The non-lethal weapons market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• In the past few years, there has been a substantial increase in the size of the non-lethal weapons market. It is predicted to rise from $8.22 billion in 2024 to $8.93 billion in 2025, with an 8.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Such growth during this time frame was largely due to the adoption of these weapons by law enforcement, their use in conflict zones, research and development efforts, and a significant shift in public opinion.
The Non-Lethal Weapons market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• Expectations are high for significant expansion in the non-lethal weapons market over the coming years, with predictions indicating growth up to $12.16 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0%.
This anticipated growth within the projection period can be linked to various factors such as increased investment in research and development, escalating security concerns, modernization of military strategies, public sentiments and activism, and tougher legislation on lethal force use. The forecast period is likely witnessing several trends including rising civil disturbances, upgrading of law enforcement, presence in humanitarian and conflict zones, increased public consciousness and advocacy, and the military's growing acceptance of non-lethal solutions.
The escalating levels of political quarrels and societal disturbances are fuelling the expansion of the non-lethal weapons (NLW) market. More than one person gathering with the aim of creating public disorder in response to an event is what we refer to as civil unrest. This can involve a myriad of actions, such as riots, armed resistance against the law, crossing borders unlawfully, violent protests or conflict, starting fires, burglary, or taking over public buildings. It however does not refer to peaceful protests. There has been a global increase in political altercations, hostility and societal upheaval, thereby enhancing the demand for safety solutions like non-lethal weapons. For instance, ReliefWeb reported in June 2023 that the count of conflicts not involving the state increased from 76 in 2021 to 82 in 2022. Similarly, Africa records the highest number of such wars, followed close behind by the Americas. Introductory findings imply that causes for this disruption involve the increase in lockdowns, restrictions imposed due to COVID-19, and growing strain due to an economic downturn. Therefore, the rising intensity of political disputes and civil unrest has been instrumental in driving the growth of the Non-lethal weapons (NLW) market.
The non-lethal weapons market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Product Type: Gases And Sprays, Grenades, Bullets, Taser Guns, Other Products
2) By Technology: Chemical, Electroshock , Mechanical And Kinetic, Acoustic And Light, Other Technology
3) By End-Users: Law Enforcement Agencies, Military, Citizens
Subsegments:
1) By Gases And Sprays: Tear Gas, Pepper Spray, Smoke Bombs
2) By Grenades: Stun Grenades, Smoke Grenades, Flashbangs
3) By Bullets: Rubber Bullets, Plastic Bullets, Bean Bag Rounds
4) By Taser Guns: Handheld Tasers, Conducted Energy Devices
5) By Other Products: Batons And Clubs, Restraint Devices, Non-lethal Explosives
Major companies in the field of non-lethal weapons have a targeted focus on the development and launch of non-lethal low energy cartridge (LEC) systems. Such systems serve the purpose of improving operational effectiveness and mitigating the possibility of fatalities during law enforcement and crowd control tasks. Non-lethal low energy cartridge (LEC) systems indicate ammunition engineered to incapacitate targets without inflicting fatal or permanent injuries. These cartridges are typically utilized in firearms specifically designed or adjusted to fire non-lethal projectiles. For example, in January 2022, KWESST Micro Systems Inc., a Canadian company, rolled out PARA OPS non-lethal low energy cartridge system. The functioning of an LEC system is characterized by a unique cartridge that works without gunpowder, compressed air, or CO2. The system uses a polymer projectile and self-stabilizing setup for ensuring accuracy, while keeping energy levels to a minimum. Designed to launch projectiles at velocities and energy levels significantly below lethal thresholds at around 17 joules, the cartridges are ideally suited for scenarios requiring the application of non-lethal force.
Major companies operating in the non-lethal weapons market include:
• Armament Systems & Procedures Inc.
• Amtec Less-Lethal Systems Inc.
• Lamperd Less Lethal Inc.
• Combined Systems Inc.
• FN Herstal S.A.
• ALS Less-Lethal Systems Inc.
• Axon Enterprise Inc.
• Condor Non-Lethal Technologies
• ISPRA by Ei Ltd.
• Nonlethal Technologies Inc.
• Pepperball Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Rheinmentall AG
• Safariland LLC
• United Tactical Systems LLC
• Zarc International Inc.
• BAE Systems Inc.
• Bruzer Less Lethal
• Byrna Technologies Inc.
• Genasys Inc.
• Mace Security International Inc.
• Mission Less Lethal Technologies
• PACEM Solutions International
• First Defense Technologies
• RTX Corporation
• RUAG Group
• SABRE Red Inc.
North America was the largest region in the non-lethal weapons market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the non-lethal weapons market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the non-lethal weapons market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa