Aerial Smart Weapons Market Size
| Study Period | 2019-2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 6.47 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 9.03 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 6.92 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | North America |
| Largest Market | North America |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Aerial Smart Weapons Market Analysis
The Aerial Smart Weapons Market size is estimated at USD 6.47 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 9.03 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.92% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The aerial smart weapons market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, owing to the rising demand from diverse end users and regions. The changing nature of aerial warfare and the growth in defense spending toward developing and procuring advanced weapon systems for military aircraft are expected to drive the aerial smart weapons market during the forecast period.
The market is expected to undergo various innovations and developments as the players compete to offer advanced and cost-effective smart weapon systems. Technological advancements, in terms of miniaturization of electronics, material technologies, propulsion, and guidance systems, are expected to aid the growth of the aerial smart weapon systems market during the forecast period.
The market studied is also expected to face some challenges, such as government regulations, export controls, and ethical issues, which may limit the market growth. However, the market opportunities outweigh the market challenges, and the aerial smart weapons market is projected to grow positively during the forecast period.
Aerial Smart Weapons Market Trends
Missile Segment is Expected to Witness Highest Growth
The missile segment is anticipated to occupy the largest market share over the forecast period due to the increasing demand for advanced guided missiles from the defense forces. The key factors driving the growth of the missile segment are significant increases in defense budgets by both developed and developing nations, an increased use rate of advanced weapons, and changing aerial warfare worldwide. For instance, in 2022, the global military expenditure reached USD 2,240 billion, a growth of 6% from 2021.
The development of network-enabled weapons, hypersonic missiles, and artificial intelligence-based weapons are some of the latest trends in the missile segment that are expected to transform armed force operations. Various countries are partnering with aerial weapon system manufacturers to develop advanced smart missiles to counter future threats. For instance, in November 2023, MBDA announced that it partnered with the United Arab Emirates to co-develop smart weapons with an initial production date of 2030. The partnership was established to develop the Smart Glider and Cruiser air-to-ground missiles dedicated to future combat with AI-embedded capabilities.
Various countries are also procuring advanced military drones equipped with smart weapon systems to counter evolving threats and as a modernization effort to the changing nature of warfare. For instance, in May 2023, the Netherlands announced that it would begin arming its reconnaissance MQ-9 Reaper drones with laser-guided GBU bombs and air-to-surface Hellfire missiles under a modification and weapons procurement of USD 107-268 million. The initial deployment of the armed drones is expected by 2025, and the full deployment will be three years later. Overall, such developments and procurement orders of advanced weapons systems are expected to accelerate the growth of this segment during the forecast period.
North America is Projected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
North America is expected to occupy the largest market share in the aerial smart weapons market due to large-scale developments in the market by the United States. For instance, in 2022, the US military defense expenditure rose to USD 877 billion, a growth of 9% compared to 2021. The increased investments toward technologically advanced weaponry are due to the growing threat to the country from the enhanced capabilities of China and Russia on the battlefield. The country is divesting huge amounts for the development and induction of advanced smart weapon systems ranging from smart bullets to nuclear-capable hypersonic-guided weapons. The country has been involved in several aerial smart weapon procurement programs that are expected to drive the market studied in the years to come.
For instance, in January 2023, the US Navy awarded RTX Corporation a USD 317 million contract to develop 408 AIM-9X precision short-range infrared-guided air-to-air missiles for the navy’s jet fighters and other combat aircraft. Similarly, in March 2023, the US Air Force awarded RTX Corporation a USD 320 million contract to produce and deliver 1500 StormBreaker smart weapons, which are air-to-surface, network-enabled weapons that can engage moving targets in all weather conditions using its multi-effects warhead and tri-mode seeker. The StormBreaker is fielded on the F-15E Strike Eagle, with testing underway on the F-35B and F/A-18. Such developments are expected to bolster the market prospects in the region during the forecast period.
Aerial Smart Weapons Industry Overview
The aerial smart weapons market is semi-consolidated, with local as well as international players providing various types of missiles, munitions, guided rockets, and guided projectiles for aerial forces across the world. Other than international players, several state-owned companies have been developing and manufacturing smart weapons for their respective countries while also looking at export opportunities.
