Non-Lethal Weapons Market

Non-Lethal Weapons Market Size:

The global non-lethal weapons market size reached USD 9.0 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 14.8 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% during 2025-2033. The market is driven by enhanced military modernization programs, an increasing need for crowd control measures, a growing focus on minimizing civilian casualties, and the need for effective law enforcement tools to handle riots and protests. Technological advancements and growing regulatory support further favor market growth

Non-Lethal Weapons Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The market is majorly being propelled by the rise in global terrorism, the rising requirement for crowd control measures in civil unrest, the advent of military modernization programs, the increasing demand for less-lethal options in law enforcement, and the growing use of non-lethal weapons in peacekeeping missions.
• Key Market Trends: Some of the key trends in the market involve technological advancements in directed energy weapons, the integration of non-lethal weapons with unmanned systems, the introduction of non-lethal weapons that comply with human rights and international law, and the development of more effective and versatile riot control agents.
• Geographical Trends: North America leads the market due to high defense budgets, significant investments in law enforcement technology, and extensive research and development (R&D) activities. Additionally, the presence of major manufacturers and a focus on modernizing military and police forces contribute to the region's dominance in this market.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the non-lethal weapons industry include Byrna Technologies Inc., Combined Systems Inc., FN Herstal, General Dynamics Corporation, Intelligent Optical Systems Inc., Lamperd Less Lethal Inc., Mace Security International Inc., Moog Inc., Nonlethal Technologies Inc., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Textron Inc., and Zarc International Inc., among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Opportunities in the non-lethal weapons market include increasing demand for advanced crowd control measures, technological innovations, and expanding applications in military and law enforcement. However, challenges such as ethical concerns, strict regulatory frameworks, and the risk of misuse or overuse of these weapons pose significant hurdles to market growth.
   

Non-Lethal Weapons Market Trends:

Increasing Need to Control Crowd and Civil Unrest

The increasing incidence of protests, riots, and civil disturbances globally has heightened the demand for effective crowd control measures. Studies have identified significant risks associated with police use of crowd-control weapons such as rubber bullets and pellet guns. According to an analysis published in the British Medical Journal, out of 1,984 individuals struck by these weapons, 53 succumbed to their injuries, and 300 suffered permanent disabilities. The severity of injuries was notably higher when individuals were struck in critical areas. Law enforcement agencies require non-lethal options to manage large gatherings without causing permanent harm, maintaining order while minimizing casualties. The ability to de-escalate potentially volatile situations using tools like rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades is crucial for public safety and civil order​. For instance, in April 2023, the Springfield Police Department purchased several Bolawrap restrain devices, a new technology designed to restrain individuals using tethering mechanism. According to the department, this non-lethal weapon is particularly useful in situations involving suspects with mental health issues or addiction during enforcement calls.

Ongoing Technological Advancements

The demand for non-lethal weapons has surged due to their advanced features and capability to control riots without causing casualties. This demand has prompted defense organizations and key manufacturers to enhance their product portfolios with cutting-edge technologies. Examples of the latest products include laser interdiction systems, long-range acoustic devices, flash-bang grenades, and TASERs. For instance, the TASER X26P features trilogy logs and charge metering to control electric charges, while LRAD Corporation's acoustic hailing devices use electromagnetic sound waves for riot control. In April 2023, China introduced the CS/LW21 handheld electromagnetic launcher for riot control, capable of firing coin-shaped bullets using electromagnetic force. Additionally, Wrap Technologies’ BolaWrap device offers remote restraint without force, highlighting the trend towards innovative and cost-effective non-lethal solutions to enhance market growth.

Growing Terrorism and Security Concerns

The growing threat of terrorism and the need for enhanced security have spurred the adoption of non-lethal weapons. Governments and security agencies are investing in these tools to safeguard critical infrastructure, manage borders, and respond to terrorist threats without using lethal force. According to the 2023 Global Terrorism Index report produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), over 90% of terrorist attacks and 98% of related deaths occurred in conflict zones, with ten countries accounting for 87% of the deaths. Terrorism-related fatalities increased by 22% to 8,352 in 2023, the highest since 2017. In May 2024, the Air Force Security Forces Center (AFSFC) explored new non-lethal weapon options, collaborating with the Joint Intermediate Force Capabilities Office to deploy advanced technologies. Additionally, in May 2023, the Republic of Singapore Navy equipped its Sentinel-class vessels with Sitep Italia's multirole acoustic stabilized system. Moreover, in October 2021, Apastron Private Limited in India developed non-lethal weapons inspired by traditional Indian combat tools for security forces.

Non-Lethal Weapons Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, technology, and end user.

Breakup by Product Type:

• Gases and Sprays
• Grenades
• Bullets
• Taser Guns
• Others
   

Gases and sprays accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes gases and sprays, grenades, bullets, taser guns, and others. According to the report, gases and sprays represented the largest segment.

