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

The global mortar ammunition market can be segmented by components, including fuzes and primers, propellants, and projectiles and warheads. Fuzes and primers are integral to the initiation of the firing mechanism, ensuring the effective delivery of ammunition. Propellants are responsible for generating the necessary force for projectile propulsion, while projectiles and warheads are the destructive elements that achieve the intended impact. The demand for these components is driven by advancements in technology and an increased need for enhanced precision and performance in mortar systems, especially in military applications.

The market is further divided by application, with the primary categories being military and homeland security. Military applications hold the largest share, given the increasing geopolitical tensions and defense expenditure worldwide. Mortar ammunition is vital for infantry forces, providing mobility and versatility in various combat scenarios. Homeland security applications, although smaller in scale, are expanding due to growing concerns over terrorism and border security. Mortar ammunition plays a key role in providing tactical support and responding to threats from non-state actors.

Caliber type segmentation includes light caliber ammunition, medium caliber ammunition, and heavy caliber ammunition. Light caliber ammunition, commonly used for short-range engagements and in smaller caliber mortar systems, is in high demand due to its affordability and effectiveness in tactical operations. Medium caliber ammunition is typically employed in infantry and combat support roles, offering a balance between range, power, and mobility. Heavy caliber ammunition, utilized for long-range bombardments and larger caliber mortars, is growing in demand, especially for strategic military operations requiring substantial firepower.

Geographically, the global mortar ammunition market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America and Europe are prominent markets due to their strong military capabilities and defense budgets, which sustain high demand for advanced mortar ammunition systems. The Asia Pacific region, with growing defense investments, particularly in countries like China and India, is witnessing rapid growth. The Middle East and Africa, plagued by ongoing conflicts, also represent a substantial market for mortar ammunition. Latin America, though smaller, is emerging as a significant market due to increasing defense collaborations and security concerns in the region.

Global Mortar Ammunition Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Mortar Ammunition Market has been segmented by Component, Application, Caliber Type and Geography.

Global Mortar Ammunition Market, Segmentation by Component

The Global Mortar Ammunition Market has been segmented by Component into Fuzes & Primers, Propellants, and Projectiles and Warheads.

The global mortar ammunition market is segmented based on components, with key categories including fuzes & primers, propellants, and projectiles and warheads. Fuzes & primers are essential components of mortar ammunition, as they initiate the detonation process when the projectile reaches its target. These components are vital for ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the mortar rounds, and innovations in fuze technology continue to enhance their performance in modern warfare.

Propellants are another crucial segment of the mortar ammunition market. They provide the necessary force to launch mortar shells and projectiles. The development of advanced propellant materials has led to improvements in range, speed, and overall performance. As military requirements evolve, the demand for propellants that offer higher efficiency, stability, and environmental sustainability has also increased, driving the market forward.

The third segment, projectiles and warheads, constitutes the primary payload of mortar ammunition. Projectiles are designed to deliver the intended impact on the target, while warheads carry the explosive charge or other specialized payloads. Advancements in warhead design, including the integration of precision-guided systems and various explosive types, have contributed to the growing demand for more effective and versatile mortar ammunition solutions. This segment remains a key focus area for defense manufacturers, with continuous innovations to meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces.

Global Mortar Ammunition Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Mortar Ammunition Market has been segmented by Application into Military, and Homeland Security.

The Global Mortar Ammunition Market has been segmented by application into military and homeland security. The military sector holds a significant share of the market due to the extensive use of mortar ammunition in various military operations. Mortars are essential artillery weapons used for both offensive and defensive operations, offering advantages like portability, versatility, and the ability to target enemy positions at a range with high precision. As defense budgets increase worldwide and countries focus on enhancing their military capabilities, the demand for mortar ammunition in this segment is expected to grow steadily.

