Man-Portable Air Defense Systems Market Report 2025

The man-portable air defense systems market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.83 billion in 2024 to $5.13 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising global military tensions, an increase in terrorist threats, a rise in the need for portable air defense solutions, growth in asymmetric warfare, expanding defense budgets, and demand for enhanced troop protection against low-flying aerial threats.

The man-portable air defense systems market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.47 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. Increasing threats from drones, accelerated defense modernization initiatives, growing demand for portable anti-aircraft solutions, heightened geopolitical conflicts, stronger border security focus, and expanded investments in counter-air capabilities will collectively drive this growth. Key trends expected in the forecast period include advancements in infrared homing, improved target recognition, battlefield network integration, ergonomic and lightweight designs, greater range and precision, resistance to countermeasures, and progress in drone technology.

The increasing defense budget is expected to propel the growth of the man-portable air defense systems market going forward. Defense budget refers to the funds allocated by a nation's military to purchase, replenish, and maintain its stockpile of bullets, shells, missiles, and other munitions. As geopolitical tensions rise, countries are dedicating more resources to military preparedness and modernization to safeguard national security. This increase in defense spending fuels development in man-portable air defense systems through greater investment in innovative technologies, enhanced capabilities, and broader deployment. For example, in December 2023, according to the House of Commons Library, a UK-based library, the UK won defense orders worth $16.04 billion (£12 billion) in real terms in 2022. This is a $6.15 (£4.6 billion) increase from 2021, reflecting a significant rise in defense procurement and investment in advanced military capabilities. Therefore, the increasing defense budget is driving the growth of the man-portable air defense systems market.

Leading companies in the man-portable air defense systems market are emphasizing advancements in laser-guided missile technologies to boost precision and operational effectiveness. Laser-guided missile systems utilize laser beam guidance to accurately track and engage aerial targets, minimizing collateral damage and increasing interception success rates. For instance, in October 2022, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), an India-based defense manufacturer, introduced Sanharika, a laser-guided short-range air defense system mounted on the ARMADO light strike vehicle, showcased at DefExpo 2022. Developed in collaboration with Thales UK, Sanharika employs a laser beam riding missile (LBRM) tailored for quick deployment and high maneuverability. This system presents a cost-efficient, agile option for short-range defense against emerging low-altitude threats like drones and helicopters.

In September 2024, Honeywell International Inc., a US-based aerospace company, acquired CAES Systems Holdings LLC for an amount of $1.9 billion. The acquisition aims to expand Honeywell’s presence in the defense electronics market by integrating CAES’s advanced electronic warfare and cyber technologies. This move enhances Honeywell’s ability to provide comprehensive solutions for modern military platforms requiring superior electronic protection and threat detection. CAES Systems Holdings LLC is a US-based defense company that specializes in providing mission-critical electronic solutions and systems, including man-portable air defense systems.

Major players in the man-portable air defense systems market are General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems Inc., Thales Group, Leonardo S.p.A., Rheinmetall AG, Elbit Systems Ltd., Israel Aerospace Industries, Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, Saab AB, MBDA, Hellenic Defense Systems, ASELSAN A.S., Bharat Dynamics Limited, PT Pindad, MESKO S.A., JADARA Equipment and Defense Systems, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Almaz-Antey, and VEM Technologies.

North America was the largest region in the man-portable air defense systems market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in man-portable air defense systems report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the man-portable air defense systems market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

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.

The rapid escalation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are significantly impacting the construction sector, particularly in materials procurement and project costs. Higher duties on imported steel, aluminum, lumber, and machinery have driven up expenses for builders, contractors, and infrastructure developers, leading to increased project bids and delayed timelines. Construction equipment manufacturers face similar challenges, with tariffs on essential components and raw materials inflating production costs and squeezing margins. Additionally, retaliatory tariffs in international markets have curtailed exports of U.S.-made construction equipment and materials, further affecting profitability. The sector must now prioritize local sourcing, modular construction techniques, and supply chain diversification to control costs and ensure project viability amid ongoing trade uncertainties.

Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) are shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems designed for operation by a single individual or a small team. Their primary role is to engage and destroy low-flying aircraft such as helicopters, drones, and fixed-wing planes.

The main components of man-portable air defense systems include missiles, launching mechanisms (gripstocks), batteries, and other related parts. The missile acts as the core element, engineered to detect, track, and neutralize hostile aircraft. These systems employ a variety of guidance technologies, such as infrared homing, laser-guided, and electro-optical systems. Launching mechanisms are available in several configurations including shoulder-fired, vehicle-mounted, and portable deployment. MANPADS are utilized in numerous applications across military, paramilitary, security forces, and civilian defense sectors. They are operated by governments, defense agencies, private organizations, NGOs, and are distributed through foreign military sales (FMS).

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

The man-portable air defense systems market consists of sales of shoulder-fired missile systems and their associated launch units, tracking systems, targeting aids, and related components and technologies. 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 and 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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