Artillery Systems Market By Type (Howitzers, Mortars, Rocket Artillery, Anti-Aircraft Guns); By Component (Gun System, Fire Control System, Ammunition, Auxiliary Systems); By Platform (Towed Artillery, Self-Propelled Artillery, Naval Artillery, Rail-Based Artillery); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030.

Introduction and Strategic Context

The Global Artillery Systems Market will witness a robust CAGR of 7.1 %, valued at $15.6 billion in 2024, expected to appreciate and reach $23.2 billion by 2030, confirms Strategic Market Research .

 

Artillery systems continue to serve as a foundational pillar of military firepower, providing versatile, long-range, and high-impact support across diverse combat environments. The artillery systems market encompasses a broad spectrum of platforms including towed and self-propelled howitzers, rocket artillery, mortars, and advanced fire control technologies designed to enhance precision and operational efficiency.

 

The strategic relevance of this market from 2024 to 2030 is underscored by accelerating modernization efforts, growing defense expenditures, and evolving warfare doctrines emphasizing rapid deployment and network-enabled firepower. Heightened geopolitical tensions in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East are prompting governments to upgrade existing artillery arsenals and int egrate next-generation digital capabilities.

 

Key macro forces shaping this market include:

• Technological innovation such as GPS-guided munitions, AI-powered targeting, and real-time battlefield data integration

• Increased defense spending fueled by regional conflicts and the imperative to maintain strategic deterrence

• Regulatory support for domestic manufacturing and export of defense systems

• Rising demand for mobility and precision to adapt artillery to multi-domain battlefields

The global artillery systems market is expected to grow at a C AGR of 7.1 % during the forecast period, expanding from a market size of $15.6 billion in 2024 to $23.2 billion by 2030 .

 

Key stakeholders in this evolving ecosystem include:

• Defense OEMs and artillery manufacturers driving innovation and production

• Armed forces and defense ministries setting procurement priorities

• Systems integrators and technology providers offering digital fire control and network solutions

• Ammunition producers enhancing range and lethality with smart munitions

• Investors and contractors fueling R&D and supply chain development

The transformation of artillery systems into agile, precision-guided, and network-integrated platforms is reshaping modern warfare’s tactical landscape, creating significant growth prospects for stakeholders across the defense industry.

 

Market Segmentation and Forecast Scope

To comprehensively analyze the global artillery systems market , we segment it across four key dimensions: By Type , By Component , By Platform , and By Region . This framework provides insight into current adoption trends, procurement priorities, and areas of future growth potential.

By Type

• Howitzers

• Mortars

• Rocket Artillery

• Anti-Aircraft Guns

Among these, howitzers hold the largest share of the global market, accounting for approximately 37.2% of total revenue in 2024 . These versatile systems are favored for their long-range, high-angle fire and their adaptability across various terrain and combat scenarios.

Rocket artillery is emerging as the fastest-growing sub-segment. The demand is being accelerated by its superior range, rapid firing capability, and effectiveness in saturation attacks — particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East , where these systems are employed for strategic deterrence.

By Component

• Gun System (Barrel, Breech, Recoil Mechanism)

• Fire Control System

• Ammunition

• Auxiliary Systems (Navigation, Targeting, Loading)

The fire control system segment is undergoing the most rapid innovation. Digitized fire direction centers, automated trajectory correction, and AI-based targeting algorithms are transforming conventional artillery into precision platforms. These upgrades enhance responsiveness, accuracy, and integration with broader combat management systems.

By Platform

• Towed Artillery

• Self-Propelled Artillery

• Naval Artillery

• Rail-Based Artillery (Experimental / R&D Stage)

Self-propelled artillery dominates this segment due to its mobility, shoot-and-scoot capability, and suitability for high-intensity conflicts. It offers armored protection and greater survivability in fast-paced battlefield environments.

Naval artillery retains a niche but stable market, with modernization efforts seen in blue-water navies such as those of the United States, China, and France .

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing regional market, driven by rising tensions across the Indo-Pacific, increased indigenous manufacturing in India and South Korea , and ongoing procurement in China . However, Europe remains a high-value market due to renewed artillery requirements following NATO’s Eastern Flank expansion and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

This segmentation framework not only reflects the technological diversity and operational depth of artillery systems, but also highlights where innovation and budget allocation are reshaping procurement strategies.

 

Market Trends and Innovation Landscape

The global artillery systems market is experiencing a renaissance driven by technological modernization, modularity, and integration with digital combat ecosystems. This transformation is being shaped by trends in automation, connectivity, and smart munitions, resulting in next-generation artillery platforms that are faster, more accurate, and highly interoperable.

1. Precision-Guided Munitions (PGMs) and Smart Artillery

A defining trend is the rapid adoption of precision-guided artillery munitions , which combine GPS navigation, inertial guidance, and course-correction systems. These technologies enable accurate targeting even in adverse weather and across varied terrains.

For example, newly developed PGMs now boast a circular error probable (CEP) of under 10 meters — a capability previously associated only with air-delivered munitions. Nations such as the United States, Israel, and South Korea are leading the way in fielding such systems, while other countries are racing to develop indigenous equivalents.

2. Digitized Fire Control and Network-Centric Warfare

Next-generation artillery systems are increasingly integrated with digital fire control networks , enabling real-time coordination between drones, command centers, and battlefield units. Fire missions can now be initiated in seconds rather than minutes, with automated adjustments based on live reconnaissance.

This "sensor-to-shooter" architecture is revolutionizing how artillery fits into broader combat strategies, transitioning from static bombardment to dynamic, responsive support.

Key innovations include:

• AI-driven fire correction

• Real-time target acquisition via UAVs

• Cloud-based fire mission logging and analytics

3. Mobility and Modular Platforms

Modern battlefields demand high mobility, prompting a shift from towed to self-propelled and modular artillery systems . Modular systems allow for rapid deployment, terrain-specific customization, and lower lifecycle costs. Nations like Germany ( PzH 2000) and South Korea (K9 Thunder) have pioneered such designs, with several export successes.

At the same time, lighter-weight materials and hybrid electric propulsion are being explored to improve range, reduce logistical burden, and lower detectability.

4. R&D Focus Areas and Strategic Collaborations

Major defense R&D programs are targeting:

• Extended Range Artillery : Achieving 70–100 km range using rocket-assisted projectiles.

• Autonomous Target Tracking : Leveraging machine learning to prioritize targets without human input.

• Electromagnetic Artillery (Railguns) : Still experimental, but poised to disrupt long-term capabilities.

Governments and OEMs are also increasingly collaborating through co-development programs , especially between NATO countries, India–Russia ( BrahMos artillery variants), and US–Australia alliances .

5. Mergers, Acquisitions, and Joint Ventures

Strategic partnerships are shaping innovation pipelines:

• U.S.-based companies have partnered with European OEMs to create joint artillery upgrade programs focused on AI-enabled logistics and predictive maintenance.

• Startups and military AI firms are entering the fray with real-time geospatial mapping tools for artillery targeting.

These alliances are designed to cut development timelines, diversify technology sourcing, and create scalable, export-ready platforms.

As nations move toward hyper-enabled forces, artillery systems are becoming smarter, faster, and more connected — redefining their tactical and strategic importance across both conventional and hybrid warfare scenarios.

 

Competitive Intelligence and Benchmarking

The global artillery systems market is characterized by a mix of long-established defense contractors and emerging regional innovators. Competitive dynamics are shaped by technological superiority, government defense partnerships, cost competitiveness, and after-sales support capabilities. Key companies are investing heavily in R&D, forging cross-border alliances, and expanding their modular artillery portfolios to meet evolving battlefield needs.

Below is a benchmarking overview of 6 prominent companies in this space:

BAE Systems

BAE Systems is a leading force in artillery modernization, particularly through its M109A7 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) platform. Its strengths lie in:

• Long-standing relationships with the U.S. Army and NATO partners

• Advanced recoil and barrel technologies

• Scalable system architectures for self-propelled variants

The company’s strategy includes enhancing fire rate, range, and crew survivability through digital integration.

Rheinmetall AG

A dominant European player, Rheinmetall is known for its PzH 2000 platform and next-gen RCH 155 wheeled artillery system . Key competitive levers include:

• High levels of automation and digital fire control

• Long-range capability exceeding 60 km with base bleed projectiles

• Co-development programs with several NATO countries

Rheinmetall’s competitive edge stems from unmatched accuracy, modularity, and export success across Central and Eastern Europe.

Hanwha Aerospace

South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace , manufacturer of the K9 Thunder , has rapidly expanded its global presence via export deals with Poland, India, Egypt , and others. Key differentiators:

• Cost-effective self-propelled solutions

• Reliable supply chains and domestic component sourcing

• Successful joint production models with client countries

Hanwha’s model of defense industrial cooperation makes it an agile contender in cost-sensitive markets.

Nexter Systems (KNDS Group)

French-based Nexter , now operating under KNDS , manufactures the CAESAR (truck-mounted) artillery system. Competitive strengths include:

• Highly mobile wheeled platforms for rapid deployment

• High export success in the Middle East and Southeast Asia

• Lightweight, transportable design suitable for expeditionary forces

Nexter continues to focus on improving modularity and digitization across its artillery portfolio.

