Non Lethal Projectiles Market

• The global non-lethal projectiles market is projected to grow from USD 1.4 billion in 2025 to USD 2.4 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. Source

• Rubber projectiles are expected to dominate the market, accounting for 39.6% of the market share in 2025, due to their flexibility, durability, and controlled impact capabilities. Source

• Impact types such as kinetic and physical projectiles are anticipated to lead the segment, capturing 51.3% of the market share in 2025, owing to their effectiveness in crowd control and law enforcement applications. Source

• Key growth regions include North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, driven by increasing demand from law enforcement agencies and military forces seeking non-lethal alternatives for crowd control and public safety. Source

• Major players in the market include Axon Enterprise, Inc., Combined Systems, Inc., Amtec Less-Lethal Systems, Inc., Nonlethal Technologies, Inc., Lamperd Less Lethal, Inc., United Tactical Systems, LLC, Condor Non-Lethal Technologies, and Rheinmetall AG, focusing on product innovation and strategic partnerships to expand their market presence. Source

• In June 2018, rising personal safety concerns fueled growing interest in non-lethal projectiles as effective tools for deterrence and protection. These innovations offered reliable defense without inflicting permanent harm, appealing to individuals seeking alternative security solutions.

• In October 2018, the adoption of non-lethal projectiles expanded across law enforcement, military, homeland security, and civilian sectors. This trend underscored their increasing versatility and role in promoting safer, non-lethal methods of protection and control.

In this report, the Non Lethal Projectiles Market has been segmented by Product Type, Technology, Application, Caliber Type, End User and Geography.

Non Lethal Projectiles Market, Segmentation by Product Type

The Product Type segmentation includes Rubber Bullets, Bean Bag Rounds, Plastic Bullets, Sponge Rounds, Paintball Rounds, Flash Rounds and Others. The growing need for public safety, riot control, and law enforcement modernization is driving adoption across multiple projectile types. Manufacturers are focusing on enhancing accuracy, energy absorption, and compliance with human rights standards in product design.

Rubber Bullets

Rubber bullets are among the most widely used non-lethal projectiles due to their effectiveness in incapacitating individuals temporarily without causing permanent injury. They are primarily deployed in crowd control and riot management scenarios and are witnessing rising demand from both military and law enforcement sectors.

Bean Bag Rounds

Bean bag rounds deliver blunt force impact for safe target incapacitation. These rounds are commonly utilized by police and tactical response teams in low-risk operations. Their low penetration potential and controlled kinetic energy make them an essential part of less-lethal ammunition inventories.

Plastic Bullets

Plastic bullets are favored for training and crowd control applications where minimal injury risk is required. These projectiles are gaining popularity in countries emphasizing non-lethal force regulations and are often used in conjunction with riot shields and dispersal tactics.

Sponge Rounds

Sponge rounds are designed for close-quarter engagement and compliance enforcement. They provide accurate delivery with minimal ricochet risk, supporting the growing adoption in urban law enforcement and prison security operations.

Paintball Rounds

Paintball rounds are widely used for marking, training, and simulation. In tactical contexts, they allow visual identification of engagement zones and provide safe combat readiness training for police and military recruits.

Flash Rounds

Flash rounds are specialized projectiles that disorient targets through light and sound effects. These rounds are vital in riot control, hostage rescue, and tactical entry operations, offering situational advantage with minimal collateral damage.

Others

The Others category includes customized and hybrid rounds designed for specific operational environments, such as rubber-coated or gel-based variants. These solutions are emerging to fill niche security demands and improve user safety.

Non Lethal Projectiles Market, Segmentation by Technology

The Technology segmentation includes Kinetic Impact Projectiles, Chemical Irritant Projectiles, Marking & Training Projectiles, Acoustic & Flash Projectiles and Others. Advancements in propulsion systems, material science, and non-toxic irritants are transforming the technological landscape of the non-lethal projectile industry.

Kinetic Impact Projectiles

Kinetic impact projectiles dominate the market due to their proven reliability in crowd control and perimeter defense. They use calibrated force to disable targets without penetration, offering a safe solution for conflict de-escalation.

Chemical Irritant Projectiles (Tear Gas and Pepper Spray Rounds)

Chemical irritant projectiles, including tear gas and pepper spray rounds, are widely used for area denial and dispersion operations. Their increasing use in riot control and border security operations is supported by advancements in chemical formulation that balance potency and safety.

Marking & Training Projectiles

Marking and training projectiles are gaining traction as law enforcement agencies emphasize realistic, risk-free training. These rounds simulate live-fire dynamics while ensuring safety for personnel and training environments.

Acoustic & Flash Projectiles

Acoustic and flash projectiles create sensory disorientation using high-decibel noise and bright flashes. Their use is increasing in military operations and tactical law enforcement missions to neutralize threats with minimal engagement.

Others

The Others segment comprises emerging technologies such as gel-based and electric-discharge projectiles, offering new dimensions of non-lethal deterrence while enhancing operational precision.

Non Lethal Projectiles Market, Segmentation by Application

The Application segmentation includes Law Enforcement, Military & Defense, Correctional Facilities, Civil Crowd Control, Training & Simulation and Others. Expanding demand across these areas reflects the global shift toward non-lethal security frameworks and improved tactical preparedness.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies represent the primary application segment, with growing use in public safety and riot mitigation. The emphasis on proportionate response tactics is boosting procurement of less-lethal ammunition globally.

Military & Defense

Military & defense forces utilize non-lethal projectiles for peacekeeping, base protection, and riot control during civilian engagements. Integration with smart targeting systems enhances their operational efficiency and reduces unintended casualties.

Correctional Facilities

Correctional facilities employ non-lethal projectiles for inmate control and disturbance management. Their effectiveness in de-escalating confrontations while preserving human rights drives steady adoption.

Civil Crowd Control

Civil crowd control applications are expanding as governments adopt non-violent methods for protest and riot management. The market is witnessing increased investment in advanced launcher systems for safe deployment.

Training & Simulation

Training & simulation represents a fast-growing application area supported by the rise in defense modernization programs. Use of marking rounds and reusable ammunition enhances realistic scenario-based training outcomes.

Others

The Others category includes specialized uses in private security and wildlife management. These applications highlight the versatility and adaptability of non-lethal projectile technologies.

Non Lethal Projectiles Market, Segmentation by Caliber Type

The Caliber Type segmentation includes Less Than 37mm, 37mm–40mm and Above 40mm. Caliber differentiation is essential for addressing operational range, impact force, and launcher compatibility. Law enforcement and military preferences vary according to mission type and engagement distance.

Less Than 37mm

Less than 37mm projectiles are widely used for personal defense, crowd control, and training. These small-caliber rounds provide adequate stopping power with minimal injury risk.

37mm–40mm

37mm–40mm projectiles are the most common in tactical and law enforcement scenarios, providing a balance between impact energy and safety. They are compatible with a wide range of multi-shot and single-launch systems.

Above 40mm

Above 40mm projectiles are used for military and large-scale crowd control operations. Their enhanced kinetic energy and range make them suitable for long-distance deterrence and area denial missions.

Non Lethal Projectiles Market, Segmentation by End User

The End User segmentation includes Police Forces, Military Organizations, Security Agencies, Correctional Institutions and Others. The diversification of end users reflects the widening application of less-lethal solutions across different security domains worldwide.

Police Forces

Police forces remain the dominant end users, driven by increased civil unrest and crowd management requirements. Global initiatives to reduce excessive force incidents are further strengthening demand.

Military Organizations

Military organizations employ non-lethal projectiles in peacekeeping missions and operational training. The integration of these systems enhances compliance with rules of engagement in humanitarian operations.

Security Agencies

Private and government security agencies are adopting non-lethal weapons for border protection, facility defense, and convoy security. These solutions help mitigate conflict escalation risks.

Correctional Institutions

Correctional institutions utilize non-lethal projectiles for maintaining order and managing disturbances. Their low lethality and high control efficiency make them suitable for confined spaces.

Others

The Others segment encompasses use by private security firms, maritime authorities, and emergency response units, which increasingly rely on non-lethal solutions for controlled engagement and personnel safety.

Non Lethal Projectiles Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Non Lethal Projectiles Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

North America

North America leads the market due to the presence of major defense contractors and modernization initiatives across U.S. and Canadian law enforcement. High investment in non-lethal weapon R&D and procurement programs drives regional dominance.

Europe

Europe exhibits robust growth with widespread adoption of riot control and peacekeeping equipment. The region’s focus on human rights and safety compliance fosters ongoing product innovation and standardization.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is projected to experience strong growth supported by rising defense budgets and domestic unrest management needs. Countries such as India, China, and South Korea are accelerating non-lethal weapon procurement for law enforcement modernization.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region is witnessing adoption in counter-terrorism and border protection operations. Governments are investing in non-lethal solutions for internal security amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Latin America

Latin America continues to develop its market presence as security forces adopt modern crowd control measures. Rising urbanization and civil protests in countries like Brazil and Mexico are creating a steady demand for non-lethal projectiles.

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

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Non Lethal Projectiles Market is witnessing strong competitive intensity as manufacturers focus on expanding product portfolios and strengthening their presence across defense, law enforcement, and security sectors. With increasing reliance on innovation, strategic collaboration, and regional partnerships, companies are aligning their operations to achieve sustainable growth while addressing evolving tactical requirements.

Market Structure and Concentration

The market is moderately fragmented, with a concentration of players investing in differentiated strategies to enhance their market share. Around 40%–50% of the sector is dominated by leading firms, while smaller enterprises contribute through niche product offerings. Intense competition drives continuous innovation, ensuring diverse applications of non lethal projectiles across security and defense landscapes.

Brand and Channel Strategies

Companies adopt targeted brand positioning and diversified distribution channels to build resilience against market fluctuations. A significant share of product circulation occurs through established defense partnerships, with regional networks supporting tailored delivery. Strategic merger activities further strengthen portfolios, allowing firms to penetrate competitive segments while reinforcing long-term growth pathways.

Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements

Ongoing technological advancements remain central to competitive differentiation, with firms prioritizing R&D initiatives to refine design, accuracy, and performance. Nearly 60% of recent launches emphasize advanced material science, precision mechanisms, and safety enhancements. This constant stream of innovation fosters collaboration among manufacturers, defense agencies, and research institutions, ensuring market expansion with robust tactical relevance.

Regional Momentum and Expansion

Regional markets are shaping competition, with more than 55% of demand driven by North America and Europe, while Asia-Pacific records rapid expansion. Localized production strategies, coupled with partnerships in procurement and training, boost penetration. This momentum highlights how regional growth patterns influence long-term positioning and underscore the role of sustained collaboration in competitive strategies.

Future Outlook

The sector’s future outlook indicates sustained investment in scalable manufacturing and integration of smart technologies. More than 65% of stakeholders emphasize cross-border collaboration to meet evolving defense and security needs. With innovation, adaptive strategies, and regional expansion, the market is set to maintain a competitive edge through the next decade of structural transformation.

Key players in Non Lethal Projectiles Market include:

• Axon Enterprise, Inc.
• Combined Systems, Inc. (CSI)
• AMTEC Less-Lethal Systems, Inc.
• Nonlethal Technologies, Inc.
• Lamperd Less Lethal, Inc.
• United Tactical Systems, LLC (PepperBall)
• Condor Non-Lethal Technologies
• Rheinmetall AG
• Fiocchi Munizioni S.p.A.
• Herstal Group
• ISPRA
• Byrna Technologies Inc.
• Safariland, LLC
• RTX Corporation
• Genasys Inc. (formerly LRAD Corporation)

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

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