Smart Weapons Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast Analysis (2025-2032)

Smart Weapons Market size was valued at USD 23.35 Bn in 2024, and the Global Smart Weapons Market total revenue is expected to grow at 8.02% through 2025 to 2032, reaching nearly USD 43.28 Bn.
Smart Weapons Market Overview:
Smart weapons are considered precise military tools, equipped with GPS, laser, or infrared technologies to strike the target. They provide minimisation of collateral damage and operational efficiency on the battlefield by means of an enhanced targeting system. The growing infringement of security posed by terrorist organisations has necessitated the implementation of targeted strikes to avoid collateral damage from the security forces. This drives the market for smart weapons, as countries invest in state-of-the-art defence systems for fast and accurate threat neutralisation. The increased demand for smart weapons arises from the need for precision strike capabilities to curb collateral damage and improve the success rate of operations. Therefore, the big market opportunity arises for companies far invested in the advanced guided weapon systems. The product segment drives market demand, where missiles and munitions form the majority in terms of market share due to wide military use and changing precision needs. On the platform segment, there is increased adoption in both air and land domains with modern warfare tactics and territorial security concerns as the key drivers. On the technology front, there has been rapid innovation, with GPS and laser-guided systems growing in traction due to their accuracy and real-time targeting capabilities. North America dominated the Smart Weapons Market in 2024 due to its large defence budget, enabling massive investments in advanced weapon systems and R&D. The presence of key players like Alliant Techsystems Inc. enhances innovation and supply capabilities. Collaboration and competition with global firms like OTO Melara S.P.A further drive technological advancement and market expansion.To know about the Research Methodology:-Request Free Sample Report
Smart Weapons Market Dynamics:
Terrorist organisations' security to drive the Smart Weapons Market

Terrorist attacks have escalated rapidly in recent decades, as terrorists' power has increased. For instance, in January 2024, a fatal twin suicide bombing attacked central Baghdad. According to the United States Department of Homeland Security and the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, there were 8,302 terrorist attacks worldwide in 2023, with 25,082 deaths and 19,924 injuries. As the number of attacks rises, so does the number of smart weapons acquired and procured by major economies, raising demand for smart weapons and boosting market growth. Furthermore, security attacks are one of the main causes for the defence forces' increased demand for smart weaponry. Moreover, advancements in the technological development of smart weaponry enable the ability to confront terrorists in a far more effective and efficient manner.

Demand for improved precision strike weapons to create the Smart Weapons Market Opportunity

The modern military strategies have evolved rapidly. Advanced missile systems with great range and high effect are being developed by both developed and developing countries. For example, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the new generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile 'Agni Prime' off the coast of Odisha near Balasore in December 2023. In October 2023, the United States successfully tested hypersonic missile technology, a new weapons system that China and Russia have already deployed. Such advancements in missile technology are increasing the demand for precision attack weapons.

Arms transportation regulations to restrain the Smart Weapons Market

Arms regulations placed on import and export trade are not adequately regulated under current legislation, since illegal arms stockpiling remains a problem. Arms control treaties, issues with regulating the arms trade, stressing the complexity of the interests involved in the emergence of small arms as the most promising weapons, and black and grey markets in terms of inefficient trade regulations are expected to stifle the smart weapons market growth. The pact aims to prohibit the use of specific weapons that are regarded as extremely harmful or have lethal consequences. A limited quantity of prohibited weapons and ammunition can be purchased and stored for training and expanding detection, authorisation, and destructive procedures and countermeasures. As a result, the pact is expected to regulate, prohibit, and limit the trade of smart weapons on the worldwide market, which is limiting the smart weapons market expansion.
Smart Weapons Market Segment Analysis:
Based on Product, the smart weapons market is segmented into missiles, munitions, guided projectiles, guided rockets, guided firearms, and directed energy weapons. In this, missiles dominated the market in 2024 and are expected to dominate the market in the forecast Period. The weapons use a variety of guided systems to locate the target. Some of the guided systems include satellite systems, TV camera guidance systems, and laser guidance systems. Over the years, guided missile systems have advanced at a rapid pace. The Smart Tech Challenges Foundation was founded in response to the demand for gun safety in the smart weapons field. Biometric technology, such as palm print scanners or voice recognition, is being included in development projects, which are expected to drive the market growth.

