Top 10 Companies in the Medium Caliber Ammunition Industry (2026): Market Leaders Driving Global Defense Capabilities

In Business Insights
January 27, 2026


The Global Medium Caliber Ammunition Market was valued at USD 1.13 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.34 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.4% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This steady growth is propelled by increasing global defense expenditure, modernization programs for military ground forces, and heightened demand for advanced munitions in line infantry and vehicle-mounted weapon systems.

As geopolitical tensions and the need for advanced battlefield capabilities intensify, the focus shifts to the key ammunition manufacturers who are driving innovation, precision, and reliability. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Medium Caliber Ammunition Industry—a mix of defense giants, specialized ammunitions producers, and technology integrators shaping the future of modern warfare.


🔟 1. Nammo AS

Headquarters: Raufoss, Norway
Key Offering: 20mm to 40mm ammunition, programmable airburst munitions, training rounds

Nammo is a Scandinavian defense group specializing in the development and production of medium and large caliber ammunition. The company is renowned for its advanced 40mm grenade systems and proprietary Multi-Role Ammunition technology, supplying armed forces across NATO and allied nations.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of Extended Range (ER) and Airburst (AB) ammunition

  • Focus on insensitive munitions (IM) for enhanced safety

  • Strategic partnerships with major defense contractors for system integration

Download FREE Sample Report: Medium Caliber Ammunition Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Rheinmetall Defence

Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
Key Offering: 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35mm, and 40mm ammunition systems

Rheinmetall Defence is a leading European supplier of medium caliber ammunition, providing comprehensive solutions for infantry fighting vehicles, naval guns, and air defense systems. Its product portfolio includes high-explosive, armor-piercing, and training ammunition tailored for modern combat scenarios.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Investment in programmable ammunition with enhanced lethality

  • Expansion of production capacity to meet increased European demand


8️⃣ 3. BAE Systems

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: 25mm and 30mm ammunition, Bushmaster cannon rounds

BAE Systems is a global defense, security, and aerospace company with a significant footprint in ammunition manufacturing. Its medium caliber products are primarily designed for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, LAV-25, and other armored platforms used by the U.S. military and allied forces.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • R&D into advanced fuzing and guidance technologies

  • Life-cycle support and modernization programs for existing munition stockpiles


7️⃣ 4. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems

Headquarters: St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
Key Offering: 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 40mm ammunition

General Dynamics is a cornerstone of the U.S. defense industrial base, producing a wide array of medium caliber ammunition. The company supplies the U.S. Department of Defense and international partners with high-quality, reliable munitions for both training and combat operations.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Focus on manufacturing modernization and automation

  • Development of ammunition compatible with next-generation weapon platforms

Download FREE Sample Report: Medium Caliber Ammunition Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Northrop Grumman Corporation

Headquarters: Falls Church, Virginia, USA
Key Offering: 20mm, 25mm, 30mm ammunition, linkless feeding systems

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems and products for defense applications. Its medium caliber ammunition business supports a range of platforms, including the M230 chain gun on the AH-64 Apache helicopter andother vehicle-mounted systems.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Integration of ammunition with advanced fire control systems

  • Research into enhanced material science for projectile performance


5️⃣ 6. Elbit Systems

Headquarters: Haifa, Israel
Key Offering: 30mm and 40mm ammunition, tank training rounds

Elbit Systems is a leading international defense electronics company with a growing portfolio of land-based ammunition solutions. Through its subsidiaries, such as IMI Systems (now part of Elbit), it offers advanced medium caliber munitions known for their precision and reliability.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of smart and guided ammunition projects

  • Focus on export markets with tailored munition solutions


4️⃣ 7. Denel SOC Ltd (Denel PMP)

Headquarters: Pretoria, South Africa
Key Offering: 20mm to 35mm ammunition, medium caliber brass cases

Denel PMP is a leading manufacturer of medium and large caliber ammunition in South Africa, serving the South African National Defence Force and international customers. The company specializes in a wide range of cannon ammunition and is a key supplier to the African continent.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Investment in local production capabilities to ensure supply chain security

  • Development of ammunition for legacy and modern weapon systems


3️⃣ 8. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) – and Nexter joint venture (KNDS)

Headquarters: Munich, Germany (KMW) / Versailles, France (Nexter)
Key Offering: 30mm and 40mm ammunition for armored vehicles

Through the KNDS joint venture, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter combine their expertise to supply advanced medium caliber ammunition for European main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, such as the Leopard 2 and Leclerc.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Joint R&D programs for next-generation tank and IFV ammunition

  • Standardization of ammunition specifications across European forces


2️⃣ 9. ST Engineering

Headquarters: Singapore
Key Offering: 25mm and 30mm ammunition, naval ammunition

ST Engineering is a global technology, defense, and engineering group with a robust land systems division. The company manufactures medium caliber ammunition for the Singapore Armed Forces and for export, emphasizing quality and adherence to strict international standards.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of ammunition for urban warfare and asymmetric threats

  • Expansion of its product portfolio to include more advanced types


1️⃣ 10. MSM Group

Headquarters: Prvačina, Slovenia
Key Offering: 20mm to 40mm practice and service ammunition

MSM Group is a Central European manufacturer of small and medium caliber ammunition. The company supplies military and law enforcement agencies worldwide with a range of products, focusing on high-quality manufacturing and competitive pricing.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Investment in modern production facilities for increased output

  • Focus on environmentally friendly ammunition components

Get Full Report Here: Medium Caliber Ammunition Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Medium Caliber Ammunition Is Smarter and More Lethal

The medium caliber ammunition market is experiencing a significant evolution. While traditional kinetic energy projectiles remain the backbone of inventories, the industry is increasingly investing in smart and programmable munitions, enhanced materials, and more efficient manufacturing processes.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rising demand for airburst and programmable ammunition for enhanced effectiveness against personnel in defilade

  • Increased focus on ammunition interoperability and standardization among allied nations

  • Development of training ammunition that accurately simulates ballistic performance at a lower cost

  • Modernization of aging ammunition stockpiles by defense forces worldwide

Get Full Report Here: Medium Caliber Ammunition Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying the world’s armed forces—they’re spearheading the technological advancement that defines modern combat effectiveness.