The Shoulder Fired Weapon Market size was estimated at USD 1.75 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.70% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Shoulder Fired Weapon Market

Market Summary

The shoulder fired weapon market represents a critical segment within the defense and security sector, with significant intersections in the automotive and transportation industry, primarily through the logistical and vehicular platforms that support these systems. These portable anti-armor and anti-aircraft systems are essential for modern infantry and special forces units worldwide. The market is characterized by continuous technological evolution, focusing on enhancing precision, lethality, and user safety. Demand is largely driven by geopolitical instability and the ongoing modernization of military arsenals by nations seeking to maintain tactical superiority. Manufacturers are engaged in developing next-generation systems with improved guidance, reduced weight, and enhanced countermeasure capabilities. The integration of these weapons with various military vehicles for transport and rapid deployment underscores their importance in combined arms operations. The market operates within a complex framework of international regulations and export controls, influencing global trade patterns. Sustainable growth is anticipated as nations prioritize infantry carried anti-armor and air defense capabilities to address asymmetric threats and conventional battlefield scenarios.

Key Highlights

The shoulder fired weapon market is defined by several pivotal developments that underscore its strategic importance. A key trend is the integration of advanced fire-and-forget guidance systems, which significantly increase hit probability and operator survivability by allowing immediate evasion after launch. There is a pronounced shift towards multi-role platforms capable of engaging both armored vehicles and low-flying aircraft, enhancing tactical flexibility for ground forces. The development of lightweight composite materials is another critical highlight, reducing the overall system weight and improving soldier mobility and endurance in the field. Furthermore, the market is witnessing increased investment in counter-drone technology, adapting traditional MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems) to address the emerging threat of unmanned aerial systems. The emphasis on training and simulation systems is also a notable highlight, allowing for cost-effective and safe operator proficiency development. These advancements are collectively shaping a market that is increasingly sophisticated and responsive to the evolving demands of modern warfare.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The growth of the shoulder fired weapon market is propelled by several powerful drivers. Primarily, rising global defense expenditures, fueled by heightened geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes, create a sustained demand for advanced infantry weapons. The proliferation of asymmetric warfare and insurgency tactics has necessitated the equipping of ground forces with potent, portable anti-armor and air defense capabilities to counter diverse threats. Modernization programs undertaken by various nations to replace aging Cold War-era inventories present a significant driver for market refresh and expansion. Key opportunities lie in the development of smart, network-enabled weapons that can receive target data from drones or other battlefield sensors, creating a more integrated combat system. There is also substantial opportunity in the development of non-lethal variant technologies for border control and law enforcement applications. However, the market faces considerable restraints, including stringent international arms trade regulations and non-proliferation treaties that can limit export potential. The high cost of research, development, and acquisition of these advanced systems can also act as a barrier for budget-constrained nations, potentially restraining market growth in certain regions.

Concentration Insights

The competitive landscape of the shoulder fired weapon market is highly concentrated, dominated by a select group of established global defense contractors with extensive experience in missile and guidance technologies. This concentration is a result of the significant capital investment, advanced technological expertise, and stringent regulatory compliance required for development and production. Key players such as Raytheon Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and Saab AB maintain a stronghold on the market through continuous innovation and long-standing contracts with major defense departments like those of the United States and NATO allies. These companies benefit from deep vertical integration, controlling everything from research and development to manufacturing and lifecycle support. The market also features specialized firms like Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and MBDA that hold significant shares in specific product segments or geographic regions. This high level of concentration creates high barriers to entry for new competitors, who must overcome significant technological and financial hurdles. Consequently, market dynamics are often shaped by upgrade programs, international partnerships, and joint ventures between these major entities to develop new systems or penetrate new markets.

Type Insights

The shoulder fired weapon market is segmented primarily by the type of threat they are designed to neutralize, leading to two main categories: anti-tank guided weapons (ATGMs) and man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS). Anti-tank systems, such as the FGM-148 Javelin and the Spike-LR, are designed to defeat modern armored fighting vehicles. These weapons often employ top-attack profiles and tandem warheads to penetrate reactive armor. They increasingly feature fire-and-forget infrared seekers or fiber-optic guidance, granting the operator the ability to fire and immediately take cover. Conversely, MANPADS like the FIM-92 Stinger and the Mistral are designed to engage low-altitude aircraft, helicopters, and increasingly, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These systems typically use passive infrared homing or command guidance to track and destroy aerial targets. A emerging trend is the development of multi-purpose systems capable of engaging both ground and aerial targets, offering greater flexibility to infantry units. The technological evolution within each type focuses on improving seeker sensitivity against countermeasures, increasing range, and reducing the system's weight and logistical footprint.

Application Insights

The application of shoulder fired weapons is predominantly within the defense and military sector, where they serve as force multipliers for infantry and special operations units. Their primary application is in providing organic anti-armor and short-range air defense capabilities to dismounted troops, allowing them to engage heavily protected vehicles and low-flying aircraft without relying on larger, less mobile support platforms. These weapons are critical in both offensive operations, for neutralizing fortified positions and armor, and defensive operations, for protecting units from aerial threats and mechanized assaults. Beyond traditional state military use, there is a significant application in homeland security and border protection forces, who utilize them for safeguarding national borders and critical infrastructure from potential threats. Furthermore, the export of these systems to allied nations forms a major application avenue, often tied to strategic defense partnerships and foreign military sales programs. The training and simulation application is also vital, as it ensures operator proficiency and system readiness without the high cost of live-fire exercises, representing a sustained aftermarket segment for manufacturers.

Regional Insights

Geographically, the demand for shoulder fired weapons is strongest in regions characterized by active military conflicts, high defense spending, and ongoing geopolitical rivalries. North America, led by the United States, represents a dominant market due to its massive defense budget, continuous military modernization initiatives, and role as a primary supplier to global allies. Europe is another significant market, driven by NATO membership requirements for equipment interoperability and the recent reassessment of national defense postures in Eastern European nations following regional security concerns. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by increasing defense budgets in countries like India, South Korea, and Australia, who are seeking to counter regional military advancements and protect strategic interests. The Middle East remains a steady market due to persistent regional conflicts and the need to counter armored and aerial threats, with significant imports from Western and Russian manufacturers. Each region presents unique operational requirements and regulatory environments, influencing the types of systems procured and the competitive strategies employed by leading manufacturers.

Company Insights

The shoulder fired weapon market is shaped by the strategies and portfolios of its leading companies. Raytheon Technologies, a US-based defense giant, is a foremost player with iconic systems like the Javelin anti-tank missile and the Stinger air-defense missile. Their focus is on advanced seeker technology and network-enabled capabilities. Lockheed Martin, another US leader, offers the Javelin in a joint venture with Raytheon and is continuously modernizing the system. Sweden's Saab AB is a major competitor with its next-generation Carl-Gustaf M4 multi-role recoilless rifle and the RBS 70 NG laser-guided air defense system, emphasizing versatility and reliability. Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is renowned for its Spike family of anti-tank guided missiles, which are exported worldwide and known for their advanced electro-optical and fiber-optic guidance. MBDA, a European multinational consortium, provides a comprehensive portfolio including the Mistral MANPADS and the Eryx and MMP anti-tank systems, leveraging the collective expertise of its member nations. These companies compete on technological superiority, reliability, and the ability to offer extensive training and logistical support packages.

Recent Developments

The shoulder fired weapon market is dynamic, with recent developments focused on enhancing technological capabilities and securing new contracts. A significant trend is the upgrade of existing platforms to extend their service life and improve performance against evolving threats. For instance, there have been programs to modernize the seeker heads and software of legacy Stinger and Javelin systems to improve their countermeasure resistance and target discrimination. The development of multi-purpose, multi-domain weapons is another key development, with systems being designed to engage targets from ground-to-ground, ground-to-air, and even from ground-to-sea in some configurations. The conflict in Ukraine has accelerated the delivery and development of these systems, highlighting their critical role in modern combat and leading to increased production rates by manufacturers like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on developing cost-effective solutions for partner nations, including offering lighter, less complex variants of advanced systems. Partnerships and joint ventures between companies in the US, Europe, and Asia are also prominent, aimed at co-developing new technologies and accessing new regional markets.

Report Segmentation

This comprehensive market research report on the shoulder fired weapon market provides a detailed analysis segmented to offer granular insights for strategic decision-making. The segmentation is structured along several key dimensions to cater to the specific intelligence needs of industry stakeholders. The report is first segmented by type, providing an in-depth analysis of Anti-Tank Guided Weapons (ATGMs) and Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS), detailing the technological trends, market share, and growth dynamics unique to each category. Further segmentation by application delineates the usage across defense/military, homeland security, and other applications, highlighting the distinct demand drivers and operational requirements in each sector. The regional segmentation offers a geographical breakdown, analyzing market trends, key players, and demand patterns across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. This multi-faceted segmentation allows readers to pinpoint opportunities and challenges within specific product categories, end-use applications, and geographic markets, providing a robust foundation for market entry, product development, and competitive strategy formulation.

FAQs

What are the main types of shoulder fired weapons?

The two primary categories are Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), designed to destroy armored vehicles, and Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS), designed to engage aircraft and drones.

Which countries are the leading manufacturers?

The United States, Russia, Israel, Sweden, and several nations in Western Europe through consortiums are the leading developers and manufacturers of advanced shoulder fired weapon systems.

What is a fire-and-forget missile?

A fire-and-forget missile is a type of guided missile that requires no further guidance after launch, such as wire guidance or illumination of the target, allowing the operator to relocate immediately after firing.

How are shoulder fired weapons used in modern warfare?

They provide infantry units with portable, potent capabilities to neutralize enemy armor, helicopters, low-flying aircraft, and unmanned drones, significantly enhancing their combat effectiveness and survivability.

What is the role of MANPADS in air defense?

MANPADS form the last layer of a tiered air defense system, providing short-range, low-altitude protection for military units, forward operating bases, and critical infrastructure against aerial threats.

Are there international regulations on these weapons?

Yes, their trade and proliferation are subject to strict international agreements and export control regimes, such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), due to their potential misuse by non-state actors.

Citius Research has developed a research report titled “Shoulder Fired Weapon Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” delivering key insights regarding business intelligence and providing concrete business strategies to clients in the form of a detailed syndicated report. The report details out the factors such as business environment, industry trend, growth opportunities, competition, pricing, global and regional market analysis, and other market related factors.

Details included in the report for the years 2024 through 2030

• Shoulder Fired Weapon Market Potential
• Segment-wise breakup
• Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next 6 years
• Key customers and their preferences
• Market share of major players and their competitive strength
• Existing competition in the market
• Price trend analysis
• Key trend analysis
• Market entry strategies
• Market opportunity insights

The report focuses on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market based on various factors geographically. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The Shoulder Fired Weapon Market report is segmented on the basis of various market segments and their analysis, both in terms of value and volume, for each region for the period under consideration.

Shoulder Fired Weapon Market Segmentation

Regions Covered

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• MENA
• Asia Pacific
• Sub-Saharan Africa and
• Australasia

Shoulder Fired Weapon Market Analysis

The report covers below mentioned analysis, but is not limited to:

• Overview of Shoulder Fired Weapon Market
• Research Methodology
• Executive Summary
• Market Dynamics of Shoulder Fired Weapon Market
  • Driving Factors
  • Restraints
  • Opportunities
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment A
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment B
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment C
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions
• Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Shoulder Fired Weapon Market
• Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Shoulder Fired Weapon Market
• Shoulder Fired Weapon Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030
  • Competition Landscape
  • Market Share of Major Players
• Key Recommendations

The “Shoulder Fired Weapon Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report delivers the market driven results supported by a mix of primary and secondary research. The report provides the results triangulated through authentic sources and upon conducting thorough primary interviews with the industry experts. The report includes the results on the areas where the client can focus and create point of parity and develop a competitive edge, based on real-time data results.

Shoulder Fired Weapon Market Key Stakeholders

Below are the key stakeholders for the Shoulder Fired Weapon Market:

• Manufacturers
• Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers
• Material/Component Manufacturers
• Industry Associations
• Downstream vendors

Shoulder Fired Weapon Market Report Scope

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Like most other markets, the outbreak of COVID-19 had an unfavorable impact on the Shoulder Fired Weapon Market worldwide. This report discusses in detail the disruptions experienced by the market, the impact on flow of raw materials, manufacturing operations, production trends, consumer demand and the projected future of this market post pandemic.

The report has helped our clients:

• To describe and forecast the Shoulder Fired Weapon Market size, on the basis of various segmentations and geography, in terms of value and volume
• To measure the changing needs of customers/industries
• To provide detailed information regarding the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
• To gain competitive intelligence and uncover new opportunities
• To analyse opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments in Shoulder Fired Weapon Market
• To strategically profile key players and provide details of the current competitive landscape
• To analyse strategic approaches adopted by players in the market, such as product launches and developments, acquisitions, collaborations, contracts, expansions, and partnerships

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