High-Explosive Artillery Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The High-Explosive Artillery Market size was estimated at USD 5.75 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 6.09 billion in 2026, at a CAGR of 5.41% to reach USD 8.31 billion by 2032.

High-explosive artillery remains a cornerstone of modern military capability, serving as both a deterrent and a decisive force multiplier on the battlefield. Its fundamental role is to deliver high-intensity firepower over variable distances, providing infantry and armored formations with critical support during offensive operations and defensive engagements alike. Over the decades, artillery has evolved from rudimentary tube weapons to sophisticated systems capable of precise, coordinated fires that integrate seamlessly within broader joint force maneuvers. The persistent relevance of high-explosive rounds stems from their unmatched destructive potential and versatility across a spectrum of conflict scenarios.

In recent years, escalating great power competition and the resurgence of peer-level threats have catalyzed renewed investment in artillery modernization programs. Emerging theaters of operation, ranging from Arctic corridors to littoral zones in the Indo-Pacific, demand artillery solutions that balance mobility, range, and precision. Concurrently, legacy systems are undergoing digital upgrades to improve fire control, munitions handling, and supply chain resilience. This introduction establishes the strategic context underpinning our analysis, setting the stage for a deep dive into the transformative shifts and market dynamics shaping the high-explosive artillery domain.

The high-explosive artillery landscape is undergoing a profound metamorphosis fueled by breakthroughs in precision guidance, propellant chemistry, and platform automation. Modern artillery munitions now incorporate GPS and inertial navigation systems, enabling pinpoint accuracy that was once unimaginable. This precision minimizes collateral damage and conserves expensive ordnance, aligning artillery employment with contemporary doctrine that prioritizes surgical strikes. At the same time, the development of base-bleed and rocket-assisted projectiles has extended effective engagement ranges, allowing artillery units to influence battles from increasingly secure positions.

Beyond munitions, platforms themselves are embracing digital transformation. Self-propelled howitzers equipped with automated loading systems and integrated command-and-control networks are streamlining shoot-and-scoot tactics. Simultaneously, naval gun systems are advancing to large-caliber designs capable of coastal defense and sea-control missions, while lightweight towed artillery regains relevance for expeditionary forces that require rapid deployment. These technological strides, coupled with the integration of unmanned aerial systems for real-time targeting, are redefining artillery’s role in network-centric warfare and ensuring that high-explosive fire support remains adaptable to diverse operational environments.

The imposition of United States tariffs on critical raw materials and components through 2025 has introduced multifaceted challenges for high-explosive artillery manufacturers. Elevated duties on imported steel and aluminum have driven up input costs, prompting suppliers to adjust pricing and renegotiate contracts with defense primes. As domestic producers ramp up capacity to offset reliance on foreign sources, capital expenditures have shifted toward expanding foundry capabilities and modernizing fabrication lines. These changes have created a temporary bottleneck in production schedules, compelling firms to explore alternative alloys and streamline manufacturing workflows to maintain delivery timelines.

Concurrently, the tariff regime has accelerated strategic realignment within the global supply chain. Several key defense contractors have forged partnerships with allied-nation manufacturers to leverage tariff exemptions while ensuring access to specialized components. Logistics networks have been reconfigured, with emphasis placed on nearshoring critical elements such as propellant charges and explosive warheads. Although these measures mitigate cost pressures, they also necessitate extensive qualification processes and vendor audits, extending lead times. Ultimately, the convergence of tariff-driven cost escalations and supply-chain diversification efforts is reshaping the economic landscape for high-explosive artillery, with industry stakeholders adapting to a more fragmented and resilient sourcing paradigm.

Segmentation analysis reveals distinct performance drivers across platform, caliber, range, end user, charge system, and warhead typologies. Naval gun applications, subdivided into large-caliber and medium-caliber variants, demonstrate robust demand for sustained maritime firepower, particularly in areas with contested sea lanes. Self-propelled howitzer configurations, whether tracked or wheeled, offer a mobility-versus-protection trade-off that caters to both high-intensity conventional operations and rapid reaction scenarios. Meanwhile, towed artillery, available in heavyweight and lightweight formats, remains essential for forces that prioritize transportability and ease of emplacement over armor protection.

Caliber segmentation underscores the versatility of the 105-155 mm family, which is further refined into 105 mm, 122 mm, and 155 mm applications. Systems exceeding 155 mm, including 203 mm and 240 mm tubes, serve specialized strategic roles, while sub-105 mm assets such as 60 mm and 81 mm mortars support dismounted infantry. Range classifications-from under 5 km mortars to long-range capabilities beyond 40 km-highlight the need for layered fires across operational echelons. Charge systems, spanning fixed, semi-fixed, and separate loading options, influence logistics and firing rates, with quick-firing and slow-loading variants underpinning separate loading configurations. Finally, warhead types, including base bleed, fragmentation (controlled and pre-fragmented), and rocket-assisted, offer tailored lethality profiles for target-specific engagement. Collectively, these segmentation layers form a framework for stakeholders to align procurement strategies with mission requirements and budgetary constraints.

Regional dynamics exert a profound influence on high-explosive artillery demand. In the Americas, modernization efforts are driven by a combination of alliance commitments and the need to support expeditionary operations. The United States continues to invest in next-generation howitzers and precision munitions, while Latin American nations focus on replacing aging stocks with cost-effective, modular systems that can operate in both mountainous and littoral environments.

