PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1733889
PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1733889
The Global 81mm Market is estimated at USD 1.35 billion in 2025, projected to grow to USD 2.55 billion by 2035 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.57% over the forecast period 2025-2035.
The 81mm caliber is a cornerstone of indirect fire support in modern infantry operations, widely adopted by armed forces around the world. Primarily deployed in mortar systems, the 81mm round offers a balance between portability, range, and explosive power, making it highly effective for battalion-level fire missions. It is particularly valued for its ability to deliver suppressive fire, disrupt enemy formations, and engage targets hidden by terrain or fortifications. The caliber serves as a vital link between lighter, more mobile 60mm mortars and heavier 120mm systems, offering commanders tactical flexibility across a range of operational scenarios. Its relatively lightweight design allows for rapid deployment and repositioning, even in challenging environments such as mountains, urban areas, or dense forests. The 81mm system's widespread adoption across NATO and non-aligned nations alike underscores its enduring relevance and the pivotal role it plays in providing responsive, accurate, and effective support to ground troops.
Technological innovation has significantly enhanced the performance and operational value of 81mm mortar systems. Modern advancements in fire control and aiming systems have greatly improved accuracy, reducing time to target and enhancing first-round effectiveness. GPS integration and digital targeting devices allow for faster coordination and better synchronization with other assets on the battlefield. Ammunition developments, such as extended-range and precision-guided rounds, have expanded the tactical utility of the 81mm, enabling it to reach further and strike with greater precision than traditional munitions. New propellant designs and materials have reduced weight while maintaining power, making the systems easier to transport and more efficient in logistics. Additionally, modular mortar carriers and automated loading mechanisms are being introduced to further streamline operations and increase rates of fire. These innovations ensure the 81mm mortar continues to serve as a highly adaptable and effective component of modern indirect fire capabilities across varied combat environments.
The sustained use and development of 81mm mortar systems are driven by their unique combination of mobility, firepower, and tactical versatility. One of the primary motivators is the need for responsive and deployable indirect fire that can keep pace with maneuver units in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios. The caliber provides a reliable means of suppressing enemy positions, marking targets, and providing smoke screens or illumination under varying combat conditions. Its compatibility with lightweight tripods, vehicle mounts, and new automated platforms allows for broad integration into diverse military structures, from light infantry to mechanized units. Additionally, the relatively low cost of production and ease of training make 81mm systems accessible and attractive to militaries with limited defense budgets or emerging security needs. The drive for interoperability among allied forces further enhances the appeal of the 81mm, especially within joint and coalition operations. This combination of tactical utility and strategic value ensures the 81mm mortar remains a vital tool for ground commanders in a rapidly evolving battlefield landscape.
The deployment and modernization of 81mm mortar systems reflect regional security concerns and operational doctrines. In North America and Europe, military forces continue to enhance their 81mm capabilities with advanced fire control systems and precision-guided munitions, aligning with broader modernization efforts aimed at increasing combat efficiency and reducing collateral damage. NATO member states often prioritize compatibility and interoperability, resulting in widespread standardization of 81mm systems across the alliance. In the Asia-Pacific, countries facing complex terrain and dispersed threats have embraced the portability and rapid response of the 81mm for both border defense and counter-insurgency operations. Middle Eastern nations, dealing with both conventional threats and irregular warfare, rely heavily on the caliber for its effectiveness in desert and urban combat scenarios. In Africa and Latin America, the 81mm is favored for its balance of cost, reliability, and operational utility, often forming the backbone of fire support in both national defense and internal security roles. These regional patterns underscore the 81mm's global utility and its continued adaptation to evolving military environments.
The Swiss Confederation has awarded a contract to the Dusseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall for the production and supply of 81mm mortar cargo ammunition. The contract is valued in the mid double-digit million euro range. The order includes Rheinmetall EXPAL Munitions SA's 81mm MX2-KM mortar systems, along with a range of 81mm cargo mortar cartridges for white light illumination, infrared illumination, and red phosphorus-based smoke deployment. These cartridges will be produced by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH at the company's Neuenburg am Rhein facility. Deliveries are set to be completed by 2025 and will include a range of additional services supporting the system's introduction. The ammunition is fully qualified for use with the Swiss Armed Forces' MX2-KM mortar, forming a complete mortar solution with both weapon and ammunition supplied by Rheinmetall. Final verification of the cargo cartridges was conducted at a test site on the Spanish coast. This contract highlights Rheinmetall's advanced capabilities in the design and production of modern indirect fire systems.
81mm market Report Definition
81mm market Segmentation
By Region
By Type
By End-User
By Range
81mm market Analysis for next 10 Years
The 10-year 81mm market analysis would give a detailed overview of 81mm market growth, changing dynamics, technology adoption overviews and the overall market attractiveness is covered in this chapter.
This segment covers the top 10 technologies that is expected to impact this market and the possible implications these technologies would have on the overall market.
Global 81mm market Forecast
The 10-year 81mm market forecast of this market is covered in detailed across the segments which are mentioned above.
Regional 81mm market Trends & Forecast
The regional 81mm market trends, drivers, restraints and Challenges of this market, the Political, Economic, Social and Technology aspects are covered in this segment. The market forecast and scenario analysis across regions are also covered in detailed in this segment. The last part of the regional analysis includes profiling of the key companies, supplier landscape and company benchmarking. The current market size is estimated based on the normal scenario.
North America
Drivers, Restraints and Challenges
PEST
Key Companies
Supplier Tier Landscape
Company Benchmarking
Europe
Middle East
APAC
South America
This chapter deals with the key defense programs in this market, it also covers the latest news and patents which have been filed in this market. Country level 10 year market forecast and scenario analysis are also covered in this chapter.
US
Defense Programs
Latest News
Patents
Current levels of technology maturation in this market
Canada
Italy
France
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
Spain
Sweden
Greece
Australia
South Africa
India
China
Russia
South Korea
Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
Brazil
Opportunity Matrix for 81mm market
The opportunity matrix helps the readers understand the high opportunity segments in this market.
Expert Opinions on 81mm market Report
Hear from our experts their opinion of the possible analysis for this market.