Press Release
Contact: Dean Lockwood, Weapons Systems Analyst
Phone: (203) 426-0800
Fax: (203) 426-1964
Web site: www.forecast1.com
E-mail: dean.lockwood@forecast1.com
Forecast International, Inc.
22 Commerce Rd. Newtown, CT 06470 USA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Samsung Techwin Emerges as the Rising Star of the
Self-Propelled Artillery Market
NEWTOWN, Conn. (May 20, 2005) ― The international market for self-propelled artillery remains
robust. In its annual analysis "The World Market for Self-Propelled
Artillery Systems" the Forecast International Weapons Group forecasts the
international market will produce over 4,200 self-propelled artillery systems
-- worth in excess of $13.99 billion -- over the coming 10‑year forecast
period.
In terms of technical trends, most developmental efforts
currently concentrate on three main areas: self-propulsion, ordnance and
ammunition standardization, and ammunition development. The various players in
the international market are adapting to an evolving market environment, precipitated
by the end of the Cold War and the emergence of new threat scenarios and
military doctrines. Dean Lockwood, a weapons systems analyst at Forecast
International, notes that the days of the U.S. and Europe dominating new
production in the international self-propelled artillery market appear to be
long gone. The international weapons glut and the influx of new players have
combined to shift control of the market away from the traditional U.S. and
European players. However, these traditional players continue to dominate the
rather exclusive high end of the market, while the new players have effectively
taken over the significantly larger lower end of the market.
According to Lockwood, "The rising star of the
international market is now the South Korean firm Samsung Techwin."
Between licensed production of the M109A2 and production of the K9 Thunder,
Samsung Techwin has emerged as the most significant single player on the
international self‑propelled artillery market. Accounting for over 25
percent of all new production – worth over 33 percent of the total market value
– this relative newcomer to the market will, in effect, carry the market for
the next decade with its existing domestic and Turkish contracts.
Nevertheless, the U.S. and European players continue to make
their presence felt. The NATO-standard 155mm ordnance and ammunition, the
state-of-the-art Panzerhaubitze 2000, and the ever-popular M109 series
continue to set the standard for self-propelled artillery design.
Despite the international glut of self-propelled artillery
systems and the uncertainties of the post-Cold War world, the international
self-propelled artillery market remains a vibrant, dynamic environment. New
threat scenarios and transformational military doctrines continue to provide
ample opportunities in this evolving market. Operation Iraqi Freedom
(2003-present) has clearly demonstrated the continuing role of self-propelled
tube artillery in modern ground combat operations. In an age of smart bombs and
tactical missiles, tube artillery remains the most cost-effective means of
rapidly delivering large amounts of munitions on a target within a 50-kilometer
(31-mile) range fan. Said Lockwood, "During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the
dust storms of March 2003 effectively neutralized and preempted most guided,
air-launched munitions. Yet, conventional tube artillery soldiered on through
the storms, delivering fire when and where the infantrymen needed it."
Forecast International, Inc. is a leading provider of Market
Intelligence and Analysis in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and
military electronics. Based in Newtown, CT, USA, Forecast International
specializes in long-range industry forecasts and market assessments utilized by
strategic planners, marketing professionals, military organizations, and
governments worldwide. To arrange an interview with Forecast
International’s analysts, please contact Monty Nebinger (203-426-0800),
monty.nebinger@forecast1.com