Across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, geopolitical tensions and asymmetric threats underscore the importance of rapid deployability and precision effects. European NATO members prioritize interoperability and networked fire support, whereas Middle Eastern states lean toward high-caliber systems capable of counter-battery missions in complex urban theaters. Meanwhile, African defense forces are gradually integrating lighter, more mobile towed artillery to bolster border security and peacekeeping roles. In the Asia-Pacific, concerns over maritime disputes and island defense shape procurement, with regional navies acquiring advanced naval guns and amphibious forces adopting versatile wheeled self-propelled platforms. These diverse regional imperatives underscore the need for tailored artillery solutions that reconcile capability, cost, and deployment considerations.

A core group of prime contractors and specialist suppliers is steering innovation within the artillery ecosystem. Leading defense firms are allocating resources toward advanced propellant research, digital fire control systems, and automated loading mechanisms. Collaborative ventures between multinational primes and regional manufacturers are increasing, enabling the co-development of systems that meet localized requirements while benefiting from global economies of scale. Meanwhile, emerging entrants from non-traditional defense sectors are introducing disruptive technologies, such as additive manufacturing for rapid ordnance prototyping and artificial intelligence-driven targeting aids.

Strategic alliances and joint ventures are reshaping competitive dynamics, as incumbents seek to secure long-term supply agreements and expand their after-sales support networks. Companies offering complementary capabilities-ranging from specialized warhead designs to resilient power generation for remote artillery emplacements-are forging partnerships to deliver integrated solutions. This collaborative approach not only accelerates time to deployment but also enhances lifecycle sustainment, providing end users with robust training, maintenance, and upgrade pathways. As the industry consolidates around hybrid business models, success will hinge on the ability to blend technological excellence with flexible manufacturing and service offerings.

Defense stakeholders aiming to capitalize on emerging artillery trends should prioritize investments in modular platform architectures and open-systems fire control networks to future-proof their fleets. It is imperative to cultivate dual-use manufacturing capabilities that can accommodate both legacy and next-generation munitions, ensuring readiness across diverse operational contexts. Strengthening relationships with allied-nation suppliers and pursuing collaborative research agreements will help mitigate tariff-driven cost pressures and reduce lead times for critical components.

Furthermore, leaders should adopt a holistic lifecycle approach by integrating predictive maintenance technologies and immersive training solutions into procurement contracts. Establishing cross-domain experimentation labs will accelerate the validation of new warhead types and charge systems under realistic conditions. By embedding agile decision-making processes and fostering a culture of continuous innovation, organizations can maintain a competitive edge while addressing evolving battlefield demands. Ultimately, proactive alignment of research, production, and logistics functions will unlock the full potential of high-explosive artillery capabilities.

Our research methodology combined comprehensive primary and secondary data gathering with rigorous qualitative assessment. We conducted in-depth interviews with defense acquisition officials, platform integrators, and artillery subject-matter experts to capture firsthand perspectives on capability drivers and procurement challenges. Concurrently, we analyzed open-source government documents, military procurement notices, and trade press reports to establish an authoritative baseline for historical context and recent program developments.

To ensure analytical integrity, we employed a multi-phase validation process that included cross-referencing insights with defense think-tank publications and technical journals. Segment definitions were calibrated through iterative expert workshops, enabling precise categorization across platform, caliber, range, end user, charge system, and warhead typologies. Throughout the study, we adhered to best practices in qualitative analysis, ensuring that thematic synthesis accurately reflects evolving market dynamics and stakeholder priorities. This rigorous approach underpins the reliability and strategic relevance of our findings.

In summation, the high-explosive artillery domain stands at the intersection of enduring strategic significance and rapid technological transformation. Precision guidance, extended-range munitions, and digital fire control networks are redefining how armed forces deliver concentrated firepower, while evolving geopolitical tensions continue to shape procurement priorities across regions. Tariff-induced shifts in supply chains underscore the importance of resilient sourcing strategies, and segmentation frameworks provide clarity for aligning system capabilities with diverse mission requirements.

As prime contractors and emerging innovators forge partnerships and drive forward advanced solutions, the imperative for flexible, data-driven decision-making has never been greater. By synthesizing operational insights with targeted investments in modularity and interoperability, defense leaders can ensure that their artillery assets remain responsive to both current and future threats. This executive summary lays the groundwork for deeper exploration of market dynamics, offering stakeholders the strategic intelligence needed to navigate an ever-evolving artillery landscape with confidence.

If you are ready to gain a comprehensive understanding of the high-explosive artillery market landscape, reach out to Ketan Rohom to secure full access to our detailed market research report. By partnering directly with the Associate Director of Sales & Marketing, you will benefit from a personalized briefing that highlights critical insights tailored to your strategic priorities. Engage with Ketan to explore licensing options, bespoke data packages, and advisory services designed to align with your operational and procurement goals. Empower your organization with the authoritative intelligence needed to anticipate market shifts, optimize procurement strategies, and enhance competitive positioning. Contact Ketan Rohom today to take the next step toward informed decision-making and to ensure you have the actionable guidance necessary to navigate the evolving artillery ecosystem effectively.