Small Arms and Light Weapons Market Report 2025

The small arms and light weapons market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $10.51 billion in 2024 to $11.25 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rise in disposable income, emerging market growth, increase in urban warfare, increase in domestic violence, rise in military expenditure and growing incidence of drug trafficking and terrorist activities.

The small arms and light weapons market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $14.02 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing defense spending and military modernization programs. Major trends in the forecast period include polymers to make light weapons and ammunitions, design upgradations and modularity for military-style weapons, use of 3-d printing technology for producing small arms, laser technology, day/night de camouflage technology for light weapons, and rise in mergers and acquisitions.

Increased defense spending is anticipated to drive growth in the small arms and light weapons market during the forecast period. Countries worldwide are investing in defense due to ongoing conflicts and rivalries. For example, in April 2024, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a Sweden-based research organization, reported that global military spending reached approximately $2.24 trillion in 2023. The United States consistently has one of the highest military expenditures, around $1 trillion. Meanwhile, military budgets in Asia and Oceania are rising due to increasing geopolitical tensions, totaling about $563 billion. Europe has also significantly boosted its military spending in response to security concerns, approaching $500 billion, while Africa's military expenditures remain relatively low at around $51 billion. Thus, the rise in defense spending is a key driver of growth in the small arms and light weapons market.

A rise in territorial activities worldwide is expected to drive growth in the small arms and light weapons market. Firearms and accessories are utilized for various purposes, including self-defense, law enforcement, hunting, and sports shooting. As territorial activities increase, the demand for small arms and light weapons is likely to rise correspondingly. For instance, in June 2023, a report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) noted that approximately 110 million people globally were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, and human rights violations. This includes about 36.4 million refugees (30.5 million under UNHCR's mandate and 5.94 million Palestinian refugees under UNRWA's mandate), 62.1 million internally displaced persons, 6.08 million asylum seekers, and 5.6 million Venezuelan refugees. Notably, around 90% of newly displaced individuals came from seven major crises in countries such as Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, Ukraine, and various Latin American nations. Thus, the rise in territorial activities globally is likely to propel the growth of the small arms and light weapons market.

Major companies in the small arms and light weapons market are increasingly focusing on strategic collaborations to enhance security measures and combat illicit arms trafficking, aiming for a more coordinated approach to arms regulation. Strategic collaboration refers to partnerships that leverage the strengths and resources of multiple entities to achieve shared objectives. For example, in February 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a U.S.-based UN agency, announced the launch of a joint initiative with the Ministries of Interior/Internal Affairs of Tirana and Pristina, along with the National SALW Commissions. This initiative aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation and enhance institutional frameworks for small arms and light weapons (SALW) control. The partnership seeks to address the challenges of illegal arms trafficking and misuse in the Western Balkans, focusing on capacity building, modern surveillance technologies, and improved data-sharing mechanisms among law enforcement agencies to promote regional security and stability.

Prominent companies in the small arms and light weapons market are channeling their efforts into introducing innovative products, such as the FN Hi-Power 9X19MM Pistol, to better meet the evolving needs of their customer base. The 9x19mm handgun, also known as the 9mm Parabellum or 9mm Luger, is a rimless, tapered cartridge commonly used in pistols and submachine guns. For instance, in May 2022, FN Herstal SA, a Belgium-based manufacturing company specializing in pistols, rifles, submachine guns, and machine guns, launched the FN Hi-Power 9X19MM Pistol. This handgun is designed to accommodate any user's hand shape, featuring an optimized grip angle similar to the Hi-Power, extensively researched to achieve the optimal comfort. The pistol's balanced design and narrow bore axis enhance control, especially for rapid follow-up rounds. The grip includes retention notches and three adjustable ergonomic coverings with multiple non-slip grip areas. It combines internationally proven solutions with unique patented FN features, delivering an ergonomic, reliable, and secure weapon suitable for both military forces and law enforcement.

In November 2022, Czechoslovak Group, a Czech-based defense industry machinery manufacturer, acquired a 70% ownership stake in Fiocchi Munizion for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition by CSG Group aims to expand its small caliber ammunition portfolio, supporting global development through fresh investments in existing factories. Fiocchi Munizion, based in Italy, is a company specializing in the development, manufacturing, and sale of high-end small-caliber ammunition for hunting, shooting sports, and security forces.

Major companies operating in the small arms and light weapons market include Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc, General Dynamics Corporation, SIG Sauer, Inc, Heckler & Koch GmbH, FN Herstal S.A., Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC, Thales Group, GLOCK Gesellschaft m.b.H., Israel Weapons Industry (IWI), Kalashnikov Group, Èeská Zbrojovka a.s, China South Industries Group (CSGC), China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (Norinco), Berette S.p.A., PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, Armscor, Guns & Tactics Ltd, Magnum Arms, Guns Galore, BNTI Arms, Athena Security Inc, Protection Development International Corporation.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the small arms and weapons market in 2024. Western Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global small arms and light weapons market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the small arms and light weapons market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the small arms and light weapons market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Canada, Spain.

Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) refer to a category of weapons designed for individual use. This includes personal firearms like pistols and rifles, as well as heavier weapons such as machine guns and portable mortars. SALW are employed by military forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilians, and they have the capacity to inflict significant damage in both combat and criminal scenarios.

The primary categories of small arms and light weapons are, indeed, small arms and light weapons. Small arms, commonly referred to as firearms or guns, are portable lethal weapons designed for individual use, capable of expelling or launching projectiles through explosive action. These weapons come in various calibers such as 14.5mm, 12.7mm, 9mm, 7.62mm, and 5.56mm. The firing systems are categorized as recoil-operated, gas-operated, and manual, while the actions of the weapons can be manual, semi-automatic, or automatic. Small arms and light weapons find applications in the military and law enforcement sectors, serving the defense, civil, and commercial domains.

The small arms and light weapons market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides small arms and light weapons market statistics, including small arms and light weapons industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a small arms and light weapons market share, detailed small arms and light weapons market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the small arms and light weapons industry. This small arms and 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 small arms and light weapons market consists of sales of pistols, rifles, submachine guns, assault rifles, and light machine 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.

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