Summary

The region has historically been a hotspot for military activity, with countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, and the UAE, heavily investing in defense capabilities due to ongoing regional rivalries, terrorism, and the need to protect critical infrastructure. Similarly, in Africa, nations like Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt are increasingly focusing on modernizing their armed forces to combat insurgencies, terrorism, and transnational crime. The demand for ammunition in the MEA region is fueled by both state and non-state actors, with governments procuring advanced munitions for their military forces, while non-state groups often rely on illicit markets to acquire weapons and ammunition for asymmetric warfare. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been significant players in the market, investing heavily in advanced ammunition for their air forces, ground troops, and naval forces. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, coupled with tensions between Iran and its Gulf neighbors, has further escalated the demand for small arms ammunition, artillery shells, and precision-guided munitions. Additionally, Israel’s focus on maintaining military superiority in the region has led to the development and procurement of cutting-edge ammunition technologies, including smart munitions and missile defense systems. The involvement of global arms manufacturers, such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and BAE Systems, has further intensified the market, with these companies supplying advanced ammunition to Middle Eastern nations under government contracts. International efforts, such as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), aim to regulate the global arms trade, but their effectiveness in the MEA region remains limited. The lack of transparency and accountability in defense procurement processes further complicates the regulatory landscape, making it difficult to monitor the flow of ammunition and prevent its diversion to illicit markets.

According to the research report "Middle East and Africa Ammunition Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the Middle East and Africa Ammunition market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 2.38 Billion by 2030. The involvement of the people in the MEA ammunition market varies significantly. In the Middle East, governments play a dominant role, with defense procurement being a state-driven process. However, in conflict zones like Syria, Iraq, and Libya, civilians have been directly impacted by the widespread availability of ammunition, often leading to devastating humanitarian consequences. In Africa, the involvement of local populations is more pronounced in the illicit trade of ammunition, with porous borders and weak regulatory frameworks facilitating the flow of arms and ammunition across regions. This has led to the proliferation of armed groups and militias, further destabilizing fragile states. The regional governments are also trying to bolster local manufacturing by introducing favorable policies to develop the critical infrastructure required for manufacturing military-grade ammunition. For instance, as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia plans to enhance its local defense manufacturing by 50% by 2030. Such developments are anticipated to alter the market dynamics during the forecast period. Innovations in the MEA ammunition market have been driven by the need for greater precision, efficiency, and adaptability in combat scenarios. The Middle East has seen the adoption of smart ammunition, including GPS-guided artillery shells and laser-guided missiles, which offer enhanced accuracy and reduced collateral damage. Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have also played a significant role in shaping the market, with countries like the UAE and Israel integrating drone-mounted munitions into their military strategies. In Africa, the focus has been on cost-effective and reliable ammunition solutions, with innovations such as polymer-cased ammunition and modular charge systems gaining traction. These advancements have not only improved the performance of ammunition but also addressed logistical challenges, such as storage and transportation.


Market Drivers

• Geopolitical Instability and Security Concerns: The Middle East and Africa are regions that have experienced prolonged geopolitical instability, including ongoing conflicts, civil wars, and terrorist activities. Countries like Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Libya, among others, face significant security challenges. As a result, governments have invested heavily in their military capabilities, including ammunition, to address these threats and maintain internal stability. The demand for ammunition is also driven by the need for peacekeeping operations, counterterrorism efforts, and protecting borders. The heightened security concerns in these regions lead to both state-driven and private sector investments in the production and acquisition of ammunition, fostering growth in the ammunition industry.
• Increasing Defense Budgets and Military Modernization: As part of their efforts to enhance national security, many Middle Eastern and African countries have significantly increased their defense budgets in recent years. Nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are heavily investing in modernizing their military forces, which includes acquiring advanced ammunition, firearms, and military technologies. This drive for military modernization is often spurred by the desire to strengthen national defense, build deterrence capabilities, and enhance regional influence. The growing defense budgets directly translate into a higher demand for ammunition, particularly specialized munitions, armored vehicles, and precision-guided systems, driving industry growth in these regions.

Market Challenges

• Political Instability and Conflicts: The Middle East and Africa face considerable political instability, which has a direct impact on the ammunition industry. Prolonged civil unrest, international sanctions, and unstable governments often result in difficulties for both manufacturers and distributors of ammunition. For example, conflict zones and war-torn areas can severely disrupt supply chains, while international sanctions imposed on certain countries can limit the ability to import and export ammunition. This political volatility presents challenges for companies trying to operate in or export to the region, as fluctuating demand and uncertain regulatory environments complicate long-term planning and operations.
• Regulatory and Arms Control Restrictions: While the Middle East and Africa remain critical regions for global ammunition demand, they are also subject to arms control regulations and export restrictions. International treaties, such as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), and regional agreements often impose restrictions on the trade of ammunition and firearms. Additionally, some countries in the region have local regulations that control the sale, distribution, and ownership of weapons and ammunition. These regulations may limit the ability to freely manufacture, import, and distribute ammunition, hindering growth. Strict controls on the civilian arms market, combined with international embargoes on certain countries, can also present a significant barrier to the expansion of the industry.

Market Trends

• Shift Towards Domestic Production and Self-Sufficiency: Similar to trends observed in other regions, many Middle Eastern and African countries are working to enhance domestic production of ammunition to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Nations like South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria are focusing on developing local ammunition manufacturing capabilities as part of broader efforts to promote self-sufficiency in defense-related industries. This trend is driven by the desire to control supply chains, reduce costs, and address the vulnerability that comes with depending on foreign imports during times of political or military crises. Investment in local manufacturing infrastructure is expected to increase, which will benefit both government and private sector interests, creating jobs and boosting economic resilience.
• Technological Advancements and Diversification of Ammunition: The Middle East and Africa are also seeing a gradual shift toward advanced and diversified ammunition types. Military forces are increasingly focused on high-performance ammunition that can operate effectively in extreme conditions, such as desert or jungle environments, which are common in these regions. Additionally, there is a growing demand for specialized ammunition, such as armor-piercing and precision-guided munitions, as military forces in the region modernize their arsenals. Moreover, innovations in ammunition technology, including environmentally friendly options, are becoming more prominent. With the increasing complexity of modern warfare, the demand for advanced and highly specialized ammunition continues to rise, fueling research and development within the industry.


Bullets is the largest player in the MEA (Middle East and Africa) ammunition industry due to its strong market presence, innovative products, strategic partnerships, and extensive manufacturing capabilities, which have allowed it to dominate the sector.

Bullets' dominance in the MEA ammunition industry can be attributed to several key factors that have propelled the company to the forefront of the sector. Firstly, the company has a long history of producing high-quality ammunition, which has earned it the trust of military, law enforcement, and civilian markets. Over the years, Bullets has invested heavily in research and development, allowing it to create innovative and highly effective ammunition products. These advancements in technology have ensured that Bullets maintains a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive market. Additionally, Bullets has been proactive in adapting to the evolving needs of its customers, offering a wide range of products that cater to the diverse requirements of the MEA region, from small arms ammunition to larger caliber systems used in military applications. This versatility has made it a go-to choice for defense forces across the Middle East and Africa. Strategically, Bullets has forged several important partnerships with regional governments, defense contractors, and international organizations. These alliances have not only bolstered its manufacturing capabilities but have also facilitated access to important contracts and long-term agreements that contribute to its leadership in the market. Furthermore, the company’s manufacturing infrastructure is both expansive and state-of-the-art, allowing it to scale production quickly in response to rising demand. The company’s ability to maintain high production standards while expanding its output has enabled it to meet the diverse needs of its clients, including bulk contracts from governments and specialized ammunition requirements for law enforcement agencies. This robust supply chain and production capacity also allow Bullets to offer competitive pricing, which further solidifies its market leadership. Moreover, Bullets' strong commitment to quality control and compliance with international standards has also played a significant role in its success. The company consistently meets or exceeds regulatory requirements, which has been critical in maintaining its reputation among both government agencies and private sector clients.

