Global Guided Munitions Market Assessment, By Guidance Type [GPS/INS, Laser-Guided, Electro-optical/Infrared], By Platform [Air-launched, Ground-launched, Naval-launched], By Munition Class [Precision-Guided Bombs, Tactical Missiles, Artillery/Rocket-Deli

Global guided munitions market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.83% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 38.16 billion in 2024 to USD 60.02 billion in 2032. The global guided munitions market is experiencing consistent expansion due to growing defense expenditures, changing war tactics, and increasing demand for precision strike systems. The military selects these munitions, ranging from tactical missiles to loitering systems, because they minimize damage to non-combatants while enhancing mission success.

Technological advancements, including GPS guidance and semi-active lasers, alongside AI-enabled targeting, drive the evolution of contemporary arsenals. The major world powers implement these systems due to their geopolitical tensions and counter-terrorism needs, and military modernization efforts. The Asia-Pacific region leads in the deployment of guided munitions and innovation activities, driven by regional security concerns that fuel its rapid market growth. The market is experiencing increased R&D spending, which focuses on creating future systems that will operate with greater range and autonomy and be interoperable across land, air, and naval platforms.

For instance, in March 2023, South Korea’s Firstec Co., Ltd., a Boeing supplier, and Uconsystem Co., Ltd., announced plans to increase their manufacturing capabilities due to the rising demand for unmanned aerial vehicles and guided munitions, which shows the growth of defense exports and worldwide interest in sophisticated AI-controlled guided weaponry.

Increased Military Spending Pumps the Guided Munitions Market Growth

Guided munitions are experiencing strong market growth due to the increase in worldwide defense budgets and evolving battle strategies. The rising demand for precision-strike weapons is driven by their ability to produce accurate results, thereby protecting non-combatants and enhancing operational effectiveness. The development of navigation systems, together with targeting systems such as GPS and laser guidance, propels both product growth and market expansion. Modern defense arsenals and unmanned platforms create rising market demand across various countries. The shift toward intelligence and adaptable strike capabilities drives procurement changes, resulting in continuous growth for the guided munitions industry. Governments maintain their focus on innovative weaponry due to ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, thus driving sustained market growth and competitive strength.

For instance, in November 2023, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), along with the EDGE Group, formed a partnership to install UAE-manufactured smart weapons on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone, advancing both the guided munition industry and U.S.- UAE defense relationships.

Technological Advancement Fuels the Guided Munitions Market Growth

Technological progress drives major expansion in the guided munitions market through improved accuracy, together with extended operational distances and enhanced weapon performance. Current developments in navigation and targeting systems, as well as autonomous functions, transform conventional munitions into precise, mission-oriented weapon systems. Military organizations worldwide are choosing advanced intelligent systems to enhance operational performance and reduce unintentional damage during their missions. Through artificial intelligence and real-time data processing, together with advanced sensors, the system adapts to perform efficiently in complex operational scenarios. Modern military forces drive demand for advanced guided munitions due to their focus on arsenal modernization and evolving warfare approaches, which impact multiple defense platforms and applications.

For instance, in April 2025, LIG Nex1 Co., Ltd., together with Anduril Industries, Inc., established a comprehensive MOU that aims to create modern weapon systems and advanced guided munition systems, and AI-driven systems for the expanding advanced guided munition industry.

Precision-Guided Bombs Dominate the Guided Munitions Market Share

The global guided munitions market is experiencing substantial growth, as defense sectors utilize precision-guided bombs extensively. The military industry selects these weapons because they provide exact targeting capabilities, together with minimal damage to surrounding areas. The increased demand results from changing combat methods, together with the focus on precise target selection. Operational success rates and mission effectiveness have increased due to advancements in guidance technology that combines GPS with laser and inertial systems. Guided munitions have become the dominant segment within the guided munitions industry, influencing global defense procurement and modernization plans worldwide. The current trend demonstrates an active transformation of modern warfare approaches.

For instance, in September 2024, NATO awarded RTX Corporation a contract worth USD 134 million to transform bombs without guidance systems into precision-guided munitions, which utilize Paveway kits to enhance accuracy and operational effectiveness. These developments demonstrate NATO's strategic focus on improving its guided munition manufacturing capabilities while strengthening its defense industry capabilities.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Guided Munitions Market Size

The guided munitions market is experiencing its primary growth in the Asia-Pacific region due to escalating military tensions, as well as ongoing defense modernization initiatives. China, along with India and South Korea, allocates substantial funds to developing precise warfare systems that increase their strategic operational abilities. The combination of national security threats and territorial conflicts drives a rising market demand for tactical missiles, smart ammunition, and GPS-guided systems. The establishment of technological partnerships, combined with local development initiatives, enhances regional capability strength. The Asia-Pacific region drives the adoption of modern guided munitions due to its focus on military readiness and deterrence while simultaneously transforming the global defense industry through its expanding power and creative developments.

For instance, in October 2024, Reliance Infrastructure Limited plans to invest approximately USD 1.2 billion over the next decade in building a defense facility in Maharashtra. This facility will manufacture explosives and ammunition, as well as small arms, including guided munitions, to enhance national guided munition market growth and export capabilities.

Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Guided Munitions Market

• U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and lead raised production costs for guided munitions, forcing manufacturers to find new suppliers or absorb higher expenses, reducing profitability.
• The tariffs broke out worldwide supply chains, so it became difficult to get essential parts and materials, which caused production delays in guided munitions manufacturing, along with delivery uncertainties.
• Defense agencies and consumers had to face increased prices for guided munitions products due to the passing of higher costs, which put pressure on their budgets.
• The tariff measures triggered trading partners to impose their restrictions, which made international cooperation more difficult and potentially blocked access to crucial technologies for guided munitions development.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The guided munition market has experienced consistent growth driven by the strategic contributions of key players. Key contributors have expanded the market by dedicating resources to progressive targeting systems, along with compact electronics and adaptable propulsion systems. The strategic focus on precise automation, together with real-time intelligence integration by these contributors, has driven increased interest in guided munitions for contemporary defense operations. Defense contracts that involve collaboration between parties, along with the increasing sharing of international technology and the growing use of asymmetric warfare, have driven higher market demand. Leading innovators have established new industry benchmarks by deploying AI guidance systems and adopting modular design approaches. These advancements have driven the market toward enhanced operational capabilities and increased strategic importance worldwide.

For instance, in September 2024, the manufacturing of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) takes place at the Bourges facility in France, as Lockheed Martin partners with Thales to create these systems. This collaboration enhances both the supply networks for guided munitions and demonstrates rising worldwide requirements for accurate strike platforms.