This Light Weapons market report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The light weapons market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $13 billion in 2024 to $14.18 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to counter-terrorism operations, law enforcement needs, small arms proliferation, geopolitical tensions, firearms trade.
The light weapons market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $19.48 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to unmanned aerial systems (uas), biosecurity threats, global health crises, chemical and biological protection threats, demilitarization initiatives. Major trends in the forecast period include modular weapon systems, non-lethal weaponry, miniaturization and compact design, integration of electro-optical sights, remote weapon stations (rws).
The growth of the light weapons market is expected to be driven by an increase in instances of terrorist activities, conflicts, and a rise in illegal activities. Terrorist acts involve the use or threat of violence to instill fear on a large scale, with light weapons such as pistols, rifles, submachine guns, assault rifles, and light machine guns being used by law regulators to control such activities. As the occurrences of terrorist activities, conflicts, and illegal actions continue to rise, there will be an elevated demand for light weapons to address these threats. According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2023, the number of deaths more than doubled from nine in 2021 to 19 in 2022, with 11 of these occurring in the US during a terrorist attack. This trend contributes to the growth of the light weapons market.
The growth of the light weapons market is also propelled by the increasing defense budget. Governments allocate funds for military expenditures and national security through defense budgets, which support the research, development, procurement, and maintenance of light weapons. For instance, the Ministry of Defense in the UK reported a total government spending of $55.68 billion (£45.9 billion) in 2021-22, representing an increase of $4.36 billion (£3.6 billion) from the previous year. This rise in defense budget allocation contributes to the growth of the light weapons market.
Leading companies in the light weapons market are emphasizing product innovation, such as loitering munitions, to improve military effectiveness, safety, and operational capabilities. Loitering munitions are compact, unmanned aerial vehicles designed to hover over a target area and precisely engage specific threats. For example, in October 2023, UVision Air Ltd., an Israel-based defense technology firm, launched its new lightweight Hero-90 tactical loitering munition. This weapon is specifically designed for urban warfare and "around-the-corner" operations. It is ideal for special forces conducting pre-planned missions and for rapid responses to emerging threats. Additionally, it is tailored for mobile units, particularly those operating with armored vehicles, to identify dispersed enemy forces, especially in anti-tank scenarios.
Leading companies in the light weapons market are concentrating on technological advancements, such as fully automatic machine guns, to increase market share and gain a competitive advantage. Fully automatic light machine guns are lightweight firearms capable of firing continuously as long as the trigger is held, making them ideal for sustained fire in military and law enforcement contexts. For example, in February 2023, Caracal International LLC, a firearm manufacturer based in the UAE, introduced the CARACAL LIGHT MACHINE GUN 556 (CLMG 556) at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX 2023). Developed as the first machine gun in the UAE, the CLMG 556 emphasizes the end-user experience and incorporates advanced rapid prototyping and precision manufacturing technologies. It features a five-position telescopic stock, an adjustable cheekpiece, and a long rail for attachments. Additionally, it includes a fixed iron sight with range adjustment, a built-in bipod with adjustable height, and a hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel available in three interchangeable lengths (13”, 16”, and 18”) for improved durability.
In January 2023, NIOA, an Australia-based defense contractor, acquired Barrett Firearms for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition positions NIOA to manufacture and deliver world-class firearms and munitions globally, entering the US market. Barrett Firearms, a US-based light rifle design and manufacturing company, contributes to NIOA's capabilities in the light weapons market.
Major companies operating in the light weapons market include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Alliant Techsystems Inc., Rheinmetall AG, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Thales Group, BAE Systems plc, Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, FN Herstal Group, Heckler & Koch GmbH, Kalashnikov Concern, SIG Sauer Inc., Colt's Manufacturing LLC, Beretta SpA, Smith & Wesson Brands Inc., Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc., Taurus Holdings LLC, Savage Arms, Steyr Arms, IWI Ltd., Springfield Armory Inc., Ceská zbrojovka AS, Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH, Radom LLC, Serbska Fabrika Automobila, Arsenal Inc., Zastava Arms, China North Industries Group Corporation Limited., HS Produkt d.o.o.
North America was the largest region in the light weapons market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the light weapons market analysis report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa. The countries covered in the light weapons market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK and USA.
Light weapons are designed for use by a small crew or a single person, capable of being carried and operated by an individual. This category encompasses incendiary devices, crew-served kinetic firearms, and munitions with explosive capabilities.
The primary types of light weapons include Heavy Machine Guns (HMG), light cannons, MANPAT (Man-Portable Anti-Tank), mortars, MANPAD (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems), grenades, missiles, launchers, Anti-Tank Weapons (ATW), and landmines. HMGs, for instance, can fire at a rate of 500 to 1,000 rounds per minute, sustaining continuous firing as long as the trigger is held or until the ammunition supply is exhausted. These weapons are typically constructed from materials such as steel and polymers, utilizing technologies like guided and unguided systems. Light weapons find their main applications in defense and homeland security.
The light weapons market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides light weapons market statistics, including light weapons industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a light weapons market share, detailed light weapons market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the light weapons industry. This light weapons market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The light weapons market consists of sales of assault rifles, pistols, rifles, and submachine guns. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
The light weapons market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $13 billion in 2024 to $14.18 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to counter-terrorism operations, law enforcement needs, small arms proliferation, geopolitical tensions, firearms trade.
The light weapons market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $19.48 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to unmanned aerial systems (uas), biosecurity threats, global health crises, chemical and biological protection threats, demilitarization initiatives. Major trends in the forecast period include modular weapon systems, non-lethal weaponry, miniaturization and compact design, integration of electro-optical sights, remote weapon stations (rws).
The growth of the light weapons market is expected to be driven by an increase in instances of terrorist activities, conflicts, and a rise in illegal activities. Terrorist acts involve the use or threat of violence to instill fear on a large scale, with light weapons such as pistols, rifles, submachine guns, assault rifles, and light machine guns being used by law regulators to control such activities. As the occurrences of terrorist activities, conflicts, and illegal actions continue to rise, there will be an elevated demand for light weapons to address these threats. According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2023, the number of deaths more than doubled from nine in 2021 to 19 in 2022, with 11 of these occurring in the US during a terrorist attack. This trend contributes to the growth of the light weapons market.
The growth of the light weapons market is also propelled by the increasing defense budget. Governments allocate funds for military expenditures and national security through defense budgets, which support the research, development, procurement, and maintenance of light weapons. For instance, the Ministry of Defense in the UK reported a total government spending of $55.68 billion (£45.9 billion) in 2021-22, representing an increase of $4.36 billion (£3.6 billion) from the previous year. This rise in defense budget allocation contributes to the growth of the light weapons market.
Leading companies in the light weapons market are emphasizing product innovation, such as loitering munitions, to improve military effectiveness, safety, and operational capabilities. Loitering munitions are compact, unmanned aerial vehicles designed to hover over a target area and precisely engage specific threats. For example, in October 2023, UVision Air Ltd., an Israel-based defense technology firm, launched its new lightweight Hero-90 tactical loitering munition. This weapon is specifically designed for urban warfare and "around-the-corner" operations. It is ideal for special forces conducting pre-planned missions and for rapid responses to emerging threats. Additionally, it is tailored for mobile units, particularly those operating with armored vehicles, to identify dispersed enemy forces, especially in anti-tank scenarios.
Leading companies in the light weapons market are concentrating on technological advancements, such as fully automatic machine guns, to increase market share and gain a competitive advantage. Fully automatic light machine guns are lightweight firearms capable of firing continuously as long as the trigger is held, making them ideal for sustained fire in military and law enforcement contexts. For example, in February 2023, Caracal International LLC, a firearm manufacturer based in the UAE, introduced the CARACAL LIGHT MACHINE GUN 556 (CLMG 556) at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX 2023). Developed as the first machine gun in the UAE, the CLMG 556 emphasizes the end-user experience and incorporates advanced rapid prototyping and precision manufacturing technologies. It features a five-position telescopic stock, an adjustable cheekpiece, and a long rail for attachments. Additionally, it includes a fixed iron sight with range adjustment, a built-in bipod with adjustable height, and a hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel available in three interchangeable lengths (13”, 16”, and 18”) for improved durability.
In January 2023, NIOA, an Australia-based defense contractor, acquired Barrett Firearms for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition positions NIOA to manufacture and deliver world-class firearms and munitions globally, entering the US market. Barrett Firearms, a US-based light rifle design and manufacturing company, contributes to NIOA's capabilities in the light weapons market.
Major companies operating in the light weapons market include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Alliant Techsystems Inc., Rheinmetall AG, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Thales Group, BAE Systems plc, Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, FN Herstal Group, Heckler & Koch GmbH, Kalashnikov Concern, SIG Sauer Inc., Colt's Manufacturing LLC, Beretta SpA, Smith & Wesson Brands Inc., Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc., Taurus Holdings LLC, Savage Arms, Steyr Arms, IWI Ltd., Springfield Armory Inc., Ceská zbrojovka AS, Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH, Radom LLC, Serbska Fabrika Automobila, Arsenal Inc., Zastava Arms, China North Industries Group Corporation Limited., HS Produkt d.o.o.
North America was the largest region in the light weapons market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the light weapons market analysis report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa. The countries covered in the light weapons market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK and USA.
Light weapons are designed for use by a small crew or a single person, capable of being carried and operated by an individual. This category encompasses incendiary devices, crew-served kinetic firearms, and munitions with explosive capabilities.
The primary types of light weapons include Heavy Machine Guns (HMG), light cannons, MANPAT (Man-Portable Anti-Tank), mortars, MANPAD (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems), grenades, missiles, launchers, Anti-Tank Weapons (ATW), and landmines. HMGs, for instance, can fire at a rate of 500 to 1,000 rounds per minute, sustaining continuous firing as long as the trigger is held or until the ammunition supply is exhausted. These weapons are typically constructed from materials such as steel and polymers, utilizing technologies like guided and unguided systems. Light weapons find their main applications in defense and homeland security.
The light weapons market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides light weapons market statistics, including light weapons industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a light weapons market share, detailed light weapons market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the light weapons industry. This light weapons market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The light weapons market consists of sales of assault rifles, pistols, rifles, and submachine guns. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary2. Light Weapons Market Characteristics3. Light Weapons Market Trends and Strategies4. Light Weapons Market - Macro Economic Scenario Including the Impact of Interest Rates, Inflation, Geopolitics and Covid and Recovery on the Market32. Global Light Weapons Market Competitive Benchmarking and Dashboard33. Key Mergers and Acquisitions in the Light Weapons Market34. Recent Developments in the Light Weapons Market
5. Global Light Weapons Growth Analysis and Strategic Analysis Framework
6. Light Weapons Market Segmentation
7. Light Weapons Market Regional and Country Analysis
8. Asia-Pacific Light Weapons Market
9. China Light Weapons Market
10. India Light Weapons Market
11. Japan Light Weapons Market
12. Australia Light Weapons Market
13. Indonesia Light Weapons Market
14. South Korea Light Weapons Market
15. Western Europe Light Weapons Market
16. UK Light Weapons Market
17. Germany Light Weapons Market
18. France Light Weapons Market
19. Italy Light Weapons Market
20. Spain Light Weapons Market
21. Eastern Europe Light Weapons Market
22. Russia Light Weapons Market
23. North America Light Weapons Market
24. USA Light Weapons Market
25. Canada Light Weapons Market
26. South America Light Weapons Market
27. Brazil Light Weapons Market
28. Middle East Light Weapons Market
29. Africa Light Weapons Market
30. Light Weapons Market Competitive Landscape and Company Profiles
31. Light Weapons Market Other Major and Innovative Companies
35. Light Weapons Market High Potential Countries, Segments and Strategies
36. Appendix
Executive Summary
Light Weapons Global Market Report 2025 provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.This report focuses on light weapons market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
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Description
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for light weapons? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The light weapons market global report answers all these questions and many more.The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.
- The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
- The market size section gives the market size ($b) Covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
- The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
- The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
- The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.
Scope
Markets Covered:
1) By Type: HMG; Light Cannon; MANPAT; Mortar; MANPAD; Grenades; Missiles; Launcher; ATW; Landmine2) By Application: Defense; Homeland Security
3) By Technology: Guided; Unguided
4) By Materials: Steel; Polymers
Subsegments:
1) By HMG (Heavy Machine Guns): .50 Caliber Machine Guns; 7.62mm Machine Guns2) By Light Cannon: Automatic Cannons; Low-Caliber Cannons
3) By MANPAT (Man-Portable Anti-Tank): Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs); Shoulder-Fired Anti-Tank Weapons
4) By Mortar: Light Mortars; Medium Mortars
5) By MANPAD (Man-Portable Air Defense): Infrared Guided Missiles; Surface-To-Air Missiles
6) By Grenades: Hand Grenades; Rifle Grenades;
7) By Missiles: Surface-To-Surface Missiles; Surface-To-Air Missiles
8) By Launcher: Grenade Launchers; Rocket Launchers
9) By ATW (Anti-Tank Weapons): Recoil-less Rifles; Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs)
10) By Landmine: Anti-Personnel Mines; Anti-Tank Mines
Key Companies Mentioned: Lockheed Martin Corporation; Alliant Techsystems Inc.; Rheinmetall AG; Raytheon Technologies Corporation; Thales Group
Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita.
Data Segmentation: Country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.
Companies Mentioned
Some of the major companies featured in this Light Weapons market report include:- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Alliant Techsystems Inc.
- Rheinmetall AG
- Raytheon Technologies Corporation
- Thales Group
- BAE Systems plc
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- General Dynamics Corporation
- FN Herstal Group
- Heckler & Koch GmbH
- Kalashnikov Concern
- SIG Sauer Inc.
- Colt's Manufacturing LLC
- Beretta SpA
- Smith & Wesson Brands Inc.
- Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc.
- Taurus Holdings LLC
- Savage Arms
- Steyr Arms
- IWI Ltd.
- Springfield Armory Inc.
- Ceská zbrojovka AS
- Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH
- Radom LLC
- Serbska Fabrika Automobila
- Arsenal Inc.
- Zastava Arms
- China North Industries Group Corporation Limited.
- HS Produkt d.o.o.
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 200 |
| Published | February 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 - 2029 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 14.18 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 19.48 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 8.3% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
| No. of Companies Mentioned | 30 |
