GVR Report cover Precision Guided Munition Market Size, Share & Trends Report

Precision Guided Munition Market (2023 - 2030) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Tactical Missiles, Guided Rockets, Guided Ammunition), By Technology, By Region, And Segment Forecasts

Market Size, 2022

$35.5B

Market Estimate, 2023

$37.5B

Market Forecast, 2030

$55.2B

CAGR, 2023–2030

5.7%

Precision Guided Munition Market Summary

The global precision guided munition market size was estimated at USD 35.53 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 55.16 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2030. Enhancements in military operations and the adoption of advanced war techniques are anticipated to support market growth in the projected time period.

Precision guided munition market overview highlighting global market size in 2022 (USD 35.53 Billion), revenue forecast for 2030 (USD 55.16 Billion), growth trends (CAGR 5.7% from 2023 to 2030), and regional growth momentum

Key Market Trends & Insights

  • The Asia Pacific region dominated the market and accounted for about 31.4% of the revenue share in 2022.
  • The Asia Pacific pine-derived chemicals market is experiencing rapid growth in the pine-derived chemicals market.
  • Based on product, the tactical missiles segment led the market and accounted for a 70.8% share of the global revenue in 2022.
  • Based on technology, the semi-active laser guidance technology for locating the targets accounted for a significant share of 25.8% of the global revenue in 2022.

Market Size & Forecast

  • 2022 Market Size: USD 35.53 Billion
  • 2030 Projected Market USD 55.16 Billion
  • CAGR (2023-2030): 5.7%
  • Asia Pacific: Largest market in 2022

Moreover, the increasing deployment of security measures across the globe in recent years is likely to increase the penetration of precision-guided munition.

U.S. precision guided munition market size and growth rate, 2023 - 2030

The precision-guided munition market growth is anticipated to be driven by the growing demand for advanced warfare equipment by major economies to maintain their lead in the global scenario. In addition, rising concerns regarding national security due to increasing terror activities are anticipated to spur the demand for precision guided munition over the forecast period.

Political and territorial conflicts between major economies have increased the implementation of precautionary measures for tactical and military operations. Defense systems in major economies are focusing on the procurement of advanced war equipment with precise operations. These factors are likely to have a positive impact on the market for precision-guided munition over the forecast period.

Middle East conflict impact on energy, trade, supply chains in global markets

In the U.S., the market size stood at USD 5.61 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to accelerate at a significant rate during the estimated time until 2030. Ongoing conflicts between the U.S. and Iran are anticipated to increase defense spending in the coming period, which is likely to influence the market for guided war equipment over the forecast years.

Leading global militaries are focusing on procuring advanced warfare equipment to maintain their dominance. Thus, they are likely to drive the demand for precision-guided missiles, rockets, and mortars. In addition, the adoption of advanced positioning systems in nuclear warheads is expected to support market growth. Enhancements in defense systems to tackle conflict situations and the need to protect territories have influenced major countries to deploy advanced defense & attacking systems. Growing security measures for guarding activities are likely to drive the market for guided war munition over the forecast period.

Advancements in positioning system technology, including semi-active lasers, radar homing, Inertial Navigation System (INS), and Global Positioning System (GPS) have influenced the market for precision-guided munitions. Furthermore, the compatibility of positioning systems with nuclear warheads in missiles is likely to accelerate their penetration into the market.

Market Dynamics

Growing geopolitical conflicts, border security concerns, and rising military modernization initiatives across major economies are significantly driving the demand for precision guided munitions (PGMs). Defense forces are increasingly prioritizing advanced weapon systems capable of delivering high target accuracy, reduced collateral damage, and enhanced operational efficiency. As a result, governments across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East are increasing investments in precision strike capabilities, including guided missiles, smart bombs, loitering munitions, and air-to-ground weapon systems. The rising adoption of network-centric warfare and next-generation combat platforms is further accelerating demand for precision-guided weapon technologies.

The market growth is also supported by rapid advancements in guidance, navigation, and targeting technologies, including GPS, laser guidance, infrared seekers, and AI-enabled targeting systems. Increasing integration of PGMs with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), fighter aircraft, naval platforms, and artillery systems is expanding their application scope across modern warfare environments. In addition, growing focus on minimizing civilian casualties and improving mission effectiveness during tactical operations is encouraging defense agencies to replace conventional munitions with highly accurate guided systems. Rising defense budgets and increasing procurement of smart weapon systems are expected to further strengthen market growth over the forecast period.

The precision guided munition market faces challenges associated with high research, development, and procurement costs due to the complexity of advanced guidance systems, sensors, and electronic components. The integration of sophisticated targeting technologies and stringent testing requirements significantly increases overall system costs, limiting adoption among budget-constrained defense agencies. In addition, strict international arms trade regulations, export controls, and geopolitical restrictions related to advanced weapon technologies may hinder market expansion in certain regions. Supply chain disruptions involving critical electronic and semiconductor components may also impact production timelines and procurement activities.