Gases and sprays represent the leading segment in the non-lethal weapons market size due to their versatility, effectiveness, and ease of deployment. These tools, which include tear gas, pepper spray, and other chemical agents, are highly effective in quickly dispersing crowds and incapacitating individuals without causing permanent harm. They are widely used by law enforcement and military personnel for riot control, self-defense, and in situations requiring rapid de-escalation. Additionally, the relatively low cost and ease of use make them accessible for various security applications, contributing to their dominance in the non-lethal weapons market share.

Breakup by Technology:

• Chemical
• Electroshock 
• Mechanical and Kinetic
• Acoustic/Light
• Others
   

Chemical holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the technology have also been provided in the report. This includes chemical, electroshock, mechanical and kinetic, acoustic/light, and others. According to the report, chemical accounted for the largest market share.

Chemical technologies represent the leading segment in the non-lethal weapons market due to their versatility, effectiveness, and ability to quickly incapacitate individuals or disperse crowds with minimal long-term harm. Chemical agents like tear gas, pepper spray, and other irritants are widely used by law enforcement and military forces for riot control, crowd management, and personal protection. These agents are effective in various scenarios, providing a quick and controllable response to subdue threats while adhering to ethical and legal standards for minimizing fatalities and injuries​.

Breakup by End User:

• Law Enforcement Agencies
• Military
• Citizens
   

Law enforcement agencies represent the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user. This includes law enforcement agencies, military, and citizens. According to the report, law enforcement agencies represented the largest segment.

Law enforcement agencies utilize non-lethal weapons due to their critical need for effective crowd control and riot management tools. These agencies prioritize maintaining public order while minimizing harm to individuals. They are also emphasizing de-escalation tactics during potentially volatile situations. For instance, the Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act of 2022 (LEDTA) authorized the Justice Department to allocate $34 million for developing a de-escalation curriculum. Additionally, the Act earmarked $90 million for local police departments to participate in de-escalation programs. Moreover, studies showed that de-escalation was linked to a 28 percent decrease in uses-of-force, a 26 percent reduction in citizen injuries, and a 36 percent decrease in officer injuries. Non-lethal weapons serve an indispensable role in these tactics by offering solutions to control suspects with minimal harm, thereby promoting officer and public safety.

In January 2022, KWESST Micro Systems Inc., a leading provider of next-generation tactical systems for security forces and personal defense, announced the launch of its new non-lethal product, the Low Energy Cartridge System, marketed under the trademark Para Ops. This innovative technology is set to transform both the non-lethal personal protection sector and the broader law enforcement market, providing advanced solutions for security and defense.

Breakup 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
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest non-lethal weapons market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for non-lethal weapons .

North America leads the non-lethal weapons market due to substantial defense and security budgets, allowing significant investments in advanced technologies. The region hosts numerous leading manufacturers and R&D centers focused on innovative solutions. Efforts to modernize law enforcement and military capabilities further drive market growth. Addressing civil unrest and security threats also promotes non-lethal weapon adoption by police and defense forces. For example, in February 2021, San Jose police introduced non-lethal weapons as a substitute for guns for crowd control, and in December 2020, Dallas City Council allocated approximately $7.7 million over five years for less-than-lethal ammunition and supplies, such as rubber bullets and tear gas. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the top three military spenders in 2020 were the U.S., China, and Russia, together accounting for 56% of the global total. Moreover, global military expenditure rose by 3.7% in real terms in 2022, reaching a record $2,240 billion.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the non-lethal weapons industry include Byrna Technologies Inc., Combined Systems Inc., FN Herstal, General Dynamics Corporation, Intelligent Optical Systems Inc., Lamperd Less Lethal Inc., Mace Security International Inc., Moog Inc., Nonlethal Technologies Inc., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Textron Inc. and Zarc International Inc.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• The non-lethal weapons market is characterized by intense competition among key players focusing on innovation and technological advancements. Major companies are leading the market with a broad portfolio of products ranging from tasers and rubber bullets to advanced directed energy weapons. These companies invest heavily in R&D to develop more effective and versatile non-lethal solutions. Additionally, strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and government contracts play a crucial role in maintaining competitive advantage. The market also sees competition from emerging players who bring novel technologies and cost-effective solutions, further driving innovation and market expansion.
• For instance, in September 2022, Rheinmetall, a trusted partner for digitized armed forces globally, and Helsing, Europe's leading provider of software and AI for defense systems, announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize land defense capabilities. Together, they will jointly develop software-based defense solutions and retrofit existing platforms, equipping armed forces with advanced, future-proof capabilities to tackle current and upcoming challenges.

Non-Lethal Weapons Market News:

• In January 2023, Byrna Technologies Inc. announced the establishment of a new subsidiary, Byrna LATAM, in Montevideo, Uruguay. This subsidiary will oversee the manufacturing, sales, and distribution of Byrna’s non-lethal weapons product lines across Latin America.
• In May 2023, the Baltimore Board of Estimates approved a five-year, $5 million contract with Axon Enterprise Inc. to supply the Baltimore Police Department with 1,200 new tasers. This expenditure extends an existing agreement and supports the department's efforts to progress toward meeting federal requirements for less-lethal force options.

Non-Lethal Weapons Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the non-lethal weapons market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global non-lethal weapons market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the non-lethal weapons industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.