As per MRFR Analysis, the Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market was valued at USD 0.85 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.71% from 2024 to 2032. Key drivers include the demand for environmentally friendly and advanced technology in ammunition, particularly lead-free options for law enforcement. The market is bolstered by innovations in military applications and the increasing use of non-lethal weapons for crowd control and personal safety.
The less lethal ammunition market is experiencing significant growth driven by technological advancements and rising demand.
Key players include Safariland Group (US), Combined Systems, Inc. (US), Federal Ammunition (US), Nonlethal Technologies (US), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), and ST Engineering (Singapore).
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The considerable rise in the market for non-lethal weapons can be ascribed to the ability of these weapons to manage unlawful situations without causing casualties, which is driving the market CAGR for Less Lethal Ammunition. Innovative goods for military applications are increasing market expansion as a result of the thriving research efforts in manufacturing methods to include modern technologies in non-lethal weaponry. The military is deploying new technology such as high-power microwave weapons capable of destroying unprotected electronic systems, improved portable lasers for use against sensors, and directed energy munitions, among others, to blind sensors on unidentifiable aircrafts.
Additionally, developments in non-lethal technology offer promise results in terms of more effective conflict control with fewer injuries, hence stimulating market growth.
Furthermore, non-lethal weapons are used to safeguard the safety of notable personalities such as actors and political officials, among others. Electrical weapons, such as tasers, shock guns, stun batons, electrified sheets, and electric nets, are used to control mobs without endangering their lives. Laser interdiction systems and trilogy logs in tasers equipped with charge metering technique that measures and controls electric chargers to immobilize targets are considerably helping to market growth. Furthermore, the existence of market players and favorable government policies, including investments, are propelling the market for non-lethal weapons. Thus, driving the less lethal ammunition market revenue.
Less Lethal Ammunition Product Insights
The less lethal ammunition market segmentation, based on product includes rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, polyethylene/plastic bullets, oc/cs & smoke munitions, flash bang rounds, paintballs, others. In 2022, the rubber bullets segment led the market, accounting for more than 35% of sales. Furthermore, it is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period, as these bullets are the most common less-lethal projectiles employed by most security agencies in peacekeeping operations around the world. Rubber bullets are projectiles meant to provide a stinging hit that incapacitates protesters without killing them by entering the flesh, as metal-jacketed projectiles do. As a result, increased protests, riots, and political disagreements around the world are likely to boost future demand for rubber bullets.
The less lethal ammunition market segmentation, based on weapon type, includes shotguns, launchers, others. Â In 2022, the shotgun weapon type category topped the market, accounting for more than 54% of revenue. The category dominated the entire LLA market and is predicted to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period due to the popularity of the 12-gauge caliber among end-users and manufacturers.
Figure1: Â Less Lethal Ammunition Market, by Weapon Type, 2022 & 2030 (USD billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The less lethal ammunition market data is divided into four categories based on end user: law enforcement, military, self-defense, and others. During the forecast period, the law enforcement segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR. The growing militarization of law enforcement agencies worldwide, as well as an increase in political disputes and civil unrest, can be attributed to the growth of this segment.
By Region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. In 2022, North America dominated the market, accounting for more than 32% of total sales. Because of its huge defense-spending budget each year, the United States is the major contributor to less lethal ammunition sales in North America, resulting in increased acquisition of LLA for law enforcement and military agencies.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure2: Â LESS LETHAL AMMUNITION MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe’s less lethal ammunition market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the Chemring Group PLC and Fort Rheinmetall AG, among other well-known businesses, organisations, and agencies, are expected to fuel market expansion in the area. Further, the German less lethal ammunition market held the largest market share and the UK less lethal ammunition market was the fastest-growing market in the European region
The Asia-Pacific Less Lethal Ammunition Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2030. This is due to increasing crime and political issues in countries such as China, Japan, and India are expected to drive the demand for less lethal ammunition in the region. Moreover, China’s less lethal ammunition market held the largest market share, and the Indian less lethal ammunition market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
In April 2024, Cymat Technologies Ltd. received its initial commercial order from Nobel Sport for SmartMetal Stabilized Aluminum Foam cylinders, which would be utilized in non-lethal bullets. Nobel Sport is a French company that specializes in manufacturing a diverse selection of ammunition and related items for sports, law enforcement, and military clients. The initial purchase, intended for the French Armed Forces, consists of 21,000 cylinders and has a contract value of around $200,000. Thorough examination of these bullets has established them as being safer, more precise, and less detrimental in comparison to existing items in the market.
Non-lethal bullets are mostly employed for crowd management and as a deterrence in both civilian and military scenarios where the use of force that is not lethal is deemed to be the most appropriate approach. Although rubber bullets have historically been employed in such circumstances, there have been multiple occurrences where their utilization has led to severe bodily injury and deaths. Non-lethal bullets are mostly employed for crowd control and as a deterrence in both civilian and military scenarios where the use of force that does not cause death is deemed to be the most appropriate approach.
Although rubber bullets have historically been employed in such circumstances, there have been multiple occurrences where their utilization has led to severe bodily injuries and deaths. Consequently, law enforcement organizations and military forces worldwide are highly interested in discovering a suitable alternative. Cymat is delighted to announce that the order backlog for its architectural and design solution, AlusionTM, has exceeded $2 million. The company is especially satisfied with the geographical diversification of the order book, which suggests that the decline in global construction markets, primarily due to substantial cost inflation, is starting to decrease. In addition, Cymat's Chinese distributor has resumed restocking after a prolonged period of inactivity.
Leading market players are extensively spending in R&D to extend their product lines, which will help the less lethal ammunition market grow even more. Market participants are also engaging in a number of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide presence, with significant market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Less lethal munitions industry must produce cost-effective things to expand and thrive in a more competitive and expanding market climate.
Producing locally to reduce operational costs is one of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the worldwide less lethal ammunition industry to assist clients and expand the market sector. In recent years, the less lethal munitions industry has provided some of the most significant benefits to medicine. The Safariland Group (US), Combined Systems, Inc. (US), Federal Ammunition (US), Nonlethal Technologies (US), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), ST Engineering (Singapore), Security Device International, Inc. (US), Lemperd Less Lethal, Inc. (Canada), and others are among the major players in the less lethal ammunition market. Mergers and acquisitions amongst industry participants have recently helped the corporations enhance their market presence.
Rheinmetall AG, located in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a German automobile and armaments company. Its stock is listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange. In 1889, the Hörder Verein founded the Rheinische Metallwaaren- und Maschinenfabrik Aktiengesellschaft. Lorenz Zuckermandel (1847-1928), a banker and investor, was one of the founders and the first chairman of the supervisory board. Steel items, notably armaments, were manufactured by the business. Rheinmetall diversified during Germany's post-World War I disarmament, but by the 1930s, military production had resumed.
It purchased A. Borsig GmbH, a locomotive manufacturer, in 1933. In September 2022, The Rheinmetall Dermalog SensorTec GmbH will make its public debut at the InCabin tradeshow in Brussels on September 15, 2022. Rheinmetall Dermalog SensorTec GmbH is a joint venture between Rheinmetall AG, a technology company, and the largest biometrics company in Germany. The joint venture will present opportunities for collaboration with clients and industry experts while showcasing its initial innovations.
A TASER is a Conducted Energy Device that is used to immobilize persons so that they can be approached and handled in an unresisting and hence safe manner. Axon, previously TASER International, sells it. At 55 m/s (120 mph; 200 km/h), it releases two small barbed darts designed to pierce the flesh and remain attached to the target. Non-Law Enforcement Tasers have a range of 4.5 m (15 ft), while Law Enforcement Tasers have a range of 10.5 m (34 ft). The darts are linked to the main unit by a thin insulated copper wire and produce a modulated electric current that disrupts voluntary muscle control, resulting in "neuromuscular incapacitation. In February 2021, The San Jose (California, US) police declared the use of less lethal weaponry to control crowds in place of guns, rubber bullets, and batons. New TASER types, pepper spray, and tether launchers are among the new weapons that can be used to subdue attackers.
For instance, In October 2021, Non-lethal weapons were developed by an Indian company, Apasteron Pvt Ltd, to aid in warfare in situations where lethal weapons and ammunition are prohibited. The security forces from India stationed in the border areas will utilize the weaponry.
For instance, In September 2022, A strategic partnership to transform land defence capabilities has been announced by Helsing, the top European supplier of software and hardware for defence systems, and Rheinmetall, a seasoned, trusted partner of digitalized armed forces worldwide.
In October 2019, Rubber bullets were also deployed by Gauteng police to restrain union employees protesting outside Dis-office Chem's in Johannesburg.
Less Lethal Ammunition Market Segmentation
Less Lethal Ammunition Market by Product Outlook
Less Lethal Ammunition Market by Weapon Type Outlook
Less Lethal Ammunition Market by End-User Outlook
Less Lethal Ammunition Regional Outlook
| Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
| Market Size2022 | USD 0.85 billion |
| Market Size 2024 | USD 0.89 billion |
| Market Size 2032 | USD 1.2 billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 16.26% (2023-2030) |
| Base Year | 2022 |
| Market Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Historical Data | 2019- 2022 |
| Market Forecast Units | Value (USD Billion) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered | Product, Weapon Type, End User, and Region |
| Geographies Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World |
| Countries Covered | The U.S., Canada, German, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil |
| Key Companies Profiled | Â The Safariland Group (US), Combined Systems, Inc. (US), Federal Ammunition (US), Nonlethal Technologies (US), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), ST Engineering (Singapore), Security Device International, Inc. (US), Lemperd Less Lethal, Inc. (Canada) Condor Non-Lethal Technologies (Brazil), Less Lethal Africa (South Africa), MAXAM Outdoors S.A. (Spain), and Sellier & Bellot (Czech Republic), among others). |
| Key Market Opportunities | ·        Environmental and governmental regulations are strict. |
| Key Market Dynamics | ·        Increasing Political Disputes and Ricts. |
Less Lethal Ammunition Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The less lethal ammunition market size was valued at USD 0.85 Billion in 2022.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.71% during the forecast period, 2023-2030.
North America had the largest share in the market
The key players in the market are The Safariland Group (US), Combined Systems, Inc. (US), Federal Ammunition (US), Nonlethal Technologies (US), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), ST Engineering (Singapore), Security Device International, Inc. (US),
The rubber bullets less lethal ammunition category dominated the market in 2022.
The shotgun weapon type had the largest share in the market.
Leading companies partner with us for data-driven Insights.
Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report
Senior Research Analyst She has over 5 years of rich experience, in market research and consulting providing valuable market insights to client. hands on expertise in management consulting, and extensive knowledge in domain including ict, automotive & transportation and aerospace & defense. she is skilled in go-to market strategy, industry analysis, market sizing, in depth company profiling, competitive intelligence & benchmarking and value chain amongst others.
Get in Touch
© 2025 Market Research Future ® (Part of WantStats Reasearch And Media Pvt. Ltd.)
