Consolidated Region 30MM Ammunition Market Trends, Forecast, Size, Growth, Insights 2025–2032

According to Fortune Business Insights™, the consolidated region 30MM ammunition market was valued at USD 1.70 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.34 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. North America led the market with a dominant 67.06% share in 2024, driven by its significant defense budget, early adoption of next-generation munitions, and the presence of leading market players such as Northrop Grumman Corporation and General Dynamics Corporation.

Market Overview

The increasing global focus on national defense, fueled by rising geopolitical tensions, terrorism, and border conflicts, is a primary driver of the consolidated region 30MM ammunition market. Armed forces and law enforcement agencies are enhancing procurement strategies for medium-caliber, next-generation ammunition across land, air, and naval platforms.

Moreover, technological innovation in ammunition systems—particularly caseless ammunition, programmable munitions, and advanced proximity fuzes—is reshaping the market. These developments are not only enhancing operational performance but also improving reliability and reducing logistical burdens.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players in the Consolidated Region 30MM Ammunition Market Include:

• BAE Systems Plc (U.K.)

• Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)

• Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel)

• General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.)

• Rheinmetall AG (Germany)

• Poongsan Corporation (Korea)

• Thales Group (France)

• Denel SOC Ltd. (South Africa)

• Nammo A.S. (Norway)

These companies are enhancing their portfolios through R&D, next-generation product development, and strategic collaborations to maintain competitive advantages and cater to evolving military requirements.

Source:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/consolidated-region-30mm-ammunition-market-107196

Segmentation Analysis

By Weapon TypeThe 30MM ammunition market, when categorized by weapon type, includes autocannons, rotary cannons, naval guns, anti-material guns, anti-aircraft guns, and others. Among these, the autocannon segment is anticipated to lead the market during the forecast period. This dominance is primarily driven by the growing deployment of autocannons in armored vehicles and fighter aircraft. Nations around the globe are actively modernizing their defense forces to enhance combat capabilities, leading to increased procurement of effective weapon systems such as 30MM autocannons. A notable example is the Spanish Ministry of Defence's contract awarded to General Dynamics European Land Systems in August 2021. The agreement, valued at approximately USD 1.97 billion, covers the supply of 348 8×8 Dragon VCR infantry fighting vehicles equipped with 30MM auto guns developed by the Spanish company Escribano. Deliveries under this contract commenced in 2022 and are scheduled to continue until 2029.

By Ammunition TypeBased on ammunition type, the market is segmented into high explosive incendiary (HEI), high explosive incendiary-tracer (HEI-T), high explosive incendiary/tracer—self-destruct (HEI/T-S.D.), semi-armor piercing high explosive incendiary-tracer/self-destruct, and others. Among these, the HEI segment is projected to witness the fastest growth. HEI ammunition plays a vital role in modern military operations due to its adaptability and destructive capability across various platforms. As global defense budgets increase in response to escalating geopolitical tensions and military conflicts, the demand for versatile and highly effective munitions like HEI rounds continues to rise. Its adoption is particularly notable across armed forces that require flexible yet powerful ammunition for different combat scenarios.

By PlatformThe 30MM ammunition market is further classified by platform into airborne, naval, and land-based systems. Among these, the airborne segment is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. This growth is attributed to increased investments in aerial defense systems and the rising integration of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) in modern warfare strategies. Additionally, the intensification of cross-border terrorism and regional conflicts has led many nations to reinforce their air combat capabilities. Countries with emerging economies are notably boosting their defense budgets to upgrade land, air, and naval fleets. For instance, in April 2022, Estonia's defense forces procured 220-wheeled armored vehicles in a deal worth approximately USD 197.44 million. Although the specific manufacturer was not disclosed, the delivery of these vehicles is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Key Market Drivers

1. Military Modernization and Increased Defense Spending

According to Fortune Business Insights™, ongoing modernization initiatives by leading nations such as the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany are pushing demand for high-performance 30MM ammunition. Nations are actively upgrading platforms with advanced autocannons, rotary cannons, and naval guns, requiring new-generation, medium-caliber rounds.

2. Rising Demand for Conventional Ammunition

Despite the emergence of laser and directed energy weapons, conventional ammunition remains in high demand. The 30MM segment offers effective armor penetration and fragmentation capabilities, making it essential for military forces addressing modern threats.

Market Challenges

1. Emergence of Alternative Weapon Systems

The increasing development of advanced kinetic and directed energy weapons may slow the market's momentum. Armed forces are gradually diversifying their arsenals, reducing reliance on traditional ammunition.

2. High Costs and Technological Complexity

The integration of programmable and precision-guided ammunition adds complexity and cost, potentially limiting adoption in cost-sensitive defense markets.

Key Market Trends

1. Development of Air Bursting Munitions (ABM)

New trends such as Air Bursting Munitions (ABM) are gaining traction due to their increased lethality and ability to neutralize concealed or moving targets with precision. NATO studies affirm that ABM can outperform traditional fragmentation and penetrator munitions in complex battlefield environments.

2. Strategic Partnerships and Product Launches

Industry players are investing in R&D, partnerships, and acquisitions to enhance competitiveness. For example:

• October 2024 – The Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition awarded Northrop Grumman a USD 78.5 million contract for its new 30x173mm XM1182 HEAB-T round.

• February 2025 – Spanish firm EM&E Group secured a contract with the Royal Thai Navy for two Sentinel 30 naval RCWS units, featuring both programmable and standard 30MM rounds.

Regional Insights

North America: Market Leader

North America accounted for USD 1.14 billion in 2024, with strong government investment in modernizing defense systems. Key manufacturers such as BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman continue to dominate the landscape, supported by robust R&D and long-term military procurement strategies.

Europe: Rapid Growth Expected

Countries like Germany, France, the U.K., and Spain are investing in land-based and naval defense systems that incorporate 30MM weapon platforms. For instance, Spain's Ministry of Defense contracted General Dynamics European Land Systems in 2021 to supply 348 Dragon VCR IFVs, each equipped with 30MM autocannons.

Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements

Caseless ammunition and advanced fuzing mechanisms offer reduced weight and improved energy efficiency. These innovations enable enhanced rate-of-fire, easier logistics, and higher accuracy—ideal for modern military operations.

Impact of Russia-Ukraine War

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has heightened the global focus on self-reliance and accelerated defense procurement. Countries dependent on Russian or Ukrainian arms are increasing domestic production and seeking alternative suppliers.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), consolidated regional defense spending rose by 2.6% in 2021, reaching USD 1981 million, signaling continued market momentum.

Key Industry Developments

In February 2025, Spanish defense systems manufacturer EM&E Group secured a contract to supply the Royal Thai Navy with two units of its advanced Sentinel 30 naval remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS). Each unit is designed with dual ammunition storage compartments, each capable of holding up to 200 rounds. The supplied ammunition will include both programmable airburst rounds and standard 30mm ordnance, aimed at enhancing the Navy’s onboard firepower and precision engagement capabilities.

Earlier, in October 2024, Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) was awarded a USD 78.5 million production contract on a firm fixed price basis by the Project Manager for Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM MAS) under the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition. The contract involves the production of the new 30x173mm XM1182 High Explosive Airburst with Tracer (HEAB-T) round, designed to improve lethality and operational flexibility across a variety of combat platforms.