group.

North America was the largest region in the research department explosive (RDX) market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the research department explosive (RDX) market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the research department explosive (rdx) market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the research department explosive (rdx) market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The research department explosives (RDX) market consists of sales of PBX-9007, PBX-9010, PBX-9205, PBX-9407, PBX-9604, and other types. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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