Small Arms And Light Weapons Market 2025

Small Arms And Light Weapons Market Size

The global small arms and light weapons market reached a value of nearly $9,731.64 million in 2024, having grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94% since 2019. The market is expected to grow from $9,731.64 million in 2024 to $13,185.90 million in 2029 at a rate of 6.26%. The market is then expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.33% from 2029 and reach $17,918.73 million in 2034. Growth in the historic period resulted from increasing defense budget, increased terrorism threats, rising military modernization programs, rise in civilian gun ownership and surge in drug trafficking. Factors that negatively affected growth in the historic period were the international arms trade treaties and stringent export regulations. Going forward, rising demand for lightweight and modular weapons, expansion of military training programs, growth in hunting and sporting activities and favorable government initiatives will drive growth. Factor that could hinder the growth of the small arms and light weapons market in the future include increased scrutiny on human rights and end-use and growing global gun control legislation.

Small Arms And Light Weapons Market Drivers

The key drivers of the small arms and light weapons market include: Rising Demand For Lightweight And Modular Weapons During the forecast period, the rising demand for lightweight and modular weapons are expected to propel the growth of the small arms and light weapons market. Lightweight weapons enhance mobility, making them ideal for military, law enforcement and civilian use, especially in rapid-response and close-quarter situations. The growing demand for modular designs, which allow customization through interchangeable parts. This adaptability is valued by both military forces for versatile operations and civilians for recreational purposes. Additionally, the adoption of these weapons by criminal organizations and private security forces is fueling the growth. The rising demand for lightweight and modular weapons growth contribution during the forecast period in 2024 is 2.50%.

Small Arms And Light Weapons Market Restraints

The key restraints on the small arms and light weapons market include: Increased Scrutiny On Human Rights And End-Use The increased scrutiny on human rights and end-use are expected to restrict the growth of the small arms and light weapons market, during the forecast period. In response to growing concerns over human rights abuses, many governments and international organizations have imposed stricter export regulations on small arms and light weapons (SALW), requiring thorough end-user verifications and risk assessments to prevent their misuse by oppressive regimes or groups involved in violations. Public pressure and reputational risks also push manufacturers to adhere to ethical standards, reducing market access in areas with questionable records. Growth affected by increased scrutiny on human rights and end-use during the forecast period in 2024 is -1.00%.

Small Arms And Light Weapons Market Trends

Major trends shaping the small arms and light weapons market include: New Advanced Defense Facilities To Boost Weapon Production Major companies operating in the small arms and light weapons market are focusing on expanding domestic production capabilities and investing in advanced manufacturing infrastructure to meet growing defense demands. The companies are looking to setting up advanced high-tech facilities to strengthen self-reliance, drive innovation, and enable the swift deployment of next-generation weapon systems. For instance, in February 2025, NIBE Limited, an India-based engineering and manufacturing company that operates in defense sector inaugurated a new Missiles & Small Arms Complex in Pune, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s defense manufacturing capabilities. The facility is designed to produce a range of advanced weaponry, including guided missiles and next-generation small arms for military and law enforcement use. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and precision engineering capabilities, the complex aligns with India's "Make in India" and defense self-reliance initiatives. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern infrastructure, the complex will focus on research, assembly and testing of high-precision defense equipment. Next-Generation Launcher Features Rapid Reloading And Programmable Rounds Leading companies in the small arms and light weapons market are prioritizing the development of next-generation semi-automatic grenade launchers to boost the versatility and firepower of armed forces. These advanced systems are engineered for greater accuracy, quicker reloading, and enhanced operational efficiency, offering a decisive advantage in modern combat, particularly in urban warfare and counterterrorism missions. For example, in October 2024, Barrett Firearms, a US-based manufacturer of firearms and ammunition, launched the Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS), a 30mm semi-automatic grenade launcher designed for the U.S. Army’s Precision Grenadier System (PGS) program. Weighing approximately 13.9 pounds and measuring 33.9 inches in length, the SSRS is engineered for enhanced maneuverability and rapid engagement of targets. It features a five-round magazine, semi-automatic operation and is compatible with various 30mm ammunition types, including airburst, anti-armor and counter-UAS rounds. The system is equipped with a Vortex XM-157 fire control optic, enabling precise targeting and programmable detonation of rounds.

Opportunities And Recommendations In The Small Arms And Light Weapons Market

Opportunities – The top opportunities in the small arms and light weapons market segmented by type will arise in the light weapons segment, which will gain $2,165.25 million of global annual sales by 2029. The top opportunities in the small arms and light weapons market segmented by action will arise in the automatic segment, which will gain $1,469.19 million of global annual sales by 2029. The top opportunities in the small arms and light weapons market segmented by caliber will arise in the more than 14.5 mm segment, which will gain $1,259.62 million of global annual sales by 2029. The top opportunities in the small arms and light weapons market segmented by action will arise in the gas operated segment, which will gain $1,706.14 million of global annual sales by 2029. The top opportunities in the small arms and light weapons market segmented by end-user sector will arise in the law enforcement segment, which will gain $1,782.83 million of global annual sales by 2029. The small arms and light weapons market size will gain the most in the USA at $102.55 million. Recommendations- To take advantage of the opportunities, The Business Research Company recommends the small arms and light weapons to focus on strengthening domestic production and high-tech manufacturing capabilities, focus on advancing semi-automatic grenade launcher capabilities, focus on integrating computerized small arms technology, focus on building strategic partnerships for product development, focus on strengthening production capacity through strategic investment, focus on expanding presence in the light weapons segment, focus on accelerating growth in the recoil-operated segment, expand in emerging markets, continue to focus on developed markets, provide competitively priced offerings, continue to use B2B promotions, continue to use B2C promotions and focus on expanding in the law enforcement segment.