Aircraft Weapons Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Forecast 2034

Aircraft Weapons Industry Prospective:

The global aircraft weapons market size was worth around USD 456.56 million in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 702.27 million by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 4.40% between 2025 and 2034.

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Aircraft Weapons Market: Overview

Aircraft weapons are ammunition and weapons specially designed to be carried on aircraft. These weapons are installed across different aircraft types such as attack helicopters, bombers, and fighter jets. Modern-age aircraft weapons can also be installed on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), thus reducing the number of casualties in case of an unforeseen situation.

In addition, aircraft weapons can be of air-to-sea combat, air-to-ground, or air-to-air type depending on the application in the end mission. In most cases, aircraft weapons are used by national defense teams such as the Army, Navy, and other official security forces.

However, terrorist and militant groups have also gained access to aircraft weapons. They use them against civilians and regional governments to showcase their dominance and seize assets such as land or other resources. The demand for aircraft weapons is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

The rising geopolitical tension across the globe, along with an urgent need to upgrade existing armaments, will further escalate market expansion. The increasing rate of strategic cross-border partnerships is expected to foster innovation and subsequent growth in the industry during the projection period.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global aircraft weapons market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 4.40% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global aircraft weapons market size was valued at around USD 456.56 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 702.27 million by 2034.
• The aircraft weapons market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing rate of terrorism worldwide.
• Based on the aircraft type, the fixed-wing aircraft segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the guidance system, the GPS-guided weapons segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, North America is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Aircraft Weapons Market: Growth Drivers

Growing rate of terrorism worldwide to fuel market expansion rate in the future

The global aircraft weapons market is expected to be led by the increasing rate of terrorism worldwide. These anti-national activities are primarily carried out against civilians and involve the use of severe violence to achieve political, social, or religious goals. As of 2024, around 4 major terrorist groups are operating on a global scale.

In addition, each country has a specific list of groups classified as terrorist groups depending on the violent activities carried out by the members. Terrorism continues to remain one of the major threats to modern civil society across developed and developing nations.

According to the European Parliament, around 120 terrorist attacks were reported across Europe in 2023. The number has increased over the years, as per the latest findings. Certain countries, such as Syria, Mali, Somalia, and others, are more affected by terrorist groups than other countries.

National security forces regularly use aircraft weapons to counter the attacks of terrorist groups, prevent further escalation, or undertake preemptive actions.

Surging geopolitical tension and an increased need to upgrade existing national security infrastructure will create higher market revenue

In the last few years, geopolitical tensions worldwide have intensified. A prime example is the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Russia launched more than 11466 missiles at Ukraine between 2022 and 2024.

In April 2025, Russia was reported to have launched a new cluster of supersonic missiles in Ukraine, wounding over 100 people. Furthermore, the US-China trade relationship is deteriorating rapidly, especially against the backdrop of an ongoing trade war between the two countries.

The China-Taiwan conflict continues to affect global trade relationships and hamper domestic business operations. The global aircraft weapons industry is expected to benefit as more countries invest heavily in national defense teams and armaments as they aim to become fully equipped to handle future security concerns.

Aircraft Weapons Market: Restraints

High cost of investment and regulatory concerns to limit market expansion rate

The global aircraft weapons industry is expected to be challenged by the high cost of investment. Aircraft weapons are some of the most expensive variants of military ammunition. For instance, the average price of producing an Mk 82 (500 lb), a type of unguided bomb, can range between USD 2,000 and USD 4,000.

On the other hand, a machine gun installed on an aircraft can cost over USD 200,000. The cost of developing or acquiring aircraft weapons further increases with the addition of advanced mechanisms such as networked targeting, autonomous guidance, and stealth.

Aircraft Weapons Market: Opportunities

Growing strategic partnerships between market players to generate growth opportunities in the long run

The global aircraft weapons market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the rising rate of strategic collaborations between market players. These partnerships are observed across several fronts, including government-private company collaborations and cross-border knowledge transfer initiatives.