Product Insights

The tactical missiles segment led the market and accounted for a 70.8% share of the global revenue in 2022. This trend is attributed to their long-range travel and the capability to damage targets significantly. These missiles can be installed with nuclear warheads coupled with navigation systems and can be launched from the surface and air to destroy targets at their desired locations. These factors are likely to support the market segment in the estimated timeframe.

Guided rockets are anticipated to witness moderate growth in the estimated time, owing to their low cost and lightweight properties. However, limited or short-range travel by these rockets is anticipated to pose a challenge to their market growth. On the other hand, developments in the guided systems of rockets are expected to increase their penetration in the precision-guided munition market during the projected time.

The loitering munition product category is anticipated to accelerate at a significant rate in the projected time, owing to its unique feature of loitering around the target and hitting at a precise location. Moreover, the lightweight nature and partial automated mechanism present in the components that do not require human intervention are likely to have a positive impact on its accelerating penetration in the market.

The guided ammunition segment, which includes bombs, bullets, mortars, and artillery shells, is anticipated to grow moderately in the coming period, owing to its lower rate of adoption in defense systems. Short-range and less destruction at the target location are factors expected to pose a challenge for its growth in the estimated time.

Technology Insights

The semi-active laser guidance technology for locating the targets accounted for a significant share of 25.8% of the global revenue in 2022. Fast coordination by illuminating the target for aerial attack is the primary factor for its growing demand in the area of guided weapons. The semi-active laser guidance for war weapons is likely to be replaced by the Global Positioning System (GPS) in the estimated timeframe. Detection of exact target location with the provision of real-time target movement is likely to drive the popularity of GPS-enabled guided munition for war activities at long range.

Global precision guided munition Market share and size, 2022

The infrared-enabled guided munition segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the precision guided munition market, owing to its low cost and precise location detection capabilities. Infrared components attached to war equipment occupy less space and are lightweight, and thus are widely installed in missiles, rockets, and artillery. However, enhanced accuracy and precision offered by counterparts are expected to hamper their demand in the projected period.

Radar-homing guidance systems are majorly used for missile guidance that allow missiles to locate the targets autonomously. These systems are attached with radar transceivers and necessary electronics that simplify their locating operations. This guidance system is extremely popular in tactical ballistic missiles.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region dominated the market and accounted for about 31.4% of the revenue share in 2022. The industry is anticipated to continue the same trend over the forecast period. China, South Korea, India, North Korea, Pakistan, and Japan are among the largest economies ordering tactical warfare. Growing tensions between the countries in this region and the need to strengthen defense capabilities are likely to create scope for the precision-guided munition industry.

Growing tensions between India and Pakistan have led India to strengthen its defense capabilities with the addition of enhanced missiles, including Prithvi, Agni, Brahmos, and others. Moreover, technological developments and collaborations with foreign defense departments for modern war equipment are projected to increase the penetration of guided weapons. The ongoing conflict between Iran and the U.S. has led to enhancements in the military operations of the respective countries, thus driving the demand for these products. Strong R&D by the U.S. military has led to the development of long-range missiles and rockets with precision to hit targets autonomously.

precision guided munition Market Trends, by Region, 2023 - 2030

The presence of prominent manufacturers in Europe, coupled with high investments in military operations by economies including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Russia, are anticipated to upscale the market for guided weapons. Moreover, military developments in Russia are further expected to advance the production of improved artillery and missiles, which is expected to have a positive impact on the market.

The global precision-guided munitions industry has continuously witnessed mergers and acquisitions by major players to ensure competitiveness and profitability and establish a strong foothold in the market. Technological advancements in the U.S. and European countries, including Germany and France, to manufacture guided munition, are expected to influence the growth of the global precision-guided munition market.

Countries such as China, South Korea, India, France, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Israel, and South Africa are expected to boost the demand further in the precision-guided munition industry. However, the high costs involved in research & development activities and international import/export regulations are expected to hinder market growth over the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key players in the market include General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Elbit Systems, among others. In February 2019, BAE Systems inked a contract with the U.S. Navy worth USD 114.5 million to improve and modernize the guided-missile destroyer, USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), in its Norfolk shipyard. Prominent players in collaboration with major global defense organizations are investing heavily in R&D activities to develop precision-guided equipment. In January 2019, a 2100 F-Model missiles contract was awarded to Javelin, a joint venture company of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Some prominent players in the global precision guided munition market include:

  • Lockheed Martin

  • Atlas Elektronik

  • Raytheon

  • Thales Group

  • BAE Systems

  • Northrop Grumman

  • General Dynamics

  • Elbit Systems

Competitive Benchmarking

Operating Strategies

Competitive Edge

Weakness

Mature Players: Lockheed Martin; Raytheon; BAE Systems; Northrop Grumman

  • Focus on large-scale production of advanced precision guided weapon systems and long-term defense contracts.
  • Continuous investment in next-generation guidance technologies, hypersonic systems, and integrated combat solutions.
  • Strong global defense presence and established government relationships.
  • Broad product portfolio with advanced technological capabilities and high R&D investments.
  • High dependence on government defense budgets and procurement cycles.
  • Exposure to strict export regulations and lengthy contract approval processes.

Emerging Players: Elbit Systems; Atlas Elektronik

  • Focus on regional defense modernization programs and specialized guided munition systems.
  • Emphasis on flexible system integration, naval applications, and UAV-compatible precision weapons.
  • Strong focus on niche defense technologies and customized solutions.
  • Greater flexibility in addressing evolving tactical and regional defense requirements.
  • Comparatively lower global market penetration than major defense contractors.
  • Limited large-scale production capacity and international defense contract reach.

Precision Guided Munition Market Report Scope

Report Attribute

Details

Market size value in 2023

USD 37.50 billion

Revenue forecast in 2030

USD 55.16 billion

Growth rate

CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2030

Base year for estimation

2022

Historical data

2018 - 2021

Forecast period

2023 - 2030

Report updated

September 2023

Quantitative units

Revenue in USD million and CAGR from 2023 to 2030

Report coverage

Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends

Segments covered

Technology, product, region

Regional scope

North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Central & South America; Middle East & Africa

Country scope

U.S.; Canada; Mexico; U.K.; Germany; France; Italy; Russia; China; South Korea; India; Brazil; Argentina; Saudi Arabia; Iran

Key companies profiled

Lockheed Martin; Atlas Elektronik; Raytheon; Thales Group; BAE Systems; Northrop Grumman; General Dynamics; Elbit Systems

Customization scope

Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope.

Pricing and purchase options

Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options

 

Global Precision Guided Munition Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global precision guided munition market report on the basis of product, technology, and region:

Global precision guided munition Market Report Segmentation

  • Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

    • Tactical Missiles

    • Guided Rockets

    • Guided Ammunition

    • Loitering Munition

  • Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

    • Infrared

    • Semi-Active Lasers

    • Inertial Navigation System (INS)

    • Global Positioning System (GPS)

    • Radar Homing

    • Anti-Radiation

    • Others

  • Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

    • North America

      • U.S.

      • Canada

      • Mexico

    • Europe

      • U.K.

      • Germany

      • France

      • Italy

      • Russia

    • Asia Pacific

      • China

      • India

      • South Korea

    • Central & South America (CSA)

      • Brazil

      • Argentina

    • Middle East & Africa (MEA)

      • Saudi Arabia

      • Iran

Delivered Customizations

This report has been delivered with the following In-depth customizations

Client Request

Customization Delivered

Value Adds

Technology Assessment

Comprehensive assessment of precision guided munition technologies, including GPS-guided, laser-guided, infrared-guided, radar-guided, and AI-enabled targeting systems. Analysis also covers advancements in seeker technologies, navigation systems, loitering munitions, and integration with UAVs, naval systems, and next-generation combat platforms.

Enable understanding of evolving weapon technologies, future modernization trends, and emerging innovation areas. Support technology benchmarking, R&D prioritization, and identification of next-generation defense opportunities.

Market Analysis

Detailed analysis of the precision guided munition market across missile systems, guided rockets, smart bombs, artillery-guided systems, and loitering munitions. Assessment includes market size, demand outlook, defense procurement trends, geopolitical impact, and adoption patterns across key regions and military applications.

Support identification of high-growth defense segments and regional procurement opportunities. Enable strategic planning through understanding of demand drivers, modernization programs, and long-term defense spending trends.

Competitor Analysis

Benchmarking of key precision guided munition manufacturers based on product portfolio, technological capabilities, defense contracts, geographic presence, production capacity, strategic partnerships, and recent developments.

Enable comparison of competitive positioning, identification of technological strengths, and assessment of strategic expansion activities across the global precision guided munition market.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Report

About the Author(s)

Advanced Interior Materials Research Team

Advanced Materials · Advanced Interior Materials

This report was authored by the advanced interior materials research team at Grand View Research - comprising two research analysts, one senior research analyst, and one industry expert - with specialized expertise in the advanced interior materials segment of the advanced materials industry. All findings are based on proprietary advanced materials databases, executive interviews, and regulatory analysis, subject to internal peer review prior to publication.

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