Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

Recent Developments:

• In April 2022, the Armed Forces of Senegal signed a contract with Nexter to supply 8 105 LG guns and 105 mm ammunition. The 105LG is a 105 mm towed artillery gun known for its reliability and unmatched lightness (1,650 kg) and can be used in extreme climates and difficult terrains.

• In March 2022, the Hungarian Ministry of Defense contracted with Rheinmetall to supply an extensive package of ammunition worth several hundred million euros. The order includes 120 mm tank ammunition and 155 mm artillery shells, including propelling charges and fuses.

Segmentation based on caliber size categorizes large caliber ammunition into different classes, such as 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 40mm, and beyond. Each caliber size serves specific military, law enforcement, or civilian applications, ranging from small arms ammunition and autocannon rounds to artillery shells and tank ammunition. Understanding the demand for different caliber sizes enables manufacturers to tailor their product offerings to meet diverse end-user requirements and operational needs.

Segmenting the market by end-users distinguishes between military, law enforcement, and civilian customers who utilize large caliber ammunition for different purposes. Military end-users procure large caliber ammunition for combat operations, training exercises, and defense initiatives, while law enforcement agencies utilize it for tactical operations, riot control, and special weapons deployments. Civilian end-users encompass shooting sports enthusiasts, hunters, and recreational shooters who demand large caliber ammunition for target shooting, hunting, and self-defense purposes.

Segmenting by applications categorizes large caliber ammunition based on its intended use, such as anti-materiel, anti-armor, artillery, naval gunfire support, close air support, and training. Each application requires specialized ammunition types tailored for specific targets, environments, and mission requirements. Analyzing the demand for different ammunition applications informs manufacturers about emerging trends, operational requirements, and technological advancements shaping the market landscape.

Geographic segmentation divides the market into regions and countries based on factors such as defense expenditure, military modernization initiatives, geopolitical tensions, and market dynamics. Regional analysis enables stakeholders to assess market opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and competitive landscapes in key regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Understanding regional differences in demand, procurement priorities, and operational requirements guides strategic decision-making and market expansion efforts.

Global Large Caliber Ammunition Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market has been segmented by Type, End User and Geography.

Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market has been segmented by Type into 40-60 mm and Above 60 mm.

Ammunition falling within the 40-60 mm caliber range is commonly used for various military and law enforcement applications, including infantry support, anti-armor missions, and indirect fire support. This category encompasses ammunition types such as grenades, mortar rounds, and shoulder-fired anti-tank weapons. The 40-60 mm caliber range offers a balance between portability, firepower, and versatility, making it suitable for infantry units, special operations forces, and light armored vehicles. These munitions provide effective anti-personnel and anti-material capabilities, facilitating precision strikes on enemy positions, fortified structures, and lightly armored vehicles.

Ammunition exceeding 60 mm in caliber includes heavy artillery shells, tank rounds, naval gunfire projectiles, and specialized munitions used in artillery, armored warfare, and naval engagements. This category comprises ammunition types with larger bore diameters designed to deliver increased firepower, extended range, and enhanced lethality against fortified targets, armored vehicles, and surface vessels. Above 60 mm caliber ammunition is employed by artillery batteries, tank crews, naval gunners, and ground-based rocket artillery units to engage targets at long ranges, provide fire support to ground forces, and neutralize enemy positions with precision and effectiveness.

Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market, Segmentation by End User

The Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market has been segmented by End User into Naval Forces and Ground Forces.

This segment encompasses maritime military organizations, including navies and coast guards, responsible for safeguarding maritime territories, securing sea lanes, and conducting naval operations. Large caliber ammunition utilized by naval forces includes naval gunfire projectiles, shipboard cannons, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes, among others. Naval forces rely on large caliber ammunition to engage surface vessels, submarines, coastal targets, and aerial threats in maritime environments. These munitions provide naval vessels with offensive and defensive capabilities, enabling them to project power, enforce maritime security, and deter aggression at sea.

The ground forces segment comprises army, infantry, armored, and mechanized units deployed for land-based military operations, including combat missions, peacekeeping operations, and border security. Large caliber ammunition used by ground forces encompasses a wide range of artillery shells, tank rounds, mortar rounds, and anti-tank missiles deployed by infantry, artillery, armored, and engineering units. Ground forces rely on large caliber ammunition to provide fire support, suppress enemy positions, breach obstacles, and engage armored threats on the battlefield. These munitions enable ground forces to maneuver effectively, maintain battlefield dominance, and achieve operational objectives in diverse terrain and combat environments.

Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Large Caliber Ammunition Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America represents one of the largest markets for large caliber ammunition, driven by robust defense spending, technological innovation, and military modernization initiatives. The region is home to leading defense contractors, ammunition manufacturers, and military equipment suppliers, catering to the needs of the United States Armed Forces, as well as allied nations. North America's large caliber ammunition market benefits from a strong industrial base, extensive R&D capabilities, and strategic alliances between government agencies and defense industries.

Europe is a significant market for large caliber ammunition, characterized by diverse defense capabilities, multinational defense collaboration, and geopolitical tensions in the region. European countries invest in large caliber ammunition to support their defense postures, contribute to NATO missions, and enhance interoperability with allied forces. The European large caliber ammunition market comprises established defense industries in countries such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, which supply a wide range of ammunition types for land, naval, and aerial platforms.

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing substantial growth in defense spending, driven by regional security challenges, territorial disputes, and military modernization efforts. Countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia invest in large caliber ammunition to enhance their military capabilities, bolster deterrence, and address emerging threats. The Asia Pacific large caliber ammunition market offers opportunities for domestic defense industries to expand their manufacturing capabilities, forge partnerships with international suppliers, and meet the growing demand for advanced munitions in the region.

The Middle East and Africa region represent dynamic markets for large caliber ammunition, characterized by ongoing conflicts, geopolitical instability, and high levels of defense spending. Nations in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, invest heavily in large caliber ammunition to safeguard their interests, counter regional threats, and project power in the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The African continent also experiences demand for large caliber ammunition to address security challenges, support peacekeeping missions, and combat transnational threats such as terrorism and piracy.

Latin America represents a growing market for large caliber ammunition, driven by defense modernization efforts, internal security concerns, and geopolitical dynamics in the region. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia invest in large caliber ammunition to modernize their armed forces, combat organized crime, and address border security challenges. The Latin American large caliber ammunition market offers opportunities for international suppliers to collaborate with domestic industries, transfer technology, and participate in defense procurement programs across the region.