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

The Asia Pacific mortar systems market was valued at US$ 587.73 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 1.08 billion by 2031; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 8.0% from 2023 to 2031.

Deployment of Countermeasure Systems Fuels Asia Pacific Mortar Systems Market

The changing geopolitical scenario worldwide boosts the requirement for strong defense countermeasure systems. The constant tension between the nations such as Russia-Ukraine, India-China, Pakistan-India, Israel-Palestine, and US-China is compelling their governments to strengthen their respective armed forces, which is also propelling the procurement of warfare systems such as different types of mortars and howitzers. Hence, the armed forces across different countries are investing in procuring artillery systems such as surface-to-air rocket artillery, self-propelled howitzers, early warning systems, and border surveillance systems.

BAE Systems, General Dynamics Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Israel Aerospace Industries Inc., Leonardo S.p.A, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, SAAB AB, and Thales Group are among the companies focusing on developing defense countermeasure systems, including radar systems, artillery systems, communication and surveillance systems, and navigation devices. Thus, the increasing procurement and deployment of countermeasure systems is expected to fuel the growth of the mortar systems market in the coming years.

Asia Pacific Mortar Systems Market Overview

Upgrades and acquisitions of advanced artillery systems are integral components to enhance defense capabilities. Several APAC nations, including China, India, and Australia, are actively investing in military modernization and increasing their defense budgets. This rise in spending allows for the procurement of advanced artillery technologies for military readiness.

In 2020, the military expenditure was US$ 497.4 billion, which increased to US$ 549.7 billion in 2021. In 2022, Asia Pacific's military expenditure was US$ 541.5 billion. In 2022, China dominated in terms of military expenditure, followed by India and South Korea. The majority of military expenditure is dedicated to meeting the requirement for advanced equipment, devices, aircraft, ships, and armored vehicles during modern war.

Heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula, have led to increased focus on strengthening military capabilities. This includes the acquisition of sophisticated artillery systems for strategic deterrence. In December 2023, Rob Phillips, spokesperson for the US Army Pacific, announced the US military's intention to deploy land-based intermediate-range missiles in APAC in the coming year.

This strategic move represents the first potential deployment of such weapons in the region since the US withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019. This development underscores the evolving dynamics of the APAC mortar systems market, as geopolitical factors influence military strategies and deployments in the region. The deployment of intermediate-range missiles could contribute to shaping the landscape of artillery systems in the APAC market.

Significant insights drawn from the prolonged Ukraine conflict, as of September 2023 spanning 570 days, have left a lasting impact on the Indian Army's strategic vision for enhancing firepower. The lessons learned are steering the army's focus toward greater mobility, precision attacks, extended range, swift strikes, and enhanced survivability. This shift aligns with India's heightened efforts to procure a diverse range of weaponry, encompassing guns, rocket systems, and missiles. The evolving priorities in India's artillery modernization reflect broader trends in the APAC mortar systems market as regional forces adopt strategies based on current geopolitical challenges and warfare dynamics.

In September 2023, the Indian Army set forth a proposal amounting to INR 6,000 crore for the procurement of next-generation guns, emphasizing their development and manufacturing by domestic companies. These cutting-edge weapons are envisioned to serve as a cornerstone in bolstering the artillery force of the Indian Army. The initiative aligns with broader trends in the APAC mortar systems market, emphasizing a shift toward indigenous development and modernization efforts among regional armed forces.

The APAC mortar systems market is characterized by a confluence of geopolitical, technological, and strategic factors. The region's commitment to military modernization, combined with a focus on indigenous capabilities and collaborative defense initiatives, positions APAC as a pivotal player in the global artillery systems landscape.

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

Asia Pacific Mortar Systems Market Segmentation

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

Based on calibre, the Asia Pacific 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 Asia Pacific 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 Asia Pacific mortar systems market is segmented into Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. China dominated the Asia Pacific mortar systems market share in 2023.

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