Submachine Guns Market Report 2026

The submachine guns market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.24 billion in 2025 to $2.39 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to early development of compact automatic firearms for close-quarters combat, adoption of submachine guns by military and law enforcement agencies, advancements in pistol-caliber ammunition for automatic weapons, integration of modular weapon components for customization, government and defense funding for submachine gun production programs.

The submachine guns market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.04 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for lightweight and high-rate-of-fire firearms in urban and tactical operations, development of next-generation modular submachine gun systems, adoption of advanced materials for durability and reduced weight, growth in special operations and law enforcement procurement, increased collaboration between firearms manufacturers and defense agencies for innovative submachine gun solutions. Major trends in the forecast period include increased demand for modular and customizable firearms, growing adoption of lightweight materials for enhanced maneuverability, expansion of tactical and special operations use cases, rising emphasis on urban warfare and close quarters combat capabilities, enhanced integration of suppressor technology for stealth operations.

The rising threat of terrorism is expected to propel the growth of the submachine guns market going forward. Terrorist threats refer to warnings or indications of planned acts of violence intended to create fear and advance extremist objectives. The increase in terrorist threats often stems from political instability, which provides opportunities for extremist groups to expand and conduct attacks. Submachine guns address terrorist threats by offering compact and rapid-fire capabilities, making them well-suited for close-quarters engagements and tactical operations. They enhance security responses by providing improved accuracy and control, strengthening counter-terrorism efforts. For instance, in 2024, Vision of Humanity, an Australia-based non-profit think tank, reported that in 2023, deaths caused by terrorism increased by 22% to 8,352, the highest level in recent years, even though terrorist incidents declined by 22% to 3,350 and the number of affected countries dropped to 50. Therefore, the rising threat of terrorism is driving the growth of the submachine guns market.

Key players in the submachine guns market are prioritizing the development of advanced products such as recoil mitigation systems to improve weapon stability, boost accuracy, and enhance user control during rapid firing. A recoil mitigation system consists of mechanical or technological features integrated into firearms to reduce recoil impact when fired. For example, in January 2024, KRISS USA Inc., a US-based firearms manufacturer, introduced the KRISS Vector Gen 3, a submachine gun variant equipped with Vector’s patented super v recoil mitigation system. This Gen 3 pistol-caliber carbine showcases a unique design, superior ergonomics, and modularity, supporting a broad array of tactical accessories including optics, suppressors, and lights, allowing for extensive customization based on operational requirements.

In April 2024, RSBC Holding a.s., an investment group from the Czech Republic, acquired Steyr Arms for an undisclosed sum. Through this acquisition, RSBC Group aims to bolster its standing within the global defense sector by incorporating Steyr Arms’ advanced firearms manufacturing capabilities and distinguished product line, which includes the famous Steyr AUG rifle and submachine firearms. Steyr Arms, headquartered in Austria, specializes in the production of high-precision weapons, including submachine guns.

Major companies operating in the submachine guns market are Thales Group, ST Engineering Land Systems Ltd., Beretta Holding S.A., SIG SAUER GmbH & Co. KG, Fabrique Nationale Herstal, Forjas Taurus S.A., Heckler & Koch AG, Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC, Pindad Persero PT, Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd., Caracal International LLC, Lokesh Machines Limited, Century International Arms Inc., CZ-USA a subsidiary of Česká zbrojovka Group, Military Armament Corporation, Kalashnikov Concern JSC, Chiappa Firearms S.r.l., Brügger & Thomet AG (B&T AG), Česká zbrojovka a.s., KBP Instrument Design Bureau, Tula Arms Plant Joint Stock Company, Zastava Arms Joint Stock Company, China North Industries Corporation.

North America was the largest region in the submachine guns market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the submachine guns market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs have introduced both obstacles and opportunities within the submachine guns market by increasing the cost of imported firearm components and raw materials such as specialized metals and polymers. These impacts are especially pronounced in regions with high import dependency like North America and Europe, affecting semi-automatic and fully automatic submachine gun segments the most. However, tariffs have encouraged manufacturers to localize production and innovate cost-effective materials and designs, which may ultimately strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on global supply chains.

The submachine guns market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides submachine guns market statistics, including the submachine guns industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the submachine guns market share, detailed submachine guns market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the submachine guns industry. This submachine guns market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

A submachine gun is a lightweight, automatic firearm designed to fire pistol-caliber cartridges. It usually features a high rate of fire and is primarily utilized for close-quarters combat due to its compact size and ease of handling. Military personnel, law enforcement agencies, and special operations units commonly prefer submachine guns for urban warfare and tactical missions.

These firearms are constructed from materials like polymer, steel, aluminum, and various metal alloys. They come in multiple calibers, including 9 millimeter (mm), 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, 0.4 smith and wesson, and 0.45 automatic colt pistol (ACP). Their applications span across military, law enforcement, private security, personal defense, and special operations sectors. Distribution channels include online retail platforms, specialized gun stores, military supply outlets, and industry trade shows and exhibitions.

The countries covered in the submachine guns market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The submachine guns market consists of sales of compact automatic firearms, ammunition compatible with pistol calibers, modular weapon components, and related accessories designed specifically for use with submachine guns. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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