Automatic Weapons Market - By Type (Fully Automatic, Semi-Automatic), By Product (Rifles, Machine Guns, Launcher, Cannon, Gatling Gun), By Platform (Land, Naval, Air), By Application, By End User & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Automatic Weapons Market Size

Automatic Weapons Market was valued at USD 9.25 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 7% between 2024 and 2032. The market for automatic weapons is expected to rise significantly due in large part to rising defence budgets worldwide.

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A rising number of countries are responding to escalating geopolitical tensions and security challenges by raising their military budgets. Increased funding makes it possible to spend significantly in cutting-edge weaponry, such as automatic weapons, to improve the capabilities of the national defence. This tendency is especially noticeable in areas, such as the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, where there are continuing hostilities or perceived threats. Funding increases also facilitate R&D, the acquisition of contemporary weapons, and the modernization of current arsenals, all of which fuel the need for automatic weapons.

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The market for automatic weapons is being driven by considerable technological breakthroughs in weaponry. Automatic weapons have become more effective, dependable, and potent owing to advancements in digital integration, precision engineering, and materials science. Modern automatic weapons have greater accuracy, decreased recoil, and increased firing speeds, among other attributes that make them more useful in combat. Moreover, the operational effectiveness of these weapons is improved by the incorporation of smart technologies, such as sophisticated targeting systems and networked communication capabilities. These developments not only make automatic weapons more desirable to armed forces, but they also stimulate continuous improvements and new purchases.

The market for automatic weapons is severely challenged by stringent regulations. Governments all over the world impose stringent laws and regulations for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of automatic weapons to avoid abuse and maintain public safety. These rules frequently include stringent licensing procedures, export restrictions, and adherence to international arms treaties. Manufacturers may find it difficult and expensive to navigate these regulatory frameworks, which can hinder market expansion and create obstacles for new entrants.

Automatic Weapons Market Trends

The growing use of smart weapon systems is one of the prominent developments in the market for automatic weapons. These systems combine cutting-edge technology to increase operating efficiency, situational awareness, and aiming precision, including AI, IoT, and improved optics. Operators can access real-time data and analytics from smart weapons through their ability to interface with other devices. This incorporation of technology improves battlefield efficiency and is consistent with contemporary military tactics that prioritize accuracy and communication. For instance, in January 2023, Sig Sauer was selected by the U.S. Army for the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program, which includes smart features such as integrated fire control systems and advanced targeting capabilities.

Another important development influencing the market for automatic weapons is the rise of unmanned combat systems, such as drones and automated ground vehicles. Automatic guns are frequently included in these platforms for autonomous and distant operations, lowering the risk to human soldiers and increasing operational flexibility. The necessity to minimize human casualties in battle settings and achieve advanced military capabilities is what drives the demand for such systems. For instance, in April 2022, Russia unveiled the Uran-9 unmanned combat ground vehicle, manufactured by Kalashnikov Concern, equipped with automatic cannons and machine guns, showcasing the integration of automatic weapons into unmanned systems for enhanced combat capabilities.

Automatic Weapons Market Analysis

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Based on type, the market is divided into fully automatic and semi-automatic. The semi-automatic segment dominates the market and is expected to reach over 10 billion by 2032.
 

• The semi-automatic category of automatic weapons includes weapons that can fire one round per pull of the trigger but do not require human action to chamber the next round. After firing, the spent cartridge is automatically ejected, and a new round is fed into the chamber from a detachable magazine.
   
• This design permits quick and effective shooting as the shooter can keep firing as long as there are rounds in the magazine. Semi-automatic weapons are preferred as they are accurate, user-friendly, and versatile in both civilian and military settings. They offer users powerful firepower while retaining control and lowering recoil when compared to fully automatic firearms. These weapons can be used for anything from self-defense to law enforcement and sports shooting.

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Based on platform, the market is categorized into land, naval, and air. The land segment is the fastest growing with a CAGR of over 8% between 2024 and 2032.
 

• The term land segment usually designates a particular area within a larger market or business pertaining to operations on land, including real estate, agriculture, or infrastructure for transportation. The land segment of real estate refers to sections of land set aside for farming or development.
   
• Roads, railroads, and other types of terrestrial transportation networks are included in the land segment of transportation infrastructure. Urban planning, environmental sustainability, and economic growth all depend on the management and use of land resources. Planning for land use, sustainable practices, and regulatory frameworks are all necessary for effective land management to minimize environmental damage and maximize resource allocation.