Based on Platform, the smart weapons market is segmented into air, land, and naval. In this, land dominated the market in 2024 and is expected to dominate the market in the forecast Period. The land segment is expected to increase at the fastest rate. Increased defence budget, rapid military force expansion, and increased smart weapon purchases are expected to increase the adoption of smart weapons.

Based on Technology, the smart weapons market is segmented into laser, infrared, radar, GPS, and others. In this, lasers dominated the market in 2024 and are expected to dominate the market in the forecast Period. The laser guidance market is expected to increase at an exponential rate in the coming years. The advent of cutting-edge technology, such as lasers, has boosted precision and operating efficiency.
Smart Weapons Market Regional Analysis
North America dominated the Smart Weapons Market in 2024 due to a large Defence Budget

North America dominated the smart weapons market because of its large defence budget and supportive regulatory environment. The demand for smart weapons has been supported by main industry player's continued technical development endeavours. Several countries in the region have increased their attempts to acquire modern weapon systems. Governments of different countries have boosted their investments in weapons forces in order to gain combat superiority. Furthermore, the rise in terrorist and civil activities in numerous places, as well as the rise in international wars, have forced countries to improve their military capabilities through weapon advancements, increasing the demand for smart weapons.

Smart Weapons Market Competitive Landscape

In the competitive side of the smart weapon market, Alliant Techsystems Inc. of the US emphasises innovation-driven product strategies in the development of advanced precision-guided munitions, small-calibre ammunition, and missile components for U.S. Defence applications. With high R&D capabilities allied strategically with the U.S. military, Alliant remains at the forefront of technology so as to meet the quickly evolving needs of the battlefield. Conversely, OTO Melara S.P.A. (Italy) nears integration with Leonardo S.p.A., whereby it uses almost a platform-centric approach, emphasising modular multi-role weapon systems such as naval guns, turrets, and precision-guided artillery shells. Their product strategies are domestic as well as worldwide, with a strong foothold especially in NATO-aligned countries, for supplying smart weapon systems that can be further customised to make the best out of interoperability and mission flexibility.

The objective of the report is to present a complete picture of the global smart weapons market. Data from past years is compiled to anticipate the future prospects of this market. Porter's five forces help to identify where power lies in a business situation. This is useful both in understanding the strength of an organisation's current competitive position and the strength of a position that an organisation may look to move into. The report helps in identifying competitive rivalry currently running in the smart weapons market. It also helps to understand the bargaining power of suppliers and consumers.

The report also presents PESTLE analysis, which helps to gain a macro picture of the smart weapons market. Political factors help to identify the influence of the government over the smart weapons market. Economic factors have a direct impact on a company’s long-term prospects in a market. The economic environment may affect how a company dealing in smart weapons prices its products or influence the supply and demand model. Social factors, such as demographics and culture, can impact the smart weapons market by influencing peak buying periods, purchasing habits, and lifestyle choices. Technological factors may have a direct or an indirect influence on an industry. The legal and regulatory environment can affect the policies and procedures of an industry, and can control employment, safety and regulations. Environmental factors include all those relating to the physical environment and to general environmental protection requirements.

Smart Weapons Market Key Trends

• Soaring Adoption of AI & Autonomy- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are now core to smart weapons advancing targeting, real-time decision-making, and adaptability in complex combat conditions
• Unmanned Swarms & Counter (UAS)- Militaries are investing in drone swarms to conduct coordinated strikes and surveillance, offloading tasks from human operators
• Emerging Tech: Laser Weapons & Tactical Networks- Directed-energy weapons (e.g., laser air-defence systems like Israel’s Iron Beam) are entering deployment to neutralise drones, rockets, and mortars

Smart Weapons Market Key Developments



Year
Company Name
Recent Development


July 5, 2024
Boeing (US)
Boeing Australia’s MQ‑28A “Ghost Bat” stealth loyal-wingman drone was repurposed exclusively for ISR missions, following Australia’s decision to drop its combat-role development, though Boeing plans to continue advancing autonomous combat aircraft globally.


