Ammunition Handling System Market Report 2026

The ammunition handling system market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.45 billion in 2025 to $3.66 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to adoption of mechanical loading systems in armored and naval platforms, development of magazine hoists and elevators for efficient ammunition transport, rising demand for automated ammunition magazines to enhance operational readiness, implementation of conveyor and transfer systems within military vehicles, use of gun transfer units to reduce crew workload and improve safety.

The ammunition handling system market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.6 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing deployment of fully automated ammunition handling systems, expansion of integrated AHS solutions for next-generation armored and naval platforms, focus on high-speed and reliable ammunition transfer technologies, increasing adoption of modular and scalable handling systems, rising procurement for modernization of defense arsenals and unmanned combat systems. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for faster and safer ammunition loading mechanisms, increased adoption of modular and scalable ammunition handling architectures, growth in automated ammunition movement to reduce crew workload, enhanced integration of weapon systems with advanced handling technologies, greater requirement for shock-proof and fire-safe ammunition storage units.

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 October 2025, BAE Systems Hägglunds, a Sweden-based defense and security company, partnered with Rheinmetall Weapon and Ammunition to upgrade the CV90120 vehicle with the 120 mm L44A1 Low Recoil gun. The collaboration aims to enhance the vehicle’s firepower and operational performance by integrating advanced weaponry and ammunition-handling systems designed for modern battlefield demands. The upgrade seeks to provide a high-performance, crew-protective solution that combines survivability, precision, and rapid deployment capabilities. Rheinmetall Weapon and Ammunition is a Germany-based company specializing in advanced weapon systems and ammunition technologies.

Major companies operating 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, Standard Armament Inc.

North America was the largest region in the ammunition handling system market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the ammunition handling system 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 on precision components, steel, and electronic actuators have increased manufacturing and procurement costs for ammunition handling systems, particularly affecting automated and semi-automated system segments. Import-dependent regions experience supply delays, yet tariffs may also stimulate domestic production and enhance regional defense manufacturing resilience.

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.

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

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 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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