Elbit Systems

Israel's Elbit Systems offers a diverse range of advanced artillery solutions, including automated howitzers and cutting-edge fire control systems. Differentiation includes:

• Fully autonomous mobile howitzers

• High-precision GPS-guided ammunition

• Seamless integration with ISR and drone systems

Elbit emphasizes “system of systems” capability, linking artillery with broader C4ISR ecosystems for real-time battlefield advantage.

Tata Advanced Systems (TASL)

India’s TASL is an emerging player with significant involvement in the ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) project in collaboration with DRDO. Its strengths:

• Indigenous manufacturing aligned with India’s “Make in India” defense policy

• Focus on long-range, high-caliber towed systems

• Strategic collaborations with global OEMs for technology infusion

TASL is positioned to address both domestic defense needs and export opportunities in developing regions.

While legacy players continue to lead in integrated systems and logistics, new entrants are leveraging modularity, regional demand, and government backing to disrupt traditional supply chains. The coming decade will favor companies that can combine firepower with flexibility and digital superiority.

 

Regional Landscape and Adoption Outlook

The growth trajectory of the artillery systems market varies significantly across regions, influenced by geopolitical dynamics, military modernization priorities, and industrial capacity. While some regions are focused on replacing aging Cold War-era systems, others are developing cutting-edge artillery solutions tailored to future battlefield doctrines.

North America

North America, led by the United States , remains a technological and spending powerhouse in artillery systems. The region’s priorities include:

• Upgrading legacy platforms like the M109 Paladin to digitized, self-propelled systems

• Expanding capabilities in extended-range cannon artillery (ERCA)

• Enhancing interoperability within NATO and allied exercises

The U.S. Army’s Long-Range Precision Fires (LRPF) program is at the forefront, focusing on enabling artillery to engage targets at over 70 km with pinpoint accuracy.

North America continues to serve as the test bed for integrating artillery with UAVs, AI-based targeting, and advanced munitions.

Europe

Europe is experiencing a surge in artillery demand, driven by heightened threat perceptions and the Ukraine conflict. Key developments include:

• Accelerated procurement programs in Poland, Germany, Finland, and the UK

• Revival of industrial capacity through localized assembly and co-production

• NATO-standardization efforts for joint artillery operations

Poland , in particular, is emerging as a regional hub, acquiring K9 Thunder systems , HIMARS launchers , and expanding its domestic artillery manufacturing base.

The emphasis in Europe is shifting from legacy system replacement to rapid-force generation and enhanced cross-border interoperability.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Its growth is driven by territorial disputes, rising defense budgets, and efforts to reduce import dependency.

Major trends include:

• India’s development of indigenous towed artillery like ATAGS and strategic procurements such as the M777 lightweight howitzers

• China’s investment in long-range rocket artillery for deterrence in Taiwan and the South China Sea

• South Korea’s defense diplomacy , exporting systems like the K9 to multiple regions

Asia’s artillery focus centers on range, terrain adaptability, and mobile platforms suited for rapid deployments along contested borders.

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

The MEA region remains a lucrative yet fragmented artillery market. Key countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt are increasing investment in smart, self-propelled systems. Regional dynamics include:

• Active procurement of western and Asian systems

• Modernization aimed at rapid response and counter-insurgency

• Growing interest in guided artillery munitions

Middle Eastern countries often combine artillery upgrades with air defense and drone integration for layered battlefield effectiveness.

In Africa , artillery procurement is modest and often reliant on foreign military aid. However, regional powers such as Algeria, Nigeria, and South Africa are exploring modernization in limited capacity.

Latin America

Latin America exhibits slower growth due to budgetary limitations but maintains a steady demand for cost-effective upgrades. Nations like Brazil and Colombia continue to invest in:

• Light towed artillery

• Fire control modernization

• Joint development with local arms producers

Latin American procurement is increasingly oriented toward mobility and logistics adaptability in diverse terrains like jungles and mountains.

Overall, while the U.S. and Europe dominate in terms of technological capability, Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe are becoming hotspots for volume-based and innovation-led artillery investments. Emerging markets are creating white space opportunities, especially for modular and locally assembled systems.

 

End-User Dynamics and Use Case

The demand for artillery systems is shaped by a wide spectrum of end users, ranging from large standing armies to expeditionary forces and paramilitary units. As modern warfare evolves, the needs of these user groups are transitioning from static bombardment to dynamic, multi-domain integration.

Primary End Users

• Army and Ground Forces

• This is the dominant user group globally.

• Focus areas include towed and self-propelled howitzers , rocket artillery , and automated fire control systems .

