Explore Our Diverse Range Of Offerings
From detailed reports to experts services offered in 15+ Industry Domains
Report
Press Release
Blogs
Industry Statistics
Add 2 More Reports For 20% off

Light Weapons Market Report Overview

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.

Key Market Trends and Insights

  • Precision man-portable anti-armour systems and shoulder-fired air defence missiles are moving to the centre of infantry procurement, driven by lessons from recent conflicts and the need to counter armour, helicopters, and uncrewed aircraft across the light weapons market.
  • Optics-ready machine guns, programmable airburst grenade launchers, and modular fire-support platforms are gaining share as Western forces field digitally enhanced infantry weapons for faster target acquisition across the sector.
  • Capacity expansion and industrial-base build-out among European and North American producers are consolidating supply around large-scale ammunition and missile plants, reshaping the competitive structure of the light weapons market.

Market Size and Forecast

  • Market Size in 2025:USD 15.45 Billion
  • Projected Market Size in 2035:USD 25.89 Billion
  • CAGR from 2026 to 2035:5.30%
  • Fastest-Growing Regional Market: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


Read more about this report - REQUEST FREE SAMPLE COPY IN PDF

Key Trends and Recent Developments

Global Light Weapons Industry Segmentation

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

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

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

  • Guided
    • Laser Guided
    • Infrared Guided
    • Satellite Guided
    • Others
  • Unguided

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

  • Defence
  • Homeland Security

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

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East and Africa

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.

Global Light Weapons Market Share

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.

Read more about this report - REQUEST FREE SAMPLE COPY IN PDF

Global Light Weapons Market Regional Analysis

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.

Competitive Landscape

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.

Saab AB

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.

Raytheon Technologies Corporation

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.

Thales Group

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.

Rheinmetall AG

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.*

Key Highlights of the Global Light Weapons Market Report

  • Comprehensive evaluation of man-portable anti-tank and air defence system demand across major producing regions.
  • Analysis of optics-ready machine guns, programmable airburst grenade launchers, and modular fire-support platforms.
  • Detailed competitive benchmarking of global light weapons manufacturers and their capacity strategies.
  • Regional opportunity analysis covering established North American and European markets and fast-growing Asia Pacific demand.
  • Strategic insights into precision guidance, industrial-base expansion, and framework procurement trends.

Why Rely on Expert Market Research?

  • Industry-focused analysts tracking evolving infantry weapon technologies and procurement developments.
  • Research combining manufacturer strategies, defence budgets, and regional security priorities.
  • Robust methodology integrating primary interviews with verified secondary intelligence.
  • Actionable business recommendations supporting investment, expansion, and market entry decisions.
  • Forward-looking insights identifying emerging capacity additions and shifting regional demand patterns.

Call to Action

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.*

Key Questions Answered in the Report

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.

Report Summary

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.

Key Highlights of the Report

Please note that the figures mentioned in the description serve as estimates and may vary from the actual figures presented in the final report.

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:

  • Type
  • Guidance
  • Application
  • Region
Breakup by Type
  • Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs)
  • Grenades and Grenade Launchers
  • Mortars
  • Man-portable Anti-tank Systems (MANPATS)
  • Man-portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS)
  • Others
Breakup by Guidance
  • Guided
  • Unguided
Breakup by Application
  • Defence
  • Homeland Security
Breakup by Region
  • North America
    • United States of America 
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • ASEAN
    • Australia
    • Others
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • United Arab Emirates
    • Nigeria
    • South Africa
    • Others
Market Dynamics
  • SWOT Analysis 
  • Porter's Five Forces Analysis 
  • Key Indicators for Demand
  • Key Indicators for Price
Competitive Landscape
  • Market Structure
  • Company Profiles
    • Company Overview
    • Product Portfolio
    • Demographic Reach and Achievements
    • Certifications
Companies Covered
  • Saab AB
  • Raytheon Technologies Corporation
  • Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Thales Group
  • Heckler & Koch GmbH
  • Rheinmetall AG
  • ARSENAL JSCo
  • FN Herstal
  • Others

Datasheet

10 % Off

USD

2,499

2,249

Single User License

10 % Off

USD

3,999

3,599

Five User License

15 % Off

USD

4,999

4,249

Corporate License

15 % Off

USD

5,999

5,099

Datasheet

One User

USD 2,499

USD 2,249

tax inclusive*

  • Selected Segments
  • Printing Restrictions
  • Excel Spreadsheet Delivered via Email
  • Full Report
  • Periodic Updates
  • Post Sales Analysts Support
  • Unlimited Prints

Single User License

One User

USD 3,999

USD 3,599

tax inclusive*

  • All Segments
  • Printing Restrictions
  • PDF Delivered via Email
  • Custom Report Layout
  • Post Sales Analysts Support
  • Periodic Updates
  • Unlimited Prints

Five User License

Five User

USD 4,999

USD 4,249

tax inclusive*

  • All Segments
  • Five Prints Available
  • PDF Delivered via Email
  • Limited Free Customization
  • Post Sales Analyst Support
  • Custom Report Layout
  • Periodic Updates
  • Unlimited Prints

Corporate License

Unlimited Users

USD 5,999

USD 5,099

tax inclusive*

  • All Segments
  • Unlimited Prints Available
  • PDF & Excel Delivery via Email
  • Limited Free Customization
  • Post Sales Analysts Support
  • Discount On Next Update
  • Custom Report Layout

*Please note that the prices mentioned below are starting prices for each bundle type. Kindly contact our team for further details.*

Bundle Type

Flash Bundle

20% OFF Number of Reports: 3

Small Business Bundle

25% OFF Number of Reports: 5

Growth Bundle

30% OFF Number of Reports: 8

Enterprise Bundle

35% OFF Number of Reports: 10
Overview
  • Life Time Access
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours
  • Complimentary Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • Complimentary One Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary PPT Version of the Report
  • Complimentary License Upgrade
  • Complimentary Power BI Dashboards
  • Life Time Access
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 50 Hours
  • Complimentary Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • Complimentary One Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary PPT Version of the Report
  • Complimentary License Upgrade
  • Complimentary Power BI Dashboards
  • Life Time Access
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 80 Hours
  • Complimentary Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • Complimentary One Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary PPT Version of the Report
  • Complimentary License Upgrade
  • Complimentary Power BI Dashboards
  • Life Time Access
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 100 Hours
  • Complimentary Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • Complimentary One Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary PPT Version of the Report
  • Complimentary License Upgrade
  • Complimentary Power BI Dashboards

*Please note that the prices mentioned below are starting prices for each bundle type. Kindly contact our team for further details.*

Flash Bundle

Number of Reports: 3

20%

tax inclusive*

  • 3 Reports Included
  • Life Time Acess
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • 1 Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • PPT Version of the Report
  • Power BI Dashboards
  • License Upgrade
  • Free Analyst Hours

Small Business Bundle

Number of Reports: 5

25%

tax inclusive*

  • 5 Reports Included
  • Life Time Acess
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 50 Hours
  • Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • 1 Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • PPT Version of the Report
  • Power BI Dashboards
  • License Upgrade

Growth Bundle

Number of Reports: 8

30%

tax inclusive*

  • 8 Reports Included
  • Life Time Acess
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 50 Hours
  • Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • 1 Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • License Upgrade
  • Free Analyst Hours - 80 Hours
  • Power BI Dashboards

Enterprise Bundle

Number of Reports: 10

35%

tax inclusive*

  • 10 Reports Included
  • Life Time Acess
  • Analyst Support Related to Report
  • PDF Version of the Report
  • Complimentary Excel Data Set
  • Free Analyst Hours - 50 Hours
  • Free 1 Month Subscription to Trade Data Base
  • 1 Month Subscription to Price Database (Chemicals only)
  • License Upgrade
  • Power BI Dashboards
  • Free Analyst Hours - 100 Hours

How To Order

Our step-by-step guide will help you select, purchase, and access your reports swiftly, ensuring you get the information that drives your decisions, right when you need it.

License Type

Select License Type

Choose the right license for your needs and access rights.

shopping cart

Click on ‘Buy Now’

Add the report to your cart with one click and proceed to register.

Bookmark Icon

Select Mode of Payment

Choose a payment option for a secure checkout. You will be redirected accordingly.

Strategic Solutions for Informed Decision-Making

Connect For More Information

Our expert team of analysts will offer full support and resolve any queries regarding the report, before and after the purchase.

Our expert team of analysts will offer full support and resolve any queries regarding the report, before and after the purchase.

We employ meticulous research methods, blending advanced analytics and expert insights to deliver accurate, actionable industry intelligence, staying ahead of competitors.

Our skilled analysts offer unparalleled competitive advantage with detailed insights on current and emerging markets, ensuring your strategic edge.

We offer an in-depth yet simplified presentation of industry insights and analysis to meet your specific requirements effectively.

We’re here to help answer any questions about our products and services.

Contact us