Light Weapons Market Report by Type (Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs), Grenades and Grenade Launchers, Mortars, Man-portable Anti-tank Systems (MANPATS), Man-portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), and Others), Technology (Guided, Unguided), Application (Defense, Homeland Security), and Region 2025-2033

Light Weapons Market Report by Type (Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs), Grenades and Grenade Launchers, Mortars, Man-portable Anti-tank Systems (MANPATS), Man-portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), and Others), Technology (Guided, Unguided), Application (Defense, Homeland Security), and Region 2025-2033

Report Format: PDF+Excel | Report ID: SR112025A6443

Market Overview:

The global light weapons market size reached USD 14.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 21.2 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.19% during 2025-2033.

Report Attribute
 Key Statistics 
Base Year
2024
Forecast Years
2025-2033
Historical Years
2019-2024
Market Size in 2024
USD 14.4 Billion
Market Forecast in 2033
USD 21.2 Billion
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033 4.19%


Light weapons refer to a group of weapons that are designed to be used by more than one crew member but can also be used by one individual under certain conditions. They are predominantly used by defense forces in combat missions and naval operations. It comprises heavy machine guns, mounted grenade launchers, MANPADS (man-portable anti-defense systems), recoilless rifles, anti-tank missile launchers, anti-tank guns, landmines, mortars of lesser caliber, and anti-aircraft missiles. Technologies for guided weapons as well as unguided weapons are used in the production of these weapons. Some of the common materials used in the manufacturing of these weapons include steel and polymers. Defense and homeland security are two of the major applications of light weapons.

Light Weapons Market

Light Weapons Market Trends:

The market is primarily driven by significant growth in the military and defense sector due to the escalating demand for advanced weapons. This can be attributed to the increasing adoption of precision-guided firearms with advanced features, such as targeting, fire control, and advanced head-up display technologies. An increasing number of contracts for light weapons from military forces and homeland security are also providing a boost to the market. Moreover, extensive research and development (R&D) activities conducted by key weapon manufacturers are creating a positive market outlook. The market is also propelled by continual technological advancements in weapon manufacturing, such as the advent of an increased range of anti-tank missiles, integration of laser systems in light cannons, and incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) features. A considerable increase in terrorism, cross-border disputes, and political unrest between neighboring countries are further contributing to a significant rise in the uptake of light weapons. Some of the other factors contributing to the market include the low production cost of the product, the expanding military modernization programs, and the rising defense expenditure.

Key Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global light weapons market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country level from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, technology and application.

Breakup by Type:

Light Weapons Market by Types

  • Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs)
  • Grenades and Grenade Launchers
  • Mortars
  • Man-portable Anti-tank Systems (MANPATS)
  • Man-portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS)
  • Others
     

Breakup by Technology:

  • Guided
    • Laser Guided
    • Infrared Guided
    • Satellite Guided
    • Semi-automatic Command to Line of Sight
  • Unguided
     

Breakup by Application:

  • Defense
  • Homeland Security
     

Breakup by Region:

Light Weapons Market By Region

  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Australia
    • Indonesia
    • Others
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Russia
    • Others
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
     

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being BAE Systems plc, FN Herstal (Herstal Group), General Dynamics Corporation, Heckler & Koch GmbH, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Saab AB and Thales Group.

Report Coverage:

Report Features Details
Base Year of the Analysis 2024
Historical Period 2019-2024
Forecast Period 2025-2033
Units Billion USD
Segment Coverage Type, Technology, Application, Region
Region Covered  Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East and Africa
Countries Covered United States, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico
Companies Covered BAE Systems plc, FN Herstal (Herstal Group), General Dynamics Corporation, Heckler & Koch GmbH, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Saab AB and Thales Group.
Customization Scope 10% Free Customization
Post-Sale Analyst Support 10-12 Weeks
Delivery Format PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request)

Key Questions Answered in This Report

The light weapons market was valued at USD 14.4 Billion in 2024.

We expect the global light weapons market to exhibit a CAGR of 4.19% during 2025-2033.

The increasing rate of terrorism and cross-border disputes, along with the rising adoption of precision-guided firearms with advanced features, such as targeting, fire control, head-up display technologies, etc., is primarily driving the global light weapons market.

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had led to the implementation of stringent lockdown regulations across several nations, resulting in the temporary closure of numerous manufacturing units for light weapons.

Based on the technology, the global light weapons market has been segregated into guided and unguided, where guided currently holds the largest market share.

Based on the application, the global light weapons market can be bifurcated into defense and homeland security. Currently, defense exhibits a clear dominance in the market.

On a regional level, the market has been classified into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa, where North America currently dominates the global market.

Some of the major players in the global light weapons market include BAE Systems plc, FN Herstal (Herstal Group), General Dynamics Corporation, Heckler & Koch GmbH, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Saab AB, and Thales Group.

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Light Weapons Market Report by Type (Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs), Grenades and Grenade Launchers, Mortars, Man-portable Anti-tank Systems (MANPATS), Man-portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), and Others), Technology (Guided, Unguided), Application (Defense, Homeland Security), and Region 2025-2033
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