Shoulder-Fired Weapons Market Report

Global Shoulder-Fired Weapons Market Size

The global shoulder-fired weapons market size was valued at USD 7.87 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to reach a valuation of USD 8.22 billion in 2026 and USD 11.70 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2026 to 2034.

An explosive-carrying, self-propelled projectile launched at a target is referred to as a shoulder-fired weapon. It is tiny enough to have been carried by one individual and fired while being carried on the shoulder. Shoulder-launched weapons typically fire at one of two sorts of targets: ground targets as well as air targets. Because of rising defense spending, the desire for portable anti-tank weaponry, as well as the need for lightweight guided weapons, the worldwide shoulder-fired weapons industry has seen rapid expansion in recent years. However, the market's growth is projected to be hampered to some extent by the transfer of technology, sales restrictions, and traumatic brain damage caused by shoulder-fired guns.

MARKET DRIVERS

The need for shoulder-fired weapons has steadily grown over the last decade, owing mostly to growing defense spending in both developed and emerging nations. Rapid technological advancements in the military industry are driving the market.

With various nations such as the United States, India, and China boosting their military budget, generating a need for superior weapons. The demand for man-portable anti-tank defense systems is being propelled by a rise in worldwide demand for armor-piercing weaponry.

One of the primary factors driving the expansion of the shoulder-fired weapons industry is the increase in military spending of established and emerging nations. The growing need for lightweight guided weapons throughout the world, as well as the employment of man-portable anti-tank systems (MANPATS) & man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) that engage targets without worrying about strike accuracy or weapon weight, is propelling the industry forward. The market is also influenced by an increase in demand for shoulder-fired weapons due to the increased employment of advanced armored machinery in conflicts and an increase in preference for Global shoulder-fired weapons above conventional arms due to their cost-effectiveness.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

The restraining factor that is restricting the growth of the global shoulder-fired weapons market is sales & technology. Weapon technology refers to a spectrum of items that have been meticulously created and are equipped with superior missile-guided systems & communication to eliminate a target at varying ranges. Due to the missile defense system, the lethality of long-range warheads makes it less efficient to attack armored vehicles. Because of the complicated manufacturing process, shoulder-fired weapons have design issues. Due to the threat of illicit users, including such terrorist groups and rebels, the manufacturer confronts significant problems. The sales, acquisition, import, & export of weapon systems are all restricted in several manufacturing nations. Sales & technology transfers are restricted to safeguard the government, police departments, and civil targets. The tight restrictions on technology transfer, as well as other important considerations, are expected to stifle future industry growth.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Component Insights

The ammunition sector had the largest market share, and it is expected to continue to do so throughout the forecast period. The rocket launchers, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) loader, & tripod segments are all part of the launcher section. Due to the most widely used weaponry in armed forces, missile/rocket launchers, such as a "bazooka," are the generic name used in numerous countries. These weapons are small and light enough to be carried by one person. In the coming years, the ammunition industry will see significant expansion. Anti-aircraft missiles, Anti-tank missiles, as well as rocket-propelled grenades are among the missiles/rockets in this category. In the next years, the increased need for anti-tank missiles in various nations for minor combat operations is expected to fuel market expansion.

By Technology Insights

Based on technology, the global shoulder-fired weapons market is divided into Guided and Unguided sectors. The guided sector dominates the market for shoulder-fired weapons. Upgrade and modernization initiatives, acquisition of new fire-and-forget missiles, and employment of advanced guidance systems are expected to generate the fastest CAGR in this category throughout the projection period. Shoulder-fired guided weapons are meant to attack particular targets precisely while causing the least amount of collateral harm. As a result, demand for these weapons is expected to rise throughout the coming years.

By Range Insights

Based on range, the global shoulder-fired weapons market is divided into short-range, medium-range, and extended-range. The market is divided into three categories: short-term, medium-term, and long-term. During the projection period, the medium category is expected to have a significant market share. In the infantry, contemporary armed forces have a wide spectrum of missiles, including surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and surface-to-air guided weapons. Because of their mobility, precision target locking, and higher lethality, a medium range of shoulder-fired weapon systems is widely used in the armed services. The shoulder-mounted medium-range fixed weapons are extremely effective against a helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, and any targets. Medium-range weapons are extremely useful for destroying military sites, tanks, and bunkers.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The global market for shoulder-fired firearms is dominated by North America. During the foreseeable period, this tendency is expected to continue. The market in the region is projected to be driven by the US and Canada's expanding use of shoulder-fired weapons for military operations.

Europe had the second-largest market share. This is owing to the presence of major firms as JSC SPA Bazalt, KBP Instrument Design Bureau, MBDA Holdings SAS, and Saab AB, as well as their significant investments in the development of modern shoulder-fired weapons.

In the sSiaPacific, the market in this area is expected to grow at a rapid rate. The Market is growing due to rising defense spending and increased terrorist activities in China, Indonesia, India, & Australia.

In the Middle East and Africa, Defense spending increases in nations like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel are fueling market expansion across the Middle East, and Africa is expected to help in the growth of up to 1.5 percent in the global shoulder-fired weapons market.

In Latin America, the employment of portable weapon systems by defense groups in Brazil and Mexico is projected to enhance demand for shoulder-fired guns in the area.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Saab AB (Sweden), Lockheed Martin (US), Thales Group (France), KBP Instrument Design Bureau (Russia), MBDA (France), BAE Systems, Raytheon Company, MBDA, and RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEM (Israel) are the market players that are dominating the global shoulder-fired weapons market.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

In January 2021, the SPIKE SR (Short Range) missile was displayed earlier this month at the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) 2021 by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. & Rafael Systems Global Sustainment (RSGS), a US subsidiary of Rafael. AEWE 2021 is evaluating innovative technologies in support of the United States Army's modernization programs, particularly the six modernization goals. SPIKE SR, being a transportable, electro-optical guided-missile intended for today's contemporary infantry, is particularly well-suited to improving troop lethality, which is one of the six goals. The SPIKE SR, which really is among of the Spike Family of anti-tank guided missiles, is a shoulder-fired, light-weight (10 kg) munition with a 2000-meter range, improving lethality at the squad level. The benefits of SPIKE SR, notably its ease of usage.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the global shoulder-fired weapons market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on the component, technology, range, and region. 

By Component

• Launcher
• Ammunition

By Technology

• Guided
• Unguided

By Range

• Short-range
• Medium Range
• Extended Range

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• The Middle East and Africa