Mortar Ammunition Market Size

Study Period: | 2018 - 2028 |
Fastest Growing Market: | Asia Pacific |
Largest Market: | Asia Pacific |
CAGR: | 4.9 % |
Major Players![]() *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Need a report that reflects how COVID-19 has impacted this market and it's growth?
Mortar Ammunition Market Analysis
The Mortar Ammunition Market was valued at USD 74.25 million in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 120.98 million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period (2022-2031).
The impact of COVID-19 on the overall market revenue was low. However, the lockdown imposed by the governments in major countries caused disruptions in the supply chain, leading to manufacturing delays in 2020. Although the overall global defense spending saw an increasing trend till 2020, developing countries facing an economic crisis may opt for a reduction in defense spending levels in the coming years, which may hamper the procurement of new mortar systems and related ammunition.
Several countries are expending significant resources toward augmenting their current military prowess by procuring new weapon systems or modernizing their existing deployed systems with advanced ammunition rounds. The growth in territorial issues has also propelled the procurement of mortar systems by the land forces over the years.
Mortars are now witnessing rejuvenated demand due to new technology integration and enhanced deployment scope by infantry and artillery units of global armed forces. Several new mortar development programs are underway to develop lighter but deadlier mortar ammunition with an enhanced range. Investments are being made to develop precision-guided mortar ammunition, which may open new prospects for the market in the coming years.
Mortar Ammunition Industry Segmentation
A mortar is an artillery weapon that fires explosive shells in high-arching ballistic trajectories. In typical engagement scenarios, mortars are generally seen as indirect fire weapons and are used for close fire support. By caliber type, the mortar ammunition market is segmented into light caliber, medium caliber, and heavy caliber. The report also covers the market sizes and forecast for the mortar ammunition market in various countries across major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecast have been provided in value (USD million).
Caliber Type | |
Light Caliber | |
Medium Caliber | |
Heavy Caliber |
Geography | |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
|
Mortar Ammunition Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Mortar Ammunition Market according to our research experts:
Heavy Caliber Segment is Expected to Witness Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
The heavy-caliber segment of the market is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. Mortar ammunition with a caliber size of 100 mm and above are classified as heavy caliber mortars. Conventional heavy-caliber mortars have a range of 7,200m to 9,500m and can carry an explosive payload of 1.2kg to 4.2kg, depending on the size of the mortar. Heavy mortars are generally used to level enemy strongholds and decommission armored vehicles. Several nations across the globe have procurement programs underway as part of their extensive weaponry modernization program. For instance, in November 2021, the Estonian National Defense Investment Centre announced that it has ordered an undisclosed number of 120mm mortar systems from the sole bidder Elbit Systems of Israel, under a framework agreement worth up to USD 17.27 million. As part of the contract, Elbit will also provide lifecycle support for the systems with the Estonian Army. The rise in demand has fostered extensive innovations in the heavy caliber mortar segment. For instance, in March 2021, Israel unveiled a laser-guided mortar system that could reduce civilian collateral damage, according to the company. The "Iron Sting" system, developed by the Israeli military with local firm Elbit Systems, will use laser and GPS technology to provide maximal accuracy to 120mm mortar rounds. Such developments and procurement orders of advanced munitions is expected to accelerate the growth of this segment during the forecast period.

To understand key trends, Download Sample Report
Asia-Pacific Accounted for a Major Share in the Mortar Ammunition Market in 2021
The Asia-Pacific region is currently dominating the market and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Countries such as China, India, and South Korea have been rapidly increasing their military spending over the past few years due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. China and India increased their military expenditures by more than 25% and 30%, respectively, during 2015–2020. With such a growth in defense expenditure, these countries have been investing in developing and procuring newer generation mortar systems and related ammunition. In March 2021, the Indian Army decommissioned two of the longest-serving artillery systems, namely, the 130mm self-propelled M-46 catapult guns and 160mm Tampella Mortars from service, to make way for newer equipment employing the latest technologies. The procurement of new mortar systems is also expected to generate demand for related ammunition during the forecast period. The growing focus on indigenous development of mortar systems is projected to drive the market's growth in the region. In July 2021, the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) began deploying an upgraded version of its locally developed 81mm mortar system. The mortar system uses advanced technologies, like laser and the global positioning system (GPS), to identify the target locations and calculate the mortar settings, thus increasing the speed and accuracy of the rounds delivered.
Along with the procurement of advanced mortar systems, countries are acquiring advanced ammunition for the mortar systems. In April 2019, Elbit Systems announced that it was awarded a contract worth USD 30 million to supply STYLET, a precise Guided Mortar Munition (GMM), to an undisclosed customer in Asia-Pacific. The deliveries of the munitions are expected to be completed in 2022. STYLET is a multimode GPS/INS guided 120mm GMM with a range of 1,000-8,500 m designed for tactical combat units and Special Forces. Such investments and procurement of advanced precision-guided mortar ammunition are anticipated to boost the market’s growth in Asia-Pacific during the forecast period.

