Cluster Munitions Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis by Launch Platform (Air-Launched, Ground-Launched, and Sea-Launched), by Type (Anti-personnel, Anti-Tank, Anti-electrical, and Incendiary), by Component (Hollow Shell, Sub munitions, Fuze, Arming Spindle, Bomblets, Dispensers, Streamers, and Parachute), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The global cluster munitions market is witnessing significant growth fueled by increasing geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts. Cluster munitions are conventional munitions designed to release or disperse multiple explosive sub-munitions (bomblets) over a wide area. According to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the bomblets each weigh less than 20 kilograms and target personnel and vehicles, covering an area of up to 10,000 square meters, depending on the specific model. These munitions can be launched from various platforms, including aircraft, artillery, and rockets. Once deployed, the carrying container opens in mid-air, scattering the bomblets across the target zone, which results in maximum damage in the field compared to traditional bombs.  

• In January 2025, Ukraine launched an attack, involving the use of cluster munitions, on a town in the partially occupied southern Kherson region, resulting in at least two fatalities and injuring more than a dozen others.

Cluster Munitions Market Drivers

Increasing Geopolitical Tension and Ongoing Conflicts between Countries to Foster Industry Expansion

The impact of increasing geopolitical tension plays an important role in the cluster munitions market. This results in increasing military budgets and expenditures and countries are focusing on modernizing their military capabilities. Additionally, the market is propelled by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. During these conflicts, both sides have repeatedly used cluster munitions for maximum damage.   

For instance, in November 2024, a Russian ballistic missile with cluster munitions struck a residential area in a northern Ukrainian city, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, including two children, and injuring 84 others.

Cluster Munitions Market Restraints

Delay in Detonation of Munitions and International Convention on Cluster Munitions to Hinder the Market Growth

The cluster munitions pose the threat of failing to detonate upon immediate impact, posing a long-term risk to civilians. Cluster munitions are composed of small bomblets, which are released once the carrying container opens mid-air. This bomblets are then scattered across the field. Some bomblets fail to decode immediate impact, resulting in casualties afterward. For instance, in September 2023, new data from the UN-partnered Cluster Munitions Monitor (CMC) indicates a significant rise in civilian casualties caused by cluster munitions. The report indicates that 1,172 people were killed or injured in 2022, with 95% of the casualties being civilians.

Additionally, the Convention on Cluster Munitions restricts the use of cluster munitions due to delayed detonation, resulting in civilian causalities. 112 countries have signed this convention and twelve others have been signatories. This factor may restrict the use of cluster munitions in some regions.  

Cluster Munitions Market Opportunity

Use of Cluster Munitions in Russia-Ukraine Conflicts to Propel the Market Growth

The Russia-Ukraine war has propelled the demand for cluster munitions in the regions fueled by the use of munitions in conflicts to create maximum damage in enemies region. This conflict has been going on since February 2022, and this year, it entered the third quarter. The conflict has been actively using cluster munitions in conflict. For instance, in December 2023, Russia accused Ukraine of using cluster munitions in strikes at Belgorod that killed at least 21 people and wounded dozens more.

Additionally, in July 2023, the U.S. approved transfers to Ukraine of five U.S. cluster munitions delivered by 155mm artillery projectiles and ballistic missiles.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Latest Technological Advancements/Developments
• Increasing Demand for Cluster Munitions
• Upcoming Missions that have the Potential to Drive Market Growth

Analysis by Launch Platform

Based on launch platform, the market for cluster munitions is divided into launch platform into air-launched, ground-launched, and sea-launched.

The ground-launched segment dominates the market. They can be effectively used in ground-to-ground warfare, where soldiers and long-range guns can launch cluster munitions by knowing the approximate location of the enemies. For instance, in February 2024, the U.S. initiated the delivery of a ground-launched small-diameter bomb to Ukraine.  

Additionally, the air launched segment is witnessing significant growth fueled by the rapid deployment capabilities and technological advancement in cluster munitions. For instance, in November 2023, Russia developed the glide bomb adapted for cluster munitions. Russia stated that this was the first large-scale use of this weapon with guidance kits and wing kits.

Analysis by Type

Based on type, the cluster munitions market is segmented into anti-personnel, anti-tank, anti-electrical, and incendiary.

The anti-tank cluster munitions segment dominates the market primarily due to an increase in the need to counter modern armored vehicles and mechanized infantry in conventional warfare scenarios. Recent conflicts, such as those in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, have highlighted the tactical importance of wide-area anti-armor weapons capable of disabling multiple targets simultaneously.

Additionally, the anti-electrical segment consists of a tactical munitions dispenser filled with multiple sub-munitions. Each sub-munition contains a small explosive charge that disperses reels of fine conductive fiber of either carbon or aluminum-coated glass. This disrupts and damages electric power transmission systems by causing short circuits in high-voltage power lines and electrical substations, making them vital munitions during conflicts.   

Analysis by Component

By component, the market is divided into hollow shells, sub-munitions, fuse, arming spindles, bomblets, dispensers, streamers, and parachutes.

The sub-munitions segment holds the largest market share. Sub-munitions play an important role in increasing the effectiveness of munitions by scattering multiple minor explosives.

• In August 2023, Ukrainians began disassembling some U.S.-made cluster munitions artillery shells they were then received. They aimed to repurpose the sub-audition bomblets inside as improvised weapons, which could be air-dropped from small drones.

Further, the market is expected to grow with technological advancements and integrated ML and AI to detect the target efficiently and use different platforms for launch.

Regional Analysis

To gain extensive insights into the market, Download for Customization

Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

North America is dominating the market with the presence of major players such as Textron Systems, L-3 Fuzing & Ordnance Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Orbital ATK. Additionally, the U.S. is important exporter and manufacturer of cluster munitions.

• In June 2024, the U.S. announced plans to send Ukraine a medium-range cluster bomb and an array of rockets, artillery, and a military aid package totaling about USD 375 million and is expected to announce billions.

Key Players

• Textron Systems (U.S.)
• IMI Systems (Israel)
• L-3 Fuzing and Ordnance Systems (U.S.)
• Bharat Dynamics Limited (India)
• Lockheed Martin (U.S.)
• NORINCO (China)
• Orbital ATK (U.S.)
• China Ordnance Industries Group Corporation Limited (China)
• Hanwha Group (South Korea)

Key Industry Developments

• In July 2023, the U.S. announced that it would send Ukraine cluster munitions, which are banned by more than 100 countries, as part of a USD 800 million security package.