The homeland security sector, on the other hand, is gradually emerging as a key segment in the global mortar ammunition market. This segment includes applications in law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and other security forces responsible for maintaining national security. The rise in global security threats, such as terrorism and civil unrest, has led to the adoption of more advanced weaponry by homeland security agencies. Mortars provide effective solutions for crowd control, border security, and combating terrorist threats, which boosts their demand in this segment.

Both the military and homeland security applications are witnessing advancements in mortar ammunition technology, which is expected to further drive market growth. The development of precision-guided mortar systems, improved range and accuracy, and enhanced payloads are helping meet the evolving needs of both sectors. As countries invest in modernizing their security infrastructure, mortar ammunition continues to be a critical component in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of armed forces and homeland security personnel.

Global Mortar Ammunition Market, Segmentation by Caliber Type

The Global Mortar Ammunition Market has been segmented by Caliber Type into Light Caliber Ammunition, Medium Caliber Ammunition and Heavy Caliber Ammunition.

The segmentation of the global mortar ammunition market by caliber type into light, medium, and heavy caliber ammunition reflects the diverse requirements and operational contexts faced by military forces worldwide. Light caliber ammunition typically includes mortar rounds with diameters ranging from 60mm to 81mm, offering portability and versatility for infantry units operating in various terrains and combat environments. These smaller caliber mortars provide effective indirect fire support to dismounted troops, enabling them to engage targets at relatively short ranges with precision and firepower.

Medium caliber ammunition, typically ranging from 82mm to 120mm, represents a step up in lethality and range compared to light caliber rounds. These mortar projectiles are commonly used by infantry, mechanized, and armored units to provide sustained fire support in both offensive and defensive operations. Medium caliber mortars offer increased firepower and range, making them suitable for engaging enemy positions, fortifications, and armored vehicles across medium distances on the battlefield.

In contrast, heavy caliber ammunition, exceeding 120mm, represents the pinnacle of mortar firepower, delivering devastating effects against fortified targets and heavily armored vehicles. These larger caliber mortars are typically employed by artillery units and specialized mortar batteries to provide long-range precision fire support in support of larger military operations. Heavy caliber mortar rounds offer enhanced lethality and range, enabling military forces to engage high-value targets and influence the outcome of battles from extended distances. The segmentation of the global mortar ammunition market by caliber type reflects the diverse capabilities and operational requirements of modern military forces, ensuring that they are equipped with the appropriate firepower to effectively engage enemy threats across the spectrum of conflict.

Global Mortar Ammunition Market, Segmentation by Geography

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

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

The global mortar ammunition market exhibits varying geographical distribution of market share, influenced by factors such as regional defense budgets, military modernization efforts, and geopolitical tensions. North America, including the United States and Canada, holds a significant share of the market due to substantial defense spending and ongoing military operations worldwide. The U.S., in particular, is a major contributor to the global mortar ammunition market, both as a producer and consumer, owing to its extensive military engagements and investments in advanced munitions technology.

Europe accounts for another significant portion of the global mortar ammunition market share, driven by the presence of established defense industries in countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. These nations possess advanced capabilities in mortar system development and production, supplying both domestic and international markets. Additionally, European countries are actively modernizing their defense forces and investing in precision-guided munitions to enhance operational effectiveness and maintain strategic superiority in the face of evolving security threats.

Asia-Pacific is emerging as a rapidly growing market for mortar ammunition, fueled by escalating regional tensions, territorial disputes, and military modernization programs. Countries such as China, India, and South Korea are investing heavily in mortar systems and ammunition to strengthen their defense capabilities and counter perceived threats. Furthermore, the proliferation of asymmetrical warfare tactics and the need for precision strike capabilities in urban environments are driving demand for mortar ammunition across the Asia-Pacific region. As a result, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness substantial growth in its share of the global mortar ammunition market in the coming years.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Mortar Ammunition Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Key players in Global Mortar Ammunition Market include:

• Elbit Systems Ltd
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Nexter Group KNDS
• RUAG Group
• BAE Systems PLC
• Rheinmetall AG
• Saab AB
• Thales Group
• Nammo AS
• Denel Land Systems

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis