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The global light weapons market attained a value of USD 15.45 Billion in 2025 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.30% through 2035. The market is further expected to reach USD 25.89 Billion by 2035. Sustained military modernisation, rising geopolitical tensions, and large-scale stockpile replenishment across NATO and allied forces are reshaping how armed forces, border agencies, and internal security units equip their infantry. Growing procurement of man-portable anti-armour systems, shoulder-fired air defence missiles, and optics-ready machine guns is encouraging manufacturers to expand capacity across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific.
Rising defence budgets and large-scale stockpile replenishment are the primary forces lifting demand for infantry weapons and their ammunition. At the NATO summit in The Hague in June 2025, allied leaders committed to raising defence spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035, with at least 3.5 percent directed to core military requirements, a pledge that is already translating into sustained orders for machine guns, grenade launchers, and man-portable missiles. Saab reflected this momentum with record order bookings in its year-end 2025 results, supported by strong demand for its ground combat portfolio of Carl-Gustaf, AT4, and NLAW systems.
The light weapons market is gaining further momentum as producers convert this demand into long-run capacity and precision capability. Rheinmetall's Weapon and Ammunition division posted record first-half 2025 sales of roughly EUR 1.32 billion, driven by orders for medium-calibre and artillery ammunition from NATO members and Ukraine. Manufacturers are prioritising optics-ready machine guns, programmable airburst grenade launchers, and fire-and-forget anti-tank systems to meet the shift toward digitally enhanced infantry firepower.
Manufacturers Producers are directing growth toward vertical integration and strategic partnerships to secure supply chains and expand production scale. In August 2026, Czechoslovak Group (CSG) reported continued acquisitions and joint ventures in its H1 2026 results, including completing its first Poland acquisition, DOMAR MS, and signing a framework agreement with Turkey's FNSS to establish Danube Defence Systems, a joint venture for producing medium-weight armoured vehicles for European and export markets.
Compound Annual Growth Rate
5.3%
Value in USD Billion
2026-2035
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FN Herstal introduced the FN MAG Tactical with Long Rail, an upgraded 7.62x51mm general-purpose machine gun that adds an 11-inch monolithic Picatinny rail for in-line day, night, and thermal optics. Announced from Herstal, Belgium, the configuration lets forces modernise existing FN MAG fleets already serving in around 90 countries. Companies can use such optics-ready upgrades to extend the service life of fielded machine guns and capture modernisation demand across the light weapons market.
Rheinmetall demonstrated its Squad Support Weapon 40 in a first live-fire event at its Unterluss test centre in Germany, presenting a magazine-fed, shoulder-fired launcher built for 40mm medium-velocity and programmable airburst ammunition with a reach up to 900 metres. Series production is scheduled for 2026. Companies can use such precision grenade systems to raise infantry firepower and meet growing demand for airburst capability across the light weapons market.
Raytheon, an RTX business, moved to double global production of the FIM-92 Stinger air defence missile by partnering with Diehl Defence to build the guidance section in Germany and complete final assembly in the Netherlands. The expansion adds a second production base for a shoulder-fired system in heavy demand against aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Companies can use such distributed manufacturing to secure supply resilience and serve allied demand across the light weapons market.
Olin Corporation completed the acquisition of the small-caliber ammunition assets of AMMO, Inc., adding a 185,000-square-foot facility in Manitowoc, Wisconsin to its Winchester Ammunition business, including brass shellcase capabilities. The deal broadens participation in specialty military and law enforcement calibres. Companies can use such bolt-on acquisitions to secure ammunition capacity and strengthen their position across the light weapons market.
Man-portable anti-tank systems are moving to the front of infantry modernisation as armies seek to defeat heavily armoured vehicles fitted with explosive reactive armour. In June 2026, Saab received a contract from France's Direction generale de l'Armement for its NLAW next-generation light anti-tank weapon, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2030 and options for additional units. On 3 July 2026, India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹52,000 crore, clearing a broad package of military procurement for the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) process — the first stage in India's defence procurement pipeline before tendering and contract negotiations begin Together these moves show how established suppliers are widening the reach of anti-armour capability across the light weapons market.