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North America dominated the global automatic weapons market in 2023, accounting for a share of over 35%. The U.S. plays a significant role in the worldwide market as a leading producer, consumer, and exporter. It has a sizable domestic market that is supported by a thriving defense industry and a strong culture surrounding firearms. The advancements in weapon technology made by American producers have an impact on worldwide trends. The regulatory framework and export policies of the nation also influence the dynamics of international trade, influencing the availability and dispersion of automatic weapons across borders.

With a strong domestic arms industry and substantial international exports, China is a major player in the market for automatic weapons. The country produces a variety of firearms, including automatic weapons, and is renowned for its competitive pricing and technological advancements in defence manufacturing. China's defence sector is backed by state-owned enterprises and is essential to both the country's security needs and the international arms trade, shaping the dynamics of the global market.

Japan's reputation for precision and dependability in weapon systems is largely due to its stringent gun ownership laws, which restrict the country's domestic market for automatic weapons. Nevertheless, Japan is a leader in the defense industry when it comes to precision engineering and technological innovations, and its manufacturers concentrate on producing high-quality firearms, including specialized automatic weapons for military and law enforcement applications.

Recognized for its cutting-edge defence industry skills, South Korea is becoming a major player in the worldwide automatic weapons industry. Many types of military hardware, such as automatic weapons, are produced in the nation and exported abroad by its manufacturers. In order to address its internal security demands, improve military capabilities, and increase its influence in the international arms market, South Korea places a strong emphasis on innovations in defence technologies.

Automatic Weapons Market Share

BAE Systems PLC and Northrop Grumman Corporation hold a significant share of over 15% in the automatic weapons industry. BAE Systems PLC is a leading British multinational defense, security, and aerospace company. It develops and produces cutting-edge defence systems, including as military aircraft, naval vessels, submarines, and cyber intelligence tools. With a strong presence in the US, UK, and other international markets, the firm is a major participant in the global defence sector. BAE Systems provides state-of-the-art defence solutions to military and government clients worldwide by focusing on innovation and technological improvements.?

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. It specializes in autonomous systems, cyber solutions, and mission systems, serving government and commercial customers worldwide. The company is renowned for its innovations in aerospace systems, including the B-2 Spirit bomber and Global Hawk unmanned aircraft. It also focuses on advanced electronics and space technologies, contributing to national security and advancing capabilities in space exploration and defense. Northrop Grumman's dedication to innovation, reliability, and mission success highlights its leadership in the aerospace and defense industry.

Automatic Weapons Market Companies

Major players operating in the automatic weapons industry are

• BAE Systems PLC    
• FN Herstal    
• General Dynamics Corporation      
• Israel Weapon Industries Ltd.       
• Lockheed Martin Corporation        
• Northrop Grumman Corporation    
• Rheinmetall AG

Automatic Weapons Industry News

• In March 2023, Lockheed Martin announced the successful development of an advanced AI-powered automatic weapon system capable of real-time target acquisition and engagement. With the use of machine learning algorithms, this innovative technology seeks to improve military operations' accuracy and efficiency by adjusting to changing battle situations. The development highlighted how artificial intelligence is being used into automatic weapons to provide the U.S. military with a major tactical advantage.
   
• In February 2023, Rheinmetall AG, a leading German defense contractor. The German government declared that it was going to boost defense expenditures significantly by putting a large amount of money toward modernizing the country's arsenals and buying cutting-edge automatic weapons by partnering with Rheinmetall AG. The company will be instrumental in providing cutting-edge weapon systems, such as intelligent automatic rifles. This action is a component of Germany's larger plan to bolster its military might in the face of escalating geopolitical unrest.
   

The automatic weapons market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments

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Market, By Type

• Fully automatic
• Semi-automatic

Market, By product

• Rifles
• Machine guns
  • Light Machine Guns (LMGs)
  • Medium Machine Guns (MMGs)
  • Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs)
• Launcher
  • Grenade launcher
  • Mortar launcher
  • Missile launcher
• Cannon
• Gatling gun
• Others

Market, By Platform

• Land
• Naval
• Air

Market, By Application

• Armored fighting vehicles
• Battle tanks
• Combat support aircraft
• Destroyers
• Fighter aircraft
• Helicopters
• Light protected vehicles
• Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)
• Others

Market, By End User

• Military
• Law enforcement
• Civilian
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA