Light Weapons Market Report 2026

Light Weapons Market Overview

• Light Weapons market size has reached to $14.12 billion in 2025 • Expected to grow to $20.66 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% • Growth Driver: Rising Terrorist Activities Drive Growth In The Light Weapons Market • Market Trend: Tech Revolution Transforms Light Weapons Market • North America was the largest region and fastest growing region.

What Is Covered Under Light Weapons Market?

Light weapons refer to weapons designed for use by two or three persons serving as a crew that can be carried and used by a single person. These are incendiary devices, crew-served kinetic firearms, or explosive munitions. The main types of light weapons includes HMG, light cannon, MANPAT, mortar, MANPAD, grenades, missiles, launcher, ATW, and landmines. The HMG (heavy machine gun) are the weapons that can fire 500 to 1,000 rounds per minute and will keep firing as long as the trigger is pressed back, or the ammo supply is depleted. These weapons are made from materials such as steel and polymers technologies used in these weapons include guided and unguided. The main application of light weapons are in defense and homeland security.

What Is The Light Weapons Market Growth Forecast?

The light weapons market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $20.66 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising defense budgets in emerging economies driving new small-arms acquisitions, increasing demand for modular and customizable light weapons, integration of smart-sighting and fire-control technologies into rifles and pistols, tightening government regulations driving upgrades and compliance-driven replacements, growing adoption of lightweight next-generation materials to improve weapon portability and durability. Major trends in the forecast period include lightweight and modular weapon designs, enhanced ballistic materials and coatings, smart weapon integration and targeting systems, rapid deployment and portability features, advanced ammunition and munition types.

Global Light Weapons Market Segmentation

1) By Type: HMG, Light Cannon, MANPAT, Mortar, MANPAD, Grenades, Missiles, Launcher, ATW, Landmine 2) By Application: Defense, Homeland Security 3) By Technology: Guided, Unguided 4) By Materials: Steel, Polymers Subsegments: 1) By HMG (Heavy Machine Guns): .50 Caliber Machine Guns, 7.62mm Machine Guns 2) By Light Cannon: Automatic Cannons, Low-Caliber Cannons 3) By MANPAT (Man-Portable Anti-Tank): Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), Shoulder-Fired Anti-Tank Weapons 4) By Mortar: Light Mortars, Medium Mortars 5) By MANPAD (Man-Portable Air Defense): Infrared Guided Missiles, Surface-To-Air Missiles 6) By Grenades: Hand Grenades, Rifle Grenades, 7) By Missiles: Surface-To-Surface Missiles, Surface-To-Air Missiles 8) By Launcher: Grenade Launchers, Rocket Launchers 9) By ATW (Anti-Tank Weapons): Recoil-less Rifles, Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) 10) By Landmine: Anti-Personnel Mines, Anti-Tank Mines

What Is Driver Of The Light Weapons Market?

The increase in instances of terrorist activities and conflicts and the rise in the number of illegal activities will propel the growth of the light weapons market. Terrorist acts entail the use or threat of violence to instil fear in a large number of people, not only the direct victims. Light weapons such as pistols, rifles, submachine guns, assault rifles, and light machine guns are used by law regulators to control terror activities. As terrorist activities, conflicts, and illegal activities grow, there will be an increased demand for light weapons to mitigate them. For instance, in March 2023, according to Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2023, the number of deaths more than doubled, albeit from a low base from nine deaths 19 in 2022, with 11 of these occurring in the US during terrorist attack. Thus, the increasing instances of terrorist activities and conflicts and the rise in the number of illegal activities will contribute to the growth of the light weapons industry.

Key Players In The Global Light Weapons Market

Major companies operating in the light weapons market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Alliant Techsystems Inc., Rheinmetall AG, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Thales Group, BAE Systems plc, Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, FN Herstal Group, Heckler & Koch GmbH, Kalashnikov Concern, SIG Sauer Inc., Colt's Manufacturing LLC, Beretta SpA, Smith & Wesson Brands Inc., Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc., Taurus Holdings LLC, Savage Arms, Steyr Arms, IWI Ltd., Springfield Armory Inc., Ceská zbrojovka AS, Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH, Radom LLC, Serbska Fabrika Automobila, Arsenal Inc., Zastava Arms, China North Industries Group Corporation Limited., HS Produkt d.o.o.

Global Light Weapons Market Trends and Insights

Major companies operating in the light weapons market are focusing on technological advancement, such as fully automatic machine guns, to enhance market share and gain a competitive edge. Fully automatic light machine guns are lightweight firearms that can continuously fire rounds as long as the trigger is held, making them ideal for sustained fire in military and law enforcement applications. For instance, in February 2023, Caracal International LLC, a UAE-based firearm producer, unveiled the CARACAL LIGHT MACHINE GUN 556 (CLMG 556) at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX 2023). Developed as the first machine gun in the UAE, the CLMG 556 prioritizes the end-user experience and incorporates advanced rapid prototyping and precision manufacturing technologies. It features a five-position telescopic stock, an adjustable cheekpiece, and a long rail for attachments. Additionally, it includes a fixed iron sight with range adjustment, a built-in bipod with adjustable height, and a hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel available in three interchangeable lengths (13”, 16”, and 18”) for enhanced durability.

What Are Latest Mergers And Acquisitions In The Light Weapons Market? NIOA Expands Global Presence With Acquisition Of Barrett Firearms

In January 2023, NIOA, an Australia-based defense contractor, acquired Barrett Firearms for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, NIOA will manufacture and deliver world-class firearms and munitions to a global network and enter the US market. Barrett Firearms is a US-based light rifle design and manufacturing company.

Regional Insights

North America was the largest region in the light weapons market in 2025. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in this market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in this market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain

What Defines the Light Weapons Market?

The light weapons market consists of sales of assault rifles, pistols, rifles, and submachine 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.

How is Market Value Defined and Measured?

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.

What Key Data and Analysis Are Included in the Light Weapons Market Report 2026?

The light weapons market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides market statistics, including industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the market share, detailed market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the light weapons industry. The market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future state of the industry.