Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In July 2022, Leonardo finalized the development of the Vulcano Remote Weapon System (RWS) for the Italian Navy. The system features advanced target acquisition technology and is capable of operating under harsh maritime conditions, offering superior versatility for modern naval combat.

• In May 2023, Rheinmetall unveiled its SEA 1300 remote weapon station for naval platforms, offering high-performance targeting and protection for warships. The system is designed to be fully integrated into existing naval platforms, improving both defense and offensive capabilities while reducing crew risk.

The munitions market is segmented by technology into guided and unguided systems, each serving distinct operational purposes. Guided munitions, equipped with advanced navigation and targeting systems, ensure precision strikes and reduced collateral damage, making them vital for modern military operations. Unguided munitions, often referred to as "dumb bombs" or rockets, are simpler and cost-effective, ideal for scenarios where precision is less critical but firepower is essential.

By range, munitions are categorized into short, medium, and long-range capabilities. Short-range munitions are typically used in close-quarters combat and urban warfare, offering rapid deployment and effectiveness in constrained environments. Medium-range options provide flexibility for engagements over moderate distances, while long-range munitions are crucial for strategic operations, enabling forces to target adversaries from significant distances with minimal exposure to counterattacks.

Segmentation by assembly type includes projectiles and launchers, which together form the backbone of munitions systems. Projectiles, such as bullets, shells, and missiles, deliver the destructive payload, while launchers are the delivery mechanisms that enable their deployment. Applications span defense, home security, and other sectors. In defense, munitions are pivotal for maintaining national security and tactical superiority. In home security, non-lethal munitions, such as rubber bullets and tear gas, are employed for crowd control and personal protection. As innovation continues, the market is witnessing advancements in materials, propulsion, and targeting technologies, driving growth across diverse applications.

Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market , Segmented by Technology, Range, Assembly Type , Application and Geography.

Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmentation by Technology

Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market , Segmented by Technology into Guided and Unguided.

Guided shoulder-fired weapons are equipped with advanced guidance systems that enable them to precisely track and engage targets. These weapons often use technologies such as laser guidance, infrared imaging, or GPS to improve accuracy and target acquisition, making them highly effective against both stationary and moving targets. Guided shoulder-fired weapons are favored for their ability to reduce collateral damage and improve overall mission success rates, particularly in complex battlefield environments. On the other hand, unguided shoulder-fired weapons rely on basic aiming and ballistic principles to hit their targets.

While they may lack the precision of guided systems, unguided weapons are typically more affordable and easier to use, making them suitable for situations where cost-effectiveness and simplicity are prioritized. However, their effectiveness can be limited, especially against fast-moving or distant targets, compared to guided systems. The market for guided shoulder-fired weapons is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing focus on precision strike capabilities and the need for more effective anti-armor and anti-aircraft weapons. Manufacturers are investing in the development of advanced guidance systems to enhance the performance of these weapons, further fueling market growth.

Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmentation by Range

Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market , Segmented by Range into Short, Medium and Long.

Each serving distinct tactical purposes. Short-range shoulder-fired weapons are designed for engagements at close distances, typically up to 500 meters. These weapons are ideal for urban combat and close-quarters battle scenarios, offering soldiers a compact and portable solution for engaging threats in confined spaces.Medium-range shoulder-fired weapons are capable of engaging targets at distances ranging from 500 meters to 2 kilometers. These weapons provide greater flexibility and effectiveness in various operational environments, including open terrain and light urban areas. They are often used for anti-armor and anti-personnel purposes, offering infantry units a versatile and potent capability on the battlefield.Long-range shoulder-fired weapons are designed to engage targets at distances exceeding 2 kilometers, offering infantry units the ability to engage enemy forces from a safe distance.

These weapons are particularly effective against armored vehicles and fortified positions, providing a critical capability for modern military forces operating in diverse and challenging environments.The segmentation of the global shoulder-fired weapons market by range reflects the diverse requirements of modern infantry units, with each range category offering unique advantages and capabilities to meet the demands of contemporary warfare.

Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmentation by Assembly Type

Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market ,Segmented by Assembly Type into Projectile and Launcher.

Projectile assembly refers to the ammunition or warhead portion of the weapon, which is designed to be launched from the launcher component. These projectiles can vary in size, shape, and payload, depending on the specific application of the weapon system. Projectile assembly is critical to the overall effectiveness of the weapon, as it determines the weapon's range, accuracy, and lethality. On the other hand, launcher assembly refers to the main body of the weapon, including the firing mechanism, sighting system, and shoulder support. The launcher component is responsible for launching the projectile assembly towards the target. It is designed to be portable and easy to operate, allowing infantry units to quickly deploy and engage targets with minimal setup time.

Launcher assembly plays a crucial role in the overall performance and usability of shoulder-fired weapons, as it directly affects the weapon's handling, ergonomics, and user-friendliness. The segmentation of the global shoulder-fired weapons market by assembly type reflects the modular nature of these weapon systems, with projectile and launcher components designed to work together seamlessly. Manufacturers are constantly innovating in both projectile and launcher design to enhance the overall performance and effectiveness of shoulder-fired weapons, catering to the evolving needs of modern infantry forces.

Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmentation by Application

Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market ,Segmented by Application into Defense, Home Security, and Others.

The defense sector represents the largest market segment for shoulder-fired weapons, driven by the increasing demand for advanced infantry weapons to enhance military capabilities. These weapons are used by infantry units for a variety of purposes, including anti-armor, anti-aircraft, and anti-personnel roles, making them essential for modern military operations.The home security sector represents a growing market for shoulder-fired weapons, driven by the need for effective self-defense and protection against intruders. Shoulder-fired weapons such as shotguns and rifles are commonly used by civilians for home security purposes, providing a means to deter and defend against potential threats.

The increasing focus on personal safety and security is expected to drive further growth in this market segment. The "other" segment of the global shoulder-fired weapons market includes various niche applications, such as hunting, recreational shooting, and law enforcement. These applications represent a smaller but still significant market for shoulder-fired weapons, driven by the unique requirements of each sector. Manufacturers in this market segment often cater to specific customer needs, offering specialized weapons and accessories for different applications.

Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America is expected to dominate the market, driven by the presence of major defense contractors, extensive military modernization programs, and high defense spending. The region is also characterized by a strong focus on research and development, leading to the continuous innovation of shoulder-fired weapon systems.Europe is another significant market for shoulder-fired weapons, with countries like Russia, France, and the UK investing heavily in defense capabilities. The region's market growth is fueled by the need to counter emerging threats and modernize military forces. Additionally, the presence of key players and technological advancements in the region further contribute to market expansion.

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth in the shoulder-fired weapons market, attributed to increasing defense budgets, territorial disputes, and the focus on enhancing military capabilities. Countries like China, India, and South Korea are investing heavily in defense modernization programs, driving the demand for advanced shoulder-fired weapon systems. The Middle East and Africa and Latin America regions are also expected to witness significant growth, driven by geopolitical tensions, internal conflicts, and the need to combat terrorism and insurgency.

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

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Modernization of Military Forces
• Increasing Threat of Terrorism
• Geopolitical Tensions

• Technological Advancements:- Technological advancements are a major driver of the global shoulder-fired weapons market, fueling innovation and enhancing the capabilities of these systems. One key technological advancement is the integration of advanced guidance systems, such as laser guidance, GPS, and inertial navigation, in guided shoulder-fired weapons. These systems improve accuracy and target acquisition, allowing infantry units to engage targets with greater precision and effectiveness.Technological advancement driving the market is the development of smart weapons systems, which incorporate advanced sensors, networking capabilities, and autonomous features.
  These systems enable shoulder-fired weapons to operate more effectively in complex battlefield environments, providing soldiers with enhanced situational awareness and engagement capabilities.Advancements in materials and manufacturing processes have led to the development of lighter and more durable weapon systems, improving the mobility and usability of shoulder-fired weapons for infantry units.

Restraints

• Stringent Export Controls
• High Development Costs
• Risk of Misuse and Proliferation

• Competition from Other Weapon Systems:- One of the key restraints facing the global shoulder-fired weapons market is competition from other weapon systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), guided missiles, and artillery systems. These alternative systems offer capabilities that overlap with shoulder-fired weapons, posing a challenge to their market growth. For example, UAVs can provide reconnaissance and strike capabilities without exposing personnel to danger, reducing the need for shoulder-fired weapons in certain scenarios.
  Guided missiles and artillery systems offer longer ranges and higher precision than many shoulder-fired weapons, making them more suitable for engaging certain types of targets. As a result, the market for shoulder-fired weapons faces competition from these alternative systems, which may limit their adoption and growth, particularly in scenarios where these systems offer a more cost-effective or efficient solution.

Opportunities

• Growing Demand for Lightweight and Portable Systems
• Integration of Smart Technologies
• Focus on Urban Warfare

• Rising Investments in Counter-Drone Technologies:- Rising investments in counter-drone technologies present significant opportunities for the global shoulder-fired weapons market. As drones become more prevalent in military and security operations, there is a growing need for effective countermeasures to mitigate the threat they pose. Shoulder-fired weapons, such as anti-aircraft missiles and man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), can provide a portable and efficient means of engaging hostile drones, offering a viable solution for countering this emerging threat.
  The development of specialized shoulder-fired weapons designed specifically for anti-drone operations presents a niche market opportunity. These weapons can be equipped with advanced sensors, tracking systems, and guidance technologies optimized for engaging drones, providing military and security forces with a dedicated anti-drone capability. As the demand for counter-drone solutions continues to grow, manufacturers of shoulder-fired weapons can capitalize on this trend by developing innovative and effective anti-drone systems to meet market needs.

Key players in Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market include

• Airtronic Usa LLC
• Barrett
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• MBDA
• Nammo AS
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Roketsen
• Saab AB

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis