Ammunition Market Report 2026

The ammunition market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $30.15 billion in 2025 to $32.41 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising global military modernization programs increasing demand for varied ammunition types, growth in law enforcement and homeland security procurement of small-caliber ammunition, expansion of ammunition production capabilities by major defense manufacturers, increased use of specialized primers and propellant powders to enhance weapon performance, rising geopolitical tensions driving higher consumption of ammunition stocks.

The ammunition market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $42.17 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing adoption of precision-guided and smart ammunition systems, rising investment in eco-friendly and lead-free ammunition components, expansion of defense budgets supporting advanced ammunition procurement, development of lightweight cartridge cases to improve weapon efficiency, increasing demand for high-performance propellant formulations for next-generation weapon systems. Major trends in the forecast period include miniaturization of ammunition components, advanced materials and coatings, modular and multi-purpose ammunition, enhanced safety and handling systems, increased demand for precision-guided munitions.

Increased defense spending is anticipated to drive the growth of the ammunition market in the future. Defense spending refers to the budget set aside by a government for maintaining and improving its national defense and military capabilities. This expenditure is on the rise due to escalating geopolitical tensions, the necessity for military modernization, heightened counter-terrorism initiatives, and the emergence of new security challenges such as cybersecurity and space defense. Defense budgets for ammunition support the procurement, development, and upkeep of munitions necessary for military training, operations, and combat readiness. For example, in May 2024, the UK Parliament, a governing body in the UK, reported that for the 2023/24 financial year, the UK allocated £54.2 billion (approximately $66.4 billion) to defense spending. This amount is projected to increase to £57.1 billion (about $69.4 billion) in 2024/25, marking a 4.5% rise in real terms. Thus, increased defense expenditure is fueling the growth of the ammunition market.

Major companies operating in the ammunition market are focusing on technological advancements, such as developing precision-guided munitions to enhance accuracy, range, and mission flexibility. One such innovation is the Vulcano 120 mm guided ammunition designed for indirect-fire systems. This advanced round features a programmable fuse that supports altimetric, instantaneous, and delayed impact modes, and it can be equipped with a Semi-Active Laser (SAL) seeker to enable precise engagement of stationary or moving targets beyond line of sight. For instance, in July 2025, Leonardo S.p.A., an Italy-based defense contractor, introduced the Vulcano 120 mm guided ammunition. The system provides extended-range precision and multiple detonation options compared to conventional unguided 120 mm rounds. By reducing collateral damage and enabling highly accurate target engagement in complex operational environments, this innovation significantly enhances mission effectiveness and strengthens the technological capabilities within the ammunition market.

In August 2023, CBC Global Ammunition, a prominent ammunition manufacturer based in Brazil, successfully acquired SinterFire for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition underscores CBC Brazil's dedication to driving innovation and excellence within the ammunition sector, solidifying its standing as a leading global provider of top-tier ammunition solutions. Additionally, the acquisition facilitates the expedited development of groundbreaking, environmentally conscious ammunition solutions. By combining resources and expertise, the company is poised to make significant strides in shaping the future of the ammunition industry. SinterFire Inc., the acquired entity, is a US-based company recognized for manufacturing proprietary frangible-free ammunition projectiles and advanced bullet technology.

Major companies operating in the ammunition market are General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, CBC Global Ammunition, Lapua Ammunition, Olin Corporation, Alliant Techsystems Inc., Vista Outdoor Inc., Ruag Ammotec, Nammo AS, Remington Arms Company, Fiocchi Munizioni S.p.A., Magpul Industries (Magpul Ammunition), Browning Ammunition, Hornady Manufacturing Company, Norma Precision AB, Nosler Inc., Black Hills Ammunition, Barnes Bullets LLC, PMC Ammunition, Dynamic Research Technologies, Underwood Ammunition, Atomic Ammunition, Buffalo Bore Ammunition, DoubleTap Ammunition, ELEY (ELEY Ammunition), Aguila Ammunition, GECO Ammunition, PolyCase Ammunition, SBR Ammunition, SIG Sauer (SIG Sauer Ammunition), Dynamic Munitions.

North America was the largest region in the ammunition market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the ammunition market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

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.

Tariffs have influenced the ammunition market by increasing import and production costs, particularly for components such as primers, propellant powders, and specialty metals. Defense and law enforcement segments in regions like North America and Europe are most affected due to reliance on imported materials. While higher tariffs pose cost challenges, they have also encouraged local manufacturing investments and development of domestic supply chains, potentially boosting regional production capabilities.

The ammunition market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides ammunition market statistics, including ammunition industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an ammunition market share, detailed ammunition market segments, ammunition market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the ammunition industry. This 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.

Ammunition encompasses materials such as bullets, rockets, bombs, shrapnel, or shells that are discharged, dispersed, dropped, or detonated from various weapons. Diverse in types and sizes, ammunition is typically tailored to function exclusively within specific weapon systems. Serving as a disposable weapon, ammunition includes components integral to other weapons, collectively producing the intended impact on a target.

Ammunition comprises various products, with notable examples including bullets, aerial bombs, grenades, artillery shells, and mortars. Bullets, a fundamental component, are kinetic projectiles fired from firearm barrels. These projectiles are constructed from diverse materials such as lead, copper, steel, polymer, wax, and rubber. Ammunition comes in various calibers, including small, medium, large, and others, each designed for specific equipment with distinct operating mechanisms, encompassing both non-guided and guided systems. The utilization of ammunition extends beyond defense applications to include civil and commercial purposes.

The countries covered in the ammunition market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The ammunition market consists of sales of ammunition components such as primers, cartridge cases and propellant powders. 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.

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