Both rockets and missiles are vehicles that are designed to travel through the atmosphere or space. However, there are some important differences between the two. A rocket is a vehicle that is propelled by a rocket engine. It carries its own fuel and oxidizer and uses the reaction between the two to create thrust. Rockets are often used to launch satellites and spacecraft into orbit, as well as to send probes to other planets in our solar system.

Information Source:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/rocket-and-missiles-market-101822

A missile, on the other hand, is a vehicle that is designed to be guided towards a specific target. Missiles can be powered by rocket engines, but they can also use other types of propulsion, such as jet engines or ramjets. Missiles can be used for a variety of purposes, including military and defense applications, as well as for scientific research.

While both rockets and missiles are used for propulsion, the main difference between the two is their intended purpose. Rockets are designed to carry payloads into space or to travel long distances, while missiles are designed to be directed towards a specific target

The global rocket and missile market size is projected to reach USD 71.79 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.52% during the forecast period. Growing utilization of 3D printing technology in the production of weapons systems worldwide is expected to aid the market make considerable gains, finds Fortune Business Insights™ in its report, titled “Rocket and Missile Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Propulsion (Solid,Liquid,Hybrid,Scramjet, Cryogenic, and Ramjet), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027”.

Many government and private defense manufacturers are exploring the potential of additive manufacturing techniques in the designing and engineering of rockets and missiles for space exploration and military purposes. This rising interest is owing to the ability of 3D printers to produce virtually any kind of three-dimensional metallic and plastic objects. For example, US-based Lockheed Martin announced its plans in 2017 to develop the country’s next generation of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) using 3D printing. In the space domain, NASA and Space X are aggressively experimenting with 3D printing to produce rocket engines for spacecraft. Thus, widening application of additive manufacturing techniques in the aerospace and defense industry will augur well for this market in the near future.

According to the report, the market value was at USD 52.54 billion in 2019. Its other highlights include:

• In-depth analysis of the key factors driving and restraining the market growth;
• Comprehensive study of all segments of the market;
• Identification of upcoming market opportunities; and
• Detailed evaluation of the impact of the changes in the regional and competitive dynamics on the market.

Market Restraint

Supply Chain Disruptions Caused by the COVID-19 Outbreak to Stall Market Growth

The rocket and missile market growth is likely to get hampered throughout 2020 by the outbreak of the COVID-19 contagion. The pandemic has led to unforeseen shocks to supply chains worldwide, crippling defense manufacturing activities around the globe. For instance, the Italian shipbuilding company, Fincantieri, was forced to halt its operations in March 2020 as the coronavirus spread like wildfire around the world. Accentuating these disruptions is the suspension of business development activities in the defense sector. For example, planned expos such as the EUROSATORY 2020, where procurement contracts are finalized, now face an uncertain future, further affecting this industry. Moreover, major players in rockets and missiles domain are also witnessing a sharp fall in their stock prices. For instance, between February and March, stock value of the Thales Group fell by 33%, while Leonardo’s declined by 55%. The cascading effect of the coronavirus pandemic is, therefore, expected to negative on this growth in the immediate future. 

Regional Insights

High Military Expenditure to Favor Market Growth in North America

One of the prominent factors supporting the growth of this market in North America is the consistently high levels of military spending in the US. This coupled with rapid adoption of advanced military technologies in the US and Canada will aid the region command the rocket and missile market share in the foreseeable future. In 2019, the region’s market size was at USD 15.03 billion.

Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit notable growth in the market owing to rising uptake of multiple independent re-entry vehicles (MIRV) by the Chinese army. On the other hand, in Europe, the market is set to experience promising growth on account of increasing investment by private defense companies in ballistic missiles to cater to the military needs of European countries.

Competitive Landscape

Close Collaborations between Governments and the Private Sector to Characterize the Market

The competitive landscape of this market is highly charged up as a result of the increasing number of collaborations between private defense contractors and government defense agencies. This is represented through frequent awarding of contracts and other deals to top market players by the US Armed Forces.

List of Companies Profiled in the Rocket and Missile Market Report:

• Thales Group (France)
• ROKETSAN A.S. (Turkey)
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Israel)
• MESKO (Poland)
• Lockheed Martin Corporation (The U.S.)
• General Dynamics Corporation (The U.S.)
• Saab AB (Sweden)
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation (The U.S.)
• Nammo AS (Norway)
• MBDA (France)
• KONGSBERG (Norway)
• Denel Dynamics (South Africa)

Industry Developments:

• March 2020: Raytheon Company secured a USD 1 billion-worth agreement to buy propulsion systems for their standard missile products from Aerojet Rocketdyne. The agreement will span five years and is focused on optimizing supply chain dynamics between the two companies.
• April 2020: The US Army awarded a contract of estimated value of $6.07 billion to Lockheed Martin to produce and deliver Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors over three years till 2023. This will bolster US’s position as a major supplier of missile interceptors among other leading world economies.