The global non-lethal weapons market is anticipated to grow at a steady CAGR during the forecast period. The non-lethal weapons are used to restrict any violence or protest without causing any serious harm to the crowd of protestors. Factors such as increasing civilian violence and various clashes with armed forces are driving the adoption of non-lethal weapons across the globe. In addition to this, the increasing security practices by the countries will also account for a considerable share of non-lethal weapon market growth. For instance, the US is investing heavily in non-lethal weapons, and the US Defence Department program is also testing new arsenals that are non-lethal.

Additionally, the increased rate of using non-lethal weapons instead of lethal weapons for enforcing the law in the developing as well as developed economies will drive the growth of the non-lethal weapons market during the forecast period. Moreover, the non-lethal weapons don’t cause any fatality itself however, some of the injuries caused by them can lead to mortality. For instance, the use of rubber bullets in closer shooting by the South African Police Service (SAPS) has led to a few mortalities. Hence, the injuries that are leading to mortality by the use of non-lethal weapons will majorly challenge the growth of the non-lethal weapon market during the forecast period.

Segmental Outlook 

The global non-lethal weapons market is segmented based on type and end-user. Based on the type, the market is sub-segmented into ammunition, explosives, gases and sprays, directed energy weapons, and others. Further, based on end-user, the market is sub-segmented into law enforcement and military.

Global Non-Lethal Weapons Market Share by Type, 2019 (%)

Ammunition will be the Largest Segment by Type

The ammunition segment is anticipated to hold a significant share in the non-lethal weapons market owing to technological advancements in ammunition manufacturing in recent years. Ammunition segment includes sponge grenade, wax bullets, plastic bullets,rubber bullets, and bean bag rounds. Ammunition is used in military practices especially for range practice as these are safe and economical. Additionally, ammunition has a wide range of applications in animal control and riot control which is anticipated to drive the non-lethal weapon market considerably during the forecast period.

Regional Outlooks

The global non-lethal weapons market is further segmented based on geography into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America is expected to hold the largest market share in the non-lethal weapons during the forecast period. The growth of the market is attributed to the high spending on the defense and military budget. For instance, in 2020, the Department of Defense's budget accounted for around $721.5 billion. Additionally, the increased use of various non-lethal weapons by local law enforcement bodies across the region will also fuel the non-lethal weapon market significantly across the North American region.

Global Non-lethal Weapons Market Growth by Region, 2020-2026

Asia-Pacific will Augment With the Fastest Growth Rate in the Non-Lethal Weapons Market

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit the fastest growth rate in the non-lethal weapons market owing to the increasing military exercises across the region. Additionally, the escalating tensions across the disputed lands and increasing protests will drivethe non-lethal weapons market across the region. For instance, India’s Kashmir dispute has led to many cases of local riots and protests across the region where law enforcement agencies use non-lethal weapons to control the crowd. Additionally, the increasing cases of protest-related to labor, environmental, and educational issues in countries such as China will also fuel the non-lethal weapon market growth.

Market Players Outlook

Some of the key players operating inthe global non-lethal weapons market include AMTEC Less-Lethal Systems Inc., Combined Systems, Inc. (CSI), Fiocchi Munizioni SPA, Rheinmetall AG, RUAG Holding AG, Safariland, LLC Lamperd, Inc. Mission Less Lethal Technologies FN Herstal, ISPRA by EI Ltd., Byrna Technologies Inc., and others. The market players are considerably contributing to the market growth by adopting various strategies including new product launch, mergers and acquisitions, collaborations with government, funding to the start-ups, and new drug approvals to stay competitive in the market. In February 2019, Byrna Technologies Inc. launched Byrna HD a non-lethal weapon in the form of a handgun-like device that dispenses chemical irritants. The gun is equipped with a five-round magazine that is capable of accurately hitting a target at up to 60 feet. The chemical payload of the gun is designed to burn an assailant’s eyes and respiratory system without causing any serious injury.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2019 and forecast to 2026.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global non-lethal weapons market. Based on the availability of data, information related to products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.