Remote Weapon Station Market Size – By Platform, By Weapon Type, By Mobility, By Application and Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Remote Weapon Station Market Size

The global remote weapon station market was valued at USD 10.3 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2025 to 2034.
 

The demand for remote weapon stations (RWS) continues to grow as militaries worldwide seek advanced remote-controlled weapon systems for their defense operations. Military forces, especially in Europe and Asia, are adding RWS technology to their fleets as part of their modernization efforts to improve combat capabilities. These systems help keep operators safe by letting them control weapons from protected positions, which is crucial in dangerous combat zones. The remote weapon station industry is expanding as militaries focus on making their vehicles more survivable, mobile, and automated, while also using flexible platforms like 6×6 armored vehicles. With ongoing global tensions and the need for better defense technologies, countries are investing more in RWS to boost their defense capabilities while keeping their personnel safe during combat.
 

The remote weapon station market is set to grow further as more countries integrate RWS into their modern military equipment and work toward becoming self-reliant in defense. For instance, in March 2024, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace won a NOK 1.2 billion contract from Patria to supply PROTECTOR remote weapon stations. These stations will be installed on more than 300 Patria vehicles destined for Sweden and Finland. The PROTECTOR RS4 weapon stations will be fitted on Patria's Common Armored Vehicle Systems (CAVS), which are protected and mobile 6×6 vehicles. This follows Patria's March 20 announcement of securing a contract to deliver 321 CAVS vehicles to the Swedish armed forces.
 

The remote weapon station industry continues to evolve through the integration of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and improved connectivity. These advancements are changing how military forces operate and deploy RWS in the field. AI-powered sensors help improve target identification and tracking, which allows soldiers to make faster decisions during critical missions. RWS can now work on their own or together with unmanned ground vehicles and drones, making them more effective in both manned and unmanned operations.
 

As these systems rely heavily on remote control and communication, strong cybersecurity measures have become essential to protect against digital threats. Military forces need flexible systems, which has led to the development of lighter, more cost-effective RWS that can be used across land, air, and sea platforms. The industry now provides systems that armed forces can customize based on their specific mission needs, helping them operate more effectively in different combat situations.
 

Remote Weapon Station Market Trends

The Remote Weapon Station (RWS) market focuses on making systems that work better and longer in different combat situations. Military forces need RWS solutions that can work around the clock to keep watch and provide firepower in all conditions. This need has led to better automation and remote firing systems, allowing soldiers to stay safe inside armored vehicles while accurately engaging targets. Military forces are now using more advanced weapons in their RWS, such as fast-firing machine guns and improved targeting systems. They also want RWS systems that can handle many different types of missions, from city fighting to defending against air attacks. There is also growing interest in lighter RWS systems that can fit on various military vehicles. These improvements have made RWS an essential part of today's military operations.
 

For instance, in May 2024, FN Herstal unveiled the deFNder Medium Remote Weapon Station (RWS) at the Black Sea Defense and Aerospace event. The system allows operators to fire weapons remotely throughout the day and night while staying protected inside armored vehicles. As part of FN Herstal's RWS family, the deFNder Medium supports multiple machine guns up to .50 caliber, including the FN M3R machine gun that delivers 1,100 rounds per minute.
 

Remote Weapon Station Market Analysis

The market faces key barriers due to high development and upkeep costs, which limit its adoption by countries with modest defense budgets. Technical hurdles include the need to ensure system compatibility with existing military platforms and maintain strong cybersecurity measures. However, rising defense spending worldwide and increased demand for automated defense systems create new market possibilities. The growing need to protect military vehicles in high-risk combat areas continues to boost RWS adoption. While international weapons control agreements and trade restrictions guide market activities, improvements in RWS technology and government programs supporting defense modernization are opening fresh growth opportunities.
 

Based on platform, the remote weapon station market is segmented into land, naval, and airborne. The land segment held a market share of over 46.5% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a lucrative pace.
 

• The land segment of the Remote Weapon Station (RWS) market is expanding as militaries seek better operational capabilities and vehicle protection. These systems, installed on armored vehicles, tanks, and military trucks, enhance firepower and crew safety. As modern warfare requires remote target engagement in hostile areas, the demand for land-based RWS continues to rise.
   
• The land remote weapon station (RWS) market shows rising integration with unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and robotic systems. These platforms now carry RWS for high-risk tasks like reconnaissance, bomb disposal, and perimeter defense, keeping soldiers away from danger. This combination of RWS and UGVs helps military forces extend their reach while protecting personnel.
   

Based on application, the market is segmented into military, and homeland security. The military segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 11% till 2034.
 

• The military segment of the market continues to expand as armed forces seek better operational capabilities and personnel protection. Modern warfare's changing nature has driven the adoption of advanced technologies across land, naval, and airborne platforms. Military forces are integrating RWS to improve combat effectiveness while minimizing risks to their personnel.
   
• The military's shift to network-centric warfare drives demand for integrated remote weapon stations (RWS). These systems connect with defense networks to enable real-time coordination between units, improving battlefield awareness and combat effectiveness.
   

