International data and analytics company GlobalData has, in its latest report, predicted that the global market for military land vehicles will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% between now and 2033. This will mean that this market will achieve a total value of $31.3-billion by the end of this period.

The report affirms that this growth is being stimulated by the direct and indirect effects of the current Russo-Ukrainian War and by continuing border disputes, such as those between China and India, and India and Pakistan. Countries are and will continue to make investments in their military land vehicle capabilities to strengthen their defence and deter rival States.

The region that will dominate this activity will be Europe. A number of European countries have already launched major military vehicle upgrade and new acquisition processes. France and Germany, for example, are pursuing their joint Main Ground Combat System programme, which will replace their respective Leclerc and Leopard 2 tanks. Poland is acquiring M1A1 Abrams tanks from the US. And the UK is upgrading its Challenger 2 tanks to Challenger 3 standard and is acquiring different versions of the Ajax tracked and Boxer wheeled armoured vehicles.

“The integration of unmanned turrets, remotely controlled weapon stations, and micro-unmanned aerial vehicles along with increased automation in Main Battle Tanks and Infantry Fighting Vehicles will significantly improve combat capabilities and crew safety,” highlighted GlobalData aerospace and defence associate analyst Aamir Chowdry. “The use of advanced sensors, fire control and target acquisition systems, further enhances situational awareness and operational effectiveness on the battlefield.”

Other new developments being integrated on the latest generation vehicles now being acquired by leading military forces around the world include active protection systems (which intercept anti-tank missiles) and improved ceramic armour. “Due to rapid technological advancements, future military land vehicles are expected to feature integrated digital battlefield management systems, advanced sensors, and network-centric warfare capabilities, with a focus on survivability and teaming ability with unmanned ground and aerial systems,” he pointed out.