Light Weapons Market

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 Global Light Weapons Market Industry is also shaped by escalating global security concerns, including terrorism and organized crime. Nations are increasingly focused on equipping their forces with effective light weapon systems to combat these threats. The proliferation of light weapons among non-state actors poses challenges for national and international security. Consequently, governments are investing in advanced light weapon technologies to enhance their counter-terrorism capabilities. This growing emphasis on security is likely to sustain market growth, as the industry adapts to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare and law enforcement.

The Global Light Weapons Market Industry is projected to experience substantial growth over the next decade. With a market value of 13.4 USD Billion in 2024, it is anticipated to reach 23.4 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory indicates a compound annual growth rate of 5.23% from 2025 to 2035. The increasing demand for advanced light weapon systems, driven by geopolitical tensions and evolving warfare strategies, is likely to be a key factor in this expansion. As nations continue to prioritize defense spending and technological advancements, the market is poised for a robust future.

The Global Light Weapons Market Industry is significantly influenced by the rise of asymmetric warfare, where non-state actors and insurgent groups utilize light weapons to counter conventional military forces. This trend has led to an increased demand for portable and versatile weapon systems that can be easily deployed in various combat scenarios. Governments are responding by enhancing their light weapon capabilities to address these emerging threats. The market's growth is indicative of this shift, as the demand for such weapons is expected to drive revenues higher, contributing to a compound annual growth rate of 5.23% from 2025 to 2035.

The Global Light Weapons Market Industry is experiencing growth due to rising defense budgets across various nations. Countries are allocating more resources to enhance their military capabilities, which includes the procurement of light weapons. For instance, in 2024, the market is projected to reach 13.4 USD Billion, driven by increased spending from nations prioritizing national security. This trend is particularly evident in regions like Asia-Pacific and Europe, where geopolitical tensions have prompted governments to invest heavily in modernizing their armed forces. The focus on advanced light weapon systems is likely to continue, contributing to the overall expansion of the market.

The Global Light Weapons Market Industry is affected by international arms trade regulations, which aim to control the proliferation of weapons. Compliance with these regulations can drive innovation and improve the quality of light weapons produced. Countries that adhere to strict arms control measures often invest in advanced technologies to ensure their light weapons meet international standards. This focus on compliance may lead to increased market opportunities for manufacturers who can provide high-quality, regulated products. As nations navigate the complexities of arms trade, the market is expected to evolve, reflecting the balance between regulation and the need for effective defense solutions.

Technological innovation plays a pivotal role in shaping the Global Light Weapons Market Industry. The development of advanced materials and smart technologies enhances the performance and effectiveness of light weapons. Innovations such as lightweight composites and integrated targeting systems are becoming increasingly prevalent. These advancements not only improve operational efficiency but also attract investments from defense contractors. As a result, the market is expected to grow significantly, with projections indicating a rise to 23.4 USD Billion by 2035. The integration of technology into light weapons is likely to redefine combat strategies and operational capabilities for armed forces worldwide.

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, Market Research Future 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.