Shoulder-fired and vehicle-mounted air defence systems are drawing sustained orders as forces move to counter low-altitude aircraft and uncrewed threats. Saab signed a framework agreement with the Latvian Ministry of Defence for the RBS 70 NG short-range ground-based air defence system, booking an initial order worth about SEK 2.1 billion with deliveries planned for 2026 to 2030. The company also received a third order for its Mobile Short Range Air Defence system from Lithuania, valued at roughly SEK 1.4 billion. Rising demand for these systems is broadening the air defence segment of the light weapons market.
Producers are building large-scale plants to close the gap between demand and supply for infantry and artillery ammunition. Rheinmetall opened what it describes as Europe's largest ammunition factory in Unterluss, Lower Saxony, after a roughly EUR 500 million investment, targeting up to 350,000 artillery rounds a year once fully operational in 2027. In July 2026, the company advanced its Project Firepower expansion at Aschau am Inn in Bavaria to more than double gunpowder output by 2028. These investments are reshaping supply security across the light weapons market.
National governments are locking in multi-year framework contracts to guarantee ammunition availability for their forces. Rheinmetall signed a multi-year framework contract with the Dutch armed forces for the production and supply of hand grenades, extending existing agreements that already cover 40mm and 155mm ammunition. Earlier framework awards from Lithuania and Estonia, worth a combined EUR 33 million, covered 40mm high-explosive cartridges and splinter and offensive hand grenades for delivery from 2026. Such agreements give Baltic and Western European forces a dependable supply channel within the light weapons market.
Armies are pursuing precision grenadier weapons that can engage targets behind cover and defeat concealed positions. In January 2026, the U.S. Army outlined plans for a Precision Grenadier System, with formal requirements expected in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 and an award later in the year, reviving the counter-defilade capability once associated with earlier airburst programmes. Interest in programmable airburst and computer-aided fire control is expanding the grenade launcher segment of the light weapons market.
The EMR's report titled "Global Light Weapons Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035" offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Type
Key Insight: Heavy machine guns account for the largest share of the light weapons market, valued for their reliability and firepower across infantry, vehicle, and mounted fire-support roles. Reflecting this, the UK Ministry of Defence is set to award Heckler & Koch a decade-long, roughly £70 million contract for the L7A2 general-purpose machine gun, running June 2026 to June 2036. Grenades and grenade launchers remain widely procured for close combat, while mortars provide organic indirect fire, letting infantry units hit targets beyond line of sight without relying on external artillery. Man-portable anti-tank systems represent the fastest-growing type as armies rebuild anti-armour capability, and man-portable air defence systems are gaining ground as forces counter drones and low-flying aircraft.
Market Breakup by Guidance
Key Insight: Unguided systems dominate the light weapons market on account of their mechanical simplicity, lower unit cost, and mass procurement across infantry formations. Guided systems, spanning laser-guided, infrared-guided, and satellite-guided munitions, form the fastest-growing category as precision engagement becomes central to modern combat, illustrated by the US Army's August 2026 award to Kratos Defense for a next-generation Javelin infrared seeker. Infrared and imaging-infrared seekers are increasingly common in fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles, while laser guidance supports precision air defence and multirole missiles.
Market Breakup by Application
Key Insight: The defence segment leads the light weapons market, supported by sustained military modernisation and large-scale national procurement of machine guns, grenade launchers, and man-portable missiles. Homeland security is the fastest-growing application as border agencies and counter-terrorism units expand tactical capability, with US DHS weapons spending topping $144 million in the year to February 2026. Demand from law enforcement and internal security forces widens the customer base beyond conventional armed forces.
Market Breakup by Region
Key Insight: Regional demand in the light weapons market reflects both defence spending and security priorities. North America leads on the strength of its large defence budget and extensive foreign military sales. Europe is expanding as NATO members rebuild stockpiles, while Asia Pacific records the fastest growth on indigenous programmes in China and India, including PLR Systems' March 2026 delivery of locally built light machine guns to the Indian Army. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa add steady demand tied to internal security.
By type, heavy machine guns hold the largest share of the market on account of their broad deployment across infantry, vehicle, and mounted fire-support roles
Heavy and general-purpose machine guns anchor the light weapons market because they deliver sustained firepower across dismounted, vehicle, and platform-mounted roles. Manufacturers are focusing on weight reduction, optics integration, and belt-fed reliability to keep these systems relevant on a sensor-driven battlefield. At DSEI 2025 in September, FN Herstal presented its EVOLYS ultralight machine gun in 5.56mm and 7.62mm calibres, combining belt-fed firepower with the handling of an assault rifle for infantry and special operations units.
Man-portable anti-tank systems are the fastest-growing type as forces replace ageing wire-guided launchers and rebuild stockpiles depleted by recent conflicts. In March 2026, Rafael secured a sole-supplier contract from the Dutch Ministry of Defence for Spike LR2 missiles, part of a broader modernization deal expected to cover around 297 launchers and over 2,400 missiles for integration into the Netherlands' new Leopard 2A8 and CV9035 fleets. Fire-and-forget guidance and tandem warheads are becoming standard requirements, raising the value of each system procured.
By guidance, unguided systems dominate the market owing to their mechanical simplicity, lower unit cost, and large-volume infantry procurement
Unguided weapons hold the largest share of the light weapons market because machine guns, grenade launchers, mortars, and shoulder-fired rockets are procured in high volume and require limited training to operate. Their affordability and ruggedness make them the default choice for equipping large infantry formations, and steady demand for optics-ready but mechanically simple platforms keeps this category firmly in the lead.
Guided systems form the fastest-growing category as precision engagement moves down to the individual soldier. In June 2026, the UK Ministry of Defence awarded Thales a GBP 36 million contract for additional Lightweight Multirole Missiles, laser-guided weapons built in Belfast and used across land, sea, and air against drones and other threats. Rising counter-drone and precision anti-armour requirements continue to pull demand toward guided munitions.
By application, the defence segment leads the market through sustained military modernisation and large-scale national procurement
The defence segment accounts for most of the light weapon’s market as national armies drive procurement of machine guns, launchers, and man-portable missiles. Sustainment demand runs alongside new orders; in December 2025, the United States approved a USD 136.1 million Stinger service-life-extension package for the NATO Support and Procurement Agency on behalf of Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, covering flight motors, warhead sections, and technical support. Long procurement cycles and multi-year framework contracts keep defence budgets central to demand.
Homeland security is the fastest-growing application as border forces, national guards, and counter-terrorism units expand their tactical inventories. Suppliers are pairing combat weapons with less-lethal options; in a Statement of Work published in April 2026, US Customs and Border Protection outlined its FY2026 requirement for 40mm-launched specialty munitions, including riot-control and distraction devices, for use across CBP, ICE, and other DHS agencies Growing border-control and counter-terrorism priorities continue to broaden this segment of the market.
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North America accounts for the largest share of the market through a large defence budget, an established manufacturing base, and extensive foreign military sales
North America leads the light weapons market on the strength of the United States' defence budget, a deep industrial base, and steady foreign military sales to allied nations. Domestic programmes continue to feed demand; the U.S. Army awarded Saab an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract worth up to USD 494 million over five years for the XM919 Individual Assault Munition, based on the AT4CS confined-space tandem-warhead design. Continued investment in next-generation infantry weapons and ammunition capacity is expected to sustain the region's lead through the forecast period.
Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing regional market, powered by military modernisation and a strong push toward indigenous production. In January 2026, India's DRDO successfully tested its Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile in a top-attack profile against a moving target, and the Indian Army cleared the fire-and-forget system for procurement in April 2026, with Bharat Dynamics Limited set to lead production. Expanding defence budgets and self-reliance programmes across the region continue to support rapid growth in the region.
The global industry is becoming increasingly modernisation driven as major light weapons market players compete on optics integration, precision guidance, and production capacity. Firms are upgrading fielded machine guns for day and night optics, adding programmable airburst capability to grenade launchers, and scaling missile and ammunition output to meet allied demand. Strategic partnerships and distributed manufacturing are helping suppliers secure supply chains while serving customers across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific.
Major light weapons companies are also prioritising anti-armour and short-range air defence portfolios, framework agreements with national governments, and indigenous co-production to win long-run business. Opportunities are growing in counter-drone missiles, fire-and-forget anti-tank systems, and optics-ready infantry weapons. Suppliers that combine proven platforms with expanded capacity and precision technology are positioned to strengthen their standing over the coming years.
Founded in 1937 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Saab AB supports the light weapons market through its ground combat portfolio, including the Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle, the AT4 anti-armour weapon, the NLAW next-generation light anti-tank weapon, and the RBS 70 air defence system. The company has been expanding production capacity across its Swedish sites to meet rising demand from European and allied forces.
Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, United States, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, now operating as RTX, contributes to the light weapons market through its Raytheon business, which produces the FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air defence missile and co-produces the Javelin anti-tank system. In May 2026, the Javelin Joint Venture between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin delivered the first Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units to the US Army, reducing gunner-carried weight while maintaining target acquisition performance.
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Paris, France, Thales Group serves the light weapons market with its short-range air defence portfolio, including the STARStreak high-velocity missile and the Lightweight Multirole Missile, alongside 70mm rocket systems. The company has quadrupled missile production capacity at its Belfast facility to meet demand from the United Kingdom and allied nations.
Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany, Rheinmetall AG advances the light weapons market through its 40mm ammunition and grenade launcher systems, including the SSW40, and a broad medium-calibre and infantry ammunition portfolio. The company is investing heavily in new ammunition and propellant plants across Europe to expand output.
Other key players in the light weapons market include Northrop Grumman Corporation, Heckler & Koch GmbH, ARSENAL JSCo, and FN Herstal, among others.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Unlock the latest insights with our light weapons market trends 2026 report. Discover regional growth patterns, segment dynamics, and key industry players. Stay ahead of competition with trusted data and expert analysis. Download your free sample report today and drive informed decisions in the market.
*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.30% between 2026 and 2035.
Expanding missile and ammunition capacity, integrating optics and precision guidance, securing multi-year framework contracts, pursuing indigenous co-production, and broadening anti-armour and short-range air defence portfolios.
The key trends guiding the growth of the market include technological advancements, increasing demand for lightweight vehicles, and increasing adoption of smart weapons.
The major regions in the light weapons market are North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
Various types of light weapons are heavy machine guns, grenades and grenade launchers, mortars, man-portable anti-tank systems (MANPATS), and man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), among others.
The segmentation of the market based on guidance is into guided and unguided, with guided further divided by type into laser guided, infrared guided, and satellite guided, among others.
The primary applications of light weapons are defence and homeland security.
The major players in the market are Saab AB, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales Group, Heckler & Koch GmbH, Rheinmetall AG, ARSENAL JSCo, and FN Herstal, among others.
Light weapons are infantry portable weapons that are usually handled by two or more people and are used to shoot explosive ammunitions.
Small arms are weapons that can be used individually while light weapons are used by more than one person working together.
In 2025, the light weapons market reached an approximate value of USD 15.45 Billion.
The market is projected to maintain steady momentum and reach approximately USD 25.89 Billion by 2035.
Companies face strict export controls and end-use regulations, volatile raw material and energy costs, long qualification and production lead times, and the capital intensity of expanding missile and ammunition capacity while maintaining consistent quality.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Type |
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| Breakup by Guidance |
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| Breakup by Application |
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| Breakup by Region |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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