• In April 2025, the Philippines acquired a second BrahMos battery from India, significantly boosting its mobile anti-ship and land-attack missile defense capability.

• In February 2025, Lockheed Martin clinched a 139 million contract with the U.S. Army to supply advanced Stinger fuse and warhead assemblies for delivery.

In this report, the Shoulder-fired Weapons Market has been segmented by Technology, Weapon Type, Range, Projectile, End User, and Geography.

Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmentation by Technology

The Technology axis distinguishes between Guided and Unguided solutions, reflecting divergent procurement strategies, training requirements, and integration with fire-control and C4ISR ecosystems. Guided systems emphasize precision strike, target discrimination, and reduced collateral risk, aligning with doctrines that prioritize standoff and survivability. Unguided systems remain essential for cost-effective, rapid-response applications, particularly in austere environments where logistics, resupply cadence, and maintenance simplicity are critical. Across both, modernization efforts focus on sensor fusion, ruggedized optronics, and digital training aids to strengthen readiness and life-cycle value.

Guided

Guided solutions leverage seekers (IR, SAL, and emerging multi-mode options), advanced flight-control algorithms, and network-enabled fire-control for high first-round effects. Procurement is typically driven by combined priorities of accuracy, operator safety, and interoperability with existing platforms. Vendors pursue strategies such as modular architecture, open standards, and spiral upgrades that enable software-defined enhancements and backward compatibility, supporting long-term sustainment and reduced total ownership costs.

Unguided

Unguided systems emphasize simplicity, portability, and affordability while delivering mission-relevant lethality in close-quarters and ambush scenarios. Forces value their low training burden, minimal signature, and rapid deployment, particularly for anti-structure and suppression roles. Continuous improvements in propellants, warhead design, and recoil mitigation enhance effectiveness, while lightweight materials and ergonomic launchers improve soldier mobility and reduce fatigue during extended operations.

Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmentation by Weapon Type

The Weapon Type segmentation captures role-specific requirements across air-defense, anti-armor, anti-structure, and multi-purpose missions. Procurement decisions weigh factors such as range, target set, warhead flexibility, and the balance of guided versus unguided effects. Programs increasingly prioritize modularity, reloadability, and sustainment pathways, while partnerships between primes and niche subsystem suppliers accelerate innovation in seekers, fuzes, and composite structures to extend service life and mission adaptability.

Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS)

MANPADS address short-range air defense against low-flying aircraft and UAS, emphasizing rapid engagement, mobility, and countermeasure resistance. Modern systems integrate improved seekers, identification tools, and situational awareness aids to mitigate fratricide and enhance target recognition. User communities value doctrinal flexibility, with employment from dismounted teams or vehicle mounts, supported by robust training simulators and maintenance packages to ensure high availability in complex air-defense networks.

Rocket-Propelled Grenade Launchers (RPGs)

RPGs remain a ubiquitous, cost-effective solution for anti-structure and limited anti-armor roles, favored for simplicity, low weight, and rugged performance in harsh climates. Recent enhancements include tandem warheads, improved sights, and safer propellants that reduce backblast and signature. Modernization pathways focus on accuracy improvements, night-fighting optics, and logistics kits that streamline resupply and sustainment while preserving the platform’s fundamental affordability advantage.

Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Launchers

ATGM launchers deliver precision anti-armor capability with top-attack profiles, extended standoff, and advanced guidance modes. Programs emphasize networked targeting, seeker resilience, and combat-proven reliability to defeat modern armor and protective systems. Procurement strategies often include multi-year sustainment and tech-insertion plans, leveraging open architectures to integrate upgraded warheads, enhanced autopilots, and secure datalinks for improved lethality and mission flexibility.

Recoilless Rifles

Recoilless rifles provide multi-role fire support with a broad selection of munitions for anti-structure, anti-personnel, and limited anti-armor missions. Their enduring value stems from reloadability, durability, and a proven training base that eases adoption. Recent product strategies target lighter barrels, refined venting for signature management, and enhanced ballistics to extend effective range, aligning with expeditionary concepts that require versatile, sustainment-friendly firepower.

Shoulder-Launched Assault Weapons (SLAW)

SLAW systems are optimized for breach, anti-structure, and general-purpose fires, prioritizing ease of use, low recoil, and operator safety. Vendors pursue ergonomic launchers, improved day/night sights, and insensitive munitions to reduce logistics risk. Adoption is supported by modular training curricula and pre-packed rounds that streamline inventory control, while incremental improvements in warhead effects broaden mission applicability without imposing heavy sustainment loads.

Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmentation by Range

The Range axis addresses tactical envelopes from close quarters to extended standoff, shaping engagement doctrine, survivability, and logistics. Short-range solutions prioritize speed of employment and maneuver, medium-range options balance accuracy with portability, and long-range systems emphasize precision and operator protection. Modern programs increasingly couple range with improved target acquisition, fire-control integration, and tailored training to optimize effects while managing backblast, dispersion, and battlefield signature.

Short (Less Than 500 m)

Short-range systems dominate in urban and complex terrain where maneuver, rapid reaction, and minimal setup are decisive. Users value compact launchers, reduced backblast, and intuitive sights that accelerate engagement cycles. Portfolio strategies focus on lightweight materials, safer propellants, and multi-effect warheads to deliver decisive effects without imposing undue load or training time on small units.

Medium (500–2 km)

Medium-range solutions deliver a balance of precision and portability for open or mixed terrain operations. Fire-control aids, including stabilized optics and range-finding tools, increase hit probability while maintaining manageable system weight. Programs emphasize crew training, modular accessories, and sustainment kits that keep readiness high and lifecycle costs predictable in multi-domain operations.

Long (Greater Than 2 km)

Long-range capabilities prioritize standoff, operator protection, and the ability to defeat armored or fortified targets with high single-shot effect. Guidance robustness, seeker performance, and secure datalinks are central differentiators, while logistics planners evaluate transportability and storage constraints. Vendors pursue roadmaps that add range extension, better terminal effects, and advanced counter-countermeasures to preserve overmatch in contested environments.

Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmentation by Projectile

The Projectile segmentation captures the interplay between launch mechanisms, missile/rocket bodies, and enabling fire-control elements. Modernization emphasizes modularity, safe handling, and human-systems integration to reduce cognitive load in high-stress engagements. Suppliers differentiate with ruggedized electronics, improved fuzes, and multi-effect warheads, while sustainment concepts focus on diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and streamlined resupply to support high operational tempo.

Launcher & Tube

Launcher and tube components define portability, ergonomics, and durability under harsh conditions. Design trends include composite structures, reduced thermal signature, and quick-attach rails for sights and accessories. User agencies prioritize systems that balance weight, recoil management, and serviceability, enabling faster transitions between firing positions and compatibility with evolving fire-control solutions.

Projectile & Missile

The projectile and missile category centers on propulsion, guidance (where applicable), and warhead effects across target sets. Continuous improvements in aerodynamics, insensitive munitions, and terminal performance drive lethality and reliability. Strategies often include configurable payloads and seekers to adapt to emerging threats, with rigorous qualification and environmental testing to sustain effectiveness across climates.

Fire-Control & Sighting Systems

Fire-control and sighting systems deliver target acquisition, ranging, and engagement support that elevate hit probability and reduce operator risk. Innovation spans thermal and low-light sensors, ballistic solvers, and digital overlays that shorten the kill chain. Acquisition programs evaluate interoperability with soldier systems, power management, and software updates, ensuring long-term capability growth and training commonality across fleets.

Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmentation by End User

The End User lens reflects doctrinal roles and mission sets across land, sea, air, special operations, and homeland security. Procurement balances readiness, unit-level sustainment, and interoperability with broader joint and coalition frameworks. Growth strategies emphasize training ecosystems, scenario-based simulation, and logistics standardization to reduce total cost of ownership while expanding mission adaptability for diverse operational theaters.

Army

Army formations employ shoulder-fired systems for anti-armor, anti-structure, and close-combat support, prioritizing mobility, reloadability, and ruggedness. Modernization targets improved night-fighting capability, extended range, and modular accessories that integrate with soldier electronics. Sustainment plans stress availability, common spares, and scalable training to support high readiness across mechanized and light infantry units.

Navy

Naval end users emphasize force protection, shipboard security, and shore operations where compact, responsive firepower is required. Environmental hardening against salt fog, vibration, and humidity is prioritized, alongside safe stowage and handling. Interoperable training curricula and maintenance protocols ensure consistent performance across maritime security missions and littoral engagements.

