Shoulder Fired Weapons Market

Market Overview

The global Shoulder Fired Weapons Market size was valued at USD 5.7 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 8.62 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period (2023–2031). The increase in military budgets of established and developing economies promotes the shoulder-fired weapons market growth.

Shoulder-fired weapons, often known as man-portable weapons, are firearms or missile systems that may be carried and launched by a single soldier or infantry unit. These weapons are often lightweight and portable, making them appropriate for infantry, special forces, or other military troops in the field. Shoulder-fired weapons can be used for anti-tank, anti-aircraft, anti-personnel, and support duties.

Armed forces all across the world are increasingly employing shoulder-fired weaponry. Shoulder Weapons provide a significant advantage to troops by allowing them to engage targets without worrying about strike accuracy or weapon weight. Furthermore, many countries employ shoulder-fired weapons since advanced armored gear is increasingly used in wars. This is a significant market driver for shoulder-fired guns. In addition to convenience and target assault, shoulder-fired weapons are less expensive than most conventional weapons, which are not only difficult to transport by armed forces but also expensive. This is a crucial factor influencing shoulder-fired weapons market share.

Market Dynamics

Global Shoulder-Fired Weapons Market Drivers:

Modernization of Military Forces

Modernizing military forces entails modernizing equipment, technology, and capabilities to keep armed forces effective and relevant in the face of changing threats. Shoulder-fired weapons are an important part of the upgrading process. Infantry troops benefit from increased firepower and versatility while using shoulder-fired weapons. Infantry is frequently outfitted with powerful and effective anti-tank and anti-aircraft equipment as part of modernization initiatives. The Javelin, for example, is a well-known example of a modern anti-tank-guided missile system employed by the United States military and numerous allies. It combines modern guiding technology and a tandem warhead to defeat armored vehicles accurately. Furthermore, shoulder-fired weapons are meant to be part of network-centric warfare systems, allowing military units to coordinate better and share targets.

Furthermore, several countries have embarked on massive modernization initiatives to outfit their militaries with cutting-edge technologies. Countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, for example, have been spending in modernizing their armed forces, including the acquisition of new shoulder-fired weaponry. As a result, the shoulder-fired weapons market trend is projected to be influenced.

Global Shoulder-Fired Weapons Market Restraints:

Regulatory and Export Controls

Strict international and national restrictions govern the export, import, and usage of shoulder-fired weapons. These measures are intended to prevent proliferation, limit the risk of weapons falling into the hands of the wrong people, and assure compliance with international arms control treaties. Export limitations can limit manufacturers' market access and sales prospects. The international trade in shoulder-fired weapons is governed by several arms control treaties and agreements regulating and monitoring conventional weapons transfer. The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which entered into force in 2014, is one of the most important agreements. The ATT seeks to establish consistent international norms for the trade in conventional weapons, particularly shoulder-fired guns, to avoid illicit arms transfers and human rights violations.

Furthermore, as a significant producer of shoulder-fired weapons, the United States has strong export controls through the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These rules govern exporting military and dual-use products, such as shoulder-fired weapons. The United States maintains control over the export of sensitive defense technology, and licenses are required for such transfers to foreign countries.

Global Shoulder-Fired Weapons Market Opportunity:

Emerging Security Threats

The proliferation of drones, asymmetric warfare tactics, and the necessity for precision engagement all present potential for developing specialized shoulder-fired weapons tailored to fight these threats. Concerns have been expressed about the possible use of drones for nefarious operations such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and even assaults due to the proliferation of drones for military, commercial, and recreational uses. As a result, specialist shoulder-fired anti-drone devices are in high demand.

Alternatively, shoulder-fired weapons that can engage targets with precision while reducing collateral damage are required when conventional forces meet unconventional threats in asymmetric warfare scenarios. For example, The Javelin Joint Venture, which manufactures the FGM-148 Javelin, was awarded a contract worth more than $100 million in 2020 to sell Javelin missiles to the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and foreign military sales customers. This contract demonstrates the importance of precision shoulder-fired weaponry in modern military operations. Shoulder-fired weapons market insights show how new security challenges have provided opportunities for developing and deploying specialized shoulder-fired weapons. The ability to respond to these attacks effectively while reducing dangers to civilians and infrastructure is a significant factor in modern defense tactics.

Regional Analysis

The global shoulder-fired weapons market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global shoulder-fired fired weapons market shareholder. Asia-Pacific arm importers include India, China, Pakistan, and South Korea. Defense budgets in China and India are growing. As of 2021, China is anticipated to have spent around USD 293 billion on military expenditure, whereas India is estimated to have spent USD 76.6 billion during the same period. China is a significant producer of shoulder-fired weapons, investing in developing smart sensor-based weapons capable of distinguishing between foe, friend, and neutral targets to prevent the accidental shooting of civilian aircraft and vehicles. The country is heavily investing in the development of shoulder-fired weaponry. 

