Global Remote Weapon Station Market By Platform (Land, Airborne, and Naval), By Technology (Remote-Controlled Gun Systems and Close-in Weapon Systems), By Platform, By Mobility, By Payload, By Application, By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2023-2032
- Published date: Sept. 2023
- Report ID: 27123
- Number of Pages: 286
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Report Overview
In 2022, the global remote weapon station market was valued at USD 10.4 billion. Between 2023 and 2032, this market is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 11.2%. It is expected to reach USD 29.3 billion by 2032.
A remote weapon station (RWS) is a remotely operated weapon system that is typically mounted on military vehicles, naval vessels, or fixed installations. RWS allows the operator to remotely control the firing weapons such as machine guns, cannons, or missiles from a safe distance. This system can be operated from inside the vehicle or from a control room located at some safe distance. This system typically consists of a sensor suite that includes cameras, thermal imagers, and other sensors, which helps provide the operator with a clear view of the area around the vehicle or installation.
Note: Actual Numbers Might Vary In The Final Report
This system is more advanced as compared to traditional weapon stations. They have high accuracy, improved situational awareness, and reduced risks to the operators. RWS systems are third-generation weapon systems that are equipped in modern military vehicles, which allows the gunner to remain in the relative protection of the vehicle. Remote weapon systems help in increasing flexibility in combat vehicles, which allows operators positioned inside the vehicle. This system helps eliminate the ‘crew basket’ of manned stations and allows a vehicle to carry more infantry equipment.
Key Takeaways
- Market Growth: The global remote weapon station market is growing rapidly, with a projected value of over USD 29.3 billion by 2032. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including an increase in demand from militaries around the globe for remote weapon stations, unmanned vehicle popularity and technological breakthroughs in this space.
- Rising Demands: Remote weapon stations have seen increased interest due to various factors, including increasing complexity of modern warfare’s, soldiers needing less risky missions and ground forces requiring greater firepower.
- Increasing Uses: The use of remote weapon stations is also increasing. Remote weapon stations can now be used to engage targets from a distance, provide security for convoys and bases, and even be used to support urban warfare operations.
- Rising Popularity: The popularity of remote weapon stations has also increased significantly due to various factors, including increased media coverage of them and adoption by more countries and companies alike.
- Drivers: The key drivers of the global remote weapon station market include increasing demand from militaries worldwide for remote weapon stations, the rise in popularity of unmanned vehicles and development of innovative remote weapon station technologies.
- Restraints: The major restraints to the market of remote weapon stations include their price, complexity of use and ethical considerations surrounding them.
- Opportunity: The remote weapon station market presents significant growth potential; as its early development stage remains intact and presents room for expansion over the long haul.
- Trends: Main trends in the remote weapon station market include increasing use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in these systems, development of innovative sensor technologies for these platforms, as well as their increased adoption by law enforcement agencies.
- Regional Analysis: The remote weapon station market is global, but there are some regions that are more active than others. The United States is the largest market for remote weapon stations, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific.
- Key Players: The key players in the remote weapon station market are Kongsberg Defence Systems, Elbit Systems Ltd., General Dynamics Corporation, Leonardo S.p.A., Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Saab AB, Rheinmetall AG and Other Key Players.
Driving Factors
Increasing Demand in Military and Defense Fueling the Market Growth
Increasing demand in the military and defense sector is the primary factor for the growth of the market. Increasing demand for unmanned systems such as drones and unmanned ground vehicles, the demand for remote weapon stations is increasing. Remote weapon stations provide operators with enhanced situational awareness and accuracy, which enables them to engage targets more effectively; thus, the need for such systems, especially in modern military vehicles, is greater.
Remote weapon stations are not only used in military applications but are also increasingly being used by law enforcement agencies to provide additional firepower and protection for their personnel. These agencies have also started adopting remote weapon stations for various operations, such as SWAT raids and hostage situations. This system is implemented in strategic locations on borders for effective and correct detection to save borders from disputes, drug trafficking problems, and illegal immigration. The rising adoption of remote weapon station systems like containerized-based remote weapon systems (CBRWS) by several countries to secure borders is propelling market growth.