In March 2025, the US Air Force announced a new partnership with Boeing, one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers. Boeing will now be responsible for producing next-generation fighter aircraft for the US defense team. In the coming years, Boeing will develop a next-generation air dominance (NGAD) platform offering extensive adaptability, lethality, survivability, and range. In December 2024, China showcased its recent development in combat aircraft with the Chengdu J-36.

According to the market study, the new aircraft is designed to fly supersonically without any form of afterburning. As per official reports, the US is currently working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to explore the viability of developing a reusable hypersonic air vehicle that can perform strike and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

In November 2024, Israel’s Ministry of Defense signed a deal with Boeing worth USD 5.2 billion. The defense team will procure around 25 advanced F-151A fighter jets as part of the deal.

Aircraft Weapons Market: Challenges

Ethical concerns over the use of weapons to challenge the market expansion trajectory

The global aircraft weapons industry is expected to be challenged by the growing ethical concerns over the use of armaments. Aircraft weapons can lead to severe civilian casualties if used irresponsibly. Recently, several welfare organizations have raised concerns over increasing military budgets limiting market expansion rates.

Furthermore, supply chain disruptions, electronic warfare, cybercrimes, and changing export regulations may also impact market revenue in the coming years.

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Aircraft Weapons Market: Report Scope

Aircraft Weapons Market: Segmentation

The global aircraft weapons market is segmented based on aircraft type, weapon type, guidance system, and region.

Based on the aircraft type, the global market segments are rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In 2024, the highest revenue was generated by the fixed-wing aircraft segment. These variants include fighters such as Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-35. They can carry highly advanced weapons with utmost ease.

In addition to this, increasing purchases of fixed-wing aircraft worldwide are helping the segment thrive. In 2024, Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, delivered 110 F-35s globally.

Based on weapon type, the global aircraft weapons industry is divided into anti-ship weapons, air-to-ground weapons, air-to-air weapons, and countermeasures.

Based on the guidance system, the global market divisions are autonomous weapons, inertia-guided weapons, laser-guided weapons, GPS-guided weapons, and others. In 2024, the Global Positioning System (GPS)-guided weapons segment was the leading revenue generator. They are used across all types of fighter aircraft, including fixed-wing. GPS-guided weapons deliver precise results at cost-effective prices.

Additionally, they are highly versatile and can be used across environmental conditions. The average cost of GPS-guided bombs can range between USD 30,000 and USD 50,000, depending on the overall features of the weapon.

Aircraft Weapons Market: Regional Analysis

North America to dominate the industry during the forecast period

The global aircraft weapons market will be led by North America during the projection period. The US is the leading regional market revenue generator.

According to market research, the US Air Force is one of the world’s most technologically advanced defense teams. In 2024, the US Air Force's annual budget was around USD 180 billion, far more than other competing nations.

In September 2023, Northrop Grumman Corporation was awarded a USD 705 million contract by the US Air Force to deliver the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW). It is an air-to-ground weapon accelerating the shift toward a new generation of air power.

The United States has several air bases spread across the globe, including Asian and Middle Eastern countries. It is also one of the largest suppliers of aircraft weapons to other countries. In 2024, US arms sales reached new heights amid growing demand for ammunition in Ukraine.

In addition, the ongoing advancements in aircraft weapon systems with Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, smart seekers, hypersonic speed, map-in-the-loop precision, and global navigation resistance will fuel regional market expansion in the coming years.

Aircraft Weapons Market: Competitive Analysis

The global aircraft weapons market is led by players like:

• General Dynamics
• Lockheed Martin
• Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
• Boeing Defense
• Space & Security
• Elbit Systems
• Rheinmetall AG
• Thales Group
• Raytheon Technologies (RTX)
• General Atomics
• Northrop Grumman
• Saab AB
• MBDA
• BAE Systems
• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
• Leonardo S.p.A.

The global aircraft weapons market is segmented as follows:

By Aircraft Type

• Rotary-Wing Aircraft
• Fixed-Wing Aircraft
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

By Weapon Type

• Anti-Ship Weapons
• Air-to-Ground Weapons
• Air-to-Air Weapons
• Countermeasures

By Guidance System

• Autonomous Weapons
• Inertia-Guided Weapons
• Laser-Guided Weapons
• GPS-Guided Weapons
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa