Market Trends of Americas Medium And Large Caliber Ammunition Industry
Large Caliber Segment Will Showcase Remarkable Growth During the Forecast Period
Military modernization has taken center stage in the US and several Latin American nations, with heightened defense budgets increasingly directed towards acquiring advanced large-caliber weapon systems. The next-generation platforms prioritize enhanced artillery firepower, extended range, and heightened lethality, directly boosting the demand for large-caliber ammunition and associated systems. These moves resonate with global defense trends, positioning large-caliber systems as prime targets for investments to bolster national security and achieve operational superiority.
As geopolitical tensions escalate, especially along sensitive borders, the significance of large-caliber systems as strategic deterrents becomes evident. Nations are channeling investments into mobile artillery systems and large-caliber projectiles, emphasizing superior range and precision. This focus is particularly vital for Latin American countries, where diverse terrains make large-caliber artillery pivotal for border security and countering insurgencies.
Technological strides in large-caliber ammunition—like enhanced propellant compositions, extended-range guided munitions (ERGM), and high-explosive projectiles—have bolstered the effectiveness and adaptability of large-caliber weapon systems. These innovations cater to the armed forces' demands for precision targeting and broader operational ranges, amplifying the allure of large-caliber ammunition in military contexts. Such advanced munitions prove invaluable in intricate conflict zones and counterinsurgency operations, further cementing their widespread adoption.
Additionally, RTX Corporation, a primary supplier of Excalibur 155 mm ammunition, claims to have slashed the cost of each round to USD 65,000-68,000 (as of 2016). In contrast, other sources estimated the cost at roughly USD 112,800 in 2021 for variants offering a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 4 m. BAE Systems, collaborating on the Excalibur howitzer's 155 mm munitions, has introduced a rocket-assisted propulsion variant with a range of around 65 km, albeit at a premium price. BAE Systems plans to start production of these variants, branded as Next Generation Adaptable Ammunition (NGAA), in 2025, aiming to cut costs by 50%-75% per unit.
In November 2023, amidst Israel's aerial actions in Gaza, the US facilitated a transfer of precision-guided bomb equipment valued at USD 320 million. This transfer, part of the ongoing conflict with Hamas, included the Spice Family Gliding Bomb Assemblies. These kits convert standard bombs into GPS-guided munitions, with the sale having received prior approval from a US congressional committee.
North America to Hold the Largest Market Share with US Dominating the Market in the Region
Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) underscores the US as the leading global defense spender, with a budget of USD 916 billion for 2023. For FY2024, the US Department of Defense (DoD) has requested a budget of USD 30.8 billion for ammunition, marking a USD 5.8 billion increase from FY2023. The allocation details include USD 5.6 billion for ammunition, USD 17.3 billion for tactical missiles, USD 7.3 billion for strategic missiles, and USD 0.6 billion for Technology Development. This rising defense expenditure, coupled with the urgent need for advanced medium and light-caliber ammunition, is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
Additionally, a surge in border unrest has prompted the US Army to expedite the acquisition of advanced medium and light caliber ammunition, bolstering their military capabilities. The region's dense concentration of defense players has further amplified business opportunities. Companies are ramping up R&D investments, focusing on medium and large-caliber tactical and training ammunition to bolster the US Army's combat prowess.
For instance, in March 2024, the US DoD unveiled its fiscal year 2025 budget, dedicating a substantial USD 143.2 billion to research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E). Specifically, USD 29.8 billion is allocated for the development of advanced precision-guided artillery ammunition and other munitions. This allocation highlights a strategic shift towards advanced and precise weaponry, underscoring its importance as a vital investment for modern combat challenges.
