Non-Lethal Weapons Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The non-lethal weapons sector is anticipated to grow from US$ 6,153.95 million in 2021 to US$ 9,286.93 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% during this period.

Commonly referred to as less-lethal, non-deadly, compliance, or pain-inducing weapons, non-lethal weapons are primarily utilized by military and law enforcement agencies to uphold public order. The non-lethal weapons market is categorized based on technology, product type, application, and geographical region. In terms of technology, the market is divided into categories such as chemical, acoustic, electromagnetic, and mechanical or kinetic systems. Product types are classified into direct contact weapons and directed energy weapons. Applications of these weapons include law enforcement, military use, and personal defense. Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), the Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South America.

The increasing demand for non-lethal weapons can be attributed to their effectiveness in managing riots and other disturbances without resulting in fatalities. Defense manufacturers and industry leaders have enhanced their offerings with cutting-edge technologies, including laser interdiction systems, long-range acoustic devices, advanced underwater loudspeakers, and tasers. The incorporation of these innovations is a significant factor propelling market growth.

Organizations like the Pentagon are innovating less lethal weaponry through technologies such as tasers. Furthermore, the US Department of Defense is exploring five novel approaches for developing non-lethal weapons, including laser-induced plasma effects and variable kinetic systems, aimed at incapacitating adversaries without inflicting harm. These technological advancements are expected to significantly influence market expansion in the coming years.

In the past decade, North America has experienced a notable increase in the adoption of non-lethal weapons. The United States has ramped up military expenditures to acquire advanced vessels, equipment, and both lethal and non-lethal weaponry. This rise in defense spending in North America is a key driver for the growth of the non-lethal weapons market in the region. Prominent companies in the North American non-lethal weapons sector include Lamperd Less Lethal, Inc., Combined Systems, Inc., Pepperball, and NonLethal Technologies, Inc. The market is poised for continued growth, supported by strategic initiatives and investments in product innovation.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Non-Lethal Weapons Market Share

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted manufacturing operations across North America, affecting various industries. However, law enforcement agencies increased their reliance on non-lethal weapons to maintain order during the crisis. The deployment of tear gas and rubber bullets surged during protests and civil unrest, contributing to the growth of the non-lethal weapons market in the region.

The global demand for non-lethal weapons is largely driven by their increasing adoption by law enforcement agencies in both developed and developing nations. Commonly used non-lethal options include tasers, batons, and pepper spray. Nonetheless, the use of these weapons can lead to unintended long-term effects on individuals, such as blunt force trauma, auditory and visual impairments, and psychological issues. In some cases, serious injuries, including vision loss, have been reported, which poses challenges to market growth. Military health officials may face medical consequences associated with these weapon systems, especially given the rising use of non-lethal weapons in military operations in countries like Panama and Somalia.

Key players in the non-lethal weapons market include Rheinmetall AG, Axon Enterprise Inc., Airsoft Guns, Combined Systems Inc., and Fiocchi Munizioni, which collectively hold a significant share of the market.

The determination of the non-lethal weapons market size involved a thorough research methodology that included both primary and secondary sources. Initially, extensive secondary research was conducted using various internal and external resources to gather qualitative and quantitative data regarding the market size. This foundational research provided a comprehensive overview and forecast of the non-lethal weapons market across all segments. Following this, numerous primary interviews were held with industry experts, including vice presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the non-lethal weapons sector. This primary research was crucial for validating the data and obtaining further analytical insights into the market.