• Their procurement priorities emphasize range, mobility, interoperability, and reduced sensor-to-shooter timelines .

• Marine and Naval Forces

• Deploy naval gun systems and occasionally amphibious artillery platforms .

• Requirements center on stabilized firing , rapid deployment , and all-weather operability .

• Airborne and Special Forces

• Use lightweight, air-transportable artillery , often paired with precision munitions.

• Portability and rapid deployment are key; often operate in mountainous or remote terrain.

• Defense Ministries & R&D Establishments

• Drive demand for advanced prototypes , autonomous systems , and electromagnetic artillery .

• Collaborate with OEMs for long-term capability development.

• Private Defense Contractors & Border Security Forces (select markets)

• Involved primarily in semi-autonomous border defense systems using light artillery or smart turrets.

 

Operational Priorities Across User Segments

• Large-scale armies value platform standardization, logistical ease, and long-range suppression.

• Expeditionary units prioritize compact, modular platforms and digitized fire control.

• R&D-focused units are pushing for reduced crew artillery, AI integration, and long-range precision systems.

Use Case: Digitized Artillery Deployment in South Korea’s Mountainous Border Regions

A South Korean artillery battalion deployed a digitized self-propelled artillery system (based on the K9 Thunder platform) equipped with a real-time fire control interface and UAV-assisted target designation near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

During a simulated night-time intrusion drill:

• UAVs patrolling the border relayed target coordinates to a centralized fire mission server.

• The system auto-calculated firing solutions , adjusted for elevation and wind, and synchronized with the digital command network.

• The crew executed precision strikes within 40 seconds of target acquisition , with automated reloading reducing exposure time.

Outcome: The digitized network reduced manual errors by 75%, enhanced cross-unit coordination, and proved effective in mountainous terrain where traditional fire missions would take over 10 minutes to execute.

Such real-world applications highlight the artillery market’s shift toward smarter, faster, and more autonomous systems. The end user is no longer merely a firepower operator but an integrated node in the digital battlefield.

 

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• U.S. Army Conducts Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) Trials

• The U.S. Army successfully completed ERCA test fires that demonstrated projectile ranges exceeding 70 km, setting new benchmarks in long-range artillery capability.

• Poland Signs Major K9 Thunder Deal with South Korea

• In 2023, Poland inked a landmark deal with Hanwha Aerospace for the delivery of hundreds of K9 self-propelled howitzers , boosting NATO’s Eastern Flank artillery capacity.

• India’s ATAGS Enters Final Testing Phase

• The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) , developed indigenously, has entered final evaluation by India’s Ministry of Defence and is expected to begin deployment in 2025.

• Nexter CAESAR Mk II Announced with Enhanced Protection

• France’s KNDS/ Nexter launched the CAESAR Mk II in 2023, featuring improved cabin armor, digital battlefield integration, and increased fire rate.

• AI Targeting System Trialed in Israel’s Artillery Units

• The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) trialed an AI-assisted targeting module integrated into mobile artillery units, aiming to reduce time-to-strike and improve hit probability in urban warfare zones.

 

Opportunities

• AI and Automation in Target Acquisition

• The integration of machine learning and real-time data analytics opens new frontiers for artillery precision, reducing collateral damage and increasing tactical efficiency.

• Modular and Export-Friendly Platforms

• Modular artillery designs that can be easily adapted, locally assembled, or upgraded offer scalable export potential — especially in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa .

• Digital Fire Control Ecosystems

• Countries modernizing artillery systems are looking to integrate networked fire control , UAVs , and real-time tracking , creating growth opportunities for tech-enabled artillery solutions.

 

Restraints

• High Capital and Maintenance Costs

• Advanced self-propelled artillery systems and smart munitions come with high acquisition and lifecycle expenses, limiting accessibility for low-income countries.

• Regulatory and Export Limitations

• Defense exports remain subject to geopolitical restrictions, complex compliance requirements, and delayed approval timelines, especially in high-tension regions.

The artillery market is rapidly modernizing, but success hinges on balancing high-tech capability with affordability and policy alignment. Innovation alone is not sufficient without scalable, regulation-ready strategies.

 

Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 15.6 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 23.2 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.1% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2023
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Type, By Component, By Platform, By Geography
By Type	Howitzers, Mortars, Rocket Artillery, Anti-Aircraft Guns
By Component	Gun System, Fire Control System, Ammunition, Auxiliary Systems
By Platform	Towed Artillery, Self-Propelled Artillery, Naval Artillery, Rail-Based Artillery
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil
Market Drivers	- Precision-guided munitions - Military modernization - AI-based targeting systems
Customization Option	Available upon request