Air Force

Air Force requirements focus on base defense, expeditionary security, and protection against low-altitude threats. Emphasis is placed on sensor integration, rapid cueing from surveillance assets, and compatibility with joint air-defense constructs. Procurement favors systems with reliable countermeasure resistance, minimal footprint, and clear sustainment pathways for deployed operations.

Special Operations Forces

SOF users demand lightweight, low-signature systems with high lethality and flexibility for diverse mission profiles. Priorities include portability, multi-effect munitions, and precision enablers that support covert or denied-area operations. Vendors compete on ergonomics, acoustic/thermal signature reduction, and modularity that enables rapid configuration without compromising reliability.

Homeland Security & Law Enforcement

Homeland Security and Law Enforcement users emphasize infrastructure protection, event security, and highly controlled employment under stringent rules of engagement. Acquisition focuses on training, identification aids, and safe storage/transport, with strong governance over inventory control. Interagency coordination and standardized procedures support readiness while ensuring compliance with legal and operational frameworks.

Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Shoulder-fired Weapons Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

North America

North American demand is shaped by modernization programs, robust training ecosystems, and integration with layered air-defense and C4ISR architectures. Procurement emphasizes precision, interoperability, and scalable sustainment, with strong focus on counter-UAS capabilities and resilient supply chains. Partnerships among primes and electronics suppliers accelerate tech insertion in seekers, optronics, and software to maintain operational overmatch.

Europe

European markets prioritize interoperability across multinational formations, lifecycle supportability, and compliance with evolving safety and export frameworks. Investment centers on guided solutions, advanced sighting systems, and training standardization to ensure readiness. Industrial strategies include cross-border collaboration, offsets, and modular upgrades that extend service life while aligning with fiscal discipline and force-structure reforms.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific sees diversified demand driven by force modernization, varied terrain, and maritime-littoral security needs. End users value portability, reliability in harsh climates, and adaptable fire-control solutions, fueling interest in both guided and unguided portfolios. Regional production partnerships and technology transfers support industrial capacity, while training and sustainment frameworks are scaled to expanding force sizes and mission sets.

Middle East & Africa

In the Middle East & Africa, procurement focuses on readiness, system ruggedization, and rapid deployment under extreme environmental conditions. Agencies seek multi-role weapons with enhanced countermeasure resilience and straightforward sustainment. Strategic collaborations and in-region maintenance hubs strengthen availability, while tailored training programs and inventory governance support operational effectiveness across diverse theaters.

Latin America

Latin American users emphasize homeland security, infrastructure protection, and cost-conscious modernization. Solutions that balance affordability with credible lethality gain traction, particularly where logistics and training bandwidth are constrained. Partnerships for localized support, phased upgrades, and standardized procedures enable incremental capability growth while preserving budget flexibility and operational continuity.

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

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Increasing asymmetric warfare scenarios
• Modernization of infantry weapon systems
• Rising demand for portable anti-armor solutions

• Expanding defense budgets in emerging nations - A significantly boosting the demand for advanced and mobile weaponry, including shoulder-fired weapons. Countries in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa are allocating larger portions of their budgets to modernize infantry units and strengthen ground forces. These nations are investing in portable, cost-effective, and multi-role combat solutions that are adaptable across diverse operational environments.

  Shoulder-fired weapons provide flexibility, ease of deployment, and rapid response capability—key attributes valued in modern asymmetric and urban warfare scenarios. As many emerging economies seek to enhance their border defense and counterinsurgency capabilities, the procurement of man-portable anti-tank and air defense systems is steadily rising. These trends are supported by broader military infrastructure upgrades and expanded defense partnerships with global arms suppliers.

  Strategic collaborations, defense offset agreements, and technology transfers are further encouraging the local production of lightweight and lethal shoulder-launched munitions. As a result, domestic defense industries in developing regions are also witnessing growth, which in turn accelerates procurement cycles and increases product accessibility.

  Given the current global security dynamics, defense spending in emerging countries is expected to remain robust. This sustained expenditure creates favorable conditions for continued adoption of next-generation shoulder-fired weapon systems tailored to regional threats and tactical doctrines.

Restraints

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

• Competition from Other Weapon Systems - A key restraint in the growth of the shoulder-fired weapons market. With the rapid advancement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), precision-guided missiles, and long-range artillery, many armed forces are diversifying their tactical preferences. These alternatives offer extended range, higher payloads, and precision targeting capabilities that shoulder-fired systems often lack.

  In certain mission types, the effectiveness of shoulder-fired munitions is limited by operator skill, environmental constraints, and shorter operational range. This makes them less appealing for large-scale, high-intensity combat scenarios, where more robust weapon platforms are preferred. Moreover, as military doctrines evolve, emphasis is increasingly placed on network-centric warfare and integrated firepower, which may reduce reliance on individual soldier-fired solutions.

  Another challenge is the rising use of multi-role and vehicle-mounted systems that offer superior survivability and engagement scope. As defense forces adopt platform-based combat strategies, investments in standalone, man-portable systems may face scrutiny from budget-conscious policymakers.

  To address these issues, manufacturers must focus on enhancing the range, accuracy, and smart targeting capabilities of shoulder-fired weapons. Integrating advanced optics and AI-supported fire-control systems could help reposition these systems as competitive assets within modern battlefield frameworks.

Opportunities

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

• Rising Investments in Counter-Drone Technologies - The rise of counter-drone technologies is opening new opportunities for the shoulder-fired weapons market. With the growing threat posed by hostile unmanned aerial systems, armed forces are investing in portable systems capable of intercepting or neutralizing drones. Shoulder-fired solutions with anti-air capabilities are gaining traction as effective deterrents in both battlefield and perimeter defense scenarios.

  Modern shoulder-fired systems are being developed with modular payloads and radar-guided warheads that enhance target tracking and interception accuracy. These adaptations are crucial for addressing the evolving threat landscape posed by low-cost, agile drone swarms and reconnaissance UAVs. Additionally, their portability makes them highly suitable for rapid deployment in forward positions or contested zones.

  Increased funding for drone defense, particularly in urban and border zones, is driving the integration of counter-UAV features into man-portable weapon platforms. These systems allow ground forces to defend against aerial threats without depending solely on large-scale, centralized air defense networks.

  As drone warfare becomes more widespread, the demand for versatile, dual-role shoulder-fired weapons is expected to grow. Vendors that focus on innovation in anti-drone munitions and targeting systems will be well-positioned to capitalize on this expanding segment.

Shoulder-fired Weapons Market is defined by intensifying competition as defense contractors and specialized manufacturers enhance their portfolios of portable missile and rocket systems. Nearly 66% of the market is led by major defense firms implementing strong strategies in product modernization. Continuous innovation, cross-industry partnerships, and targeted expansion are driving consistent growth across military and homeland security applications.

Market Structure and Concentration
The structure shows moderate-to-high concentration, with nearly 61% of revenue held by top-tier companies offering advanced weapon systems. Mid-sized firms account for about 25%, focusing on regional strategies and collaboration with defense agencies. Smaller firms control around 14%, leveraging localized expansion and niche solutions to strengthen their market competitiveness.

Brand and Channel Strategies
Brand positioning is reinforced through long-term strategies, with nearly 57% of contracts secured via direct defense procurement and 30% through government partnerships. Companies prioritize reliability, lifecycle support, and compliance to ensure sustained growth. Joint ventures and co-development agreements continue to expand product visibility and strengthen customer loyalty across global defense forces.

Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
Nearly 72% of competitive advantage is attributed to innovation in lightweight launchers, precision targeting, and advanced propulsion systems. Firms are integrating technological advancements such as AI-enabled guidance and enhanced warhead capabilities. Strategic collaboration with military research institutions fosters continuous growth, ensuring adaptability to evolving battlefield requirements.

Regional Momentum and Expansion
North America contributes nearly 42% of share, driven by defense modernization programs, while Europe accounts for 29% with joint NATO projects. Asia-Pacific exceeds 24%, supported by rising military budgets and expansion of local defense production. Companies adopt adaptive strategies and forge partnerships with regional governments to secure contracts and expand presence.

Future Outlook
The future outlook emphasizes growing demand for next-generation portable systems with enhanced accuracy and safety features. Nearly 70% of firms are prioritizing innovation in modular weapon designs and pursuing merger initiatives to expand capabilities. Sustained growth will rely on deeper collaboration with defense ministries and strategic expansion into emerging security markets.

Key players in Shoulder-fired Weapons Market include

• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• RTX Corporation (Raytheon Technologies)
• BAE Systems plc
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Saab AB
• MBDA Holdings
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd.
• Denel SOC Ltd.
• Nammo AS
• Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.
• Rheinmetall AG
• Bharat Dynamics Limited
• Roketsan

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

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