Less Lethal Ammunition Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market is projected to expand from USD 2.04 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.71 Billion by 2031, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.85%. This sector comprises specialized munitions and projectiles engineered to incapacitate targets or disperse crowds while significantly reducing the risk of fatalities and permanent physical injury. The market is primarily driven by the increasing necessity for non-fatal crowd control solutions amidst rising civil unrest, coupled with a global shift in law enforcement policies that prioritize de-escalation and human rights compliance over lethal force. These fundamental drivers foster a consistent demand that exists independently of fleeting technological trends.

According to the National Tactical Officers Association, the organization trained over 13,100 law enforcement officers in 2024, highlighting the sector's intensified focus on tactical proficiency and the deployment of intermediate force capabilities. Despite this positive momentum, the market faces significant hurdles due to a complicated regulatory landscape and liability issues regarding accidental injuries. These challenges can lead to restrictive legislation and impede the broader adoption of these technologies across certain jurisdictions.

Market Drivers

The escalating incidence of public demonstrations and civil unrest serves as a primary catalyst for market expansion, necessitating advanced crowd control capabilities that mitigate fatalities. Law enforcement agencies worldwide are increasingly facing volatile political environments, prompting a surge in the procurement of kinetic impact projectiles and conducted energy devices to effectively manage disorder. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the organization recorded a 15% increase in political violence events globally over the previous 12 months in its July 2024 'Conflict Index Results.' This heightened instability directly correlates with sector growth as agencies upgrade inventories to handle complex threat environments, a trend reflected by Axon Enterprise's November 2024 report showing a 36% year-over-year revenue increase in its TASER segment to $222 million.

A rapidly emerging driver distinct from traditional institutional procurement is the rising civilian demand for effective personal defense alternatives. As gun ownership regulations tighten in various jurisdictions and individuals seek self-defense methods with lower legal and moral liability, non-lethal launchers and chemical irritants are gaining substantial traction in the consumer sector. This shift is transforming the market from a government-centric model to a dual-use landscape, supported by the aggressive marketing of user-friendly devices. For instance, Byrna Technologies reported net revenue of $20.9 million in its 'Fiscal Third Quarter 2024 Results' in October 2024, marking a 194% increase compared to the prior year, which indicates that private safety concerns are increasingly fueling product innovation and manufacturing volumes globally.

Market Challenges

The complex regulatory landscape and liability issues regarding accidental injuries present a substantial barrier to the expansion of the global less lethal ammunition market. Law enforcement agencies operate under increasing legal scrutiny, where the deployment of projectiles such as rubber bullets or bean bag rounds can lead to severe financial penalties and reputational damage if they cause unintended physical harm. This heightened risk of liability compels departments to implement rigorous usage restrictions or defer the procurement of specific munition types, effectively limiting the broader adoption of these technologies.

These legal pressures create a difficult operational environment for security forces that balances safety needs against litigation risks. According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, in 2024, member agencies reported more than 216,000 aggravated assaults within the first nine months of the year, underscoring the intense demand for effective crowd control and defensive options. However, the threat of lawsuits and the stringent compliance standards associated with injury liability force decision-makers to restrict the deployment of these tools. Consequently, the fear of legal repercussions directly dampens procurement volumes despite the clear operational necessity for intermediate force capabilities.

Market Trends

Growth in demand for dedicated training and simulation rounds is reshaping procurement strategies as agencies prioritize officer proficiency and liability mitigation. This trend focuses on the acquisition of ballistically matched practice munitions that allow for realistic, high-repetition drills without the risks associated with live service rounds, thereby ensuring safe and effective deployment in volatile scenarios. According to Rheinmetall, February 2024, in the press release 'Rheinmetall awarded contract to produce 40mm grenade launcher ammo for Germany', the company secured a deal to supply the German Armed Forces with 200,000 rounds of practice ammunition, valued at approximately €7.2 million. This substantial investment highlights the sector's shift toward specialized training solutions that rigorously prepare security forces for complex engagements while adhering to strict safety protocols.

The emergence of multi-effect and modular payload systems is driving market evolution, characterized by the integration of kinetic, chemical, and technology-driven solutions into unified product portfolios. Major defense entities are consolidating capabilities to offer comprehensive non-lethal ecosystems, including drone-deployable munitions and advanced irritant projectors, to meet diverse operational requirements with scalable force escalation tools. According to EDGE Group, May 2024, in the press release 'EDGE Becomes a Global Player in Non-Lethal Technologies by Acquiring Industry Leader CONDOR', the entity acquired a 51% stake in Condor Non-Lethal Technologies, gaining access to a portfolio of over 160 products. This strategic consolidation enables the delivery of versatile, multi-modal response options to global security forces, streamlining inventory management and enhancing tactical flexibility.

Key Players Profiled in the Less Lethal Ammunition Market

• Nonlethal Technologies Inc.
• Lightfield Ammunition, Corp.
• Combined Systems, Inc.
• Safariland LLC
• Mace Security International Inc.
• Axon Enterprise, Inc.
• Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
• AMTEC Less-Lethal Systems, Inc.
• B&T AG
• Point Blank Enterprises, Inc.

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Less Lethal Ammunition Market, by Product:

• Rubber Bullets
• Bean Bag Rounds
• Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets
• OC/CS & Smoke Munitions
• Flash Bang Rounds
• Paintballs
• Others

Less Lethal Ammunition Market, by Weapon Type:

• Shotguns
• Launchers
• Others

Less Lethal Ammunition Market, by End-Users:

• Law Enforcement
• Military
• Self Defense
• Others

Less Lethal Ammunition Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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