Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market: Focus on End User, Caliber Type, and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033

Large caliber ammunition is crucial for military arsenals globally, providing essential firepower for contemporary warfare. This ammunition, larger than standard small caliber ammunition, includes various munitions for military use. From tank ammunition to artillery ammunition and naval ammunition, large-caliber ammunition serves diverse battlefield roles. The global large caliber ammunition market is fueled by rising military budgets, geopolitical tensions, and technological advancements, driving nations to invest significantly in large caliber ammunition development and procurement. Key defense contractors such as BAE Systems, Rheinmetall AG, and Elbit Systems Ltd. are vital suppliers in this competitive market, emphasizing innovation and reliability to meet evolving demands. As conflicts evolve and threats change, demand for large caliber ammunition grows, prompting continuous innovation and investment in the industry. From smart ammunition to cutting-edge artillery ammunition, the global large caliber market is set for substantial growth, adapting to the dynamic landscape of modern warfare.

Market Introduction

The global large caliber ammunition market covers various types of ammunition, such as artillery ammunition, tank ammunition, mortar ammunition, and naval ammunition. Major players in this field are always working on new innovations to create better and more efficient ammunition for modern warfare needs. Technological progress in guidance systems, materials, and propellants is a big driving force behind market growth. There's also a growing demand for precision-guided munitions and long-range capabilities, which is influencing how the large caliber ammunition market develops. Contracts from governments and military upgrades are driving the market, especially in areas with high-security concerns. Companies are looking at partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions to strengthen their positions and expand their offerings. Sustainability is becoming more important, too, with a focus on environment-friendly manufacturing processes and materials. Overall, there's a lot of opportunity in this market for those who can keep up with regulations and meet the changing needs of defense and security agencies worldwide.

Industrial Impact

The global large caliber ammunition market has far-reaching impacts across various sectors, extending to defense and military domains. It drives economic activity through a complex supply chain, generating employment and stimulating regional growth. Technological innovations in ammunition development often lead to spin-off technologies with applications in aerospace, automotive, and materials science industries.

The global large caliber ammunition market also influences geopolitical dynamics, as nations with robust ammunition capabilities wield significant international influence. Infrastructure development around manufacturing facilities further contributes to local economic growth. Moreover, arms deals and defense cooperation agreements shape trade patterns and investment flows globally.

However, ethical concerns regarding arms proliferation, human rights abuses, and civilian casualties accompany the industry's growth. Scrutiny of companies involved in large caliber ammunition production is common due to these concerns. Despite challenges, the industry remains a significant driver of economic growth, technological advancement, and geopolitical dynamics. As geopolitical conflicts persist and security concerns remain paramount, the industry's influence is likely to endure.

Market Segmentation:

Segmentation 1: by Caliber Type

• Artillery Ammunition: 155mm, 105mm, and Others
• Tank Ammunition: 120mm, 105mm, and Others
• Mortar Ammunition: 60mm, 81mm, 120mm, and Others
• Naval Ammunition: 57mm, 76mm, and 127mm

Artillery Ammunition Segment to Dominate the Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market (by Caliber Type)

The global large caliber ammunition market based on caliber type is led by artillery ammunition. Several factors, such as geopolitical tensions and need for major countries to increase the production of artillery ammunition-related calibers, are attributing to the growth of this segment.

Segmentation 2: by End User

• Ground Forces
• Naval Forces

Segmentation 3: by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Rest-of-the-World

North America is expected to dominate the global large caliber ammunition market based on region. The primary contributor to this share within North America is the U.S., leveraging advanced technology and the largest military budget globally. North America, known for its tech-savvy markets, takes a proactive approach to developing the most advanced weapons and ammunition for the large caliber ammunition market.

Recent Developments in the Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market

• In October 2023, the U.S. Navy granted Northrop Grumman a contract to develop a newly crafted 57mm guided high explosive ammunition. This ammunition is intended for use with the Mk110 Naval Gun Mount, and Northrop Grumman would conduct testing and refinement for qualification purposes. The unique feature of this ammunition is its capability to maneuver continuously while in flight toward its designated target. It is specifically designed to counter fast-moving surface threats, drones, and swarming threats. Equipped with an onboard seeker to detect moving targets and a fuse that can self-select between proximity or point-detonation modes, the guided 57mm ammunition ensures optimal engagement and defeat of the intended target.
• On January 12, 2024, Northrop Grumman Corporation announced the successful manufacture of the M829A4 120mm cartridge for the U.S. Army. The M829A4 is a specialized kinetic-energy cartridge designed for the Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Program version 3 Main Battle Tank, enabling it to defeat threat vehicles equipped with third-generation explosive reactive armor. As of December 2023, production of depleted uranium ammunition has ceased. However, Northrop Grumman remains committed to producing and advancing training and tactical medium- and large-caliber ammunition for both U.S. and allied forces.
• On October 29, 2023, Elbit Systems Ltd. announced securing a $135 million contract to set up an artillery ammunition plant for a foreign client. The contract spans a two-year period. Drawing on its extensive technical expertise and operational experience, Elbit Systems would utilize decades of ammunition manufacturing know-how. The company has a track record of constructing and managing ammunition plants across various locations, covering the entire product lifecycle from design to production, including maintenance and post-sales assistance.
• In July 2023, the German Bundeswehr increased an ongoing contract with Rheinmetall to $4.37 billion for the provision of tank ammunition. This reaffirms Rheinmetall's position as a key supplier of 120mm tank ammunition to the German military. The decision reflects Germany's efforts to enhance its military capabilities and stockpile ammunition in response to changing security needs. Additionally, the agreement includes a substantial quantity of tank ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces.

