US Light Weapons Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast (2026 - 2035)
US Light Weapons Market: by Type (Small Arms, Heavy Machine Guns, Grenade Launchers, Anti-Tank Weapons, Anti-Aircraft Missile, Rocket Systems) Application (Military, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Civilian, Special Forces, Private Security), Distribution Channels (Direct Sales, Dealers/Distributors, Online, Retail, Government Contracts, Others), Technology (Guided, Un-Guided, Smart Weapons, Lethal, Non-Lethal, Advanced Materials) Organization Size (Small, Medium, Large) and By US Historical & Forecast Period (2020-2035) Comprehensive Study 2025
Last Updated: 01-08-2025 | Format: PDF | Report ID:20752 | Author: Sophia
US Light Weapons Market Outlook, Growth and Forecast Analysis 2025-2035
The US light weapons market is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, security policy shifts, and a rising need for both lethal and non-lethal weapons across numerous sectors. Covering a comprehensive forecast from 2020 to 2035, the study explores segmentation by weapon type, application, distribution channel, technology, and organizational size. Major players are leveraging innovation, regulatory acumen, and strategic partnerships to maintain competitive advantage. The market features significant growth opportunities in smart weapons and advanced materials, alongside robust demand from defense, law enforcement, homeland security, and private security segments.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Rising Defense & Homeland Security Budget: The US government’s continuing commitment to strengthening its defense apparatus, as seen with the 2025 US DoD fiscal year budget increase, significantly drives market growth. Companies like
are securing multi-billion dollar procurement contracts for advanced light weapons, directly capitalizing on budgetary escalations.
Technological Innovation in Smart & Lethal/Non-Lethal Weapons: Ongoing advancements such as AI-integration, guided systems, and lightweight yet durable materials are shaping the market landscape. Raytheon Technologies' recent innovations in smart grenade launchers and portable anti-tank guided missiles exemplify this trend.
Key Trends
Shift Toward Smart & Connected Weapons: Leading industry players such as Northrop Grumman are focusing on integrated digital systems, real-time situational awareness, and enhanced performance, aligning with defense modernization goals.
Growing Adoption by Private Security & Civilian Segments: Companies like Smith & Wesson and Colt's Manufacturing are reporting increased sales due to demand in civilian and enterprise security, reflecting broader acceptance and adaptation outside traditional military applications.
Key Opportunities
Expansion of Smart Weapon Solutions: The push for network-centric warfare and law enforcement modernization is propelling demand for guided and precision-engineered weapons. Thales Group is investing in R&D for man-portable smart weapon systems to leverage this opportunity.
Non-Lethal Weapon Systems: Heightened emphasis on non-lethal solutions for crowd management and peacekeeping creates opportunities for companies like BAE Systems, which is developing next-gen non-lethal munitions for law enforcement and military use.
Key Challenges
Complexity in Regulatory Compliance: Stringent and evolving US arms legislation challenges companies with extensive compliance and export control requirements. Heckler & Koch’s export delays in late 2024 demonstrate such complexities affecting operational timelines.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Persistent global component shortages and logistical bottlenecks are causing production delays across the sector. Recent reports from General Dynamics underline the impact of disrupted supply chains on fulfilling domestic contracts.
Key Restraints
High R&D and Acquisition Costs: The escalating expenses associated with developing and deploying advanced light weapon technologies limit entry and expansion for smaller firms. Rheinmetall AG recently postponed new US introductions due to budgetary constraints and high compliance costs.
Risks of Misuse and Stringent Legal Scrutiny: The potential for diversion to unauthorized users and rising legal restrictions, especially for civilian applications, are limiting the market’s accessible size. FN Herstal cited increasing regulatory headwinds in its 2024 US outlook.
In 2025, small arms dominate the US light weapons market, accounting for 38% of the segment. Heavy machine guns follow with 22%, while grenade launchers, anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft missiles, and rocket systems round out the remainder. The enduring prevalence of small arms is attributed to broad application across military, law enforcement, private security, and civilian markets. Their versatility and ongoing modernization sustain high demand. Meanwhile, anti-tank and anti-aircraft solutions are gaining momentum amid increased defense modernization efforts. This distribution reflects a balanced yet steadily evolving landscape influenced by both traditional and emergent security challenges.
US Light Weapons Market Share by Application, 2025
Military applications represent the largest market share in the US light weapons market for 2025, accounting for 44%. Law enforcement holds 21%, while homeland security, civilian, special forces, and private security segments comprise the remainder. Growth in military demand is led by modernization drives, persistent counter-terrorism needs, and equipment upgrades. Law enforcement benefits from increased investment in response to evolving public safety challenges. Civilian and private security share continues to grow, guided by regulatory changes and heightened demand for personal defense solutions.
US Light Weapons Market Revenue (USD Million), 2020-2035
The US light weapons market is projected to experience robust revenue growth, rising from $6,700 Million in 2020 to $12,900 Million by 2035. Year-on-year expansion is primarily driven by increased government spending, private sector participation, and advances in weapon technology. Market acceleration is expected through 2027 as contracts and modernization programs peak, followed by steady, sustained growth as both lethal and non-lethal weapon applications diversify across sectors. Strategic procurement and technology integration catalyze revenue dynamics across all major segments.
Year-on-year growth in the US light weapons market fluctuates across the forecast period, peaking at 7.5% in 2025 driven by defense and law enforcement investments. Growth moderates to 4.8% by 2030 and 3.6% by 2035 as the market matures and faces budget stabilization. The initial surge reflects a confluence of policy shifts, procurement cycles, and technological adoptions, whereas later years display stable but lower expansion, consistent with a consolidated market.
US Light Weapons Market Share by Regions (%), 2025
The South region leads the US market with 35% of total light weapons demand in 2025, reflecting high concentrations of defense contracts, military bases, and private weapon ownership. The West follows at 28%, buoyed by technology adoption and procurement in urban hubs. The Midwest and Northeast account for 22% and 15% respectively, underscoring regional variation in procurement patterns and local policies. These distributions highlight the impact of localized expenditure, military presence, and security needs in shaping regional market profiles.
Raytheon Technologies maintains its leadership with a 17% market share in 2025, driven by advanced guided and smart weapon solutions. Lockheed Martin holds 15%, reflecting major defense procurement. Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and BAE Systems respectably follow at 13%, 11%, and 9%, demonstrating the high level of concentration among defense primes. Other notable players collectively cover 35%, including both legacy and emerging technology firms. This landscape underscores the importance of innovation, supply chain resilience, and regulatory compliance in sustaining market leadership.
The US Department of Defense represents 47% of market demand in 2025, reflecting large-scale centralized procurement. State and local law enforcement agencies account for 20%. The private sector, consisting of security companies and civilians, forms 25% as self-defense and private contracting expand. Special forces and other buyers round out the segment at 8%. This distribution demonstrates the ongoing dominance of government contracts but emphasizes expanding engagement from non-government buyers in response to evolving threat perceptions.
Study Coverage
Metrics
Details
Years
2020-2035
Base Year
2025
Market Size
8200
Regions
South, West, Midwest, Northeast
Segments
Type, Application, Distribution Channels, Technology, Organization Size
June 2024: Lockheed Martin secured a $500 Million US Army contract for enhanced smart-guided light weapons.
July 2024: Raytheon Technologies introduced a new generation of AI-integrated grenade launchers targeting urban warfare capabilities.
August 2024: BAE Systems announced a partnership with Homeland Security to supply next-gen non-lethal munitions.
September 2024: General Dynamics unveiled modular light weapon kits designed for rapid deployment and customization.
October 2024: Thales Group commenced US production of advanced portable anti-tank weapon systems aimed at special forces and homeland security markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Sophia
Lead Industry Analyst
Sophia is a Lead Industry Analyst specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Aerospace & Defence. Sophia brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Sophia has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