North America dominated the remote weapon station market and is expected to reach a value of over USD 13.2 billion by 2034. The United States Remote Weapon Station (RWS) market continues to grow as defense spending increases and military platforms undergo modernization. The U.S. military aims to enhance its ground vehicles, naval platforms, and unmanned systems, which drives the demand for RWS solutions. The integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor systems enables improved target recognition, tracking, and firing capabilities. For instance, in September 2023, the U.S. Army ordered 409 Commonly Remotely Operated Weapon Stations (CROWS) from Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. The $94 million contract strengthens the army's ability to detect and engage targets.
 

The remote weapon station market in Germany continues to expand as the country focuses on modernizing its military and strengthening its defense capabilities. The market shows increasing demand for flexible RWS systems that work across different platforms, including armored vehicles, naval vessels, and unmanned aerial vehicles. These systems now incorporate advanced sensors, AI-based targeting systems, and enhanced fire control mechanisms to improve battlefield performance and accuracy.
 

In July 2023, Turkish defense company Unirobotics displayed its remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS) at the IDEF defense exhibition. The company will supply four Trakon Targan RCWS units to ASFAT for installation on two Hisar-class offshore patrol vessels currently under construction. The Trakon Targan serves as a close-in weapon system for naval vessels and can engage both air and surface targets. The Targan units will include a 12.7mm QCB M2 machine gun manufactured by Canik, with the ability to mount an Mk19 automatic grenade launcher on the same system.
 

China's market continues to expand as the military focuses on modernizing its platforms and increasing automation. The Chinese military has integrated RWS technology into its land vehicles, naval vessels, and unmanned systems to enhance combat readiness and battlefield performance.
 

The remote weapon station industry in Japan continues to grow as the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) upgrade their defense systems. The JSDF is installing RWS units in their armored vehicles and naval vessels to enhance combat capabilities while ensuring crew safety.
 

The remote weapon station market in South Korea continues to grow as the country advances its defense modernization programs. The South Korean military is adding RWS systems to its land and naval platforms to enhance combat capabilities and protect military personnel, with a focus on strengthening border security and preparing for potential conflicts.
 

Remote Weapon Station Market Share

The market features significant competition among major players including Northrop Grumman, Thales, and Leonardo. These companies compete through their technological capabilities and comprehensive product portfolios. Their focus remains on developing modular and adaptable RWS solutions for military and homeland security applications. Market differentiation occurs through advancements in automation, AI integration, target acquisition systems, and operator interfaces.
 

The increasing demand for precise and automated systems drives substantial research and development investments. Companies maintain their market positions through strategic collaborations and contracts with global defense agencies, aligning their products with military requirements. The competition continues to strengthen as defense budgets increase, particularly in countries implementing modernization programs, driving improvements in product capabilities and performance.
 

Remote Weapon Station Market Companies

Major players operating in the remote weapon station industry are:

• Aselsan
• BAE Systems
• Bharat Electronics
• Copenhagen Sensor Technology
• Elbit Systems
• EVPU Defense
• FN Herstal
• General Dynamics
• Hornet
• Israel Aerospace Industries
• Kongsberg Gruppen
• Leonardo
• Northrop Grumman
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
• Raytheon Technologies
• Rheinmetall
• Saab
• Singapore Technologies Engineering
• Thales
   

Remote Weapon Station Industry News

• In December 2023, the Colombian Navy and Indumil introduced an improved version of the ARCMIL remote weapon station. The system features advanced stabilization technology that adjusts for ship movements, allowing for precise targeting in maritime conditions. The weapon station includes an integrated sensor package with both daytime and night vision cameras, along with a laser rangefinder for accurate distance measurement. The ARCMIL is versatile in its weapon compatibility, as demonstrated at Expodefensa where it was equipped with a 12.7 mm caliber M2HB heavy machine gun. The system can also support various other weapons, including 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns, 20, 25 and 30 mm automatic cannons, and 40 mm automatic grenade launchers such as the Mk-19.
   
• In September 2023, ASELSAN, Turkey's defense leader, unveiled its SARP Next Gen Remote-Controlled Weapon Station at DSEI. The company enhanced its SARP weapon platform family with this new system, drawing from its technical expertise.
   

This remote weapon station market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) & volume (units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Platform

• Land
  • Combat vehicles
    • Main battle tanks
    • Infantry fighting vehicles
    • Armored fighting vehicles
    • Unmanned ground vehicles
    • Others
  • Stationary structures
• Naval
  • Destroyers
  • Frigates
  • Corvettes
  • Patrol & mine countermeasures vessels
  • Offshore patrol vessels (OPVs)
  • Amphibious vessels
  • Unmanned surface vehicles
• Airborne
  • Fighter aircraft
  • Attack helicopters
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles

Market, By Weapon Type

• Lethal Weapons
  • Small caliber
    • 5.56mm
    • 7.62mm
    • 12.7mm
  • Medium caliber
    • 20mm
    • 25mm
    • 30mm
    • 40mm
• Non-lethal weapons

Market, By Mobility

• Fixed
• Moving

Market, By Application

• Military
• Homeland security

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa