Expanded Light Weapons Industry Projected to Reach a Valuation of $23.8 Billion by 2033
The global market for light weapons is a dynamic and significant sector, shaped by geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and evolving military strategies. This article provides an overview of the key drivers and trends shaping the market, as well as insights into its size and growth.
Key Drivers and Trends
Several factors are driving the growth and development of the global light weapons market. One of the primary drivers is the rising geopolitical tensions and increasing cross-border conflicts worldwide. Regions such as Venezuela-Colombia, China-India, India-Pakistan, and Iraq-Syria are experiencing ongoing disputes, boosting demand for automatic and light weapons.
Technological innovations are another significant factor shaping the market. The integration of electronic fire control systems, digitized and customizable weapon platforms, and the adoption of 3D printing for parts manufacturing are transforming the market. Furthermore, the growth in demand for guided missile technology, such as infrared seekers and laser-guided systems, is supporting market expansion.
The increasing use of non-lethal weapons for military policing and asymmetric warfare is another rising trend, contributing to overall market growth as governments seek to reduce fatalities and collateral damage. Lastly, the growing civilian ownership and modernization of military and law enforcement forces worldwide are also driving market growth.
Market Size and Growth
The global automatic weapons market is projected to nearly double from around USD 9.99 billion in 2025 to USD 18.69 billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.21%. The small arms and light weapons market was valued at approximately USD 24.9 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach USD 43.4 billion by 2032, highlighting strong sustained demand. The global non-lethal weapons market shows even higher predicted growth, with a CAGR near 9.93% from 2025 to 2033.
North America's Dominance
North America leads the global market, holding a 38.8% share in 2023. Key players in the region include General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, SIG Sauer, Sturm Ruger, and many others. The region's dominance is due to its manufacturing base, innovation ecosystem, and substantial defense spending. Despite global competition, strict export regulations and complexities often keep market control within established North American firms.
Market Segmentation
The Light Weapons Market includes segments by Type: Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs), Grenades and Grenade Launchers, Mortars, Man-portable Anti-tank Systems (MANPATS), Man-portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), and Others. In 2023, the Man-portable Anti-tank Systems (MANPATS) segment led the market, securing over 27% share. The market also includes segments by Technology: Guided and Unguided, and by Application: Defense and Homeland Security, with the Defense sector holding over 75% share in 2023.
The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.90% between 2024 and 2033, with the Guided Weapons category dominating by technology type, accounting for over 62% of the market. The Global Light Weapons Market is projected to reach USD 23.8 Billion by 2033.
In summary, the global light weapons market is driven by conflicts, technological advances, and modernization, with North America maintaining its leading position due to its manufacturing base, innovation ecosystem, and defense spending. The market is expected to grow robustly over the next decade, influenced by both lethal and non-lethal weapon segments.
[1] Market Study Report LLC, "Global Automatic Weapons Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2020 - 2025)". [2] Mordor Intelligence, "Non-Lethal Weapons Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2020 - 2025)". [3] Grand View Research, "Small Arms and Light Weapons Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Rifles, Machine Guns, Handguns, Others), By Application (Defense, Homeland Security), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027". [4] Reports and Data, "Global Light Weapons Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2020 - 2027)".
Finance is a crucial aspect of the global light weapons market, as it enables market players to fund research and development for technological innovations, manufacture weapons, and secure contracts in various regions. The growth within the market is financed through investments from both private and public sectors, particularly in North America where key players have a substantial influence due to their strong manufacturing bases and innovation ecosystems.
Additionally, the rapid expansion of the market can be attributed to the rising demand generated by ongoing geopolitical tensions and increasing cross-border conflicts, which require the procurement of light weapons by various military and law enforcement agencies. As a result, investments in the global light weapons market continue to grow, fueled by the need for modern, efficient, and technologically advanced weaponry.