Small caliber ammunition (up to 12.7mm) is the largest segment in the MEA ammunition industry due to its versatility, widespread use in military, law enforcement, and civilian applications, and its ability to meet the region’s diverse security and defense needs.

Small caliber ammunition, ranging from 5.56mm to 12.7mm, has become the most dominant segment in the MEA ammunition industry primarily because of its versatility and broad application across multiple sectors. In the military, small caliber ammunition is integral to small arms, such as assault rifles, machine guns, and sniper rifles, which are essential for ground forces. The widespread adoption of these weapons in the region has contributed significantly to the demand for small caliber ammunition. The Middle East and Africa, which have been historically affected by both conventional and asymmetric warfare, require ammunition that can be used in a variety of combat situations. Small caliber rounds are used in a wide range of operational contexts, from urban warfare to counterterrorism and peacekeeping missions. This versatility has made small caliber ammunition indispensable for military forces in the region. The use of small caliber ammunition is not limited to military applications. Law enforcement agencies across the MEA region also rely heavily on small caliber rounds for their firearms. Given the ongoing security challenges and the rising threat of terrorism, police forces require small caliber ammunition for both conventional policing and specialized operations, such as counterterrorism and riot control. Additionally, small caliber ammunition is commonly used in civilian contexts, particularly in hunting and sport shooting. This demand from civilian markets further adds to the prominence of small caliber rounds in the MEA region. The compact nature of small caliber ammunition also offers logistical advantages. These rounds are easier to transport and store, facilitating their use across different military units and conflict zones. This portability is crucial for military operations in the MEA region, where terrain and infrastructure can pose significant challenges. Small caliber ammunition can be carried in large quantities by soldiers and is compatible with a variety of weapons systems, enhancing its operational flexibility.

Un-guided ammunition is the largest segment in the MEA ammunition industry due to its cost-effectiveness, wide availability, and suitability for the region’s diverse military needs, particularly in conflict zones where precision guidance systems are often less practical.

Un-guided ammunition, including artillery shells, rockets, and mortars, has become the largest segment in the MEA (Middle East and Africa) ammunition industry due to several key factors that align with the operational and economic needs of the region’s armed forces. One of the primary reasons for its widespread adoption is its cost-effectiveness. Un-guided munitions are significantly cheaper to produce and maintain than their guided counterparts, which require advanced technology, sophisticated tracking systems, and high-precision manufacturing. For many countries in the MEA region, which may have constrained defense budgets or be engaged in protracted conflicts, the affordability of un-guided ammunition is a critical consideration. The cost savings provided by un-guided systems allow military forces to stockpile large quantities of ammunition, ensuring they have the firepower necessary to sustain long-term operations, even in resource-limited environments. Additionally, un-guided ammunition is widely available and can be produced in large quantities without the need for specialized technology or manufacturing facilities. This availability has made it a preferred choice for many countries in the MEA region, particularly those with limited access to advanced defense technologies. For many years, un-guided munitions were the primary form of artillery and rocket fire, and the infrastructure to produce them is well-established. This ease of production and the ability to quickly scale up supplies have been crucial in conflict zones where continuous resupply of ammunition is often required, especially in scenarios of high-intensity warfare or insurgency. In many conflict-prone regions within the Middle East and Africa, such as Yemen, Syria, and parts of Africa, un-guided ammunition is commonly used in situations where precision targeting is not the primary requirement. Un-guided artillery shells, rockets, and mortars are often deployed in large-scale bombardments, creating a significant impact on enemy positions over a broad area.

Hunting and sport shooting are growing in the MEA ammunition industry due to the rising interest in outdoor recreational activities, increasing disposable incomes, and evolving cultural shifts toward leisure sports and wildlife conservation.

The growing demand for hunting and sport shooting in the MEA (Middle East and Africa) ammunition industry can be attributed to several interconnected factors, including a shift in consumer behavior, rising disposable incomes, and the growing popularity of outdoor recreational activities in the region. Historically, hunting was a common practice in various parts of the MEA region, with deep-rooted traditions, especially in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa. However, in recent years, hunting and shooting sports have evolved from traditional practices into more regulated, leisure-oriented activities, leading to a surge in participation. This shift has contributed to an increasing demand for ammunition specifically designed for these activities. As countries in the region continue to develop economically, there is a rise in disposable incomes, which in turn allows more individuals to invest in outdoor hobbies, including hunting and shooting. While these activities were once seen primarily as traditional or utilitarian, they are increasingly viewed as sports that promote discipline, precision, and respect for nature. Many governments in the region have recognized the economic potential of developing hunting and sport shooting as recreational activities, leading to the establishment of shooting ranges, hunting reserves, and competitions. These developments have not only facilitated greater access to the sport but have also encouraged more individuals to engage in these activities. Furthermore, there has been a growing awareness of the role that hunting can play in wildlife conservation. In countries like South Africa, where regulated hunting practices are an integral part of conservation efforts, people are becoming more interested in participating in hunts that contribute to the preservation of wildlife populations. This has led to an increase in demand for hunting-related ammunition, as hunters seek ethical and sustainable ways to enjoy their pastime while supporting local ecosystems.


Saudi Arabia is the largest in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) ammunition industry due to its significant defense spending, strategic military modernization initiatives, and substantial investments in local manufacturing capabilities.

Saudi Arabia’s dominance in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) ammunition industry is primarily the result of its vast defense expenditures, ambitious military modernization programs, and targeted investments aimed at developing indigenous manufacturing capacities. As one of the wealthiest countries in the region, Saudi Arabia allocates a substantial portion of its national budget to defense and security, making it the largest importer of arms in the world, and consequently, one of the leading consumers of ammunition. The Saudi government’s drive to modernize its military forces is a critical factor behind this massive demand for ammunition. Over the past few decades, Saudi Arabia has focused heavily on upgrading its military technologies, which has resulted in an expanded and sophisticated military arsenal. This modernization includes the procurement of advanced weaponry such as fighter jets, armored vehicles, artillery, and missile defense systems, all of which require vast quantities of ammunition. To meet these needs, Saudi Arabia relies not only on foreign suppliers but also on investments aimed at bolstering its local ammunition production capabilities. The country’s defense industry has grown through partnerships with major Western and Eastern defense contractors, such as the U.S. and European companies, which have enabled the establishment of local manufacturing plants and the transfer of technology. These partnerships are in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to reduce the kingdom’s dependence on foreign arms imports and develop a self-sustaining defense industry. This initiative is supported by the establishment of key defense industrial zones and research centers that focus on the development and production of ammunition, firearms, and other defense-related goods. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the region has contributed to its ammunition industry’s prominence. As a regional power, the kingdom’s security strategy has not only prioritized bolstering its own military capabilities but has also extended to securing defense deals with other Middle Eastern and African nations.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Ammunition Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product
• Bullets
• Aerial Bombs
• Grenades
• Artillery Shells
• Mortars

By Caliber
• Large Caliber (Above 40mm)
• Medium Caliber (12.7mm to 40mm)
• Small Caliber (Up to 12.7mm)

By Application
• Defense & Military
• Law Enforcement
• Hunting & Sport Shooting
• Commercial Use

