Global Light Weapons Market Size study & Forecast, by Type, Technology, Operations, End-User and Regional Forecasts 2025-2035

Global Light Weapons Market is valued approximately at USD 13.27 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow with a robust CAGR of 5.23% over the forecast period 2025-2035. Light weapons refer to a class of portable, lethal weapon systems that can be operated and maintained by a small crew or even a single individual. These include systems such as heavy machine guns, recoilless rifles, man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), and anti-tank weapons (MANPATS). The increasing relevance of asymmetric warfare, border security reinforcements, and modernization programs among defense forces worldwide are propelling the demand for technologically advanced and easily deployable light weapons. As global tensions persist and homeland security agencies expand their procurement priorities, the light weapons market is expected to chart a consistent growth trajectory.

The rise of unconventional warfare tactics—ranging from urban combat to counterinsurgency operations—has redefined battlefield dynamics, positioning light weapons as indispensable assets. Defense agencies are swiftly moving away from bulky armaments in favor of agile, portable systems that offer lethal precision while reducing logistical footprints. Moreover, technological innovations such as guided munition systems, lightweight composite materials, and real-time targeting enhancements are transforming the operational capability of these weapons. However, factors such as the proliferation risk of these weapons falling into the hands of non-state actors, coupled with stringent international arms regulations, continue to pose a threat to unrestrained market growth during the forecast period.

Regionally, North America commands the lion’s share of the global market owing to its formidable defense budget, continuous innovation in weapon systems, and active participation in peacekeeping and counterterrorism missions. The United States, in particular, channels significant investments into troop mobility and advanced warfare capabilities. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing exponential growth driven by cross-border tensions, rising military budgets, and large-scale procurement of light weapon systems in countries such as India, China, and South Korea. Europe is also experiencing a steady rise in light weapons adoption due to NATO modernization programs and the Ukraine crisis reshaping continental security strategies.

Major market player included in this report are:
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• BAE Systems
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Saab AB
• FN Herstal
• Heckler & Koch GmbH
• Israel Weapon Industries (IWI)
• Rheinmetall AG
• Thales Group
• Barrett Firearms Manufacturing
• MBDA
• Denel SOC Ltd
• Leonardo S.p.A.

Global Light Weapons Market Report Scope:
• Historical Data – 2023, 2024
• Base Year for Estimation – 2024
• Forecast period – 2025-2035
• Report Coverage – Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
• Regional Scope – North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa

The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values for the coming years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within the countries involved in the study. The report also provides detailed information about crucial aspects, such as driving factors and challenges, which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, it incorporates potential opportunities in micro-markets for stakeholders to invest, along with a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape and product offerings of key players.

The detailed segments and sub-segments of the market are explained below:

By Type:
• Heavy Machine Guns
• Light Canons
• Recoilless Weapons
• MANPATS
• MANPADS
• Others

By Technology:
• Guided
• Unguided

By Operations:
• Crew-Served
• Individual

By End-User:
• Defense
• Homeland Security

By Region:

North America
• U.S.
• Canada

Europe
• UK
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico

Middle East & Africa
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Key Takeaways:
• Market Estimates & Forecast for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
• Annualized revenues and regional level analysis for each market segment.
• Detailed analysis of geographical landscape with Country level analysis of major regions.
• Competitive landscape with information on major players in the market.
• Analysis of key business strategies and recommendations on future market approach.
• Analysis of competitive structure of the market.
• Demand side and supply side analysis of the market.

Please note:The single user license is non-downloadable and non-printable. Global Site license allows these actions.


Chapter 1. Global Light Weapons Market Report Scope & Methodology
1.1. Research Objective
1.2. Research Methodology
1.2.1. Forecast Model
1.2.2. Desk Research
1.2.3. Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach
1.3. Research Attributes
1.4. Scope of the Study
1.4.1. Market Definition
1.4.2. Market Segmentation
1.5. Research Assumption
1.5.1. Inclusion & Exclusion
1.5.2. Limitations
1.5.3. Years Considered for the Study
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
2.1. CEO/CXO Standpoint
2.2. Strategic Insights
2.3. ESG Analysis
2.4. Key Findings
Chapter 3. Global Light Weapons Market Forces Analysis
3.1. Market Forces Shaping the Global Light Weapons Market (2024–2035)
3.2. Drivers
3.2.1. Rising Asymmetric Warfare Scenarios
3.2.2. Border Security Reinforcements & Modernization Programs
3.3. Restraints
3.3.1. Proliferation Risk to Non-State Actors
3.3.2. Stringent International Arms Regulations
3.4. Opportunities
3.4.1. Technological Innovations (Guided Munitions, Lightweight Materials)
3.4.2. Expanded Homeland Security Procurement
Chapter 4. Global Light Weapons Industry Analysis
4.1. Porter’s Five Forces Model
4.1.1. Bargaining Power of Buyers
4.1.2. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.1.3. Threat of New Entrants
4.1.4. Threat of Substitutes
4.1.5. Competitive Rivalry
4.2. Porter’s Five Forces Forecast Model (2024–2035)
4.3. PESTEL Analysis
4.3.1. Political
4.3.2. Economic
4.3.3. Social
4.3.4. Technological
4.3.5. Environmental
4.3.6. Legal
4.4. Top Investment Opportunities
4.5. Top Winning Strategies (2025)
4.6. Market Share Analysis (2024–2025)
4.7. Global Pricing Analysis and Trends (2025)
4.8. Analyst Recommendations & Conclusion
Chapter 5. Global Light Weapons Market Size & Forecasts by Type 2025–2035
5.1. Market Overview
5.2. Heavy Machine Guns
5.2.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
5.2.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025–2035
5.3. Light Canons
5.3.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
5.3.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025–2035
5.4. Recoilless Weapons
5.4.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
5.4.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025–2035
5.5. MANPATS, MANPADS & Others
5.5.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
5.5.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025–2035
Chapter 6. Global Light Weapons Market Size & Forecasts by Technology, Operations & End-User 2025–2035
6.1. Market Overview
6.2. Guided vs. Unguided Technology
6.2.1. Top Countries Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
6.2.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025–2035
6.3. Crew-Served vs. Individual Operations
6.3.1. Top Countries Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
6.3.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025–2035
6.4. Defense vs. Homeland Security End-Users
6.4.1. Top Countries Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
6.4.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025–2035
Chapter 7. Global Light Weapons Market Size & Forecasts by Region 2025–2035
7.1. Regional Market Snapshot
7.2. Top Leading & Emerging Countries
7.3. North America Light Weapons Market
7.3.1. U.S. Light Weapons Market
7.3.1.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025–2035
7.3.1.2. Technology/Operations Breakdown, 2025–2035
7.3.2. Canada Light Weapons Market
7.3.2.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025–2035
7.3.2.2. Technology/Operations Breakdown, 2025–2035
7.4. Europe Light Weapons Market
7.4.1. UK Light Weapons Market
7.4.1.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025–2035
7.4.1.2. Technology/Operations Breakdown, 2025–2035
7.4.2. Germany Light Weapons Market
7.4.2.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025–2035
7.4.2.2. Technology/Operations Breakdown, 2025–2035
7.4.3. France …
7.4.4. Spain …
7.4.5. Italy …
7.4.6. Rest of Europe …
7.5. Asia Pacific Light Weapons Market
7.5.1. China …
7.5.2. India …
7.5.3. Japan …
7.5.4. Australia …
7.5.5. South Korea …
7.5.6. Rest of Asia Pacific …
7.6. Latin America Light Weapons Market
7.6.1. Brazil …
7.6.2. Mexico …
7.7. Middle East & Africa Light Weapons Market
7.7.1. UAE …
7.7.2. Saudi Arabia …
7.7.3. South Africa …
Chapter 8. Competitive Intelligence
8.1. Top Market Strategies
8.2. Lockheed Martin Corporation
8.2.1. Company Overview
8.2.2. Key Executives
8.2.3. Company Snapshot
8.2.4. Financial Performance (Subject to Data Availability)
8.2.5. Product/Services Portfolio
8.2.6. Recent Development
8.2.7. Market Strategies
8.2.8. SWOT Analysis
8.3. BAE Systems
8.4. Northrop Grumman Corporation
8.5. Raytheon Technologies Corporation
8.6. General Dynamics Corporation
8.7. Saab AB
8.8. FN Herstal
8.9. Heckler & Koch GmbH
8.10. Israel Weapon Industries (IWI)
8.11. Rheinmetall AG
8.12. Thales Group
8.13. Barrett Firearms Manufacturing
8.14. MBDA
8.15. Leonardo S.p.A.
List of Tables
Table 1. Global Light Weapons Market, Report Scope
Table 2. Global Light Weapons Market Estimates & Forecasts by Region 2024–2035
Table 3. Global Light Weapons Market Estimates & Forecasts by Type 2024–2035
Table 4. Global Light Weapons Market Estimates & Forecasts by Technology 2024–2035
Table 5. Global Light Weapons Market Estimates & Forecasts by Operations 2024–2035
Table 6. Global Light Weapons Market Estimates & Forecasts by End-User 2024–2035
Table 7. North America Light Weapons Market Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
Table 8. Europe Light Weapons Market Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
Table 9. Asia Pacific Light Weapons Market Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
Table 10. Latin America Light Weapons Market Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
Table 11. Middle East & Africa Light Weapons Market Estimates & Forecasts, 2024–2035
List of Figures
Figure 1. Global Light Weapons Market, Research Methodology
Figure 2. Global Light Weapons Market, Market Estimation Techniques
Figure 3. Global Light Weapons Market Size Estimates & Forecast Methods
Figure 4. Global Light Weapons Market, Key Trends 2025
Figure 5. Global Light Weapons Market, Growth Prospects 2024–2035
Figure 6. Global Light Weapons Market, Porter’s Five Forces Model
Figure 7. Global Light Weapons Market, PESTEL Analysis
Figure 8. Global Light Weapons Market, Value Chain Analysis
Figure 9. Light Weapons Market by Type, 2025 & 2035
Figure 10. Light Weapons Market by Technology, 2025 & 2035
Figure 11. Light Weapons Market by Operations, 2025 & 2035
Figure 12. Light Weapons Market by End-User, 2025 & 2035
Figure 13. North America Light Weapons Market, 2025 & 2035
Figure 14. Europe Light Weapons Market, 2025 & 2035
Figure 15. Asia Pacific Light Weapons Market, 2025 & 2035
Figure 16. Latin America Light Weapons Market, 2025 & 2035
Figure 17. Middle East & Africa Light Weapons Market, 2025 & 2035
Figure 18. Global Light Weapons Market, Company Market Share Analysis (2025)

Download our eBook: How to Succeed Using Market Research

Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.

Download eBook
Cookie Settings