Furthermore, in February 2022, China conducted a live-fire test of their QW-12 upgraded MANPADS capable of intercepting helicopters, jet aircraft, and cruise missiles. During the test, the MANPAD successfully struck a specially prepared target aircraft. With its proximity to and military competition with China, India has likewise been investing in expanding its arsenal of portable weaponry. As part of this endeavor, the government will induct new MANPADS into the army in April 2022. A modest number of the new Russian-built Igla-S system MANPADS were tested and a considerably larger order is expected shortly. The contract called for 24 launchers, 216 missiles, and testing equipment. In addition, the country is investing heavily in enhancing current anti-tank and anti-missile capabilities. For example, in January 2022, the Indian Army and Air Force entered a competitive program with Saab AB to receive an AT4 single-shot shoulder-fired weapon. In addition, as part of an emergency acquisition, the Indian army announced the purchase of Spike-LR (Long Range) Anti-Tank Guided Missiles from Israel in July 2020. Deliveries of these systems and increased orders for such systems from other regional nations are likely to boost regional market expansion.

North America is anticipated to Grow over the forecast period. R&D activities for developing revolutionary technology-based designs of portable systems in North America have increased significantly. The advancement of technology in the warfare platform is driving the expansion of the North American shoulder-fired weapon market. Using man-portable anti-tank weaponry and a man-portable air defense system gives troops an edge by allowing them to destroy targets without worrying about the strike's precision or the weapon's weight. With the increased employment of advanced armored machinery in warfare, several countries are boosting their usage of MANPADS. Advanced MANPADS have UV sensors for radiation detection, infrared sensors for smart control units, and heat sensing. Common MANPADS are infrared seekers that detect aircraft engine heat and acquire targets. Igla and Strela weaponry, as well as stinger shoulder weapons, are common in modern MANPADS. 

Additionally, the military confrontation between Ukraine and Russia has prompted certain changes in purchasing and delivering shoulder-fired weaponry. For example, in May 2022, the US administration planned to give Ukraine thousands of javelin and stinger shoulder-fired weapons. The country has placed orders for Javelin in May 2022. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon collaborate on the development of these weapons. Furthermore, militaries worldwide are looking for novel MANPADS for air defense with the increasing number of drones strikes and airspace intrusions.

European shoulder-fired weapons market share is large. Upgrading artillery and armor has increased demand for defense and military products, pushing shoulder-fired weapon sales. The shoulder-fired weapon industry is growing due to asymmetrical warfare, security concerns, and military advances. The shoulder-fired weapon business grew as the government demanded more advanced weapons for the national armory. However, the demand for the automated missile system and accompanying surface warfare equipment without human interface (HI) may threaten shoulder-fired weapon market growth. 

In addition, the deployment of sophisticated weaponry and military and defense growth drives the global market for shoulder-fired guns. Increased violence, terrorism, and wars are fueling market expansion. The industry is also growing due to defense and military organizations investing more in infrastructure upgrades for national security. Man-portable air defense systems that give armed personnel a huge advantage are also in demand. Participants build smart shoulder-fired guns embedded with electronic warfare systems to give operators augmented reality information. They use artificial intelligence, satellite guiding systems, and machine learning to help military troops interact with warring parties and reduce market collateral damage. UK shoulder-fired weapons had the biggest market share, and Germany had the quickest growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global shoulder-fired weapons market is segmented based on component, technology, range technology, and region.

The component is further segmented into Launcher and ammunition.

Ammunition occupies the major share of the market.

Ammunition

The projectiles or rounds that are put into the Launcher and fired toward the target are referred to as ammunition. The type of ammunition used is determined by the design and intended purpose of the Launcher. These are employed in launcher systems designed to infiltrate and destroy armored vehicles. The TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided) missile is one example.

Launcher

A shoulder-fired weapon system's major hardware component is the Launcher. The platform holds the ammunition (missile, rocket, or projectile) and delivers it to the target. Depending on the type and purpose of the shoulder-fired weapon, launchers come in various shapes and sizes.

The segment can be further bifurcated by range technology into Short, Medium, and High Range.

Medium Range is the most common range technology in the market.

Medium Range

Shoulder-fired medium-range weapons may engage targets at moderate distances ranging from a few hundred meters to several kilometers. They are adaptable and can be used in a variety of combat circumstances. These weapons provide a good blend of Range and portability, making them suitable for various combat situations. They may include guidance devices (such as wire-guided or laser-guided) to improve accuracy over medium distances.

High Range

High-range shoulder-fired weapons are intended to engage distant targets at several kilometers or more. They are specialist systems that are employed in situations where greater reach is required. High-range shoulder-fired weapons are often outfitted with modern targeting and navigation systems to assure accuracy over long distances.

Recent Developments

• September 2023- The Show and Tell event confirmed Denel Overberg Test Range (OTR)'s role as a world-class flight test site in South Africa and improved partnerships with local defense sector partners.
• October 2023- Lockheed Martin and Royal Danish Air Force Celebrate First Four F-35 Arrivals.