The light weapons market is undergoing steady and sustained growth, driven by rising global defense budgets, border-security modernization, and the increasing prevalence of urban and asymmetric warfare. The market, valued at USD 13.4 billion in 2024, is projected to reach approximately USD 19.7 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 3.7 percent during the forecast period. Light weapons, which include small arms, anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs), man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), mortars, grenade systems, and lightweight rocket launchers, continue to serve as essential assets for both conventional armed forces and irregular combat units. Their portability, modularity, and growing precision capabilities ensure persistent relevance across land, air, and maritime domains.
Modernization initiatives across NATO and partner nations, strong procurement activity in Asia and the Middle East, and continuing conflict dynamics in Eastern Europe have accelerated the transition from legacy systems to advanced guided and lightweight weapon platforms.
Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=224024553
Governments are increasingly investing in soldier modernization programs that emphasize mobility, lethality, and survivability. Initiatives such as the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program, Europe’s defense capability funding, and India’s indigenous Make-in-Defense policies are reshaping infantry equipment standards. The market is also benefiting from the rising demand for precision-guided, shoulder-fired systems equipped with electro-optical sights, laser target designators, and improved fire-control mechanisms that enhance accuracy, reduce recoil, and support seamless battlefield integration.
At the same time, regional tensions and counter-terrorism operations continue to drive the acquisition of MANPADS, mortars, grenade launchers, and anti-armor systems, particularly in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. However, export restrictions under the Arms Trade Treaty and national licensing regulations remain key challenges for manufacturers, coupled with persistent concerns surrounding illicit arms proliferation in conflict-prone regions. While regulations create barriers, they also encourage investment in traceable, standardized, and digitally monitored supply-chain and end-user verification systems.
Innovation opportunities are expanding rapidly. The integration of AI-assisted targeting, network-enabled fire-control systems, composite material frames, and 3D-printed components is reshaping product development strategies. The shift from traditional optics to augmented-reality aiming devices is creating new aftermarket and sustainment revenue streams. Sustainability-driven manufacturing, including lead-free ammunition and reduced-toxicity primer compounds, is gradually becoming part of standard production processes. Digital simulation-based training environments are reducing ammunition waste and lowering operational costs while preserving readiness.
By segment, small arms maintain the largest market share due to continuous replacement cycles and standard troop deployment requirements. Anti-tank weapons represent the fastest-growing category as military forces replace older ATGM inventories with lightweight, fire-and-forget models optimized for rapid engagement. Guided systems increasingly dominate procurement decisions because they allow precise strikes with minimal collateral damage and improved operator survivability, although unguided systems remain relevant in cost-sensitive and low-intensity operations. Land platforms continue to account for the majority of deployment, particularly across infantry and armored units, while airborne and naval platforms show gradual adoption through multi-domain force modernization. Defense forces represent the dominant end-user segment, followed by homeland security agencies that procure adaptable systems for border control and counter-insurgency missions.
Regionally, North America remains the largest market due to continuous modernization by the U.S. and Canadian armed forces. Europe is experiencing increased growth under NATO rearmament programs and accelerated procurement following the Russia–Ukraine conflict. The Asia Pacific region is witnessing the fastest expansion, supported by rising defense expenditure in India, China, Japan, and South Korea, alongside joint manufacturing initiatives and domestic production mandates. The Middle East and Africa continue to prioritize infantry modernization and counter-UAS defense, while Latin America shows stable demand led by Brazil’s domestic weapons industry and regional counter-narcotics operations.
The market landscape features a mix of global defense corporations and specialized regional manufacturers. Key companies such as Lockheed Martin, Thales Group, FN Herstal, BAE Systems, Rheinmetall AG, Raytheon Technologies, Saab AB, Israel Weapon Industries, Heckler & Koch, and Nammo AS focus on modular weapon architecture, digital fire-control integration, and reduced-weight system design. Technology transfer agreements, co-development partnerships, and joint-production facilities are becoming increasingly common as nations seek to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce import dependencies.
Ask for Sample Report @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=224024553
Looking ahead, the light weapons market will continue to transition from hardware-centric procurement to interconnected battlefield systems. By 2035, the integration of network-enabled sensors, electro-optical guidance modules, and AI-supported targeting interfaces will redefine the operational role of light weapons. Manufacturers that combine innovation with export compliance, lifecycle sustainment services, and flexible supply chain strategies will secure enduring competitive leadership in this evolving global market.