To understand geography trends, Download Sample Report
Mortar Ammunition Industry Overview
The major players in the mortar ammunition market are Elbit Systems Ltd, BAE Systems PLC, Nammo AS, General Dynamics Corporation, and Saab AB. Companies are collaborating to develop new ammunition and explore new market opportunities. For instance, recently, companies like Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd, SAMI, and Hanwha Defense collaborated to produce different kinds of ammunition, including mortars. Such collaborations are expected to help them increase their market presence and share in global markets during the forecast period. Advancements in mortar ammunition capabilities, like range, precision, and lethality, are the major factors for manufacturers to attract new customers. On the other hand, partnerships with other manufacturers to locally produce munitions will allow them to enter new markets during the forecast period. Local players from several countries are expected to enter the market in the coming years, driven by the growing push for the localization of military equipment. This factor is expected to increase the competition in the market in the coming years.
Mortar Ammunition Market Leaders
Elbit Systems Ltd
Saab AB
Nammo AS
General Dynamics Corporation
BAE Systems PLC
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Mortar Ammunition Market News
- In May 2021, the Romanian MoD announced that it is seeking industry proposals to provide 82mm and 120mm mortar bombs. The ministry is looking for a single contractor to fulfill an initial four-year contract worth an estimated USD 10.68 million for up to 12,960 rounds of 82mm ammunition and a maximum of 8,824 120mm bombs.
- In November 2020, Rheinmetall Denel Munition, a joint venture between Rheinmetall Group and Denel SOC, was awarded a multi-million contract by the South African Army to procure both conventional and long-range variants of the 60mm mortar ammunition, including high explosives, practice, illumination, and smoke-burst screening mortar cartridges. The deliveries are scheduled to be made by the end of 2021.
- In November 2020, BAE Systems signed a deal with the UK Ministry of Defense to supply munitions worth USD 3.2 billion over 15 years for the British military. As part of the Next Generation Munitions Solution (NGMS) program, BAE Systems will produce 39 different munitions for the armed services from five different sites across the United Kingdom. Small-arms ammunition, mortars, tank shells, medium-caliber gun rounds, and heavy artillery rounds are included in the delivery schedule, starting at the end of 2022. According to the MoD estimate, BAE Systems will produce 75,000 mortar rounds annually.
- In March 2021, Elbit Systems, along with the Israel Ministry of Defense, revealed Iron Sting, the laser and GPS-guided 120mm mortar ammunition. This comes after the completion of final trials for the 120 mm mortar at the testing site in southern Israel, which enables the start of serial production of the system before their supply to the Israel Defense Forces.
- The Royal Dutch Army and Marine Corps selected Hirtenberger Defence Europe to deliver 122 81mm Mortars with sights along with full suit of ammunition, including High Explosive (HE), Illumination visible (ILL VIS), infrared (ILL IR) and Smoke red phosphorus (SMK RP).
Mortar Ammunition Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of Study
1.3 Currency Conversion Rates for USD
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
3.1 Market Size and Forecast, Global, 2018 - 2027
3.2 Market Share by Caliber Type, 2021
3.3 Market Share by Geography, 2021
3.4 Market Drivers and Restraints
3.5 Structure of the Market and Key Participants
3.6 Expert Opinion on Mortar Ammunition Market
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Indicators
4.3 Market Drivers
4.4 Market Restraints
4.5 Market Trends
4.6 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.6.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.6.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.6.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size and Forecast by Value - USD billion, 2018 - 2031)
5.1 Caliber Type
5.1.1 Light Caliber
5.1.2 Medium Caliber
5.1.3 Heavy Caliber
5.2 Geography
5.2.1 North America
5.2.1.1 United States
5.2.1.1.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.1.2 Canada
5.2.1.2.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.2 Europe
5.2.2.1 United Kingdom
5.2.2.1.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.2.2 France
5.2.2.2.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.2.3 Germany
5.2.2.3.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.2.4 Rest of Europe
5.2.2.4.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.3 Asia-Pacific
5.2.3.1 China
5.2.3.1.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.3.2 India
5.2.3.2.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.3.3 South Korea
5.2.3.3.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.3.4 Japan
5.2.3.4.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.2.3.5.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.4 Latin America
5.2.4.1 Mexico
5.2.4.1.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.4.2 Rest of Latin America
5.2.4.2.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.5 Middle-East and Africa
5.2.5.1 Saudi Arabia
5.2.5.1.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.5.2 United Arab Emirates
5.2.5.2.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.5.3 South Africa
5.2.5.3.1 By Caliber Type
5.2.5.4 Rest of Middle-East and Africa
5.2.5.4.1 By Caliber Type
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Vendor Market Share
6.2 Company Profiles
6.2.1 Elbit Systems Ltd
6.2.2 General Dynamics Corporation
6.2.3 Nexter Systems SA
6.2.4 BAE Systems PLC
6.2.5 Rheinmetall AG
6.2.6 Saab AB
6.2.7 Nammo AS
6.2.8 Denel SOC Ltd
6.2.9 Hirtenberger Defence Systems GmbH & Co. KG
6.2.10 Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd
6.2.11 Mechanical and Chemical Industry Company (MKEK)
6.2.12 ARSENAL JSCo.
6.2.13 Hanwha Corporation
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Mortar Ammunition Market Research FAQs
What is the study period of this market?
The Mortar Ammunition Market is studied from 2018 - 2028.
What is the growth rate of Mortar Ammunition Market?
The Mortar Ammunition Market is growing at a CAGR of 4.9% over the next 5 years.
What is Mortar Ammunition Market size in 2018?
The Mortar Ammunition Market is valued at 74 Million USD in 2018.
Which region has highest growth rate in Mortar Ammunition Market?
Asia Pacific is growing at the highest CAGR over 2018 - 2028.
Which region has largest share in Mortar Ammunition Market?
Asia Pacific holds highest share in 2021.
Who are the key players in Mortar Ammunition Market?
Elbit Systems Ltd, Saab AB, Nammo AS, General Dynamics Corporation, BAE Systems PLC are the major companies operating in Mortar Ammunition Market.
Mortar Ammunition Industry Report
Statistics for the 2023 Mortar Ammunition market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Mortar Ammunition analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2028 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.