June 27, 2024
OTO Melara S.p.A (Italy)
The Iveco–OTO Melara consortium (CIO) signed a contract with Italy’s Ministry of Defence to deliver 76 VBM PLUS armoured vehicles (60 combat, 16 anti-tank), featuring new 720 hp engines, hybrid-electric readiness, advanced chassis and suspensions, 30 mm X‑GUN turret with Air-Burst Munitions (anti-drone), and NATO‑standard C4I architecture including Galileo PRS.


Dec 22, 2024
China Aerospace Science & Industry Corp (China)
Revealed the FH‑97A “loyal wingman” stealth drone prototype at Zhuhai Airshow — featuring internal weapon bays for air/ground strikes and carrier launch capability, marking significant progress in unmanned combat systems


Feb 11, 2025
Denel Dynamics (South Africa)
At IDEX 25 Abu Dhabi, displayed iNkunzi PAW20 lightweight automatic weapon, Marlin AAM, Ingwe ATGM, and Umkhonto‑IR SAM, signifying renewed global market re-entry.


Feb 26, 2024
Avibras Indústria Aeroespacial S.A. (Brazil)
Secured a court injunction overturning its exclusion from Finep’s Small Launch Vehicle (VLPP) project, keeping it in competition to develop nano-/microsatellite launch capabilities



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Smart Weapons Market


Report Coverage
Details


Base Year:
2024
Forecast Period:
2025-2032


Historical Data:
2019 to 2024
Market Size in 2024:
USD 23.25 Bn.


Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR:
8.02%
Market Size in 2032:
USD 43.28 Bn.


 Segments Covered:
by Product
Missiles
Munitions
Guided
Projectiles
Guided Rockets
Guided Firearms
Directed Energy Weapons


by Platform
Air
Land
Naval


by End-User
Laser
Infrared
Radar
GPS
Others



Smart Weapons Market by Region
North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico)
Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Austria, and the Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Rest of Asia Pacific region)
Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC, Nigeria, Rest of ME&A)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Smart Weapons Market, Key Players
North America

1. Alliant Techsystems Inc. (US)
2. Boeing (US)
3. Northrop Grumman (US)
4. General Dynamics (US)
5. Raytheon (US)
6. Lockheed Martin (US)
7. Textron Defence Systems (US)
8. L3 Technologies (US)

Europe

1. OTO Melara S.P.A. (Italy)
2. BAE Systems (UK)
3. Thales Group (France)
4. MBDA (France)
5. Rheinmetall AG (Germany)

Asia

1. China Aerospace Science & Industry Corp (China)
2. Bharat Dynamics Limited (India)
3. Hanwha Aerospace / Hanwha Defence (South Korea)
4. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan)
5. ST Engineering (Singapore)

Middle East & Africa

1. Denel Dynamics (South Africa)
2. Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd. (Israel)
3. Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel)
4. Aselsan (Turkey)
5. EDGE Group (UAE)

South America

1. Avibras Indústria Aeroespacial S.A. (Brazil)
2. Fabricaciones Militares (Argentina)
3. FAMAE- Fábricas y Maestranzas del Ejército de Chile (Chile)
4. Embraer Defence & Security (Brazil)
5. CONDOR Non-Lethal Technologies (Brazil)
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the CAGR of the Smart Weapons Market in the forecast period (2025-32)?
Ans. Smart Weapons Market revenue is expected to grow at 8.02% from 2025 to 2032.

2. Who are the key players in the Smart Weapons Market?
Ans. Denel Dynamics (South Africa), Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd. (Israel), and OTO Melara S.P.A. (Italy) are the key players in the Smart Weapons Market.

3. Which Product is dominating the Smart Weapons Market?
Ans. Missiles are dominating the Smart Weapons Market.

4. What segments are covered in the Smart Weapons Market report?
Ans. The segments covered in the Smart Weapons Market report are based on Product, Platform, technology and region.

5. What is the forecast period for the Smart Weapons Market?
Ans. The forecast period for the Smart Weapons Market is 2025-2032.