Global Automatic Weapons Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2024 - 2030)

This report extensively covers different segments of Global Automatic Weapons Market and provides an in depth analysis (including revenue analysis for both historic and forecast periods) for all the market segments. In this report, the analysis for every market segment is substantiated with relevant data points and, insights that are generated from analysis of these data points (data trends and patterns).

The main driver for market growth is the increasing defense spending, particularly in developing countries, which is facilitating procurement plans for modernizing military weaponry. Nations are acquiring the latest firearms to equip their militaries, leading to the development and purchase of advanced weapon systems with heightened automation. The rise in automatic weapons procurement is further fueled by growing internal conflicts worldwide, such as cross-border disputes between Turkey and Cyprus, India and China, and Russia and Ukraine, resulting in regional conflicts and the acquisition of advanced weaponry.

Additionally, the utilization of automatic weapons has surged due to rapid production of sophisticated arms and trends associated with defense equipment modernization in key developing nations. The need for precision weapon systems has heightened focus on advanced weaponry to counter increasing incidents of terrorism. Furthermore, the introduction of high-tech, lightweight automatic weapons and intelligent weapon systems is contributing to market growth.

Global Automatic Weapons Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Automatic Weapons Market has been segmented by Product, Type, Caliber, End Use, Geography.

Global Automatic Weapons Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Automatic Weapons Market has been segmented by Type into Fully Automatic and Semi-Automatic.

The semi-automatic segment is anticipated to maintain its position as the dominant force in the market throughout the forecast period. This dominance can be attributed to the increasing demand for semi-automatic weapon systems, particularly from countries such as Ukraine, India, Pakistan, and Syria, where regional tensions drive the need for enhanced security measures. As these nations seek to bolster their defense capabilities, the adoption of semi-automatic firearms emerges as a preferred choice, offering a balance between firepower and control.

The fully automatic segment is poised to witness a higher compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. This growth trajectory is fueled by the heightened accessibility of fully automatic weapons in battlefield operations, catering to the evolving requirements of military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Notably, the U.S. Army's recent contract signing for the manufacture and supply of squad weapons, including the XM5 rifle and XM250 automatic rifle, underscores the increasing focus on equipping armed forces with advanced firepower solutions. Moreover, the inclusion of the 6.8 Common Patrone family of ammunition further emphasizes the commitment to enhancing combat capabilities through the adoption of fully automatic firearm systems.

Global Automatic Weapons Market, Segmentation by Caliber

The Global Automatic Weapons Market has been segmented by Caliber into Small Caliber, Medium Caliber, and Large Caliber.

The small caliber segment is poised to maintain its leadership in the market throughout the forecast period. This dominance is driven by the superior performance, extended penetration range, and enhanced lethality offered by small-caliber assault rifles in battlefield scenarios. Notably, small calibers find widespread usage in prominent firearms such as the Adcor A-556, Barrett REC7, and Colt CM901 assault rifles, underscoring their versatility and effectiveness in modern combat operations.

The medium caliber segment is expected to witness a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the multifunctionality of medium-caliber ammunition, which includes tracer capabilities, catering to diverse operational requirements. Ranging from 20mm to 40mm and beyond, medium calibers are extensively utilized in firearms such as the Anzio rifle, M82 rifle, and MK 108 assault rifle, among others, showcasing their adaptability and utility across various combat scenarios.

The large caliber segment is poised to experience significant growth in the forecast period, propelled by continuous innovations aimed at enhancing the range and accuracy of large-caliber weapon systems. These advancements in large-caliber machine guns are geared towards meeting the evolving needs of defense forces for increased firepower and precision, thereby driving market expansion within the segment.

Global Automatic Weapons Market, Segmentation by End Use

The Global Automatic Weapons Market has been segmented by End Use into Land, Naval, Airborne, and Handheld & Stationary.

In the automatic weapons market, the land segment emerges as a dominant force, driven by the widespread use of battle tanks, Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), and Light-Protected Vehicles (LPVs) in combat scenarios. This segment's prominence is expected to persist throughout the forecast period, fueled by the escalating demand for advanced automatic weapons to fortify land-based military capabilities amid evolving security challenges. The naval segment is poised for notable growth, propelled by the adoption of precision weapon systems on naval platforms, particularly in developed economies like the U.S. and the U.K. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on augmenting maritime defense capabilities, leading to an upsurge in demand for advanced automatic weapons tailored for naval applications.

The airborne segment is anticipated to demonstrate significant growth momentum, driven by the ongoing transition from conventional to advanced combat systems across various aerial platforms. This shift, observed in fighter aircraft, combat support aircraft, and helicopters, underscores the imperative to modernize aerial defense capabilities, thereby fostering a conducive environment for the expansion of the automatic weapons market within the airborne domain.

The handheld & stationary segment is poised to experience substantial growth, propelled by increasing demand from Middle Eastern countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. These nations are actively investing in upgrading their defense capabilities, spurring the adoption of advanced automatic weapons for bolstering security and preparedness on the ground.

Global Automatic Weapons Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Automatic Weapons Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Automatic Weapons Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2023

North America emerged as a dominant player in the automatic weapons market, with a market size reaching USD 3.04 billion in 2022. The region is poised to maintain its leading position globally throughout the forecast period, driven by the presence of key industry players such as General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC in the United States. Moreover, the U.S. government's focus on enhancing its arsenal, including automated weapons, battle tanks, armored fighting vehicles, and light-protected vehicles, further bolsters North America's market dominance.

In Europe, significant market growth is projected, attributed to substantial investments by key players like BAE Systems, FN Herstal, Kalashnikov Concern, and KBP Instrument Design Bureau. Russia's prominent position as the world's second-largest arms exporter, as per a SIPRI report (2022), further contributes to the region's market expansion.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness robust growth, driven by the burgeoning arms and ammunition industry in China and India. Key market players in the region, such as China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) and Ordinance Factory Board (India), are ramping up investments, fueling market growth.

In the Middle East, increasing demand from countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey for automatic launchers, automatic cannons, and self-attacking drone systems is propelling regional market growth. Furthermore, the Rest of the World segment is poised for extraordinary growth, supported by increased spending on automatic rifles, machine guns, and automatic launchers from Latin America and Africa.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Automatic Weapons Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities

Drivers:

• Cross-Border Conflicts Boosting Market Growth

• Weapons Technology Advancements Driving Market Expansion: The rapid advancement of fully automatic weapon systems is poised to have a substantial impact on the growth trajectory of the automatic weapons market in the foreseeable future. These systems offer a range of features designed to enhance operational capabilities, including heavy barrels to mitigate overheating during prolonged use, bipods for stability, and increased ammunition capacity. Such attributes not only bolster the effectiveness of automatic weapons but also drive market expansion, particularly as defense agencies seek to modernize their arsenals with state-of-the-art firepower.

  The introduction of high-tech lightweight automatic weapons and intelligent systems equipped with innovative features like biometric reading and RFID sensors is further propelling market growth. These advancements not only enhance operational efficiency but also address critical concerns such as weapon misuse and accidents. Additionally, strategic collaborations and agreements, such as the recent contract between France, Britain, and MBDA for next-generation missile development, underscore the growing emphasis on defense modernization and cooperation among industry players. With governments worldwide prioritizing soldier modernization efforts and increasing investments in research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E), the automatic weapons market is poised for sustained growth. Furthermore, the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as 3D and 4D printing, coupled with ongoing efforts to reduce production costs, is expected to further fuel market expansion in the coming years.

Restraints:

• Regulatory Compliance Challenges

• Initial Cost of Precision Firearms Restricting Market Growth: The high cost associated with the development of precision firearms poses a significant challenge to market growth. Precision firearms are characterized by advanced features such as fire control systems and heads-up display technology, which enhance accuracy and operational efficiency, particularly over long ranges. However, the incorporation of these sophisticated technologies often entails substantial research and development investments, driving up production costs. This cost burden not only affects the affordability of precision firearms for both military and civilian buyers but also hampers market expansion efforts.

  To address this challenge, companies operating in the precision firearms market are actively engaged in research and development endeavors aimed at designing and developing cost-effective solutions. By leveraging innovative engineering techniques and exploring alternative materials and manufacturing processes, these companies seek to streamline production processes and reduce overall development costs. Additionally, collaborations with research institutions and technology partners enable manufacturers to access cutting-edge technologies while sharing the financial burden of research and development activities. Through these concerted efforts, industry players endeavor to overcome the barrier posed by high development costs and foster market growth by offering more accessible and competitively priced precision firearms to meet evolving customer demands.

Opportunities:

• Expansion of Military Modernization Programs

• Rising Focus on Counter-Terrorism Operations: The heightened global threat of terrorism has prompted governments and security agencies worldwide to intensify their efforts in combating extremist activities. This surge in counter-terrorism operations has translated into a growing demand for advanced automatic weapons, which are integral to the arsenal of defense and law enforcement forces. As terrorist organizations continue to evolve and adapt their tactics, there is a pressing need for weaponry that can effectively neutralize threats while minimizing collateral damage. In response to this demand, manufacturers and suppliers of automatic weapons are poised to capitalize on the expanding market opportunities presented by the burgeoning focus on counter-terrorism efforts.

  With a heightened emphasis on enhancing security measures to safeguard civilian populations, governments are actively investing in advanced weaponry equipped with cutting-edge technology. Automatic weapons offer rapid-fire capabilities and precision targeting, enabling security forces to respond swiftly and decisively to terrorist threats. Furthermore, the integration of advanced features such as improved accuracy, ergonomic design, and enhanced maneuverability enhances the operational effectiveness of these weapons in challenging urban environments. Against this backdrop, the automatic weapons market stands to benefit significantly from the escalating focus on counter-terrorism operations, as security agencies prioritize the acquisition of high-performance firearms to mitigate security risks and ensure public safety.

Key players in Global Automatic Weapons Market include

• General Dynamics Corporation
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Rheinmetall AG
• Denel Land Systems
• BAE Systems PLC
• SIG SAUER

The future of the automatic weapons market is marked by the emergence of innovative and advanced weapon systems, including the modular advanced armed robot system, laser weapon system, Personnel Interception and Stimulus-Response Rifle (PHASR), and XM25 Anti-defilade Target Counter. These cutting-edge technologies represent the next wave of advancements in the industry, offering enhanced capabilities in terms of precision, range, and effectiveness on the battlefield. Key players in the market are focusing on developing a diverse product portfolio that encompasses these high-tech trends, aligning with the evolving needs of defense forces worldwide. Additionally, a research-driven approach is being embraced by industry leaders to drive innovation and stay ahead in the competitive landscape. By investing in research and development and embracing technological advancements, key players aim to accelerate market growth and maintain their competitive edge in the automatic weapons market.