Global Non-Lethal Weapons Market Expected to Reach USD 14.8 Billion by 2033 - IMARC Group

Global Non-Lethal Weapons Market Statistics, Outlook and Regional Analysis 2025-2033

The global non-lethal weapons market size was valued at USD 9.0 Billion in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 14.8 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2025 to 2033.

The non-lethal weapons market is experiencing robust growth due to escalating global security concerns, technological advancements, and the increasing awareness towards non-lethal self-defense tools. In line with this, the rising crime rates and public demand for safe yet effective personal protection solutions are stimulating the market. Also, manufacturers are focusing on innovation to cater to this growing demand. For instance, Byrna Inc. reported a significant sales surge of its Byrna Launcher in April 2024. The launcher gained wide acceptance, equipped with pepper and tear gas projectiles achieving a 100% increase in sales and adoption by over 300 U.S. agencies, including military partnerships. This reflects a growing preference among law enforcement and civilians for non-lethal alternatives to traditional firearms.

Besides this, the elevating consumer preference for compact and versatile self-defense products is further propelling the market expansion. In December 2024, HERO Defense Systems LLC introduced its HERO 2020 pepper projectile gun and AIIRO pepper gel weapon. These innovative products, combining chemical irritants and alarms, are increasingly popular for their ease of use and legality, driving market growth. These advancements signify the industry's focus on delivering safe yet potent non-lethal solutions for personal and public security. In November 2024, China unveiled the WB-1 directed-energy non-lethal weapon at the Zhuhai Airshow, underscoring the potential of directed-energy systems in anti-riot and naval applications. Developed by Poly Group, this millimeter-wave system boasts a range of up to 1 km, enhancing maritime enforcement capabilities. Overall, these innovations, combined with growing government investments and public adoption, are key factors fueling the market's expansion.

Global Non-Lethal Weapons Market Statistics, By Region

The market research 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 dominates the non-lethal weapons market due to advanced technology, significant defense spending, and the increasing demand for crowd control and riot management tools.

North America Non-Lethal Weapons Market Trends:

North America is leading the market, driven by significant investments in defense modernization and stringent public safety measures. Also, the region’s focus on equipping law enforcement with advanced tools for crowd control and de-escalation strategies bolsters the market growth. In October 2024, Arcflash Labs introduced the GR-1 Anvil Gauss rifle, a groundbreaking handheld non-lethal electric railgun priced at US$4,000. This device, capable of launching ferromagnetic projectiles at high speeds, exemplifies cutting-edge advancements in coilgun technology, specifically targeting law enforcement and military applications. In addition, strong government funding, well-established defense contractors, and growing concerns about public safety further consolidate the region’s dominance in this market.

Europe Non-Lethal Weapons Market Trends:

European countries like Germany are focusing on advanced riot control technologies due to the increasing public demonstrations. In addition, governments are prioritizing smart non-lethal systems, such as acoustic devices and electric tasers to manage civil unrest. Besides this, the European Defense Agency is investing in innovative crowd-management solutions for law enforcement. For instance, Germany recently adopted high-frequency acoustic devices for effective and humane crowd dispersion.

Asia-Pacific Non-Lethal Weapons Market Trends:

In Asia-Pacific, the rising border tensions between nations like India and China are driving the demand for non-lethal weapons. Also, countries are focusing on pepper spray drones and tear gas shells for border patrols and crowd management. In India, state police forces are actively procuring advanced stun guns and rubber bullet systems to tackle large-scale protests without causing permanent injuries, thereby reflecting the region’s focus on minimizing casualties.

Latin America Non-Lethal Weapons Market Trends:

In Latin America, increased crime rates in countries like Brazil are prompting law enforcement to adopt non-lethal alternatives, such as bean bag rounds and foam projectiles. Moreover, these weapons are gaining traction for their effectiveness in urban areas without risking fatalities. Brazilian police forces are integrating body-worn cameras and taser systems to modernize their approach to crowd control and improve public trust in law enforcement.

Middle East and Africa Non-Lethal Weapons Market Trends:

In the Middle East and Africa, countries like South Africa are investing in non-lethal weapons to manage growing urban crime and public protests. In contrast, law enforcement agencies are adopting chemical deterrents like pepper spray grenades and advanced rubber batons. In South Africa, recent government contracts have supported the deployment of new flashbang devices to enhance crowd control operations in densely populated urban settings while avoiding human rights violations.

Top Companies Leading in the Non-Lethal Weapons Industry

Some of the leading non-lethal weapons market companies 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. 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.

Global Non-Lethal Weapons Market Segmentation Coverage

• On the basis of the product type, the market has been bifurcated into gases and sprays, grenades, bullets, taser guns, and others, wherein gases and sprays represent the most preferred segment. 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.
• Based on the technology, the market is categorized into chemical, electroshock, mechanical and kinetic, acoustic/light, and others, amongst which chemical dominates the market. 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.
• On the basis of the end user, the market has been divided into law enforcement agencies, military, and citizens. Among these, law enforcement agencies exhibit a clear dominance in the market. Law enforcement agencies utilize non-lethal weapons due to their critical need for effective crowd control and riot management tools.