Some of the prominent players in the market are BAE Systems PLC, RTX Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, and Northrop Grumman Corporation. Due to the changing nature of aerial warfare, several nations are planning to develop and induct next-generation aerial smart weapons for their militaries. As the focus is increasing on developing indigenous smart weapons, local manufacturers can grab the opportunity to increase their market share through higher R&D investments, which will help their growth during the forecast period. Players can also establish joint ventures and partnerships with other players to enable technology transfer, which will facilitate innovations and aid the development of highly sophisticated aerial smart weapons during the forecast period.
Aerial Smart Weapons Market Leaders
BAE Systems plc
Lockheed Martin Corporation
General Dynamics Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation
RTX Corporation
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Aerial Smart Weapons Market News
June 2023: Elbit Systems Ltd showcased its advanced Rampage long-range supersonic air-to-ground GPS-guided precision strike missile at the Paris Air Show. The missile features high survivability and operational flexibility and enables salvo strikes against high-value targets.
April 2023: Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) successfully test-fired an AIM-2000 InfraRed Imaging System-Tail control (IRIS-T) guided missile from its KF-21 fighter aircraft for the first time. The company mentioned that the launch represents the expansion of the KF-21's armaments testing program.
Aerial Smart Weapons Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.3 Market Restraints
4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 Product
5.1.1 Missiles
5.1.2 Ammunition and Other Products
5.2 Technology
5.2.1 Satellite Guidance
5.2.2 Radar Guidance
5.2.3 Infrared Guidance
5.2.4 Laser Guidance
5.3 Geography
5.3.1 North America
5.3.1.1 United States
5.3.1.2 Canada
5.3.2 Europe
5.3.2.1 Germany
5.3.2.2 United Kingdom
5.3.2.3 France
5.3.2.4 Rest of Europe
5.3.3 Asia-Pacific
5.3.3.1 India
5.3.3.2 China
5.3.3.3 Japan
5.3.3.4 South Korea
5.3.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.3.4 Latin America
5.3.4.1 Brazil
5.3.4.2 Mexico
5.3.4.3 Rest of Latin America
5.3.5 Middle East and Africa
5.3.5.1 United Arab Emirates
5.3.5.2 Saudi Arabia
5.3.5.3 Israel
5.3.5.4 Rest of Middle East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Vendor Market Share
6.2 Company Profiles
6.2.1 BAE Systems PLC
6.2.2 General Dynamics Corporation
6.2.3 Lockheed Martin Corporation
6.2.4 RTX Corporation
6.2.5 Northrop Grumman Corporation
6.2.6 MBDA
6.2.7 Saab AB
6.2.8 The Boeing Company
6.2.9 Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd
6.2.10 Safran SA
6.2.11 IAI
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Aerial Smart Weapons Industry Segmentation
Aerial smart weapons are weapons that can be guided to a specific target using various technologies such as infrared, laser, GPS, or radar. They are designed to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of military operations in the air domain. Aerial smart weapons include missiles, munitions, guided rockets, and guided projectiles.
The aerial smart weapons market is segmented by product, technology, and geography. By product, the market is segmented into missiles, ammunition, and other products. By technology, the market is segmented into satellite guidance, radar guidance, infrared guidance, laser guidance, and other technologies. The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the aerial smart weapons market in major countries across different regions, such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The report offers the market size in value terms in USD for all the abovementioned segments.
| Product | |
| Missiles | |
| Ammunition and Other Products |
| Technology | |
| Satellite Guidance | |
| Radar Guidance | |
| Infrared Guidance | |
| Laser Guidance |
| Geography | |||||||
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Aerial Smart Weapons Market Research FAQs
How big is the Aerial Smart Weapons Market?
The Aerial Smart Weapons Market size is expected to reach USD 6.47 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.92% to reach USD 9.03 billion by 2029.
What is the current Aerial Smart Weapons Market size?
In 2024, the Aerial Smart Weapons Market size is expected to reach USD 6.47 billion.
Who are the key players in Aerial Smart Weapons Market?
BAE Systems plc, Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation and RTX Corporation are the major companies operating in the Aerial Smart Weapons Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Aerial Smart Weapons Market?
North America is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Aerial Smart Weapons Market?
In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Aerial Smart Weapons Market.
What years does this Aerial Smart Weapons Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Aerial Smart Weapons Market size was estimated at USD 6.02 billion. The report covers the Aerial Smart Weapons Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Aerial Smart Weapons Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Smart Weapons Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Smart Weapons market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Smart Weapons analysis includes a market forecast outlook 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
