Europe Mortar Systems Market Forecast to 2031 - Regional Analysis - by Calibre and Type

The Europe mortar systems market was valued at US$ 597.41 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 839.84 million by 2031; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2031.

Rising Number of Contracts for Mortar Systems Drive Europe Mortar Systems Market

Manufacturers operating in the mortar systems market strongly focus on collaborating with different governments and armed forces to comprehend their respective demands and offer them suitable solutions. The military forces of various countries are providing numerous contracts to artillery systems manufacturers to procure several communication, surveillance, and navigation systems. Moreover, the defense forces of different nations are investing substantially in procuring artillery systems such as rocket artillery, mortars, and howitzers. Artillery systems are reliable for taking down short, medium, and long-range targets. They enable armed forces to facilitate enhanced remote firing on ground or naval platforms.

The majority of the countries' armed forces have been investing heavily in the procurement of mortar systems. A few examples are mentioned below:

In May 2023, Israel’s Elbit Systems Ltd won a contract worth US$ 21.8 million for the supply of mortar systems and training equipment to a Balkan Nation called Montenegro.

In May 2024, Elbit Systems was granted a contract worth around US$ 53 million to supply the Crossbow Unmanned Turreted 120mm Soft Recoil Mortar Systems to General Dynamics European Land Systems. The Systems will be installed on a Pandur 6×6 APC wheeled armored vehicle for a European customer. The contract will be performed over 6 years.

In April 2024, Rheinmetall received an ammunition order for mortar systems from the Spanish government. The order is to supply a total of 104,000 mortar rounds in the 60 mm, 81 mm and 120 mm calibres by the end of 2025.

In April 2023, the Swiss Federal Office of Armament (armasuisse) signed a contract with GDELS-Mowag worth of US$ 190 million for the production of a second tranche of 16 120 mm Mortar 16 systems. Under the contract, RUAG will supply its 120 mm Cobra recoiling mortar systems.

The growing number of contracts and deals to procure advanced military forces to combat the rise in ground warfare attacks is acting as a major growth factor for the mortar systems market size globally.

Europe Mortar Systems Market Overview

The Europe mortar systems market is sub-segmented into France, Germany, Italy, the UK, Russia, and the Rest of Europe. The rise in military expenditure across European countries is one of the major factors catalyzing the mortar systems market expansion across the region. Below is the comparison of military expenditure across different countries in Europe (2020 vs 2022).

Country 2020 (US$ Million) 2022 (US$ Million)

France 52,747.1 53,638.7

Germany 53,211.0 55,759.7

Italy 28,921.3 33,489.7

UK 60,675.0 68,462.6

Russia 61,712.5 86,373.1

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine prompted a shift in defense priorities for a few European nations. As part of the NATO alliance, European countries have shown solidarity with Ukraine and increased their support to reinforce NATO's eastern flank. This involved boosting defense spending to meet NATO commitments and enhance collective defense capabilities. The conflict prompted greater collaboration among European nations in defense cooperation and joint capability development.

European Union member states recognize the benefits of collaborative procurement to achieve cost reductions, economies of scale, and interoperability. Joint procurement framework contracts, such as those approved by the European Defence Agency (EDA), underscore the commitment to shared defense objectives.

In September 2023, the European Defence Agency (EDA) approved eight joint procurement framework contracts for 155 mm ammunition, signifying a collaborative effort among European Union member states to replenish stocks and increase the supply of critical shells to Ukraine. This joint procurement approach, endorsed by 26 Member States and Norway, aims to achieve cost reduction through economies of scale and enhance interoperability. The flexible and inclusive EDA project allows all member states to participate in the initiative, ensuring the purchase of ammunition aligns with national needs or supports Ukraine.

In March 2023, Elbit Systems Ltd., a global defense technology company, announced two significant contracts. The first contract, valued at US$ 120 million, was awarded to its Romanian subsidiary, Elmet International SRL, by General Dynamics European Land Systems. The contract involves the supply of unmanned turrets, remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS), and mortar systems for the "Piranha V" armored personnel carrier (APC) for the Romanian Armed Forces, with the work scheduled over a three-year period. The second contract, valued at ~US$ 21.61 million, was part of a defense export agreement between Israel and Montenegro Ministries of Defense. It includes the procurement of Elbit Systems-made weapons, specifically mortar munition systems and training equipment.

Furthermore, in September 2023, KNDS, the European leader in land defense, and Elbit Systems formalized a strategic cooperation through a teaming agreement. This collaboration addresses the growing demand for precision rocket artillery capabilities in Europe and NATO nations. The agreement solidifies their partnership in developing the next-generation rocket artillery system, EuroPULS, to enhance military capabilities and contribute to the evolving defense landscape. The mortar systems market in Europe reflects a collective effort to enhance defense capabilities, promote collaboration, and address modern security challenges. Collaborative procurement, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships position Europe as a key player in the global mortar systems market.

Europe Mortar Systems Market Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)

Europe Mortar Systems Market Segmentation

The Europe mortar systems market is categorized into calibre, type, and country.

Based on calibre, the Europe mortar systems market is segmented into small calibre, medium calibre, and large calibre. The medium calibre segment held the largest market share in 2023.

In terms of type, the Europe mortar systems market is bifurcated into towed/hand-held and self-propelled. The self-propelled segment held a larger market share in 2023.

By country, the Europe mortar systems market is segmented into Germany, France, Italy, the UK, Russia, and the Rest of Europe. Russia dominated the Europe mortar systems market share in 2023.

Thales SA, Elbit Systems Ltd, Rheinmetall AG, RUAG Group, Northrop Grumman Corp, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd, Arquus SAS, and Hirtenberger Defence Europe GmbH are some the leading companies operating in the Europe mortar systems market.