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The laser technology segment surpassed USD 4.5 billion in 2022 and is poised to witness 7% CAGR through 2032. Laser-guided systems offer unparalleled precision and accuracy, reducing the risk of collateral damage & civilian casualties in military operations. This precision makes them highly effective against a wide range of targets including moving objects. Laser-based smart weapons are typically faster than traditional munitions as they travel at the speed of light. This rapid response time is crucial in countering threats such as drones and incoming missiles. The growth of laser technology in the smart weapons business is driven by its precision, speed, cost-efficiency, and logistical advantages, making it a compelling choice for modern military applications.
The land segment captured around 50% of the smart weapons market share in 2022 and is expected to generate a market revenue of USD 15 billion by 2032. The increasing importance of asymmetric warfare and counter-insurgency operations has driven the demand for land-based smart weapon systems. These weapons provide militaries with the ability to precisely target insurgents and terrorist threats while avoiding harm to non-combatants. The demand for land-based smart weapons is growing as countries prioritize the enhancement of their land-based defense capabilities to address contemporary security challenges.
North America region held 30% revenue share of the smart weapons market in 2022. Particularly the U.S., has one of the world's largest defense budgets, with a strong emphasis on technological superiority. This commitment to military modernization fuels the development and procurement of advanced smart weapon systems. North America is home to several major defense contractors and technology companies, fostering innovation & research in smart weapon technologies. This results in the region being at the forefront of advancements in the defense sector.
The U.S. actively promotes the export of its smart weapon systems, leading to a significant share of the global arms trade. The combination of substantial defense budgets, evolving security challenges, technological innovation, and export opportunities has propelled the market growth.