Asia-Pacific Mortar Systems Market

Next-Gen Mortar Tech in Asia: From UAV Integration to Mountain-Ready Mini Mortars

"The Asia Pacific mortar systems market is currently experiencing a strategic transformation influenced by evolving warfare doctrines and advancements in technology. Countries within the region are transitioning from traditional static artillery to highly mobile mortar platforms. These platforms incorporate advanced fire control systems, thermal imaging, and automated targeting, enhancing accuracy and responsiveness on the battlefield. Notably, there is a growing trend toward the miniaturization of mortar units designed for use in rugged terrains and mountainous borders, particularly in nations with varied topographies. Additionally, there is an increasing interest in man–machine collaboration, enabling mortar systems to interface with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and battlefield sensors for real-time target acquisition. Several governments are also investing in dual-use mortar technology, which accommodates both kinetic and non-lethal payloads, making it suitable for counter-insurgency operations and urban warfare. Furthermore, local production and modular system designs are becoming more popular, allowing for swift upgrades and improved interoperability. Collectively, these developments signify a shift toward more intelligent, lightweight, and flexible mortar capabilities that are specifically tailored to meet the diverse operational demands across the Asia Pacific region."

The Asia Pacific Mortar System market was valued at USD 301 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 621 Million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2025 to 2030.

There's also a strong push for local manufacturing of defense equipment, fueled by initiatives such as India’s “Make in India” and China’s “Military-Civil Fusion” strategy. This focus on indigenous production is boosting the availability of mortar systems made within these countries.

Large nations like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are continuously raising their military budgets in an effort to modernize their armed forces and improve national security.

Countries in the Asia Pacific region are significantly increasing their defense budgets in response to growing security concerns and the need to modernize their military capabilities. China and India, two of the largest defense spenders in the world, are dedicating considerable resources toward artillery and support weapons, particularly mortar systems. This trend is mirrored by nations like Australia, South Korea, and Japan, which are also ramping up their military spending to boost their self-defense capabilities.

The rise in defense budgets is allowing these countries to acquire state-of-the-art mortar systems that come equipped with advanced features like GPS, laser guidance, and sophisticated fire-control systems. This technology not only enhances the speed of deployment but also improves operational efficiency. Additionally, the increased funding is fostering research and development, empowering local manufacturers to innovate and compete on a global scale.

These investments are vital for strengthening the infantry's capabilities and ensuring that these nations are prepared for both traditional and unconventional warfare, making mortar systems a key focus in their defense strategies.

Governments are actively upgrading their armed forces with advanced technologies, including next-generation mortar systems, to improve mobility, precision, and firepower.

Countries in the Asia Pacific region are focused on upgrading their military capabilities over the long term, aiming to replace outdated systems with modern, advanced equipment. A significant part of this shift involves incorporating digital technologies into traditional artillery. For instance, modern mortar systems now feature automated fire control, extended range, and improved accuracy, reflecting the latest advancements in military technology.

Nations like India and South Korea are not only developing their own technologies but are also collaborating with global defense partners to speed up this modernization process. Key priorities include greater mobility, precision in strikes, and capabilities that support network-centric warfare, which are essential features of contemporary mortar systems.

As these countries modernize, they are also focusing on training their personnel and enhancing logistics to ensure they can deploy quickly and operate efficiently. These initiatives are in line with the changing dynamics of warfare, where the ability to deploy rapidly, carry out precise strikes, and maintain operational flexibility has become increasingly important.

Policies like “Make in India” and China's defense industrial expansion are promoting local production of mortar systems, reducing dependency on imports.

The growing focus on indigenization in the Asia Pacific, particularly in countries like India and China, is driving significant changes in the defense sector. Both governments are actively promoting domestic defense production through initiatives such as India’s “Make in India” and China’s “Military-Civil Fusion.” These efforts aim to lessen dependence on imported military equipment, foster self-sufficient defense industries, and develop advanced technological capabilities.

Local manufacturers are increasingly teaming up with international defense companies to acquire essential technological expertise and collaboratively develop mortar systems tailored to their specific operational needs. This shift towards local sourcing also paves the way for small and medium enterprises to become part of the defense supply chain.

There is a lot of impetus behind the deployment of domestically produced mortar systems because of enhanced financing for R&D, better commercial circumstances in the defence industry, and expedited regulatory procedures. In addition to enhancing national security, this approach lowers procurement costs and expedites delivery and maintenance schedules.

The region’s varied geography, including mountainous, jungle, and coastal zones, increases the need for portable, flexible, and adaptable mortar systems.

The Asia Pacific region is known for its diverse geography, featuring everything from mountain ranges to dense forests, deserts, and coastlines. This variety calls for weapon systems that are flexible, mobile, and lightweight enough to handle tough conditions. Mortar systems fit this need particularly well, especially the lighter and medium-caliber types that can be easily carried or mounted on vehicles for rapid deployment. For instance, high-altitude areas like the India-China line of actual control (LAC) require mortars that are simple to transport, while jungle warfare in Southeast Asia demands quick mobility and the ability to stay hidden. Because of their adaptability, mortar systems are perfect for differing combat environments. As nations reconsider their defense plans to meet these specific needs, the demand for tailored mortar solutions grows. Reliable fire support is crucial in hard-to-reach or rugged areas, making mortar systems essential for tactical ground forces.

Growing internal and border security threats are leading to higher demand for rapid-response artillery systems like light mortars.

The Asia Pacific region is grappling with various security challenges, including insurgencies, border breaches, and terrorism. Countries like India, the Philippines, and Indonesia are frequently engaged in counter-terrorism efforts, operating in both cities and rural areas. Mortar systems are essential in these operations, offering quick, accurate fire support without needing a large military presence. Light mortars are particularly popular due to their portability and ability to be set up rapidly, enabling forces to effectively address threats while minimizing collateral damage.

Additionally, special operations units and rapid reaction forces are increasingly incorporating mortars to boost their effectiveness and response times. As governments prioritize homeland security and internal stability, there’s a consistent push for acquiring and upgrading mortar systems. Given the changing nature of threats, there’s also a growing interest in smart, guided mortar ammunition, which allows for precise targeting, especially in densely populated or challenging environments.

Competitive Landscape

Some of the major companies operating within the Mortar System market are: Israel Military Industries (IMI), Raytheon Technologies, ST Engineering, Rheinmetall Defence, Leonardo S.p.A, Hanwha Defense, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Nexter Systems, Hirtenberger Defense Systems and Others.