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary
2. Market Dynamics
2.1. Market Drivers & Opportunities
2.2. Market Restraints & Challenges
2.3. Market Trends
2.3.1. XXXX
2.3.2. XXXX
2.3.3. XXXX
2.3.4. XXXX
2.3.5. XXXX
2.4. Supply chain Analysis
2.5. Policy & Regulatory Framework
2.6. Industry Experts Views
3. Research Methodology
3.1. Secondary Research
3.2. Primary Data Collection
3.3. Market Formation & Validation
3.4. Report Writing, Quality Check & Delivery
4. Market Structure
4.1. Market Considerate
4.2. Assumptions
4.3. Limitations
4.4. Abbreviations
4.5. Sources
4.6. Definitions
5. Economic /Demographic Snapshot
6. Middle East & Africa Ammunition Market Outlook
6.1. Market Size By Value
6.2. Market Share By Country
6.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Product
6.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Caliber
6.5. Market Size and Forecast, By Guidance Mechanism
6.6. Market Size and Forecast, By Application
6.7. United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ammunition Market Outlook
6.7.1. Market Size by Value
6.7.2. Market Size and Forecast By Product
6.7.3. Market Size and Forecast By Caliber
6.7.4. Market Size and Forecast By Application
6.8. Saudi Arabia Ammunition Market Outlook
6.8.1. Market Size by Value
6.8.2. Market Size and Forecast By Product
6.8.3. Market Size and Forecast By Caliber
6.8.4. Market Size and Forecast By Application
6.9. South Africa Ammunition Market Outlook
6.9.1. Market Size by Value
6.9.2. Market Size and Forecast By Product
6.9.3. Market Size and Forecast By Caliber
6.9.4. Market Size and Forecast By Application
7. Competitive Landscape
7.1. Competitive Dashboard
7.2. Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players
7.3. Key Players Market Positioning Matrix
7.4. Porter's Five Forces
7.5. Company Profile
7.5.1. Northrop Grumman Corporation
7.5.1.1. Company Snapshot
7.5.1.2. Company Overview
7.5.1.3. Financial Highlights
7.5.1.4. Geographic Insights
7.5.1.5. Business Segment & Performance
7.5.1.6. Product Portfolio
7.5.1.7. Key Executives
7.5.1.8. Strategic Moves & Developments
7.5.2. BAE Systems plc
7.5.3. Elbit Systems Ltd.
7.5.4. Thales S.A.
7.5.5. Rheinmetall AG
7.5.6. Olin Corporation
7.5.7. Denel SOC Ltd.
8. Strategic Recommendations
9. Annexure
9.1. FAQ`s
9.2. Notes
9.3. Related Reports
10. Disclaimer


List of Figures

Figure 1: Global Ammunition Market Size (USD Billion) By Region, 2024 & 2030
Figure 2: Market attractiveness Index, By Region 2030
Figure 3: Market attractiveness Index, By Segment 2030
Figure 4: Middle East & Africa Ammunition Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 5: Middle East & Africa Ammunition Market Share By Country (2024)
Figure 6: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ammunition Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 7: Saudi Arabia Ammunition Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 8: South Africa Ammunition Market Size By Value (2019, 2024 & 2030F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 9: Porter's Five Forces of Global Ammunition Market


List of Tables

Table 1: Global Ammunition Market Snapshot, By Segmentation (2024 & 2030) (in USD Billion)
Table 2: Influencing Factors for Ammunition Market, 2024
Table 3: Top 10 Counties Economic Snapshot 2022
Table 4: Economic Snapshot of Other Prominent Countries 2022
Table 5: Average Exchange Rates for Converting Foreign Currencies into U.S. Dollars
Table 6: Middle East & Africa Ammunition Market Size and Forecast, By Product (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 7: Middle East & Africa Ammunition Market Size and Forecast, By Caliber (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 8: Middle East & Africa Ammunition Market Size and Forecast, By Guidance Mechanism (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 9: Middle East & Africa Ammunition Market Size and Forecast, By Application (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 10: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ammunition Market Size and Forecast By Product (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 11: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ammunition Market Size and Forecast By Caliber (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 12: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ammunition Market Size and Forecast By Application (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 13: Saudi Arabia Ammunition Market Size and Forecast By Product (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 14: Saudi Arabia Ammunition Market Size and Forecast By Caliber (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 15: Saudi Arabia Ammunition Market Size and Forecast By Application (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 16: South Africa Ammunition Market Size and Forecast By Product (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 17: South Africa Ammunition Market Size and Forecast By Caliber (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 18: South Africa Ammunition Market Size and Forecast By Application (2019 to 2030F) (In USD Billion)
Table 19: Competitive Dashboard of top 5 players, 2024