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 the Rising Star of Self-Propelled Artillery Market

 

NEWTOWN, Conn. (June 8, 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 more than 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.

 

Forecast International Weapons Systems Analyst Dean Lockwood 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.

 

“The rising star of the international market is now the South Korean firm Samsung Techwin,” Lockwood said. 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.

 

“During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the dust storms of March 2003 effectively neutralized and preempted most guided, air-launched munitions,” Lockwood said. “Yet,” he added, “conventional tube artillery soldiered on through the storms, delivering fire when and where the Infantryman 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).