Aircraft Weapons

Global Aircraft Weapons Market to Reach US$16.2 Billion by 2030

The global market for Aircraft Weapons estimated at US$10.9 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$16.2 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Fixed-Wing Aircraft, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 7.9% CAGR and reach US$7.8 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Rotary-Wing Aircraft segment is estimated at 6.2% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$3.0 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 10.9% CAGR

The Aircraft Weapons market in the U.S. is estimated at US$3.0 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$3.4 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 10.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% and 6.7% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.5% CAGR.

Global Aircraft Weapons Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Aircraft Weapons Critical in Modern Defense Strategies?

Aircraft weapons are essential components of modern military aviation, providing the precision, range, and destructive power required to address evolving threats. These weapons encompass a wide range of systems, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, guided bombs, and machine guns, each designed for specific tactical scenarios. The integration of advanced aircraft weapons into modern fighter jets, bombers, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) enables militaries to execute precision strikes with minimal collateral damage.

As global tensions rise and geopolitical conflicts become more complex, nations are prioritizing the modernization of their air forces. Aircraft weapons play a pivotal role in deterrence, allowing nations to project power and maintain air superiority. The increasing focus on multi-domain operations, where air, land, and sea forces collaborate seamlessly, further highlights the importance of advanced weapon systems in achieving mission objectives.

How Are Technological Advancements Transforming Aircraft Weapon Systems?

Technological innovations are driving significant advancements in aircraft weapons, enhancing their effectiveness, accuracy, and versatility. Modern weapons now feature advanced guidance systems, such as GPS, laser, and infrared targeting, which enable precise strikes even in adverse weather conditions. These technologies reduce the likelihood of collateral damage, making them ideal for urban and high-stakes combat scenarios.

The development of hypersonic weapons, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, has revolutionized aerial combat by enabling rapid target engagement and evasion of enemy defenses. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in weapon systems is enabling automated target recognition and adaptive strike capabilities, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. These advancements are shaping the next generation of aircraft weapons, making them more effective and adaptable to diverse combat scenarios.

What Drives Demand Across Military and Tactical Aviation Segments?

The demand for advanced aircraft weapons is driven by their critical role in military and tactical aviation. Fighter jets and bombers equipped with cutting-edge weapons ensure air dominance, a key factor in modern warfare. The increasing procurement of fifth-generation aircraft, such as the F-35 and Su-57, has created substantial opportunities for weapon manufacturers, as these platforms require sophisticated armament to maximize their capabilities.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as significant players in the aircraft weapons market. These systems are increasingly being used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes, particularly in asymmetric warfare. The adaptability of UAVs to carry lightweight, high-precision weapons has made them indispensable in modern military operations. Additionally, the naval aviation sector is witnessing growing adoption of aircraft weapons for carrier-based aircraft, further expanding the market’s scope.

What Factors Are Driving Growth in the Aircraft Weapons Market?

The growth in the aircraft weapons market is driven by several factors. Rising defense budgets, particularly in emerging economies, have fueled the procurement of advanced aircraft and their accompanying weapon systems. The increasing focus on enhancing military capabilities to counter asymmetric and conventional threats is a key driver of demand.

Technological advancements, including hypersonic technology, AI integration, and enhanced guidance systems, are enabling the development of next-generation weapons that meet the needs of modern combat scenarios. The growing adoption of UAVs and the expansion of their operational roles have also contributed to market growth, creating demand for lightweight and high-precision weapons. Additionally, regional conflicts and the need for effective deterrence strategies are driving investments in advanced aircraft weapon systems, ensuring sustained market growth in the coming years.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Aircraft Weapons market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Aircraft Type (Fixed-Wing Aircraft, Rotary-Wing Aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)); End-Use (Military End-Use, Army End-Use, Navy End-Use, Civilian End-Use, Law Enforcement End-Use, Other End-Uses)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 48 Featured) -

• BAE Systems Plc
• Boeing Company
• BrahMos Aerospace Pvt., Ltd.
• General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
• KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• MBDA, Inc.
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd
• Raytheon, an RTX Business
• Rheinmetall AG
• SAAB AB

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

We are diligently following expert opinions of leading Chief Economists (14,949), Think Tanks (62), Trade & Industry bodies (171) worldwide, as they assess impact and address new market realities for their ecosystems. Experts and economists from every major country are tracked for their opinions on tariffs and how they will impact their countries.

We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.

As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.

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APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.

JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET

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