Submachine Guns Market Report 2025

The submachine guns market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.1 billion in 2024 to $2.24 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing demand for compact firearms, rising urbanization and close-quarter combat needs, rise in law enforcement and military modernization, increasing technological advancements in firearm design, rising concerns over personal security and self-defense.

The submachine guns market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.86 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. Growth over the forecast period is driven by the increasing use of advanced lightweight materials, higher investments in smart weapon technology, greater emphasis on improving firearm accuracy and ergonomics, expanding defense budgets in developing regions, and rising demand for customizable, modular submachine guns. Notable trends in the coming years include progress in lightweight materials, modular weapon system development, innovations in suppressor technology, enhancements in fire control systems, and the creation of more compact designs suited for urban combat.

The rising threat of terrorism is expected to propel the growth of the submachine guns market going forward. Terrorist threats are warnings or indications of planned acts of violence intended to cause fear and advance extremist objectives. The rising terrorist threats often result from political instability, which creates opportunities for extremist groups to grow and carry out attacks. Submachine guns address terrorist threats by providing compact and rapid-fire solutions, making them ideal for close-quarters engagements and tactical operations. They enhance security response by delivering improved accuracy and control, strengthening counter-terrorism efforts. For instance, in March 2023, according to the Institute for Economics & Peace, a US-based non-governmental organization, the average number of global fatalities per terrorist attack rose to 1.7 in 2022, up from 1.3 deaths in 2021. 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 players 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 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in submachine guns report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the submachine guns 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 sharp hike in U.S. tariffs and the associated trade disputes in spring 2025 are notably impacting the aerospace and defense sector by raising costs for titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics materials largely sourced from global suppliers. Defense contractors, locked into fixed-price government contracts, absorb these added costs, while commercial aerospace firms face airline pushback on higher aircraft prices. Delays in component shipments due to customs bottlenecks further disrupt tight production schedules for jets and satellites. The industry is responding by stockpiling critical materials, seeking waivers for defense-related imports, and collaborating with allied nations to diversify supply chain.

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 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.

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 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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