Shoulder Fired Weapons Market Report 2026

The shoulder fired weapons market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $8.8 billion in 2025 to $9.79 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased military procurement of rocket-propelled grenades for infantry modernization, rising demand for portable anti-armor systems in asymmetric warfare environments, advancements in lightweight materials improving weapon portability, historical growth in defense budgets supporting procurement of shoulder-fired systems, expansion of manufacturer-provided maintenance and training services during warranty periods.

The shoulder fired weapons market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $14.28 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for next-generation shoulder-fired weapons with enhanced accuracy and range, increasing adoption of guided shoulder-fired systems for precision targeting, rising investments in lightweight and ergonomic designs to improve soldier mobility, expanding procurement by emerging economies seeking cost-effective anti-armor solutions, expected growth in integrated after-sales and lifecycle support services bundled with new systems. Major trends in the forecast period include miniaturization and lightweight shoulder-fired weapons, integration of advanced targeting systems, increased adoption of multi-purpose ammunition, development of recoil-reduction and stabilization technologies, expansion in tactical and urban defense applications.

The rising defense expenditures are expected to drive the growth of the shoulder-fired weapons market. Defense spending is increasing globally as nations aim to maintain military power, secure strategic positions, and ensure national safety. Shoulder-fired weapons provide significant advantages to troops, allowing them to engage targets effectively without concern for weapon weight or portability. For instance, in April 2024, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a Sweden-based independent institute, reported that total global military expenditure reached $2.44 trillion in 2023, representing a 6.8% increase in real terms from 2022. Notably, Russia’s military spending rose by 24% to an estimated $109 billion in 2023 compared to 2022. Hence, the rise in defense spending is propelling the shoulder-fired weapons market.

Key players in the shoulder-fired weapons market are focusing on technological innovations such as lightweight, shoulder-launched missiles to enhance infantry mobility, extend engagement range, and improve precision against modern armored and fortified targets. A lightweight, shoulder-launched missile is a portable system designed to be fired by a single soldier from the shoulder, enabling compact, easy-to-transport engagement of armored vehicles, fortifications, or other targets with high accuracy. For example, in October 2024, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), an Israel-based aerospace and defense company, launched the Teaser missile, notable for its resilience against electronic warfare. Designed for infantry use, it features an external optical guidance system immune to GPS jamming, offering precision targeting up to 2,500 meters. The missile is cost-effective, easy to operate with minimal training, and versatile against personnel, light armor, and structures, making it a key asset for modern tactical operations.

In January 2023, NIOA, an Australia-based defense company, acquired Barrett Firearms Manufacturing for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, NIOA aims to expand its presence and capabilities in the defense sector by leveraging Barrett Firearms’ expertise in long-range precision rifles, ensuring continued delivery of high-quality firearms and munitions to military and law enforcement customers globally. Barrett Firearms Manufacturing is a US-based company specializing in the design and manufacture of shoulder-fired weapons.

Major companies operating in the shoulder fired weapons market are China North Industries Group Corporation, Raytheon Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, BAE Systems plc, Thales Group, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd., Rheinmetall AG, Saab AB, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Poongsan Corporation, John Cockerill, Chemring Group plc, Fabrique Nationale Herstal S.A., Mesko S.A., Bharat Dynamics Limited, Denel Land Systems, JSC Arsenal AD, AirTronic USA LLC, Instalaza S.A., Roket Sanayii ve Ticaret A.S., JSC Konstruktorskoe Buro Priborostroeniya, Giat Industries SASU.

North America was the largest region in the shoulder fired weapons market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the shoulder fired 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 have impacted the shoulder-fired weapons market by increasing the cost of imported weapon components, guidance systems, and high-grade materials, which has raised production costs and slowed supply chains. Guided weapons and unguided rocket-propelled grenades are the most affected segments, particularly in regions like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific with concentrated manufacturing. However, tariffs have also promoted local production, innovation in domestic weapons technologies, and diversification of supply sources, potentially strengthening regional defense capabilities.

The shoulder fired weapons market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides shoulder fired weapons market statistics, including shoulder fired weapons industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a shoulder fired weapons market share, detailed shoulder fired weapons market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the shoulder fired weapons industry. This shoulder fired 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.

Shoulder-fired weapons are firearms designed to be shot while held against the shoulder, typically having a butt pressed against it during firing.

The primary types of shoulder-fired weapons are guided and unguided. Guided shoulder-fired weapons refer to those whose path can be changed in flight by a radar device. These weapons, equipped with launchers and ammunition, find use in defense, home security, and other applications.

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

The shoulder fired weapons market consists of sales of rocket-propellant grenade and bazooka. 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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