US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market Size to Touch USD 2,878 Million by 2025

The US research department explosive (RDX) market size was estimated at USD 2,787 million in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 3,934 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2025 to 2034.

Highlights of the US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market

• By type, the pyrotechnics segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024.
• By type, the explosive segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034.
• By end-user, the military segment accounted for a considerable share of the market in 2024.
• By end-user, the civilian segment is projected to experience the highest growth rate in the market between 2025 and 2034.

Industry Valuation and Growth Rate Projection

The US research department explosives (RDX) market is growing significantly from its current use in military and defense efforts. RDX or cyclonite is a high-velocity explosive used in munitions, missiles, and other weapons. The rapid reaction and energy make RDX an effective explosive. The research department explosives (RDX) market is like other chemical explosives markets in that both the U.S. government and defense contractors purchase or use explosives to make safer and more effective weapons. RDX is also a viable product for mining and construction relative to breaking and fracturing rocks. As global national threats are a problem and as U.S. defense spending continues to rise, RDX demand is on the upswing. Finally, both research groups are developing a cleaner RDX product, which has lower toxicity potential and lower environmental impacts.

What Are the Market Trends in the US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market?

The market trends in the U.S. research department explosive (RDX) market are characterized by the increase in defense spending, research into clean and safer explosives, and expanding manufacturing growth in the U.S.

• With the U.S. government spending money on defense, more RDX will be needed in bombs and weaponry.
• RDX is being used in smart bombs, missiles, and modern explosives, so there continues to be a demand for RDX systems for new military applications.
• U.S. acronyms are working on clean and safer RDX to eliminate most accidents associated with RDX and limit environmental damage and clean up.
• More and more RDX is being insider the U.S. to avoid potential supply chain issues and technology demands, and to keep manufacturing in the U.S. to maintain and support domestic national security.

What Are the Restraints in the US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market?

Restraints on the growth of the U.S. research department explosive (RDX) market arise from strict safety regulations, environmental issues, and supply chain issues.

• Strict government regulations pertaining to storage, handling, and transportation of explosives can delay production and sale.
• RDX is known to contaminate soil and water; the cost of cleanup has led some companies to avoid using RDX.
• Delay from the supply of raw materials or chemicals that are used to produce RDX can keep production from occurring or delay production.

What Are the Opportunities in the US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market?

The opportunities in the U.S. Research Department's explosive (RDX) market are associated with the new defense contracts, cleaner RDX technology, export to allies, and use in space missions.

• Winning U.S. Army and Navy contracts can expand and increase the revenues for RDX companies.
• Making "green" RDX will attract more customers and comply with the new environmental regulations.
• The United States is able to manufacture RDX and sell it to allied countries for defense, expanding new markets.
• RDX could be a candidate for use in space rockets or testing systems, which are expanding rapidly in the United States.

Recent Developments in the US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market:

• In April 2025, over two years, London escalated its production of RDX and 155 mm artillery shells to reduce dependence on U.S. and French suppliers. BAE Systems announced its first-ever containerized automated RDX plant at 100 tons per year and opened a new Welsh shell factory, expected to be operational by summer.
• In April 2025, Estonia announced its plans to create state-owned Hexest AS to build an RDX explosives factory near Pärnu. With the factory slated to open in 2028 and with an anticipated production capacity of 600 t of RDX per year for domestic munitions, and to support European allies.

US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market Share, By Type, 2024 (%)

• Explosives – Holds 60.14% of the 2024 market, representing core high-energy materials used across defense and demolition. Dominates due to extensive military use, proven reliability, and large-scale procurement programs.
• Pyrotechnics – Accounts for 25.01% of the 2024 market, covering ignition, signaling, and flare-based applications. Gaining momentum as demand rises for advanced signaling and training systems.
• Others – Represents 14.85% of the 2024 market, including specialty formulations and low-volume RDX-based compounds. Does not dominate because of niche applications and limited operational usage.

US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market Share, By End-Use, 2024 (%)

• Military – Holds 69.99% of the 2024 market, driven by ammunition, warheads, and strategic explosive applications. Dominates due to heavy defense expenditure and sustained demand for high-performance energetic materials.
• Civilian – Accounts for 30.01% of the 2024 market, used in mining, infrastructure blasting, and controlled demolitions. Does not dominate as civilian applications require smaller volumes and face tighter regulations.

US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market Share, By Form, 2024 (%)

• Granular – Holds 30% of the 2024 market, widely used for propellants and explosive filling. Gaining momentum due to its compatibility with multiple manufacturing processes.
• Castable – Accounts for 25.01% of the 2024 market, used in molded explosive charges. Does not dominate due to more specialized usage and slower adoption compared to PBX formulations.
• Plastic-bonded explosives (PBX) – Represents 35% of the 2024 market, offering high stability and superior performance. Dominates as modern defense systems favor safer, more adaptable explosive materials.
• Cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine mixtures – Holds 9.99% of the 2024 market, used in legacy and specialized formulations. Does not dominate due to limited modernization and lower adoption in new systems.

US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market Share, By Sales Channel, 2024 (%)

• Domestic – Represents 55% of the 2024 market, reflecting in-country procurement for defense and critical industries. Dominates due to strong national security demand and local production capability.
• International – Accounts for 45% of the 2024 market, driven by exports to allied nations. Gaining momentum as global defense partnerships expand and demand for high-quality RDX increases.

US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market Companies:

• BAE Systems
• Dyno Nobel
• EPC Groupe
• Mil-Spec Industries Corporation
• Austin Powder Company
• Orica Limited
• Chemring Group PLC

US Research Department Explosive (RDX) Market Segmentation:

By Type

• Explosives
• Pyrotechnics
• Others

By End-Use

• Military
  
  • Warheads
  • Booster material
  • Artillery, tank and mortar shells
  • Military Pyrotechnics
  • Detonators
  • Others
• Civilian
  
  • Mining
  • Fireworks & Pyrotechnics
  • Construction
  • Others

By Form

• Granular
• Castable
• Plastic-bonded explosives (PBX)
• Cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine mixtures

By Sales Channel

• Domestic
• International