Technological Advancements Improving the Capabilities of the Remote Weapon Stations
The increasing development of new and advanced technologies, such as AI, sensors, and robotics, is driving the growth of the RWS market. These advancements in technologies help enhance the capabilities of remote weapon stations, making them more effective and efficient in various applications. Improved optronics, technological advancements, availability of high-resolution cameras, and the emergence of strong network services propelling the market growth.
Restraining Factor
High Costs and Rising Issues of Cyber Attacks to Oppose the Market Growth
RWS systems rely on electronics which makes them prone to cyberattacks. Remote weapon stations require specialized maintenance and training, which is costlier and time-consuming. RWS systems are highly advanced, which makes them more expensive to manufacture and maintain. The high costs of RWS make it difficult for many middle economic countries to afford them, which is expected to have a negative impact on market growth.
Platform Analysis
Land Segment is Dominant in Market Owing to Rising Border Safety Concerns
Based on the platform, the remote weapon station market is classified into land, naval, and airborne. The land segment was dominant in the market, with the largest market revenue share of 45% in 2022. With increasing emphasis on close combat systems and revolution in current armored platforms, the demand for weapon stations on land platforms is increasing. Increasing border attacks, unofficial immigration, and safety concerns are forcing defense sectors to implement remote weapon stations for border security.
The land segment is further classified into combat vehicles, ground stations, main battle tanks, and others. The Airborne segment is expected to grow at the fastest segment during the forecast period. Raising the adoption of remote weapon systems in fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles is expected to propel market growth in the forecast period. The naval segment is further classified into destroyers, frigates, and corvettes.
Mobility Analysis
Moving Remote Weapon Station Segment is Dominant in the Market Due to the Rising Adoption of Armored Vehicles
On the basis of mobility, the remote weapon station market is segmented into fixed remote weapon stations and moving remote weapon stations. The moving remote weapon station segment was dominant in the market, with the largest market revenue share of 65% in 2022. These weapon stations have high dynamic conditions and targeting systems with various adjustments. These stations are able to rotate 360°, which helps in effective and accurate defense. The increasing adoption of armored vehicles in the military is driving the need for moving remote weapon stations in the market. The airborne and naval defense sectors are increasingly adopting moving remote weapon stations for advanced security options. The fixed remote weapon station segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR due to its less complexity and easy operation.
Technology Analysis
Remote Controlled Gun Segment was Dominant in the Market
On the basis of technology, the remote weapon station market is classified into remote-controlled gun systems, close-in weapon systems, and other technologies. The remote-controlled gun system segment was dominant in the market, with the largest market share of 39% in 2022. Remote-controlled guns are third-generation guns that are completely remote-operated guns that do not require any soldier to operate the gun physically. This system reduces the risks of being injured. This type of gun is mounted on unmanned military vehicles, which are operated from a safe distance.
The close-in weapon system segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The close-in weapon systems usually consist of a combination of radars, computers, and rapid-firing multiple-barrel rotary cannons placed on a rotating turret. The L & T defense Sudarshan Close-in weapon system is an advanced weapon system that provides protection for a critical asset with the ability to counter drones or UAVs.
Note: Actual Numbers Might Vary In The Final Report
Payload Analysis
The Lethal Weapon Segment is Dominant Due to High Accuracy
On the basis of payload, the remote weapon station market is classified into machine guns, grenade launchers, Lethal weapons, and other Payloads. The lethal weapon segment was dominant in the market, with the largest market revenue share of 34% in 2022. These weapons have quick configurability, high simplicity, and ease of integration, so these lethal weapons are installed on remote weapon stations in multi-weapon configurations. These weapons are autonomous weapon systems that reduce casualties. Compared to traditional weaponry, autonomous lethal weapons enable more accurate surgical attacks with reduced concerns about collateral damage. The machine gun segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
Application Analysis
The Military Segment is Dominant Owing to Rising Terrorism
On the basis of application, the remote weapon station market is classified into military and homeland security. The military segment was dominant in the market, with the largest market revenue share of 76% in 2022. Rising technological advancements in remote weapon stations, such as optical & imaging systems, acoustic devices, and sensors, are propelling the adoption of remote weapon stations in military sectors.
Remote weapon stations are fully autonomous and can be operated from a safe distance which reduces the risks of injuries. The militaries in several countries are adopting RWS systems to reduce casualties and improve their military power. Homeland security has also started adopting these RWS systems for border protection, which is expected to fuel market growth in the forecast period.
Key Market Segments
By Platform
- Land
- Combat Vehicles
- Ground Station
- Main Battle Tanks
- Others
- Naval
- Destroyers
- Frigates
- Corvettes
- Others
- Airborne
- Fighter Aircraft
- Attack Helicopters
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
By Mobility
- Fixed
- Moving
By Technology
- Remote-controlled Gun Systems
- Close-in Weapon Systems
- Other Technologies
By Payload
- Machine Gun
- Grenade Launcher
- Lethal Weapons
- Other Payloads
By Application
- Military
- Homeland Security
Growth Opportunity
Rising Governmental Investments in Defense Sector Expected to Drive Market During Forecast Period
Remote weapon stations are being increasingly used by homeland security organizations for border protection, counterterrorism operations, and critical infrastructure security. With rising global terrorism and border security concerns, the demand for advanced remote weapon stations that can be deployed quickly and effectively in any situation is increasing.
Governments around the world are increasingly investing in modernizing and strengthening their military equipment and remote weapon stations to build a strong and powerful military base. Manufacturers in the RWS industry are offering innovative, reliable, and cost-effective remote weapon station solutions to military and defense organizations which are expected to create lucrative growth opportunities in the global remote weapon station market.
Latest Trends
The Demand for Unmanned Military Vehicles with RWS is Increasing
Defense organizations around the world are increasingly shifting towards the adoption of ground-based vehicles with RWS to improve their military and defense capabilities. Manufacturers in the RWS industry focus on the development of more sophisticated and reliable systems that offer improved accuracy and performance. The adoption of unmanned systems in military and defense applications is increasing, which is driving demand for RWS systems.
Regional Analysis
North America Dominated the Market Due to High Governmental Investments in Defense Sector
North America has dominated the market with the largest market share of 38% in 2022 and is expected to remain dominant during the forecast period. The United States led the ranking of countries with the highest military spending in 2021, with USD 801 billion dedicated to the military. About 38% of total military spending worldwide is in the United States, which accounted for USD 2.1 trillion in 2021. The technological advancement rate in North America is higher which is driving the growth of the market. Also, increasing governmental investments in defense sectors propel market growth. Also, key players in the remote weapon station market, such as Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. in North America, drive the market growth.
The Europe region is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of the region is attributed to increasing government investments in military services. In 2021, the German government spent 56 million USD on the military.
Note: Actual Numbers Might Vary In The Final Report
Key Regions and Countries
- North America
- The US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Western Europe
- Germany
- France
- The UK
- Spain
- Italy
- Portugal
- Ireland
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Western Europe
- Eastern Europe
- Russia
- Poland
- The Czech Republic
- Greece
- Rest of Eastern Europe
- APAC
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Rest of APAC
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Chile
- Argentina
- Costa Rica
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Israel
- Kuwait
- Nigeria
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- Rest of MEA
The key players in the remote weapon station market are focusing on manufacturing cost-effective and lightweight weapons. Top key players in the market are adopting advanced technologies such as sensors, robotics, and AI to improve weapon quality and production rate.
Several key players are focusing on business strategies such as merging, acquisition, collaboration, and competitive pricing to obtain a competitive edge in the market. The top key players in the RWS market include Kongsberg Gruppen, Elbit Systems Ltd., Leonardo S.p.A., Saab AB, and Rheinmetall AG, among others.
