Light Weapons Market Report 2026

The light weapons market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $14.12 billion in 2025 to $15.36 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased military procurement of small arms for infantry modernization, rising use of lightweight alloys and polymers in weapon manufacturing, growth in law enforcement demand for compact firearms, technological advances in precision machining for rifles and assault weapons, expansion of global arms trade networks supporting small-arms distribution.

The light weapons market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $20.66 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising defense budgets in emerging economies driving new small-arms acquisitions, increasing demand for modular and customizable light weapons, integration of smart-sighting and fire-control technologies into rifles and pistols, tightening government regulations driving upgrades and compliance-driven replacements, growing adoption of lightweight next-generation materials to improve weapon portability and durability. Major trends in the forecast period include lightweight and modular weapon designs, enhanced ballistic materials and coatings, smart weapon integration and targeting systems, rapid deployment and portability features, advanced ammunition and munition types.

The growth of the light weapons market is expected to be driven by an increase in instances of terrorist activities, conflicts, and a rise in illegal activities. Terrorist acts involve the use or threat of violence to instill fear on a large scale, with light weapons such as pistols, rifles, submachine guns, assault rifles, and light machine guns being used by law regulators to control such activities. As the occurrences of terrorist activities, conflicts, and illegal actions continue to rise, there will be an elevated demand for light weapons to address these threats. According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2023, the number of deaths more than doubled from nine in 2021 to 19 in 2022, with 11 of these occurring in the US during a terrorist attack. This trend contributes to the growth of the light weapons market.

Leading companies in the light weapons market are concentrating on technological advancements, such as fully automatic machine guns, to increase market share and gain a competitive advantage. Fully automatic light machine guns are lightweight firearms capable of firing continuously as long as the trigger is held, making them ideal for sustained fire in military and law enforcement contexts. For example, in February 2023, Caracal International LLC, a firearm manufacturer based in the UAE, introduced the CARACAL LIGHT MACHINE GUN 556 (CLMG 556) at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX 2023). Developed as the first machine gun in the UAE, the CLMG 556 emphasizes the end-user experience and incorporates advanced rapid prototyping and precision manufacturing technologies. It features a five-position telescopic stock, an adjustable cheekpiece, and a long rail for attachments. Additionally, it includes a fixed iron sight with range adjustment, a built-in bipod with adjustable height, and a hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel available in three interchangeable lengths (13”, 16”, and 18”) for improved durability.

In January 2023, NIOA, an Australia-based defense contractor, acquired Barrett Firearms for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition positions NIOA to manufacture and deliver world-class firearms and munitions globally, entering the US market. Barrett Firearms, a US-based light rifle design and manufacturing company, contributes to NIOA's capabilities in the light weapons market.

Major companies operating in the light weapons market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Alliant Techsystems Inc., Rheinmetall AG, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Thales Group, BAE Systems plc, Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, FN Herstal Group, Heckler & Koch GmbH, Kalashnikov Concern, SIG Sauer Inc., Colt's Manufacturing LLC, Beretta SpA, Smith & Wesson Brands Inc., Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc., Taurus Holdings LLC, Savage Arms, Steyr Arms, IWI Ltd., Springfield Armory Inc., Ceská zbrojovka AS, Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH, Radom LLC, Serbska Fabrika Automobila, Arsenal Inc., Zastava Arms, China North Industries Group Corporation Limited., HS Produkt d.o.o.

North America was the largest region in the light weapons market in 2025. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the light weapons 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 on light weapons and components have influenced the market by raising manufacturing and import costs, particularly affecting segments like HMG, MANPAT, and small arms. Regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, where manufacturing and export hubs are concentrated, are most impacted. While tariffs create cost pressures and supply chain delays, they also drive domestic production, encourage innovation in lightweight and modular weapons, and promote local sourcing strategies, offering strategic advantages for regional defense markets.

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

Light weapons are designed for use by a small crew or a single person, capable of being carried and operated by an individual. This category encompasses incendiary devices, crew-served kinetic firearms, and munitions with explosive capabilities.

The primary types of light weapons include Heavy Machine Guns (HMG), light cannons, MANPAT (Man-Portable Anti-Tank), mortars, MANPAD (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems), grenades, missiles, launchers, Anti-Tank Weapons (ATW), and landmines. HMGs, for instance, can fire at a rate of 500 to 1,000 rounds per minute, sustaining continuous firing as long as the trigger is held or until the ammunition supply is exhausted. These weapons are typically constructed from materials such as steel and polymers, utilizing technologies like guided and unguided systems. Light weapons find their main applications in defense and homeland security.

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

The light weapons market consists of sales of assault rifles, pistols, rifles, and 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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