Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) Market Size, Share and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Platform (Land-based, Marine-based, and Air-based), By Weapon (Lethal and Non-Lethal), By Technology (Close-in weapon systems, Remote controlled Gun systems, and Others), By End User (Government, Military, and Commercial), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

A remote-controlled weapon system, often known as an RCWS, is a station or system for remotely controlling light and medium caliber weapons that can be mounted on any vehicle or other platforms (both land- and sea-based) such as naval ships, helicopters, tanks, and fighter jets. Such technology is employed on contemporary military vehicles because it enables the gunner to stay within the vehicle’s relative protection. For example, CROWS (Common Remotely Operated Weapon System) is being adjusted to American Humvees weapons.The global remote controlled weapon system market size to surpass impressive USD value by forecast 2024-2032.

The remote-controlled weapon system market is gaining momentum due to increased asymmetric warfare and growing terrorism. For conventional forces to succeed in contemporary battle and post-conflict circumstances, non-state entities have begun using the strategies and tactics of asymmetric warfare. In this context, the employment of remote weapon systems is spreading throughout numerous counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations. For instance, the French-Indochina war, Arab revolt, and Mexican revolution are prime examples of asymmetric warfare.

Also, the modernization of the border surveillance system can be considered the key driver for the growth of remote controlled weapon system market. This system is now deployed strategically on borders to increase detection rates of possible intrusions.

The key restraining factor for this market is the survivability issue. Using advanced weapon systems, enemy forces’ improvised explosive devices (IED) can lead to survivability issues onboard personnel armored vehicles. Also, integrating the remote-controlled system with a standalone solution is too complex, requiring significant power sources and high investment in research and development. Supplying system like upgraded munition-controlled units, precision strike packages, related training, and simulation cost-effectively is difficult. So, these are considered the main challenges of the remote-controlled weapon system market.

Impact of Russia-Ukraine War on the Remote Controlled Weapon System Industry:

The ongoing conflict of the Russia-Ukraine war has significantly impacted Remote Controlled Weapon System Market. Both countries are large holders of military weapons in the defense industry, and their conflict has increased demand for the RCWS market. Some Ukrainian troops used explosive-packed remote-controlled vehicles named ‘Kamikaze’ to destroy Russian targets. Also, Russia’s forces deployed Tigr armored vehicles equipped with Arbalet remote-controlled weapon stations during the war. These examples show that the Russia-Ukraine war has boosted the remote controlled weapon system market.

The remote controlled weapon system industry is segmented into different types. By platform, it can be segmented into land-based, marine-based and air-based. Based on weapon, the market can be divided into lethal and non-lethal. Based on technology, this market can be fragmented into close-in weapon systems, remote controlled gun systems and others. On the basis of end user, the market can be divided into government, military and commercial. From a geographical view, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

Key Insights:

The report will cover the following key insights:

• The report analyzes a detailed industry overview, including qualitative and quantitative information.


• The report analyzes an overview and forecast of the remote controlled weapon system market  based on various segments.


• The report also analyzes comprehensive PEST analysis for all four regions, i.e., North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World, after evaluating economic, social, political, and technological factors affecting the impact of the RCWS market in these regions.

Regional Analysis:

North American region has captured the most significant remote controlled weapon system market share in the market during the forecasted period. Increasing investment in the defense sector in the U.S. boosts this market’s growth. For instance, the U.S. government proposed allocating USD 842 billion for F.Y. 2024, which is USD 100 billion higher than F.Y. 2022. Also, for the Remote Controlled Weapon System(RCWS), it is USD 1.49 billion for the upcoming five years. Also, the robust presence of top global players such as Thales Group, BAE Systems PLC, Rheinmetall AG, Leonardo SpA, etc., and due to the technological boom, the European region may be a growing market in the forecasted period.

Key Players Covered:

• Thales Group


• BAE Systems PLC


• Rheinmetall AG


• Leonardo SpA


• ASELSAN AS


• Kongsberg Gruppen


• Raytheon Company


• Elbit Systems


• SAAB AB


• F.N. Herstal

Remote Controlled Weapon System Market Segmentation:

Key Industry Developments:

• In March 2023, Elbit Systems got an offer from the Romania Army under General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) of USD 120 million to supply unmanned turrets, Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS), and mortar systems for the ‘Piranha V’ over three years.


• In November 2022, Kongsberg Gruppen, a Norway-based supplier of advanced technological military weapons, got a contract of USD 1.50 billion to supply Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations (CROWS) to the U.S. Army. The five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) agreement seeks to safeguard soldiers within combat vehicles, facilities, and vessels.


• In May 2022, The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippines Navy jointly developed a new RCWS, BUHAWI, to improve the firepower capability of the Navy’s small patrol craft through an automated mount for 0.50 caliber machine gun.