Ammunition Handling System Market Report 2025

The ammunition handling system market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.24 billion in 2024 to $3.45 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to expanding military modernization programs, rising defense budgets in developed countries, escalating cross-border tensions and conflicts, increasing naval fleet expansion efforts, and the growing adoption of combat vehicles.

The ammunition handling system market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.35 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth expected during the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for autonomous weapon systems, greater emphasis on rapid-fire capabilities, increasing demand for modular ammunition systems, expanded use of smart ammunition, and a growing need for lightweight and compact solutions. Key trends anticipated in this period include the development of autonomous loading mechanisms, creation of dual-use handling platforms, integration with battlefield management systems, incorporation of robotic arms on naval platforms, and innovations in safety interlocks and blast protection.

The growth of the ammunition handling system market is expected to be driven by the rise in armed conflicts. Armed conflicts involve prolonged and organized violent confrontations between states, groups, or communities, often using military force. The increase in these conflicts is largely a result of geopolitical tensions, as countries aim to assert dominance, protect their interests, or address security threats. Ammunition handling systems play a crucial role in enhancing combat effectiveness by automating the storage and transfer of munitions, making them vital for modern military platforms. These systems reduce manual labor by enabling quicker and safer reloading, which improves operational efficiency and protects crew members. For example, a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in 2024 noted that conflict-related deaths in the MENA region reached approximately 35,900 in 2023, more than doubling the 16,900 fatalities recorded in 2022. Hence, the escalation in armed conflicts is contributing to the expansion of the ammunition handling system market.

Key players in the ammunition handling system market are concentrating on developing advanced solutions like automated reloading systems to boost firing efficiency, cut reload times, and enhance crew safety during combat. Automated reloading systems mechanize the process of loading ammunition into weapons, facilitating faster firing rates, improved safety, and reduced physical strain. For instance, in September 2024, BAE Systems plc, a UK aerospace company, started integrating its advanced Mk 45 naval gun system with a fully automated ammunition handling system (AHS) on HMS Glasgow, the first Type 26 frigate of the Royal Navy. The Mk 45 system includes an advanced mechanism that automates shell movement from the magazine to the gun mount, greatly increasing firing speed and lessening crew workload. This integration improves the vessel’s combat readiness while minimizing the risks associated with manual ammunition handling. The system’s automation ensures a precise and rapid supply of ammunition, supporting prolonged naval missions with higher reliability.

In September 2022, Parker-Hannifin Corporation, a US-based manufacturer, acquired Meggitt plc for $8.54 billion (£6.3 billion). Through this acquisition, Parker-Hannifin aims to broaden its aerospace and defense offerings, enhance its motion and control technology capabilities, and reinforce its presence in high-growth, technology-driven markets by leveraging Meggitt’s expertise in aerospace components and systems. Meggitt plc is a UK aerospace firm specializing in ammunition handling systems.

Major players in the ammunition handling system market are The Boeing Company, General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems Plc, Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Leonardo S.p.A, Rheinmetall AG, Elbit Systems Ltd., Moog Inc., Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Hanwha Aerospace Co. Ltd, Nobles Worldwide Inc., Fabrique Nationale Herstal S.A., ASELSAN A.Ş, PT Pindad, Denel Land Systems, KMW+Nexter Defense Systems, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd., Dillon Aero Inc., MESKO Spółka Akcyjna, Patria Group, McNally Industries LLC, and Standard Armament Inc.

North America was the largest region in the ammunition handling system market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in ammunition handling system report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the ammunition handling system market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

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 hike in U.S. tariffs and the associated trade disputes in spring 2025 are notably impacting the aerospace and defense sector by raising costs for titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics materials largely sourced from global suppliers. Defense contractors, locked into fixed-price government contracts, absorb these added costs, while commercial aerospace firms face airline pushback on higher aircraft prices. Delays in component shipments due to customs bottlenecks further disrupt tight production schedules for jets and satellites. The industry is responding by stockpiling critical materials, seeking waivers for defense-related imports, and collaborating with allied nations to diversify supply chain.

An ammunition handling system (AHS) is a mechanical or automated setup designed to store, transport, and supply ammunition efficiently and safely within military platforms like tanks, naval vessels, or artillery systems. Its primary goal is to ensure the rapid, reliable, and secure delivery of munitions to the weapon system during operations, minimizing reload time, reducing crew workload, and enhancing safety.

The main types of ammunition handling systems include manual, automated, and semi-automated handling systems. Manual handling systems involve methods and equipment used to lift, move, carry, or support loads by hand or physical effort in a safe and efficient way. These systems consist of key components such as drive assemblies, ammunition storage units, auxiliary power units (APUs), loading systems, and other supporting elements, and they are compatible with various weapon types including cannons, gatling guns, machine guns, main guns, and launchers. These handling systems are used across different platforms such as land vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels, and are utilized by the military, defense contractors, law enforcement, and in some civilian applications.

The ammunition handling system market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides ammunition handling system market statistics, including ammunition handling system industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an ammunition handling system market share, detailed ammunition handling system market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the ammunition handling system industry. The ammunition handling system market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The ammunition handling system market consists of sales of loading systems, magazine hoists and elevators, ammunition magazines, conveyor and transfer systems, and gun transfer units. 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 and 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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