How can this report add value to an organization?

Product/Innovation Strategy: The product segment helps the reader understand the different types of services available for deployment and their potential globally.

Growth/Marketing Strategy: The global large caliber ammunition market has seen major development by key players operating in the market, such as business expansion, partnership, collaboration, and joint venture. The favored strategy for the companies has been mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their position in the global large caliber ammunition market. For instance, in June 2022, Thales Australia initiated a partnership with international defense and security firm EXPAL Systems S.A. The collaboration seeks to develop domestic capability solutions in Australia for producing large caliber naval munitions and fuzes. This initiative aims to support the Australian Defence Force and allied nations' defense needs.

Competitive Strategy: Key players in the global large caliber ammunition market analyzed and profiled in the study involve advanced air mobility products offering companies. Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the global large caliber ammunition market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape. Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as partnerships, agreements, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market.

Methodology: The research methodology design adopted for this specific study includes a mix of data collected from primary and secondary data sources. Both primary resources (key players, market leaders, and in-house experts) and secondary research (a host of paid and unpaid databases), along with analytical tools, have been employed to build the predictive and forecast models.

Data and validation have been taken into consideration from both primary and secondary sources.

Key Considerations and Assumptions in Market Engineering and Validation

• Detailed secondary research has been done to ensure maximum coverage of manufacturers/suppliers operational in a country.
• Exact revenue information, up to a certain extent, has been extracted for each company from secondary sources and databases. Revenues specific to product/service/technology were then estimated based on fact-based proxy indicators as well as primary inputs.
• Based on the classification, the average selling price (ASP) has been calculated using the weighted average method.
• Based on the classification, the average selling price (ASP) has been calculated using the weighted average method.
• Any economic downturn in the future has not been taken into consideration for the market estimation and forecast.
• The base currency considered for the market analysis is US$. Currencies other than the US$ have been converted to the US$ for all statistical calculations, considering the average conversion rate for that particular year.
• The term “product” in this document may refer to “service” or “technology” as and where relevant.
• The term “manufacturers/suppliers” may refer to “service providers” or “technology providers” as and where relevant.

Primary Research:

The primary sources involve industry experts from the global large caliber ammunition market, including large caliber ammunition providers. Respondents such as CEOs, vice presidents, marketing directors, and technology and innovation directors have been interviewed to obtain and verify both qualitative and quantitative aspects of this research study.

Secondary Research

This study involves the usage of extensive secondary research, company websites, directories, and annual reports. It also makes use of databases, such as Businessweek and others, to collect effective and useful information for a market-oriented, technical, commercial, and extensive study of the global market. In addition to the data sources, the study has been undertaken with the help of other data sources and websites.

Secondary research was done to obtain critical information about the industry's value chain, the market's monetary chain, revenue models, the total pool of key players, and the current and potential use cases and applications.

Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis

The companies that are profiled have been selected based on thorough secondary research, which includes analyzing company coverage, product portfolio, market penetration, and insights gathered from primary experts.

The global large caliber ammunition market consists of key market players that have established themselves in the large caliber ammunition market. For instance, in February 2023, Nexter, a part of KNDS, announced through a press release that its Shard 120 mm armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) tank ammunition had successfully completed qualification tests and is now ready for mass production. The ammunition underwent testing against rolled homogeneous armor alongside users of Leclerc and Leopard 2 main battle tanks in Alcochete. Designed to combat modern MBTs and future threats, Shard boasts improved penetration capabilities, enhanced accuracy, and decreased barrel wear, according to Nexter.

Some prominent names established in this market are:

• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Nammo AS
• Rheinmetall AG
• Northrop Grumman
• BAE Systems
• Nexter (a Company of KNDS)
• American Ordnance LLC
• ST Engineering
• Munitions India Limited (a Govt. of India Enterprise)
• Saab AB
• UkrOboronProm
• Leonardo S.p.A.

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