Military Propellants and Explosives Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis by Type (Military Propellants, Military Explosives) by Application (Aerospace, Defense), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2035

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MILITARY PROPELLANTS AND EXPLOSIVES MARKET OVERVIEW

The global military propellants and explosives market size was USD 3.83 billion in 2025, is expected to rise to USD 4.05 billion in 2026, and is forecasted to reach USD 6.65 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.68% throughout the period from 2025 to 2035.

Military propellants and explosives encompass a range of high-energy materials critical for defense purposes. Propellants are used to propel projectiles in artillery, missiles, and small arms, while explosives serve in various applications, from demolition and mine-clearing to creating controlled explosions for military operations. These materials are engineered to provide controlled, powerful reactions, ensuring the safe and effective functioning of military systems. Advances in energetic materials technology aim to improve performance, reduce environmental impact, and enhance safety. The military relies on these propellants and explosives to maintain combat capabilities, safeguard borders, and counter security threats, making them indispensable components of modern defense strategies.

Several important reasons have contributed to the market size. First, the ongoing need for these materials is driven by the changing nature of global security and the existence of hostilities in many countries. Additionally, more specialized and high-performance explosives are required due to improvements in military technology and armament. Additionally, the emphasis on accuracy and minimizing collateral damage in contemporary combat has stimulated the creation of novel formulations and increased spending in research and development. Overall, as governments strive to maintain and boost their military preparedness, the growing need for improved defense capabilities, terrorist initiatives, and shifting military plans all contribute to the expanding market size.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Pandemic Disruptions Pave the Way for Increased Demand in Defense

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with military propellants and explosives Market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

The military explosives and propellants market was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in a number of ways. At first, delays and limitations in the availability of these essential commodities were caused by interruptions in the worldwide supply chain and manufacturing facilities. Manufacturing procedures and logistics were impacted by lockdowns, social segregation policies, and worker restrictions, which made it difficult to satisfy demand. However, as the pandemic spread, a greater emphasis was placed on ensuring national security and military readiness, which resulted in larger defense spending in some areas. Investments were made in the acquisition of propellants, explosives, and associated defense technology as a result of the reaffirmed commitment to military readiness. The focus placed by the pandemic on distant warfare and the requirement for precision weapons further increased the demand for improved explosive technologies. 

LATEST TRENDS

Environmentally-Friendly and Safer Energetic Materials A Pivotal Trend in Military Explosives and Propellants

The creation of environmentally benign and less dangerous energetic materials is one significant trend in the military explosives and propellants sector. There is a rising focus on developing and introducing innovative goods and technology that lessen the environmental effect and alleviate health hazards connected with conventional explosives in response to safety laws and environmental concerns. Leading market participants are actively investing in research and innovation to develop safer and more sustainable substitutes. This involves the creation of environmentally friendly propellants and insensitive munitions (IM), which are less likely to accidentally detonate. These advancements support a larger worldwide initiative to reduce the environmental impact of military operations and enhance the safety of military people and operations, resulting in a move in the right direction towards more responsible and sustainable defense technology.

• According to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), global military ammunition and explosive material demand rose by 18% between 2021 and 2024 due to intensified defense modernization programs. The U.S. Army alone increased its procurement of high-energy propellants by 32,000 metric tons in 2024, reflecting a broader shift toward advanced composite propellant technologies for enhanced range and precision.

• According to the European Defence Agency (EDA), the use of eco-friendly propellant formulations has expanded by nearly 27% since 2022. These new energetic compounds reduce nitroglycerin and lead-styphnate content by over 40%, aligning with the EU’s REACH environmental directive on military-grade explosives management and sustainability.

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MILITARY PROPELLANTS AND EXPLOSIVES MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Depending on market given are types: Military Propellants, Military Explosives.

The Military Propellants type will capture the maximum market share through 2035.

By Application

The market is divided into Aerospace, Defense based on application.

The market players in cover segment like Aerospace will dominate the market share during 2025-2035.

DRIVING FACTORS

Global Defense Spending Drives Growth in Military Explosives to Propel Market Growth

The rising worldwide defense spending is a key driving force in the market for military explosives and propellants. Governments throughout the world are spending a lot of money to modernize and strengthen their armed forces. The need to combat new security threats, territorial conflicts, and geopolitical tensions are driving factors behind this increased defense spending. As a result, there is an increasing need for sophisticated and technologically upgraded explosives and propellants to give military systems more firepower, accuracy, and safety. Defense agencies spend in research, development, and the purchase of cutting-edge military propellants and explosives as a result of this factor, which spurs market growth.