Top Key Players
- Kongsberg Defence Systems
- Systems Ltd.
- General Dynamics Corporation
- Leonardo S.p.A.
- Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
- Saab AB
- Rheinmetall AG
- Raytheon Company
- BAE Systems plc
- ASELSAN A.S.
- Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd
- Other Key Players
Recent Developments
- In August 2021, Kongsberg Gruppen acquired the RWS business of QinetiQ, which is UK-based defense technology company.
- In September 2020, General Dynamics announced a strategic counter-drone partnership, providing General Dynamics’ global network with access to Dedrone’s complete drone detection and defeat technology.
Report Scope
Report Features Description Market Value (2022) USD 10.4 Bn Forecast Revenue (2032) USD 29.3 Bn CAGR (2023-2032) 11.2% Base Year for Estimation 2022 Historic Period 2016-2022 Forecast Period 2023-2032 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Market Dynamics, COVID-19 Impact, Competitive Landscape, Recent Developments Segments Covered By Platform- Land, Naval, and Airborne; By Mobility- Fixed and Moving; By Technology- Remote-Controlled Gun Systems, Close-in Weapon Systems, and Other Technologies; By Payload- Machine Gun, Grenade Launcher, Lethal Weapons, and Other Payloads; By Application- Military and Homeland Security Regional Analysis North America – The US, Canada, & Mexico; Western Europe – Germany, France, The UK, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Nordic, & Rest of Western Europe; Eastern Europe – Russia, Poland, The Czech Republic, Greece, & Rest of Eastern Europe; APAC – China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia & New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, & Rest of APAC; Latin America – Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, & Rest of Latin America; the Middle East & Africa – Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, & Rest of MEA Competitive Landscape Kongsberg Defence Systems, Elbit Systems Ltd., General Dynamics Corporation, Leonardo S.p.A., Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Saab AB, Rheinmetall AG, Raytheon Company, BAE Systems plc, ASELSAN A.S., Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd, and Other Key Players Customization Scope Customization for segments, region/country-level will be provided. Moreover, additional customization can be done based on the requirements. Purchase Options We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License, Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users), Corporate Use License (Unlimited User and Printable PDF) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Remote Weapon Station (RWS)?A Remote Weapon Station (RWS) is a platform that enables the operation of a weapon system, such as machine guns, cannons, or anti-tank missiles, from a safe and remote location. It enhances the operator's safety while maintaining combat effectiveness.
What are the benefits of using a remote weapon station?There are several benefits to using a remote weapon station, including:
- Reduced risk to the operator: The operator is not exposed to enemy fire when the weapon station is operated remotely.
- Increased situational awareness: The operator can have a better view of the battlefield when they are not located in the vehicle.
- Improved accuracy: The fire control system of the RWS can help to improve the accuracy of the weapon.
- Increased flexibility: The RWS can be used on a variety of platforms, making it a more versatile weapon system.
What is the purpose of an RWS?The primary purpose of an RWS is to provide armed forces with the ability to engage targets accurately and effectively while minimizing the exposure of personnel to enemy fire. It allows operators to control and fire weapons from within a vehicle or a protected structure.
How does an RWS work?An RWS consists of a stabilized platform that holds the weapon and various sensors, cameras, and targeting systems. Operators use these systems to aim, track, and engage targets remotely. The RWS can be controlled from inside the vehicle or a remote control station.
What types of weapons can be integrated into an RWS?Various types of weapons can be integrated into an RWS, including machine guns, automatic cannons, grenade launchers, anti-tank missiles, and even non-lethal weapons. The choice of weapon depends on the intended use and mission requirements.
Remote Weapon Station MarketPublished date: Sept. 2023add_shopping_cartBuy Now get_appDownload Sample - Kongsberg Defence Systems
- Systems Ltd.
- General Dynamics Corporation Company Profile
- Leonardo S.p.A.
- Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
- Saab AB
- Rheinmetall AG
- Raytheon Company
- BAE Systems Plc Company Profile
- ASELSAN A.S.
- Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd
- Other Key Players
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