Product Code: ETC13365931 | Publication Date: Apr 2025 | Updated Date: Jul 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | Author: Summon Dutta | No. of Pages: 190 | No. of Figures: 80 | No. of Tables: 40 |
According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market was valued at USD 13.7 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 18.2 Billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.10% during the forecast period (2025-2031).
The Global Small Arms Light Weapons (SALW) market is witnessing steady growth, driven by factors such as increasing defense budgets, rising demand for personal security, and the ongoing modernization of military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The market encompasses a wide range of products including pistols, rifles, machine guns, and light artillery, with key players such as Smith & Wesson, Glock, and Heckler & Koch dominating the industry. Geopolitical tensions, terrorism, and organized crime are also contributing to the market`s expansion, with a notable focus on the development of advanced technologies such as smart guns and integrated weapon systems. However, stringent regulations and ethical considerations surrounding arms sales are challenges that the industry faces as it continues to evolve and innovate.
The Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market is witnessing several key trends and opportunities. One major trend is the increasing demand for small arms and light weapons for military, law enforcement, and civilian purposes due to rising security concerns globally. Additionally, technological advancements such as smart weapons and integration of digital components are driving market growth. The market is also seeing a shift towards lightweight and modular weapon systems to enhance maneuverability and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the increasing focus on precision-guided weapons and ammunition is creating opportunities for market players to innovate and develop advanced products. With growing defense budgets in emerging economies and ongoing modernization programs in developed countries, the small arms light weapons market is poised for steady growth and expansion in the coming years.
The Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market faces several challenges, including illicit arms trafficking, lack of effective regulations and enforcement mechanisms, proliferation of unregistered weapons, and the diversion of legal firearms into illegal markets. Additionally, the presence of non-state actors and terrorist organizations further complicates the security landscape. The issue of small arms proliferation contributes to conflicts, terrorism, organized crime, and human rights violations around the world. Addressing these challenges requires international cooperation, improved tracking and tracing mechanisms, stricter regulations on manufacturing and sales, as well as disarmament and demobilization programs in conflict-affected regions. Efforts to curb the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons are essential to promoting global peace and security.
The Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market is primarily driven by factors such as increasing defense budgets of various countries, rising instances of armed conflicts and terrorism, and growing demand for weapons for self-defense and law enforcement purposes. Additionally, technological advancements leading to the development of advanced small arms and light weapons with improved accuracy, range, and lethality are also driving market growth. Moreover, the rising focus on military modernization programs and the need for replacing aging weapons systems are fueling the demand for small arms and light weapons globally. Geopolitical tensions, territorial disputes, and the need to combat organized crime are further contributing to the growth of the market for small arms and light weapons.
Government policies related to the Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market vary among countries, but common elements include regulations on manufacturing, import/export controls, licensing requirements, and restrictions on sales to certain individuals or countries. The United Nations Arms Trade Treaty aims to regulate the international trade of conventional arms, including small arms and light weapons, to prevent their illicit proliferation and misuse. Additionally, some countries have implemented domestic laws to strengthen control over these weapons, such as background checks for purchasers and mandatory registration of firearms. Governments also often collaborate with international organizations and other countries to combat the illegal trafficking of small arms and light weapons, promoting stability and security on a global scale.
The Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market is expected to witness steady growth in the coming years due to factors such as increasing defense budgets, rising demand for personal security, and ongoing military modernization programs. Technological advancements in firearms, such as smart guns and lightweight materials, are also driving market growth. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and the need for law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism and organized crime are expected to fuel the demand for small arms and light weapons globally. However, stringent regulations on arms trade and efforts to curb illicit arms trafficking may pose challenges to market expansion. Overall, the market is anticipated to experience moderate growth with a focus on enhancing weapon performance, reducing weight, and improving accuracy and safety features.
In the Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Asia is expected to dominate in terms of market share due to increasing defense expenditures by countries like China and India. North America is projected to follow closely behind, driven by ongoing military modernization programs and high demand for firearms in the United States. Europe is expected to witness moderate growth, primarily driven by the presence of major defense manufacturers in countries like Germany and France. The Middle East and Africa region is anticipated to experience steady growth due to ongoing regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions. Latin America is expected to show promising growth opportunities, driven by efforts to combat rising crime rates and strengthen law enforcement agencies. Overall, increasing security threats and geopolitical tensions are driving the demand for small arms and light weapons across regions.
Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market |
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Overview |
3.1 Global Regional Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Regions, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Weapon Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.7 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume Share, By End User, 2021 & 2031F |
3.8 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Caliber Size, 2021 & 2031F |
3.9 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Ammunition Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.10 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Key Features, 2021 & 2031F |
4 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.3 Market Restraints |
5 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Trends |
6 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, 2021 - 2031 |
6.1 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Weapon Type, 2021 - 2031 |
6.1.1 Overview & Analysis |
6.1.2 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Handguns, 2021 - 2031 |
6.1.3 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Assault Rifles, 2021 - 2031 |
6.1.4 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Submachine Guns, 2021 - 2031 |
6.2 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By End User, 2021 - 2031 |
6.2.1 Overview & Analysis |
6.2.2 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Military & Law Enforcement, 2021 - 2031 |
6.2.3 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Private Security Firms, 2021 - 2031 |
6.2.4 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Civilian Firearms, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Caliber Size, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3.1 Overview & Analysis |
6.3.2 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By 9mm, .45 ACP, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3.3 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3.4 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By .22 LR, .40 S&W, 2021 - 2031 |
6.4 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Ammunition Type, 2021 - 2031 |
6.4.1 Overview & Analysis |
6.4.2 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Hollow Point, Full Metal Jacket, 2021 - 2031 |
6.4.3 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Armor-Piercing, Tracer Rounds, 2021 - 2031 |
6.4.4 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Expanding Bullets, 2021 - 2031 |
6.5 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Key Features, 2021 - 2031 |
6.5.1 Overview & Analysis |
6.5.2 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Concealed Carry, Quick Reload, 2021 - 2031 |
6.5.3 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Lightweight, High-Precision, 2021 - 2031 |
6.5.4 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Compact Design, Low Recoil, 2021 - 2031 |
7 North America Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Overview & Analysis |
7.1 North America Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2 North America Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2.1 United States (US) Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2.2 Canada Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2.3 Rest of North America Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
7.3 North America Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Weapon Type, 2021 - 2031 |
7.4 North America Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By End User, 2021 - 2031 |
7.5 North America Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Caliber Size, 2021 - 2031 |
7.6 North America Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Ammunition Type, 2021 - 2031 |
7.7 North America Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Key Features, 2021 - 2031 |
8 Latin America (LATAM) Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Overview & Analysis |
8.1 Latin America (LATAM) Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
8.2 Latin America (LATAM) Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
8.2.1 Brazil Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
8.2.2 Mexico Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
8.2.3 Argentina Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
8.2.4 Rest of LATAM Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
8.3 Latin America (LATAM) Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Weapon Type, 2021 - 2031 |
8.4 Latin America (LATAM) Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By End User, 2021 - 2031 |
8.5 Latin America (LATAM) Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Caliber Size, 2021 - 2031 |
8.6 Latin America (LATAM) Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Ammunition Type, 2021 - 2031 |
8.7 Latin America (LATAM) Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Key Features, 2021 - 2031 |
9 Asia Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Overview & Analysis |
9.1 Asia Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
9.2 Asia Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
9.2.1 India Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
9.2.2 China Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
9.2.3 Japan Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
9.2.4 Rest of Asia Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
9.3 Asia Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Weapon Type, 2021 - 2031 |
9.4 Asia Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By End User, 2021 - 2031 |
9.5 Asia Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Caliber Size, 2021 - 2031 |
9.6 Asia Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Ammunition Type, 2021 - 2031 |
9.7 Asia Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Key Features, 2021 - 2031 |
10 Africa Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Overview & Analysis |
10.1 Africa Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
10.2 Africa Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
10.2.1 South Africa Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
10.2.2 Egypt Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
10.2.3 Nigeria Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
10.2.4 Rest of Africa Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
10.3 Africa Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Weapon Type, 2021 - 2031 |
10.4 Africa Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By End User, 2021 - 2031 |
10.5 Africa Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Caliber Size, 2021 - 2031 |
10.6 Africa Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Ammunition Type, 2021 - 2031 |
10.7 Africa Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Key Features, 2021 - 2031 |
11 Europe Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Overview & Analysis |
11.1 Europe Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
11.2 Europe Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
11.2.1 United Kingdom Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
11.2.2 Germany Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
11.2.3 France Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
11.2.4 Rest of Europe Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
11.3 Europe Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Weapon Type, 2021 - 2031 |
11.4 Europe Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By End User, 2021 - 2031 |
11.5 Europe Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Caliber Size, 2021 - 2031 |
11.6 Europe Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Ammunition Type, 2021 - 2031 |
11.7 Europe Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Key Features, 2021 - 2031 |
12 Middle East Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Overview & Analysis |
12.1 Middle East Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
12.2 Middle East Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
12.2.1 Saudi Arabia Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
12.2.2 UAE Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
12.2.3 Turkey Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
12.3 Middle East Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Weapon Type, 2021 - 2031 |
12.4 Middle East Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By End User, 2021 - 2031 |
12.5 Middle East Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Caliber Size, 2021 - 2031 |
12.6 Middle East Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Ammunition Type, 2021 - 2031 |
12.7 Middle East Small Arms Light Weapons Market, Revenues & Volume, By Key Features, 2021 - 2031 |
13 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Key Performance Indicators |
14 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market - Export/Import By Countries Assessment |
15 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market - Opportunity Assessment |
15.1 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Opportunity Assessment, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
15.2 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Opportunity Assessment, By Weapon Type, 2021 & 2031F |
15.3 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Opportunity Assessment, By End User, 2021 & 2031F |
15.4 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Opportunity Assessment, By Caliber Size, 2021 & 2031F |
15.5 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Opportunity Assessment, By Ammunition Type, 2021 & 2031F |
15.6 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Opportunity Assessment, By Key Features, 2021 & 2031F |
16 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market - Competitive Landscape |
16.1 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
16.2 Global Small Arms Light Weapons Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
17 Top 10 Company Profiles |
18 Recommendations |
19 Disclaimer |