Arms and ammunition market seen reaching $72.16 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company says the global arms and ammunition market is set to grow from $52.03 billion in 2025 to $55.45 billion in 2026, then climb to $72.16 billion by 2030. The forecast points to geopolitical tensions, military modernization and demand for precision-guided systems as the main drivers, with North America leading now and Asia-Pacific growing fastest.

Why it matters: - The forecast signals sustained defense spending tied to geopolitical risk, border security and military modernization. - Demand is shifting toward smarter, lighter and more modular weapons systems, which could reshape procurement priorities across defense and security agencies.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released a 2026 market report on the global arms and ammunition market. - The market is projected to rise from $52.03 billion in 2025 to $55.45 billion in 2026, a 6.6% CAGR. - The report expects the market to reach $72.16 billion by 2030, at a 6.8% CAGR. - Download a free sample of the arms and ammunition market report. - View the full arms and ammunition market report.

The details: - Arms and ammunition include weapons and the materials needed for military, defense and security uses. - The report links recent growth to geopolitical tensions, intensified border security, military modernization, defense procurement, law enforcement expansion and homeland security operations. - Forecast growth is tied to investment in next-generation defense technologies and wider use of smart, precision-guided ammunition systems. - The report also points to autonomous and networked combat platforms, domestic defense manufacturing, and procurement of advanced weapons for asymmetric warfare. - Major trends identified in the report include modernization of infantry weapons and ammunition platforms, demand for lightweight and durable combat arms, modular weapon configurations and continued development of precision-guided ammunition. - The report says operational readiness and strategic stockpiling will also support demand. - In July 2024, ACLED reported more than 165,273 instances of political violence worldwide, up 15% from July 2023 to June 2024. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - New 2026 report features include market attractiveness scoring, total addressable market analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspots infographics, and updated graphics and tables.

Between the lines: - The report frames defense demand as a response to both active conflict risk and long-term capability upgrades. - North America remained the largest regional market in 2025, while Asia-Pacific is forecast to grow the fastest. - That combination suggests mature markets will keep driving current revenue, while faster-growth regions may shape future production and export opportunities.

What's next: - The market is expected to keep expanding through 2030 as governments fund advanced weaponry, precision systems and domestic manufacturing capacity. - Regional competition is likely to intensify as Asia-Pacific demand accelerates and North America holds its lead. - The report says future market coverage will continue to emphasize key technologies, trend analysis and forecasting tools.

The bottom line: - The arms and ammunition market is moving from broad defense demand toward more specialized, technology-led procurement.