PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1669397
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1669397
An automatic weapon is a type of firearm that, upon pressing the trigger mechanism, continuously chambers and fires ammunition. Typically, these firearms are equipped with selective-fire capabilities, allowing them to discharge multiple rounds rapidly once the trigger is engaged.
The primary categories of automatic weapons include automatic rifles, machine guns, automatic launchers, automatic cannons, and Gatling guns. An automatic rifle is a firearm designed to be shoulder-fired, enabling the rapid firing of multiple rounds with each trigger pull. Widely utilized by military personnel and law enforcement agencies for combat and tactical purposes, these rifles are available in various caliber sizes, ranging from small to medium and large. They find application across different contexts, including land, airborne, naval, handheld, and stationary settings.
The automatic weapons market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides automatic weapons market statistics, including the automatic weapons industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an automatic weapons market share, detailed automatic weapons market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the automatic weapons industry. This automatic weapons market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The automatic weapons market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $9.26 billion in 2024 to $10.2 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to military modernization, conflict and war, terrorism and insurgency, law enforcement needs, and arms trade and export
The automatic weapons market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $14.52 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to counter-drone capabilities, urban warfare considerations, geopolitical instability, unmanned systems integration, and cybersecurity concerns. Major trends in the forecast period include non-lethal technologies, technological advancements, sustainability and eco-friendly materials, human-machine teaming, and global collaboration in research and development.
The anticipated growth in the automatic weapon market is expected to be propelled by an increase in military expenditure. Military expenditure comprises spending on weapons, weapon systems, operations, maintenance, personnel, and other specific military equipment. Government allocations for military purposes support the development of various aspects of the military sector, including automatic weapons. For example, as of March 2023, the United States Air Force (USAF) reported a fiscal year 2024 budget request of approximately $215.1 billion, representing a $9.3 billion or 4.5% increase from fiscal year 2023. Hence, the upsurge in military expenditure acts as a driving force for the automatic weapon market.
The growth of the automatic weapons market is anticipated to be fueled by the increasing threats across borders in the coming years. Cross-border threats refer to security issues, hazards, or dangers that extend or spread beyond national boundaries. Automatic weapons can play a role in addressing or contributing to the challenges posed by cross-border threats. It's important to note that the utilization of automatic firearms in such situations may have both defensive and offensive applications. As of July 2023, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that over 110 million individuals have been forcibly displaced worldwide, with Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Syria accounting for 52% of all refugees and individuals in need of international protection. Thus, the growing cross-border threats contribute to the momentum in the automatic weapons market.
Product innovations are a significant trend gaining traction in the automatic weapon market. Leading companies in this sector are introducing new products to maintain their competitive edge. For example, in October 2024, Barrett Firearms, a U.S.-based firearms manufacturer, unveiled the SSRS 30mm semi-automatic grenade launcher. This automatic grenade launcher boasts advanced firepower and counter-defilade capabilities specifically tailored for the U.S. Army's Precision Grenadier System (PGS) Program, thereby enhancing soldiers' effectiveness in diverse combat situations. Its user-friendly, assault-rifle-inspired design features a rear butt stock, a five-round ammunition magazine, and a compact overall length of 861mm, weighing only 6.3kg. The launcher is capable of firing various ammunition types, including airburst rounds, providing a vital advantage on the battlefield. Additionally, it comes equipped with the Vortex Optics XM-157 sight, akin to the one utilized on the U.S. Army's XM7 6.8mm assault rifle, further improving precision and supporting the Army's modernization goals.
Major players in the automatic weapons market are opting for a strategic partnership approach to deliver a comprehensive range of military-approved products. Strategic partnerships involve companies leveraging each other's strengths and resources to achieve mutual benefits and success. As an illustration, in October 2022, ICOMM, an Indian manufacturing company specializing in missiles, sub-systems, electro-optics, and other technologies, announced a partnership with Caracal International LLC, a UAE-based manufacturer of small arms. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICOMM and Caracal (EDGE Group, UAE) represents a significant milestone in making India's defense sector self-sustainable and self-reliant in response to global geopolitical developments. The entire range of small arms will be produced at ICOMM's state-of-the-art design, development, and production center in Hyderabad as part of the collaborative effort between ICOMM and Caracal. ICOMM has established itself as one of the largest manufacturers of missiles, subsystems, communications and EW systems, radar systems, electro-optics, composites, drones, counter-drone systems, loitering munitions, and shelters.
In March 2023, Sig Sauer Inc., a U.S.-based firearms manufacturer, acquired General Robotics for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition notably enhances SIG SAUER's growing portfolio of advanced weapon systems. By integrating General Robotics' remote weapons station with SIG SAUER's lightweight squad weapons and high-pressure hybrid ammunition, this partnership aims to transform small arms for military forces worldwide. General Robotics is an Israel-based manufacturer specializing in automatic weapons.
Major companies operating in the automatic weapons market include China North Industries Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems PLC, Rheinmetall AG, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Remington Arms Company, Beretta USA, Smith & Wesson Corp., Taurus Armas S.A., Heckler & Koch AG, SIG Sauer AG, FN Herstal SA, Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC, HS Produkt d.o.o., Denel Land Systems, Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd., Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc., Glock, Windham Weaponry Inc., Bushmaster Firearms International, Norinco Private Limited, Ukroboroprom, KalibrGun Valdy EU s.r.o., Robinson Armament Co., Zastava Arms, Steyr Arms Inc., Zenith Firearms Inc
North America was the largest region in the automatic weapon market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the automatic weapons market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the automatic weapons market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.
The automatic weapon market consists of sales of automatic pistols, assault rifles, and automatic shotguns. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Automatic Weapons Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on automatic weapons market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for automatic weapons ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The automatic weapons market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.