Advancements in Military Technology and Tactics to Fuel Market Expansion

The development of military technology and battle tactics is a crucial driving force in the military propellants and explosives market growth. There is an increased need for specialized propellants and explosives designed for cutting-edge weaponry as armed forces strive for more accuracy, mobility, and effectiveness in contemporary war settings. In order to enable technologies like guided missiles, smart bombs, and remotely piloted systems, these materials must fulfil strict performance standards. Military organizations are constantly looking for new propellant and explosive formulas that give better range, precision, and little collateral damage in order to stay competitive. Therefore, as military capabilities become more dependent on cutting-edge energy materials, this quest for technical superiority stimulates research and development activities, driving market growth.

• According to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), member countries have collectively increased propellant production capacities by 15% between 2022 and 2024 to support joint ammunition stockpiles. This expansion aims to sustain defense readiness levels above 95% across multiple operational zones.

• According to India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), over USD 4.5 billion worth of modernization programs were initiated under the “Make in India – Defence” framework in 2024, emphasizing indigenous propellant manufacturing. The state-owned Ordnance Factories Board reported an output of 8,200 metric tons of nitrocellulose-based propellants in 2023, marking a 19% rise from the previous year.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Safety and Environmental Regulations to Negatively Impact Military Explosives

The strict safety and environmental restrictions controlling the manufacturing, storage, and transportation of these products are one restraint on the military propellants and explosives business. Despite the fact that it can dramatically raise operating expenses for producers and end users, compliance with these rules is necessary. Additionally, delays in manufacture and deployment may occur as a result of the difficulty in acquiring permissions and authorization for handling hazardous explosives. The market's potential for expansion may be constrained by these regulatory obstacles, which also put more administrative work on industry participants. Companies must spend in compliance procedures as governments and environmental agencies tighten safety and environmental regulations, which has an influence on both profitability and market expansion.

• According to the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), compliance restrictions under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) have limited the export and testing of military-grade explosives in over 38 countries. This regulatory tightening has delayed 12% of international defense supply contracts, directly impacting propellant trade flow.

• According to the U.K. Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), fluctuations in key raw materials such as ammonium perchlorate and RDX have increased input costs by 22% since 2022, especially after the surge in energy and chemical feedstock prices. Smaller defense suppliers report production delays averaging 5 to 6 months due to supply-chain disruptions and import restrictions.

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MILITARY PROPELLANTS AND EXPLOSIVES MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America's Leadership in Military Propellants and Explosives Continues Amid Evolving Threats

In the military propellants and explosives market share, North America now holds the top spot. Particularly, the United States, which has the greatest defense expenditure in the world and a strong military-industrial complex, plays a significant impact. The region's leadership is credited with significant investments in programs for modernizing the military, cutting-edge research institutions, and a keen focus on technical innovation. Further strengthening its position is the established network of defense manufacturers, suppliers, and research institutes that exists in North America. North America is well-positioned to sustain its leadership as the demand for cutting-edge military propellants and explosives is driven by new threats and evolving battle methods, providing a tactical advantage in terms of production, procurement, and research.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

• Serbian Defence Industrial Facilities (Serbia): According to the Serbian Ministry of Defence, the nation’s propellant and explosives complex produced over 5,500 metric tons of composite propellants in 2024, primarily for artillery and tank ammunition. The facility modernization project under the “Defence Industry Development Plan 2025” increased local automation capacity by 35%, strengthening Serbia’s export competitiveness in the Balkan defense corridor.

• Forcit (Finland): According to the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command (FDF LOGCOM), Forcit supplied approximately 3,200 tons of military-grade explosives and detonation systems in 2024 to Nordic and EU defense partners. The company’s R&D division introduced low-residue blasting agents that reduce post-detonation particulate emissions by up to 28%, meeting NATO STANAG environmental safety standards.

List of Top Military Propellants And Explosives Companies

• Serbian defence industrial facilities (Serbia)
• Forcit (Finland)
• General Dynamics (U.S.)
• Australian Munitions (Australia)
• Olin (U.S.)
• MAXAM Corp (Spain)
• Eurenco (France)
• Pakistan Ordnance Factories (Pakistan)
• Rheinmetall Defence (Germany)
• NITRO-CHEM (Austria)
• Explosia (Czech Republic)
• Solar Group (India)

REPORT COVERAGE

This research profiles a report with extensive studies that take into description the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by inspecting the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, and restraints. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics change