Shoulder-Fired Weapons Market Analysis North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, South America - US, China, India, Russia, France - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Shoulder-Fired Weapons Market Size 2024-2028 

The shoulder-fired weapons market size is forecast to increase by USD 4.38 billion at a CAGR of 10.03% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for advanced technology in ammunition and launchers. The development of fire-and-forget missiles and guidance systems for shoulder-launched weapons is a key trend in this market. Recoilless artillery is another growing area, offering advantages such as increased accuracy and reduced recoil. However, the market faces challenges such as the complexities of designing and manufacturing these advanced systems, as well as the high costs associated with them. The global political climate and ongoing conflicts continue to impact market prospects, particularly in the LAMEA region. The use of advanced technology, such as precision guidance systems and rocket-propelled projectiles, is driving innovation in the market. Companies are investing in research and development to create more efficient and effective solutions for military and civilian applications. This market is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, driven by the need for advanced protection against various threats.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market encompasses a diverse range of portable, man-portable, and man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS and MANPATS). These weapons are integral components of modern warfare scenarios, providing military forces with the ability to engage various targets, including antitank, antiaircraft, antivessel launchers, and rocket-propelled grenades. The market for shoulder-fired weapons is influenced by several factors. Defense capabilities have evolved significantly, with advancements in technology leading to the development of lightweight guided missiles, fire-and-forget systems, and multipurpose warheads. These improvements have enhanced the effectiveness and versatility of shoulder-fired weapons, making them indispensable for military forces.

Moreover, military expenditures play a crucial role in the market. As countries invest in their defense capabilities, the demand for advanced armored vehicles, antitank weapons, and antiaircraft systems increases. This trend is particularly noticeable in regions with ongoing conflicts and heightened geopolitical tensions. Despite the growth potential, the market faces challenges. The proliferation of these weapons among paramilitary forces and non-state actors poses a significant threat to security and stability.

Furthermore, the global economic climate and military budget constraints may impact demand in certain regions. The market for shoulder-fired weapons is expected to grow steadily in the coming years. Factors such as advancements in technology, increasing military expenditures, and the need for effective defense capabilities will drive market growth. However, concerns regarding the potential misuse of these weapons and the challenges associated with their proliferation will remain key considerations. The LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa) region is expected to witness significant growth in the market.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• Technology
  • Unguided
  • Guided
• Product
  • Ammunition
  • Launcher
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Europe
    • France
  • Middle East and Africa
  • South America

By Technology Insights

The unguided segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Shoulder-fired weapons, also known as man-portable weapons, are unguided systems that rely on human skills for aiming and shooting a multipurpose warhead. These weapons do not incorporate guidance or optical imagery systems, making them a one-time-use system. They are primarily utilized in military engagements and are most effective for short-distance engagements due to the precision limitations imposed by human factors. These weapons are often employed to disable armored vehicles and neutralize threats such as enemy personnel hiding in fortified structures. One of the most widely used shoulder-fired weapons is the M136 AT4, which is a versatile, shoulder-launched, single-shot, multipurpose weapon system.

In addition, it is designed to engage a variety of targets, including armored vehicles, fortified structures, and personnel. The AT4 is a popular choice among military and paramilitary forces due to its ease of use and effectiveness. Antivessel launchers, such as the Javelin, are a type of shoulder-fired weapon that is specifically designed to engage and destroy enemy vessels. These systems are more complex than traditional shoulder-fired weapons and require extensive training to operate effectively. They are often used in naval warfare to defend against enemy ships and boats. The global market for shoulder-fired weapons is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to increasing defense spending and the need for advanced defense capabilities.

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The unguided segment was valued at USD 4.34 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America is estimated to contribute 39% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The United States has been a leader in the market, with a significant portion of military expenditures allocated toward acquiring advanced weapon systems. The evolving landscape of warfare necessitates the US Department of Defense (DoD) to continually upgrade its arsenal. These weapons undergo rigorous testing to assess their performance and evaluate the impact of new design modifications. In October 2018, the US Army completed the qualification testing for a new proximity fuse, which is an enhancement for Raytheon's Stinger missiles. This new technology is expected to enhance the effectiveness of these weapons. Defense contractors play a crucial role in the development and production of these advanced systems, ensuring the US maintains its military superiority. Infrared seekers and laser-guided technologies are increasingly being integrated into shoulder-fired weapons, providing command line control and extended range capabilities. 

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Market Driver

Demand for new-generation anti-armor and anti-aircraft protection is the key driver of the market. The United States military is responding to the shifting battlefield landscape by enhancing its short-range defense capabilities. With the increasing use of unmanned aerial systems (UASs), cruise missiles, and long-range rockets (LRRs) in modern warfare scenarios, the need for advanced shoulder-fired weapons, such as Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) and Man-Portable Anti-Tank Systems (MANPATS), has become imperative.

The US Army is currently focusing on enhancing its Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) capabilities, reactivating units to address these threats. For instance, the US Marine Corps are testing the new version of the M72 shoulder-fired rocket launcher, which is lighter than its predecessor, the M3E1 Carl Gustav recoilless rifle. The evolution of military forces necessitates continuous upgrades and customization of armaments to ensure effective protection against these emerging threats.

Market Trends

The development of recoilless artillery is the upcoming trend in the market. Shoulder-fired weapons, such as recoilless artillery, offer significant advantages over traditional offensive fighting vehicles equipped with cannons. In these weapons, the reaction gases expelled from the back of the weapon upon firing a warhead are expelled with equal momentum to that of the projectile, counterbalancing the force exerted on the projectile. This design eliminates the need for heavy and bulky recoil-counteracting equipment, allowing for the launch of larger projectiles from platforms that would otherwise be unable to accommodate the weight or recoil of a conventional gun of the same size. One notable example of a shoulder-fired weapon is the Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle, a man-portable, reusable anti-tank weapon produced by Saab.

This 84-mm weapon is widely used globally due to its versatility and effectiveness. Development activities in this market continue to focus on enhancing the capabilities of shoulder-fired weapons, including improving their accuracy, range, and payload capacity. Key players in the market include Saab, as well as other prominent industry participants such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and BAE Systems. These companies are investing in research and development to create innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of military forces around the world. In conclusion, shoulder-fired weapons, such as recoilless artillery, provide a cost-effective and versatile solution for military forces seeking to enhance their offensive capabilities. With ongoing development activities and the continued investment of key players in the market, these weapons are poised to play a critical role in future military engagements.

Market Challenge

The evolving global crisis affecting market prospects is a key challenge affecting market growth. Shoulder-fired weapons continue to play a significant role in defense applications, with technology being a key driver for market growth. The integration of advanced guidance systems and fire-and-forget missiles has revolutionized the use of these weapons, enhancing their accuracy and effectiveness. Ammunition, a crucial component, is also witnessing technological advancements, with the development of smarter and more precise rockets.

The high development costs associated with creating new shoulder-fired weapon designs have led manufacturers to adopt existing defense technologies, often compromising both performance and reliability. The global economic slowdown, particularly in commodity-exporting regions in Africa, South America, and the Middle East, has further impacted market growth. However, the US, China, and Japan, along with European countries, continue to invest in defense, offering opportunities for growth. Key players in the market include major defense contractors and ammunition manufacturers. Companies are focusing on research and development to introduce innovative products and improve existing ones, ensuring their competitive edge. 

Exclusive Customer Landscape

The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

BAE Systems Plc - The company offers shoulder-fired weapons products such as ATIRCM system.

The market research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• AirTronic USA LLC
• BAE Systems Plc
• Bharat Dynamics Ltd.
• NORINCOGROUP.com Inc.
• General Dynamics Corp.
• KBP Instrument Design Bureau
• KONSTRUKTORSKOYE BYURO MASHYNOSTROYENIYA
• LIG Nex1Co. Ltd
• Lockheed Martin Corp.
• Machinery and Chemical Industry Inc.
• MBDA
• Nammo AS
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
• RTX Corp.
• Rheinmetall AG
• Roketsan AS
• Saab AB
• SIATT
• Thales Group

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Research Analyst Overview

Shoulder-fixed weapons, encompassing antitank weapons and antiaircraft systems, continue to play a significant role in modern military defense capabilities. Manportable, multipurpose warheads are increasingly popular due to their lightweight and versatility. Rockets propelled grenades and antivessel launchers are common types of shoulder-fixed weapons, offering various explosion variants for different applications. Private companies dominate the ammunition industry, supplying military forces with a wide range of guns and missiles. The market for shoulder-fixed weapons is influenced by various factors, including military budgets, defense contractors, and military expenditures. Terrorist activities and the need to counteract armored vehicles and trucks have led to the development of advanced armored defense systems, such as manpats and manpads.

These systems often employ guided technology, including infrared seekers and laser-guided missiles, for increased accuracy and effectiveness. Fire-and-forget missiles and guidance systems have revolutionized shoulder-fixed weapons, enabling command line engagement and extended range. The market for these weapons is expected to grow as military forces adapt to modern warfare scenarios, requiring more advanced and versatile defense solutions. The ammunition industry continues to innovate, with new technologies such as lightweight guided missiles and unguided rockets and grenades being developed to meet the evolving needs of military forces.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research and Growth Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market  and its contribution of the market in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market growth and trends and changes in consumer behaviour
• Growth of the market across North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America
• Thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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