• In September 2024, Lockheed Martin won a 1.3 billion follow‑on contract to ramp up production of Javelin man‑portable anti‑tank missiles, marking the largest single‑year order to replenish U.S. stockpiles and support allies like Ukraine and Taiwan.

• In January 2024, MBDA and Saab AB formed a strategic partnership to enhance the Akeron MP missile system, focusing on beyond‑line‑of‑sight firing to boost next‑generation battlefield capabilities.

In this report, the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market has been segmented by Weapon Systems, Technology, Assembly Type, Application, and Geography.

Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market, Segmentation by Weapon Systems

The Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market has been segmented by Weapon Systems into Man Portable Air Defense Systems , Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, and Rocket-Propelled Grenade Launchers.

Man Portable Air Defense Systems

Man Portable Air Defense Systems account for approximately 36% of the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. These lightweight, shoulder-fired missile systems are designed to neutralize low-flying aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Rising threats from hostile air assets and the increasing deployment of portable air defense solutions across various military forces are driving this segment. Additionally, advancements in infrared homing technology and target tracking capabilities further enhance the effectiveness and demand for MANPADS.

Anti-Tank Guided Missiles

Anti-Tank Guided Missiles contribute about 44% to the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. These precision-guided missiles are primarily used to destroy armored vehicles, including main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers. The demand for ATGMs is being fueled by increasing investment in next-generation anti-armor technologies and the need for highly portable and lethal battlefield solutions. Moreover, advancements in fire-and-forget systems and top-attack capabilities are significantly enhancing the performance and adoption of modern ATGMs.

Rocket-Propelled Grenade Launchers

Rocket-Propelled Grenade Launchers hold approximately 20% share in the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. These versatile infantry weapons are widely used for short-range anti-armor and anti-personnel applications. Their relatively low cost, ease of use, and ability to engage both stationary and moving targets make them a staple in modern infantry operations. Ongoing enhancements in warhead technology and launcher design are further contributing to the sustained demand for rocket-propelled grenade launchers across armed forces.

Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market, Segmentation by Technology

The Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market has been segmented by Technology into Guided and Unguided.

Guided

Guided systems dominate the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market, accounting for approximately 62% of the total demand. These systems utilize advanced target tracking, precision guidance, and fire-and-forget technologies to enhance accuracy and effectiveness against armored targets. The rising adoption of next-generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and guided rocket systems by modern militaries is driving significant growth in this segment. Additionally, increasing investment in autonomous targeting and multi-mode seekers further boosts the capabilities and demand for guided man-portable weapons.

Unguided

Unguided systems represent about 38% of the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. These systems, including traditional rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers and recoilless rifles, remain popular for their cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and tactical flexibility. They are widely employed by infantry units for close-range anti-armor and anti-structure missions. Continuous improvements in warhead design and launch mechanisms are helping maintain the relevance of unguided weapons in modern combat scenarios, especially in urban warfare and irregular conflicts.

Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market, Segmentation by Assembly Type

The Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market has been segmented by Assembly Type into Projectile and Launcher.

Projectile

The projectile segment accounts for approximately 57% of the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. This category includes a wide range of guided and unguided munitions such as anti-tank missiles, rockets, and grenades designed to defeat armored vehicles and fortifications. Growing advancements in warhead technology, penetration capability, and targeting accuracy are driving the demand for high-performance projectiles. Furthermore, the emphasis on developing multi-purpose munitions to enhance operational flexibility is contributing to this segment’s growth.

Launcher

The launcher segment represents about 43% of the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. Launchers, including shoulder-fired systems, tube-launched platforms, and recoilless rifles, are critical enablers for deploying advanced projectiles. Innovations in lightweight materials, ergonomic designs, and fire-control systems are enhancing the usability and combat effectiveness of modern launchers. The increasing demand for portable, easy-to-operate, and reusable launcher platforms is driving growth in this segment across global defense forces.

Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market, Segmentation by Application

The Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market has been segmented by Application into Homeland Security and Defense.

Homeland Security

The homeland security segment holds about 28% of the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. These weapons are increasingly deployed by law enforcement agencies, border security forces, and special operations units to counter threats from heavily armed adversaries and light armored vehicles. The growing need for enhanced urban warfare capabilities and counter-terrorism operations is fueling demand. Moreover, advancements in portable weapon systems and rising investments in homeland defense modernization programs are driving this segment’s growth.

Defense

The defense segment dominates the market with a share of approximately 72% in the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. These weapons are vital for infantry units engaged in anti-armor, anti-personnel, and fortification assault missions. Increasing investments in next-generation man-portable weaponry and rising demand for lightweight, highly lethal systems are driving growth. Additionally, ongoing modernization of armed forces and the shift towards network-centric warfare continue to bolster demand for advanced man-portable anti-armor weapons in the defense sector.

Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America leads the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market, accounting for approximately 37% of the total share. The region’s strong demand is driven by significant investments in military modernization and the widespread adoption of next-generation anti-armor systems. The presence of major defense contractors and ongoing procurement programs by the U.S. Department of Defense further enhance market growth. Increasing focus on advanced lightweight weapon systems continues to drive innovation across North America.

Europe

Europe holds about 26% of the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. The region is witnessing heightened demand due to rising geopolitical tensions and increased defense spending among key nations such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Modernization of infantry weapon systems and growing emphasis on NATO defense readiness are further fueling market expansion. Additionally, collaborative European defense programs are contributing to the development of cutting-edge man-portable anti-armor technologies.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific contributes approximately 21% to the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. Rapid military modernization across countries such as China, India, and South Korea is a key driver. The region’s focus on strengthening infantry combat capabilities and improving border security is fostering demand for advanced man-portable anti-armor weapons. Furthermore, increasing investments in indigenous defense manufacturing and growing defense budgets continue to bolster market growth across Asia Pacific.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa region holds about 10% of the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. Rising regional conflicts and the need for asymmetric warfare capabilities are driving demand for these weapons. Nations across the region are investing in portable anti-armor solutions to enhance the effectiveness of their ground forces. Additionally, procurement of modern infantry weapons and the emergence of regional defense partnerships are supporting market growth in this segment.

Latin America

Latin America contributes around 6% to the Man-portable Anti-armor Weapons Market. Demand in this region is primarily driven by efforts to strengthen border security and support counter-insurgency operations. Countries such as Brazil and Colombia are investing in modern infantry weapon systems to enhance operational effectiveness. Moreover, growing collaboration with international defense suppliers and the modernization of military forces are contributing to the steady growth of this market segment in Latin America.