23 Jul, 2026
According to Straits Research, the global shoulder fired weapons market size was valued at $7.50 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from $7.85 billion in 2026 to $11.40 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 4.68% during the forecast period 2026–2034. Asia Pacific dominated the shoulder fired weapons market with a 32.12% market share in 2025.
Shoulder-fired weapons, often man-portable, are rifles or missile systems that a single soldier or infantry unit may carry and launch. These weapons are frequently lightweight and portable, making them suitable for infantry, special forces, or other military troops on the battlefield. Shoulder-fired weapons are suitable for anti-tank, anti-aircraft, anti-personnel, and support roles.
Armies all across the world are increasingly using shoulder-fired weaponry. Shoulder Weapons give troops a huge edge by allowing them to engage targets without worrying about strike accuracy or weapon weight. Furthermore, many countries employ shoulder-fired weapons because improved armored gear is increasingly used in warfare. This is a major market driver for shoulder-fired firearms. Aside from convenience and target assault, shoulder-fired weapons are less expensive than most conventional weapons, which are not only cumbersome for armed personnel to transport but also costly. This is a critical factor determining shoulder-fired weapons market share.
Modernizing military equipment, technology, and capabilities keeps them effective and relevant to shifting threats. Shoulder-fired weapons are crucial to upgrading. Shoulder-fired weapons boost infantry firepower and mobility. Modernization programs often equip infantry with potent anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons. The US military and several allies use modern anti-tank-guided missile systems like the Javelin. It defeats armored vehicles accurately with current guidance technology and a tandem warhead. Shoulder-fired weapons are part of network-centric combat systems, helping military units coordinate and share targets.
Several nations have also modernized their forces with cutting-edge technology. In Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, armies are modernized with shoulder-fired weapons. The shoulder-fired weapons market trend is expected to change.
Drones, asymmetric warfare, and precision engagement present opportunities for shoulder-fired weapons that combat these threats. Due to the growth of military, commercial, and recreational drones, concerns have been raised concerning their use for surveillance, reconnaissance, and even assaults. Thus, shoulder-fired anti-drone gadgets are popular.
Shoulder-fired weapons that target precisely and reduce collateral damage are needed when conventional forces face unconventional threats in asymmetric warfare. In 2020, the Javelin Joint Venture, which makes the FGM-148 Javelin, won a USD 100 million contract to deliver missiles to the US Army, Marine Corps, and foreign military sales customers. This deal shows the importance of precision shoulder-fired weapons in modern warfare. Shoulder-fired weapons market insights demonstrate how emerging security threats have created opportunities for specialized weapons. Modern defense methods focus on responding to these attacks while protecting populations and infrastructure.
Asia-Pacific is the dominating region in the market. India, China, Pakistan, and South Korea import arms into the Asia-Pacific region. China and India are increasing defense spending. China is predicted to have spent USD 293 billion on military expenditure in 2021, while India spent USD 76.6 billion. China is a major producer of shoulder-fired weapons and is developing smart sensor-based weapons that can discern between foes, friends, and neutral targets to prevent civilian aircraft and vehicles from being shot. The nation is substantially investing in shoulder-fired weapons. China live-fired their QW-12 improved MANPADS to intercept helicopters, jet aircraft, and cruise missiles in February 2022. The MANPAD hit a specially constructed target aircraft during the test.
Furthermore, due to its proximity and military competitiveness with China, India has also started buying more portable weapons. In April 2022, the government inducted new MANPADS into the army. A few Russian-built Igla-S system MANPADS were tested, and a larger order is expected soon. The contract required 24 launchers, 216 missiles, and testing gear. The nation is also actively investing in anti-tank and anti-missile capabilities. In January 2022, the Indian Army and Air Force competed with Saab AB for an AT4 single-shot shoulder-fired weapon. The Indian army also bought Israeli Spike-LR Anti-Tank Guided Missiles in July 2020 as an emergency procurement. Deliveries of these systems and rising orders from other regional states may support regional market growth.
North American R&D for breakthrough portable system designs has increased. The North American shoulder-fired weapon market is growing due to fighting platform technologies. Man-portable anti-tank weapons and air defense systems allow troops to destroy targets without worrying about precision or weight. Several nations are using more MANPADS as they use more modern armored vehicles in conflict. Advanced MANPADS have UV radiation, an infrared smart control unit, and heat sensing sensors. Infrared MANPADS find targets by sensing aircraft engine heat. Igla, Strela, and stinger shoulder weapons are common in current MANPADS.
Moreover, shoulder-fired weapon purchases and deliveries have changed due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. In May 2022, the US planned to deliver Ukraine thousands of javelin and stinger shoulder-fired weapons. The nation also ordered Javelin in May 2022. Raytheon and Lockheed Martin created these weapons. With more drone strikes and airspace violations, militaries worldwide seek new air defense MANPADS.
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