PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1773667
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1773667
155mm ammunition, characterized by its larger size, is designed for deployment in howitzer systems and contains explosive material tailored for armor penetration. Widely adopted across various countries, this caliber is a staple in artillery systems, utilized for warfare across diverse terrains to effectively engage targets over extended distances, resulting in substantial damage.
The primary technologies associated with 155mm ammunition encompass guided and unguided variants. Guided ammunition denotes projectiles or munitions equipped with advanced guidance systems, significantly enhancing their accuracy and precision in reaching predetermined targets. These guided variants find application in projectiles, propellants, tanks, and various other contexts, catering to end users such as naval forces and ground forces.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The sharp increase in U.S. tariffs and resulting trade disputes in spring 2025 are significantly affecting the aerospace and defense sector. Prices for key materials such as titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics primarily sourced from international suppliers have surged. Defense contractors, constrained by fixed-price government contracts, are forced to absorb these rising costs. Meanwhile, commercial aerospace companies are encountering resistance from airlines over increased aircraft prices. In addition, customs delays are disrupting already tight production timelines for jets and satellites. In response, the industry is stockpiling essential materials, pursuing import waivers for defense-related goods, and working with allied nations to diversify supply chains.
The 155mm ammunition market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides 155mm ammunition market statistics, including 155mm ammunition industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a 155mm ammunition market share, detailed 155mm ammunition market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the 155mm ammunition industry. This 155mm ammunition market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The 155mm ammunition market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.33 billion in 2024 to $4.68 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to military conflicts and wars, modernization and upgrades of artillery systems, geopolitical tensions and security concerns, adoption of precision-guided munitions, evolution of artillery platforms and firing systems, influence of arms race dynamics.
The 155mm ammunition market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.89 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to integration of smart and guided ammunition technologies, growth in demand for long-range artillery capabilities, adoption of advanced materials in ammunition manufacturing, rise in counter-battery and anti-access capabilities, adoption of modular and customizable ammunition solutions, surge in demand for autonomous and automated artillery systems. Major trends in the forecast period include technological advancements in projectile design, advancements in propellant and explosives technology, technological innovations in fuzing and detonation systems, development of next-generation propellants, 3d printing for custom ammunition components.
The forecast of 5.9% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 1.9% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US through supply chain disruptions for key materials like propellant chemicals and brass casings, sourced from countries such as South Korea and Chile, which could lead to production delays and higher costs for military stockpiles.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.
The increase in terrorist activities globally is anticipated to drive the growth of the 155mm ammunition market in the future. Terrorist activities are defined as actions undertaken by individuals, groups, or organizations with the intent to instill fear, panic, and harm among civilians, governments, or societies for political, ideological, religious, or social reasons. As terrorist activities rise, the demand for more advanced and lethal weaponry increases, with 155mm ammunition proving vital for security forces in countering terrorism and targeting terrorist locations. For example, the Global Terrorism Index published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, an Australia-based think tank, indicated that terrorist attacks became increasingly deadly in 2022, with an average of 1.7 fatalities per attack compared to 1.3 in 2021. Consequently, the escalating threat of terrorism is fueling the growth of the 155mm ammunition market.
The rise in defense budgets worldwide is projected to drive the growth of the 155mm ammunition market in the future. Military spending refers to the financial resources a country allocates to develop and maintain its armed forces, as well as other defense-related activities. Increased defense budgets include funding for 155mm ammunition due to its adaptability, compatibility with various artillery systems, and effectiveness in delivering long-range firepower support. For instance, a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a Sweden-based international research organization, indicated that in 2022, Russian military spending surged by approximately 9.2% to around $86.4 billion, representing 4.1% of the country's GDP, an increase from 3.7% in 2021. Thus, the growth in defense budgets is contributing to the expansion of the 155mm ammunition market.
The emergence of new propellants stands out as a prominent trend gaining traction in the 155mm ammunition market. Leading companies in the 155mm ammunition sector are introducing innovative propellant designs to maintain their competitive positions. For example, in September 2022, Rheinmetall, a Germany-based arms manufacturer, unveiled its latest L58 extended-range artillery propellant charge technology. This cutting-edge technology enhances firing range by 10% compared to previous artillery propellants, expanding operational capabilities across diverse temperature profiles, including ambient scenarios. The development of this technology resulted from extensive research and development conducted on the L39 and L52 versions of the 155mm extended range charge.
Prominent players in the 155mm ammunition market are directing their efforts towards substantial research and development investments to align with evolving operational needs and technological advancements. Research and development investments involve financial commitments aimed at fostering innovation, creating novel products, and enhancing existing processes. In October 2023, as reported by DefenseNews, Australia is investing AU$220 million ($139 million) to augment munitions production at two Thales-managed factories in Mulwala, New South Wales, and Benalla, Victoria. This investment is geared towards boosting production capacity for 155mm artillery ammunition and 500-pound aerial bombs.
In November 2022, Rheinmetall AG, a Germany-based arms manufacturer, completed the acquisition of Expal Systems for $1.31 billion (€1.2 billion). This strategic acquisition strengthened Rheinmetall's core operations in weapons, ammunition, and propellants, enhancing its production and distribution capabilities to cater to an expanded customer base. Expal Systems SA, based in Spain, is a manufacturer specializing in 105 mm and 155 mm field artillery ammunition.
Major companies operating in the 155mm ammunition market include Raytheon Technologies Inc., General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems PLC, China North Industries Corporation, Thales Group, Leonardo S.p.A., Olin Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Elbit Systems Ltd., Saab AB, Nammo AS, Denel SOC Ltd., Nexter Group, Ammo Inc., RUAG Holding AG, Munitions India Ltd., Savage Arms, Hornady Manufacturing Company, MSM Group s.r.o., Winchester Ammunition Inc., Magtech Ammunition Company Inc., Poongsan Corporation, JSC Arsenal AD
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the 155mm ammunition market in 2024. It is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the 155mm ammunition market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the 155mm ammunition market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.
The 155 mm ammunition market consists of sales of bursting 155 mm projectiles, cargo-carrying 155mm projectiles, cargo-carrying 155mm projectiles, and smart/guided 155mm projectiles. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
155mm Ammunition Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on 155mm ammunition market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for 155mm ammunition? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The 155mm ammunition market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.