Solid Rocket Motors Market Size - By Launch Platform, Application, End Use Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Solid Rocket Motors Market Size

The global solid rocket motors market was valued at USD 10.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% to reach USD 23.1 billion by 2034.
 

The application of Trump’s tariffs resulted in the disruption of global supply chains resulting in increased costs in raw materials and components required for solid rocket motors. This prenumbered delays and heightened the cost of production, particularly the cost-effective defense and aerospace manufacturers in the U.S.
 

The global increase in military spending is greatly driving the demand for solid rocket motors, especially in missiles and tactical weapon systems. Countries are modernizing their militaries with great missile systems that incorporate advanced missile technologies which father depend on solid propulsion systems because of their quick ignition, storability, and ease of handling. Solid rocket motors are vital in the defense industries including, but not limited to, surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles, tactical ballistic missiles, and interceptor systems. The concentrated efforts on improvement of national security and deterrence tend to increase expenditure in solid-propulsion motors which are high-thrust and compact. These defense-centric economies are experiencing growth in solid rocket motors.
 

The growing demand for communication, navigation, and Earth observation satellites is increasing the requirements for solid rocket motors. According to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), global satellite count doubled from 3,300 in 2020 to 6,700 in 2022, boosting communications, navigation, and observation, which is driving solid rocket motor demand. These motors are particularly suited for type small and medium scale launch vehicles. Solid propulsion systems are favoured for ease of use, low costs, and power efficiency during the initial phases of launching and orbital insertion, Primarily, in space exploring systems. Both emerging commercial ventures and government agencies are seeking enthusiasm considering space propulsion systems. These systems come with low cost motors that have reliable thrust performance. Providing a rapid release framework for wide ranging satellite services propelled the need to have a satellite comprising of near real time global data services.
 

Solid Rocket Motors Market Trends

• The development of modular solid rocket motors with advanced customization, scalability, and performance capabilities across various missiles and launch vehicles are becoming more popular. This trend facilitates accelerative incorporation in the defense and aerospace domains while maintaining low costs and adaptable flexibility relative to the specific missions.
   
• The improvements in the design of the nozzles, the insulation materials, and the composite propellants are increasing the thrust efficiency and thermal resistance of solid rocket motors. These developments increase performance dependability while further decreasing system mass which optimizes the payload capacity and operational flexibility.
   
• The undertaking of strategic partnerships as well as the signing of enduring defense contracts with private aerospace companies are altering the dynamics of the industry. In order to satisfy the increasing global demand while simultaneously shifting from dependence on foreign sources, the companies are subsequently investing in the production infrastructure and the research and development sectors.
   

Solid Rocket Motors Market Analysis

Based on the launch platform, the market is segmented into airborne, ground-based, and naval.
 

• Airborne segment accounted for USD 2.8 billion in 2023. The aerial segment is fuelled by the growing use of air-launched missiles which need small, light solid rocket motors. These tasks need the ability to start burning propellant instantly and deliver powerful thrust levels.
   
• Ground-based segment accounted for USD 5 billion in 2022. Tactical and ballistic missile systems heavily rely on ground-based platforms. In a global context regarding the modernization of defense and strategic deterrence on land, solid rocket motors have immediate usability, can be stored for long periods, require little maintenance, and meet many operational requirements.
   

Based on application, the market is divided into satellite launch vehicles, and missiles.
 

• The satellite launch vehicles segment is expected to account for 30.8% of the global solid rocket motors market in 2024. There is a rising demand for economical and dependable deployment of satellites, which is broadening the segment of satellite launch vehicles. Small to medium launch vehicles propulsion requirements are best satisfied by solid rocket motors which have a simplified design, are easily stored, and have high thrust. The adoption of commercial space projects as well as government-sponsored activities accelerates the use of solid propulsion systems in this segment.
   
• The missiles segment is expected to account for 69.2% of the global solid rocket motors market in 2024. Increased spending on defense and the development of systemal missiles drive the market growth for missiles segment. Their use in air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, as well as in ballistic missiles, highlights the growing importance of these devices in modern warfare systems. Solid rocket motors offer tactical and strategic advantages due to their instant ignition, compact size, enduring shelf life, and controlled burn.
   

Based on end use, the market is segmented into defense, space agencies, and commercial space.
 

• The defense segment dominated the market accounting for USD 6.9 billion in 2024. The allocation of resources to missile technologies and tactical arms is reaching new heights, which drives the solid defense segment. The segment containing missiles is increasing alongside the sector that produces solid rocket motors. Solid propulsion guarantees rapid response and high reliability with little maintenance, which is needed in most modern applications. The evolution of army forces paired with threats to regional security persist in raising demand in that area.
   
• The space agencies segment accounted for USD 1.9 billion in 2023. Space agencies serve as one of the most prominent market segments that utilize solid rocket motors to launch satellites and for deep-space undertakings. Various mission profiles can be supported due to their reliability, cost-efficiency, and simplicity. Solid propulsion is being more widely adopted for suborbital and orbital missions by national space programs, further bolstering this segment’s importance alongside an increase in space exploration and research activities.
   

• In 2024, the U.S. solid rocket motors market accounted for USD 3.1 billion. The market for solid rocket motors in the USA is robust because of the high military expenditure, missile systems under development, and advanced space exploration activities. Innovations are made by major companies such as Northrop Grumman and Aerojet Rocketdyne which aid the military and NASA in satellite and missile launching activities.
   
• The Germany solid rocket motors market is expected to reach USD 836 million by 2034. The country's market is mostly focused on defense, as provided by its commitments in NATO and spending on modernization of missile systems. Competition in the European segment of the space industry also aids in generating market demand, especially concerning solid rocket motors for satellite launching through ESA programs and industrial cooperation.
   
• The China solid rocket motors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period. The market for China is expanding at an astonishing level due to the growth of military expenditures and an ever-developing space program spearheaded by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). Solid propellant missiles and launch vehicles demonstrate indigenously developed technology, indicative of China's overarching policy of self-sufficiency concerning national defense as well as in commercialized space ventures.
   
• Japan is expected to account for a share of 7.9% of the solid rocket motors market in Asia Pacific in 2024. Japan’s market for solid rocket motors is significantly augmented by JAXA's active space exploration programs and growing modernization of military defense initiatives. Focus on missile defense systems, satellite and interplanetary vehicle launching has a steady, indomitable requirement of high-performance domestically manufactured propulsion systems.
   
• South Korea solid rocket motors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period. Through enhancements on defense, alongside the deployment of satellites, South Korea is progressing in the market of solid rocket motors. This stems from domestic indigenously developed missiles and the expansion of South Korea’s spatial capabilities upgrades by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) regarding the focus towards aid with regard to self-sufficient technological defense bolster with emphasis on solid propellant.
   

Solid Rocket Motors Market Share

The market is competitive and highly fragmented with the presence of established global players as well as local players and startups. The top 4 companies in the global solid rocket motors industry are L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Northrop Grumman, ROKETSAN, and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., collectively accounting for a share of 63.0%. Prominent solid rocket motors market participants deepen their positions using sophisticated defense contracts, advanced propulsion systems, and systems integration manufacturing. Their innovation and reliability supports leadership throughout the world in missile systems and space launch vehicle applications.
 

Asian and European regional manufacturers are increasing investment in the domestic production and high-tech import reliance. Government programs and alliances are accelerating competitiveness, especially in the emerging defense and commercial space markets.
 

Mergers and acquisitions alongside vertical long-term supply contracts intensify competition further. Companies focus on expanding R&D and production units to meet the growing world demand, with new missile systems and higher level of propulsion superiority.
 

Solid Rocket Motors Market Companies

Top 4 companies operating in the solid rocket motors industry are:

• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
• Northrop Grumman
• ROKETSAN
• RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
   
• L3Harris pays particular attention to innovation and advancement in propulsion technologies, as well as the further development of its defense portfolio from contracts. Emphasis on modular solid rocket motors and their integration with missile systems enhances domestic and international market competition. Also, it is expanding its business in countries. For instance, in February 2025 L3Harris announced the expansion of solid rocket motor production with four new facilities at its Camden, Arkansas site, supported by a USD 215.6 million Defense Department cooperative agreement. The modernization will increase capacity and efficiency to meet rising missile demand, with further expansions planned in Virginia and Alabama.
   
• Northrop Grumman company is investing extensively in new R&D projects aiming to improve the performance and dependability of solid rocket motors. The company's position in the market is highlighted due to its enduring alliances and vertically integrated procurement and production strategies in regard to missile propulsion systems and space launch vehicles.
   
• Export market expansion alongside indigenous technology development is crucial for ROKETSAN Company. The achievement of the corporation in the defense industry of the region in missile and space launch systems is owed to integration with the national defense industry and equity accumulation in sophisticated solid propulsion systems.
   
• Advanced missile systems require new solid propulsion innovations, and RAFAEL is concentrating on these areas. The company has partnered with domestic defense contractors and invests heavily in R&D to build fuel and propulsion systems, making it a key competitor in regional and global defense markets.
   

Solid Rocket Motors Industry News

• In October 2024, Anduril Industries announced a partnership with FlackTek to develop the Mega FlackTek, an advanced bladeless mixer revolutionizing solid rocket motor production. This technology significantly boosts propellant manufacturing speed and throughput, enabling Anduril to scale solid rocket motor output efficiently, supporting critical defense programs and meeting growing Department of Defense demand with enhanced safety and precision.
   
• In October 2024, Avio USA announced a partnership with ACMI Properties to design its first U.S. solid rocket motor production facility. Targeting multiple solid motor types for defense, space, and aerospace, the project supports rising demand and aims to boost U.S. industrial capacity. Location evaluation is underway, with site selection expected by mid-2025, creating high-paying jobs and strengthening national security.
   
• In August 2024, Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics signed a strategic teaming agreement to strengthen domestic production of solid rocket motors, enhancing supply chain resiliency. Initial efforts will focus on manufacturing motors for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) at General Dynamics’ Camden facility from 2025. This collaboration aims to increase production scale, affordability, and reliability of critical solid propulsion systems.
   

This solid rocket motors market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Launch Platform

• Airborne
• Ground-based
• Naval

Market, By Application

• Satellite launch vehicles
• Missiles

Market, By End Use

• Defense
• Space agencies
• Commercial space

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
  • ANZ 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa