As per MRFR Analysis, the Global Light Weapons Market was valued at USD 12.614 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 20.1047 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.23% from 2024 to 2032. The market is driven by the increasing demand for high precision, lightweight designs, and compact weapon systems, alongside rising terrorist activities and armed conflicts. Technological advancements in weapon systems, such as guided weapons and various accessories, are also contributing to market growth. The heavy machine guns segment leads the market, while the defense sector remains the largest end-user, fueled by rising defense budgets globally.
Key trends influencing the light weapons market include technological advancements and rising security concerns.
Key players in the light weapons market include Arsenal JSCo (Bulgaria), Indian Ordnance Factories Organization (India), General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems (US), and Heckler & Koch GmbH (Germany).
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Increase in terrorist attacks to drive the market growth
The market CAGR for light weapons will expand as a result of an increase in terrorist attacks, armed conflicts, and other illicit activities. Terrorist acts involve violence or the threat of violence to terrorise many people, not just the immediate victims. Law enforcement officials utilize light weapons such pistols, rifles, submachine guns, assault rifles, and light machine guns to stop terrorist activities. Light weapons will be more in demand as terrorist activities, conflicts, and illicit activities expand to quiet them. For instance, the number of terrorist attacks climbed from 1.5% to 6.4% between 2019 and 2020 in the United States, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), an American think tank, raising concerns about a nation's security. Because of this, the market for light weapons will expand as terrorist attacks, armed conflicts, and other criminal actions become more prevalent.
Furthermore, a crucial trend that is becoming more well-liked in the market for light weapons is the advancement of technology. Warfighting, defending borders, catching criminals, and defining individual rights are all being shaped by technology. As a result of technological advancements, various accessories have been created to support guided weapons with high target hit rates. A few examples are fire control systems, lasers, night vision gear, targeting equipment, and equipment with laser rangefinders. For instance, China provided the QW-18A MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense Missile System) to the Bangladesh Navy in November 2021. The QW-18A MANPADS is an updated variant of the QW-18 that has electric-servo control actuators that will improve the guidance and flight characteristics as well as the air defense system's ability to counter supersonic cruise missiles. Thus, driving the light weapons market revenue.
The Light Weapons Market segmentation, based on type includes Heavy Machine Guns, Light Canons, Recoilless Weapons, MANPATS, MANPADS and Others. The heavy machine guns segment dominated the market. The heavy machine gun, also known as an HMG, can fire 500 to 1,000 rounds per minute and will continue to do so until the trigger is pulled back or the ammunition supply runs out. Steel and polymers, among other materials, are used to make these weapons.
The Light Weapons Market segmentation, based on technology, includes Guided and Unguided. The guided category generated the most income because guided weapons are more in demand since they are more accurate and can hit targets at a longer distance. However, the unguided market is anticipated to experience considerable expansion over the forecast period due to the rising demand for heavy machine guns and grenade launchers for military use.
Figure 1: Light Weapons Market, by Technology, 2022 & 2032 (USD billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The Light Weapons Market segmentation, based on operations, includes Crew-Served and Individual. The crew-served category generated the most income. A crew-served weapon is any weapon system assigned to a crew of two or more people performing the same or different tasks to operate at optimum operational efficiency, as opposed to an individual-service weapon, which only needs one person to operate at maximum operational efficiency.
The Light Weapons Market segmentation, based on end-user, includes Defense and Homeland Security . The defense category generated the most income. The increase is related to the rising costs in the global defense sector. Armed forces, naval forces, and air forces all use weapons. The market expansion is driven by rising defense budgets and military modernization programs in most of the world's nations.
By Region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The North American light weapons market area will dominate this market. It is anticipated that the region's market will rise significantly as a result of leading investments in the defense and special taskforce budgets, particularly in the United States, and increased development in the information technology sector.
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.
Figure 2: LIGHT WEAPONS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The Asia-Pacific Light weapons Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. The rapid increase in investment for defense and law enforcement organizations in the Asia Pacific region, which China and India primarily control, is positively impacting the expansion of the global market overall throughout the projection period. Moreover, China’s light weapons market held the largest market share, and the Indian light weapons market was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Europe light weapons market accounts for the second-fastest growing market share due to the growing defense industry in nations like Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and others. Additionally, it is predicted that throughout the projection period, expenditures in upgrading weapons and purchasing innovative light weapons in the region will fuel market expansion. Further, the German light weapons market held the largest market share, and the UK light weapons market was the fastest growing market in the European region
Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the light weapons market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, light weapons industry must offer cost-effective items.
Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the global light weapons industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the light weapons industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the light weapons market are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations are Arsenal JSCo (Bulgaria), Indian Ordnance Factories Organization (India), General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems (US) and Heckler & Koch GmbH (Germany).
An employee of the Indian government works for the Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS). Under the Ministry of Defence, IOFS officers are defense-civilian personnel with Group A Gazetted status. They run the Indian Ordnance Factories, enabling India to produce its defense products. In February 2022, an agreement to produce and supply Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missiles for the Indian Army's destruction of armoured vehicles with explosive reactive armours was inked with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for INR 3,131.82 crore (USD 413.50 million). A three-year duration is anticipated for the deal.
The US civil market, military and law enforcement markets are served by Heckler & Koch's design and production of small weapons and related equipment. Three engineers, Edmund Heckler, Theodore Koch, and Alex Seidel, established HK in Oberndorf, Germany, in 1949. One of the world's largest producers of small guns, HK has a product line for almost every type of product.
Arsenal JSCo (Bulgaria)
Indian Ordnance Factories Organization (India)
General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems (US)
Heckler & Koch GmbH (Germany)
January 2022 The Finnish Ministry of Defence has given the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command permission to purchase new weapon systems that will improve sniper accuracy and infantry section range. The semi-automatic Sniper Rifle 23 and the Designated Marksman Rifle 23 will be made by the Finnish manufacturer Sako.
September 2020 For the purpose of creating mobile rocket launcher systems for the U.S. Marine Corps and a foreign customer, Lockheed Martin Corporation and the U.S. Army recently inked a contract worth USD 183 million. For the U.S. Marine Corps, the business will provide 28 high mobility artillery rocket system launchers.
Heavy Machine Guns
Light Canons
Recoilless Weapons
MANPATS
MANPADS
Others
Guided
Unguided
Light Weapons Operations Outlook
Crew-Served
Individual
Light Weapons End-User Outlook
Defense
Homeland Security
Light Weapons Regional Outlook
North America
US
Canada
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Rest of the World
Middle East
Africa
Latin America
| Details | |
| Market Size 2023 | USD 12.614 billion |
| Market Size 2024 | USD 13.37084 billion |
| Market Size 2032 | USD 20.1047 billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 5.23% (2024-2032) |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| 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 | Type, Technology, Operations, 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 | Arsenal JSCo (Bulgaria), Indian Ordnance Factories, Organization (India), General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems (US) and Heckler & Koch GmbH (Germany). |
| Key Market Opportunities | Increasing defense spending, especially in emerging countries |
| Key Market Dynamics | Increased terrorist attacks Surge in drug trafficking as well as various criminal activities |
Light Weapons Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Light Weapons Market size was valued at USD 12.614 Billion in 2023.
The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.23% during the forecast period, 2024-2032.
North America had the largest share in the global market
The key players in the market are Arsenal JSCo (Bulgaria), Indian Ordnance Factories Organization (India), General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems (US) and Heckler & Koch GmbH (Germany).
The heavy machine guns category dominated the market in 2023.
The guided category had the largest share in the global market.
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