| Study Period | 2024 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| CAGR | 9.40 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Latin America |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Remote Weapon Systems Market Analysis
The Remote Weapon Systems Market is expected to register a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period.
The use of RWS grew over the recent past, particularly driven by the growth in asymmetric warfare. Non-state actors started employing the techniques and tactics of asymmetric warfare. Conventional forces require new capabilities to become successful in modern combat situations and post-conflict scenarios. In this regard, the use of remote weapon systems is becoming widespread in several anti-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations.
There were several advancements in RWS and unmanned turrets in recent years, ranging from the protection of the systems and lethality to the support of larger calibers. Such developments are expected to help the growth in the procurement of new weapon systems and upgrades of the existing platforms in the years to come. Though RWS acts as a viable option for providing defensive firepower to the armed forces, certain installation and operational challenges are influencing the global militaries to prefer manned turrets over remote weapons. However, it is expected that these operational limitations will be addressed in the future through the extensive R&D being conducted towards the integration of advanced technologies into the RWS.
Remote Weapon Systems Market Trends
The Land Segment is Projected to Register the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period
The land segment is anticipated to show the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The land segment encompasses the RWS that is stationary and mounted on land vehicles. The increase in attacks on military bases and outposts in the recent past increased the demand for remotely operated stationary weapon stations for protecting vulnerable areas.
Despite the land segment being expected to dominate the market during the forecast period, currently, the airborne segment had the largest share in the RWS market in 2023. While many countries include dedicated attack helicopters that possess a wide range of armaments, including the RWS, the weapon systems are also attached to utility and transport helicopters. Customization of aircraft to include the RWS as a retrofit is being widely adopted by the countries that lack the funds for procuring dedicated attack helicopters, making the segment grab the highest market share currently. For instance, in November 2022, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace teamed up forces with Thales UK to support the Protector Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) program of the British armed forces. The firms will collaborate on numerous capacities for the weapon system's maturity in the UK military and foreign markets under the terms of the agreement. The Protector RWS is promoted globally by Kongsberg and Thales, with around 1,000 of the weapon systems being integrated into British defense.
Stationary Land RWS, especially sentry guns, are also being used to guard the borders of some countries. In addition, the growth in the procurement of armored vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles necessitated the demand for the RWS installed on these ground vehicles. With the increasing adoption of unmanned land vehicles, high adoption of these systems is expected during the forecast period. All these factors are contributing to the growth of the land segment currently.
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North America Dominated Market Share
The United States and Canada are avid users of remote weapon systems in North America. They are currently focusing on upgrading their existing vehicle fleet and their corresponding capabilities.
The need for upgrading the capabilities of the existing fleet to counter emerging threats resulted in a flurry of contracts being awarded to cater to the diversified needs of the armed forces. For instance, in November 2022, the US Army awarded a USD 1.5 billion contract to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to continue its supply of Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations (CROWS). CROWS are armored mounts that can perform on-the-move target acquisition and fire-burst strikes while being shielded inside armored vehicles. The company will deliver its Kongsberg Protector remote weapon station family, which is also used by NATO and ally forces, under the five-year arrangement. Likewise, in January 2023, Rheinmetall Systems and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace signed a framework agreement to produce subsystems for the US Army's Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) program. The five-year framework deal covers the provision of high-definition image-stabilized EO sensors (day cameras), weapon mounts, and other assemblies.
Such procurement programs, along with other upgrade programs, are anticipated to be initiated in the upcoming period and are envisioned to enhance the business prospects of the North American remote weapon systems market during the forecast period.
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Remote Weapon Systems Industry Overview
The remote weapon systems market is fragmented due to the presence of many global as well as regional defense manufacturers and suppliers that cater to the requirements of remote weapon systems of armed forces around the world. About 13 players in the market account for approximately 50% of the market share. THALES, BAE Systems plc, Rheinmetall AG, Leonardo S.p.A., and ASELSAN A.S. are the dominant players in the market. Some of the other prominent players in the local and regional markets are China Ordnance Industries Group Corporation Limited, Rostec State Corporation, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Patria Group, and KMW+Nexter Defense Systems, among others. With the growing demand for remote-control weapon systems, the innovation of new systems with advanced sensor systems and optronic equipment in fire control systems to target, track, and hit the target is anticipated to increase. It is thereby helping the companies expand their geographical presence in emerging markets.
For instance, in March 2023, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) awarded Elmet International SRL (a subsidiary of Elbit Systems) a follow-on contract worth USD 120 million to supply unmanned turrets, Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS), and mortar systems for the Romanian Armed Forces 'Piranha V' Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).
Remote Weapon Systems Market Leaders
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Rheinmetall AG
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THALES
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BAE Systems plc
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ASELSAN A.Ş.
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Leonardo S.p.A.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Remote Weapon Systems Market News
- April 2023: EOS Defence Systems was awarded a second conditional contract to supply Ukraine with up to fifty Remote Weapon Systems (RWS), as well as ammunition, spares, and related services. This contract, worth up to USD 41 million, calls for the RWS to be delivered to Ukraine by 2024. It is in addition to the previously announced contract on 3 April 2023 for up to one hundred EOS RWS units worth up to USD 80 million.
- December 2022: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will deploy its Typhoon Mk30-C naval gun systems aboard warships of an undisclosed Asian Navy. The Typhoon Mk30-C is outfitted with the Mk44S Bushmaster 30 mm cannon and upgraded ammunition. It can fire all standard NATO ammunition at rates of up to 200 rounds per minute.
- June 2022: Electro Optic Systems (EOS) launched its R400 Marine (R400-M) remote weapon station (RWS) at an event held at the INDO PACIFIC 2022 International Maritime Exposition.
Remote Weapon Systems Industry Segmentation
A remote weapon system (RWS), also known as a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), is a remotely operated firearm system equipped with firing and related control systems. The RWS that are both stationary and installed on ground combat vehicles and sea and air-based combat platforms are included in the study.
The remote weapon systems market is segmented by platform and geography. By platform, the market is segmented into land (land vehicles and stationary structures), marine, and airborne. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. The market sizing and forecasts are provided in value (USD).
| Platform | Land | Land Vehicles | |
| Stationary Structures | |||
| Marine | |||
| Airborne | |||
| Geography | North America | ||
| United States | |||
| Canada | |||
| Europe | United Kingdom | ||
| France | |||
| Germany | |||
| Italy | |||
| Russia | |||
| Rest of the Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| India | |||
| Japan | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Australia | |||
| Rest of the Asia Pacific | |||
| Latin America | Brazil | ||
| Mexico | |||
| Middle East and Africa | |||
| United Arab Emirates | |||
| Saudi Arabia | |||
| Turkey | |||
| South Africa | |||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | |||
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Remote Weapon Systems Market Research FAQs
What is the current Remote Weapon Systems Market size?
The Remote Weapon Systems Market is projected to register a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in Remote Weapon Systems Market?
Rheinmetall AG, THALES, BAE Systems plc, ASELSAN A.Ş. and Leonardo S.p.A. are the major companies operating in the Remote Weapon Systems Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Remote Weapon Systems Market?
Latin America is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Remote Weapon Systems Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Remote Weapon Systems Market.
What years does this Remote Weapon Systems Market cover?
The report covers the Remote Weapon Systems Market historical market size for years: 2024. The report also forecasts the Remote Weapon Systems Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Remote Weapon Stations Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Remote Weapon Systems market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Remote Weapon Systems analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
