AMMUNITION MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Challenges And Opportunities

Market Dynamics- Drivers

Constant modernization of programs is expected to drive growth of the global ammunition market during the forecast period

Various countries are undergoing modernization, in order to upgrade and replace its outdated devices. The primary objective of this program is to improve the versatility, capability, and agility of the armed forces so as to meet contemporary challenges. For instance, in 2007, the Indian Air Force began upgrading its MiG-29 fleet. For this purpose, in 2008, India entered into an US$ 865 million agreement with Russia to upgrade its air superiority MiG-29 into multi-role MiG-29UPG standard warplanes. Moreover, in November 2013, the U.S announced that it was keen to enter into a partnership with India for a defense modernization program. Therefore, these factors are expected to drive growth of the market during the forecast period.

Rising conflicts among neighboring nations are expected to propel the global ammunition market growth over the forecast period

Over the years, there have been constant conflicts among numerous neighboring countries, which has increased the demand for the new ammunition. For instance, recent conflicts such as the South Sudan conflict which began in December 2013, the Central African Republic conflict in 2012, and Iraqi insurgency among others have created a need for ammunition. Such conflicts are difficult to end and hence a lot of ammunition is required. Thus, these factors are expected to propel the global ammunition market growth over the forecast period.

Market Opportunities

Technological development can present lucrative growth opportunities

Technological developments have overcome various problems faced with conventional weapons. New weapons are a lot better and load faster with more energy and can conserve more space and weight, making them more reliable than ever. So far, there have been developments in cartridges such as smokeless powder, self-contained cartridges, and necked cartridges. Advances in gun metallurgy and better propellant formulations have encouraged the creation of cartridges that produce high velocities from a smaller case and operate at high pressures.

Growing precision in ammunition can provide major business opportunities

Earlier ammunition lacked precision. Hence, measures were taken to enhance precision. Some of the other possibilities for future development of ammunition include the use of liquid propellants, either injected from a separate compartment or enclosed in cartridges. Moreover, it is also expected that developments of projectile materials other than lead would take place. As lead used in ammunition, contaminates the environment, measures are being taken to replace it with other projectile materials such as copper.

Market Dynamics- Restraints

Budget reductions in Europe and the U.S. are expected to restrain growth of the global ammunition market growth over the forecast period

There have been considerable budget cuts in developed regions such as Europe and the U.S. This has affected the military budget and hence the ammunition market. For instance, in 2012, the U.S military spending declined from US$711 billion to US$ 668 billion. Hence, due to such budget cuts, it becomes difficult for countries to stay updated through mediums such as modernization programs. Thus, these factors are expected to restrain growth of the global ammunition market during the forecast period.

A major impact of arms trade treaty is expected to hinder the global ammunition market growth over the forecast period

In December 2014, the United Nations (UN) imposed the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which regulates international trade in conventional weapons. As a result of this, the demand for ammunition is significantly hindered. Hence, these factors are expected to hinder the global ammunition market growth in the near future.