Automatic Weapons Market By Weapon Type (Assault Rifles, Machine Guns, Submachine Guns, Sniper Rifles, Shotguns), By Application (Military & Defense, Law Enforcement, Civilian, Others), By Range (Short Range, Medium Range, Long Range), By Ammunition Type (High-Caliber Ammunition, Low-Caliber Ammunition), By End-User Industry (Military, Law Enforcement, Civilian Use), and By Region; Global Insights & Forecast (2024 – 2030).

As per Intent Market Research, the Automatic Weapons Market was valued at USD 8.0 billion in 2023 and will surpass USD 13.0 billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 7.3% during 2024 - 2030.

The automatic weapons market is evolving rapidly due to advancements in firearm technology, increased defense spending, and rising security concerns globally. These weapons are utilized across various sectors, with military, law enforcement, and civilian applications driving the demand. The market spans several subsegments, including assault rifles, machine guns, submachine guns, and sniper rifles, with each offering distinct functionalities suited for different tactical and strategic uses. The global proliferation of these weapons has led to increased regulation, as well as innovation to meet the requirements of modern-day combat, security, and civilian protection. The demand for more efficient, higher-capacity, and versatile weapons is fueling market growth, with companies constantly upgrading their weapon systems to integrate the latest technology.

Assault Rifles Segment is Largest Owing to Military Demand

The assault rifles segment remains the largest in the automatic weapons market, primarily driven by military and defense requirements. These firearms are versatile and widely used in infantry combat, law enforcement, and even civilian use, making them a cornerstone in the automatic weapons sector. The high demand for assault rifles in military conflicts, counter-terrorism operations, and peacekeeping missions has positioned them as the most sought-after automatic weapon type. With advancements in design and customization, these rifles continue to evolve to meet the operational demands of armed forces, ranging from mobility and range to firepower and durability.

Military forces across the globe are investing heavily in modernizing their assault rifles to improve accuracy, ease of use, and integration with advanced targeting systems. Furthermore, countries with active defense budgets, including the United States, Russia, and China, continue to procure advanced assault rifles for their armed forces. This has spurred manufacturers to develop more reliable, lightweight, and customizable solutions, thus solidifying assault rifles' dominance in the market.

Law Enforcement Application is Fastest Growing Owing to Increased Security Demands

The law enforcement segment is experiencing the fastest growth in the automatic weapons market. With increasing concerns about terrorism, organized crime, and civil unrest, law enforcement agencies are equipping themselves with more advanced firearms. Submachine guns, machine guns, and even semi-automatic sniper rifles are becoming critical tools in law enforcement's arsenal, especially in counter-terrorism, riot control, and high-risk hostage rescue operations. The rising threat of active shooters, riots, and terrorism across both developed and emerging markets has escalated the need for well-equipped law enforcement agencies.

Governments worldwide are increasingly recognizing the importance of strengthening their law enforcement agencies with powerful, rapid-fire weapons. As such, manufacturers are focusing on producing weapons that are tailored to law enforcement needs, offering greater precision, smaller size, and ease of use. Law enforcement agencies are investing in these technologies at a faster pace, contributing to the rapid growth of this application segment.

Long Range Weapons Segment is Largest Owing to Military and Defense Applications

Long-range automatic weapons are among the largest subsegments in the market, primarily due to their critical role in military and defense operations. These weapons, which include sniper rifles and long-barrel machine guns, offer significant advantages in terms of range and accuracy. Long-range weapons are essential for military snipers and reconnaissance units, enabling them to strike from distances that conventional rifles and submachine guns cannot reach. The demand for these weapons is particularly high in strategic defense applications, where accuracy and extended range are crucial.

Long-range automatic weapons are also used in modern warfare, where precision strikes on distant targets are vital for maintaining an advantage. As military forces shift toward greater reliance on high-tech, precision weapons, the demand for long-range automatic weapons continues to grow, solidifying its place as a key segment in the global market.

High-Caliber Ammunition Segment is Largest Owing to Military and Heavy-Duty Applications

The high-caliber ammunition segment dominates the automatic weapons market, driven by its necessity in military applications, particularly for machine guns, sniper rifles, and large-caliber assault rifles. High-caliber ammunition is designed to deliver greater stopping power, increased range, and superior penetration capabilities, making it ideal for military operations that require heavy-duty firepower. These types of ammunition are critical in combat zones where conventional rounds may be ineffective against armored vehicles or fortified positions.

With the increasing sophistication of modern warfare and the rising demand for heavy firepower in combat scenarios, high-caliber ammunition is gaining traction across military forces worldwide. The need for armor-piercing capabilities and increased lethality in military applications is boosting the demand for high-caliber ammunition, ensuring the growth of this segment in the automatic weapons market.

Military Industry is Largest End-User Due to High Demand for Advanced Weaponry

The military sector is by far the largest end-user of automatic weapons, accounting for the majority of the global demand. This is primarily due to the continuous modernization of defense forces worldwide and the strategic importance of maintaining a well-equipped military. Automatic weapons are integral to infantry, armored divisions, and special forces operations, providing them with the firepower needed to neutralize threats in combat zones. As geopolitical tensions rise, governments are investing heavily in the development and procurement of automatic firearms to ensure their military forces remain capable and competitive.

Ongoing defense budget allocations and international military contracts contribute significantly to the dominance of the military sector in this market. As global conflicts and security concerns escalate, the military’s reliance on automatic weapons will continue to grow, ensuring that this segment maintains its leadership position in the market.

North America is the Largest Region Owing to High Defense Spending

North America, particularly the United States, is the largest region in the automatic weapons market. This region accounts for a significant portion of global demand, driven by the military's vast procurement budgets and law enforcement agencies' increasing need for advanced weaponry. The U.S. military remains one of the largest consumers of automatic weapons, with a strong focus on modernizing its arsenal and maintaining technological superiority.

In addition to military use, North American law enforcement agencies are also significant consumers of automatic weapons, prompted by rising concerns over domestic security. The high demand for firearms, coupled with increased security needs, makes North America a major player in the global automatic weapons market. As defense spending remains robust in the region, the demand for advanced automatic weapons is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

Leading Companies and Competitive Landscape

Key players in the automatic weapons market include companies such as Heckler & Koch GmbH, FN Herstal, Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC, Beretta Holding S.p.A., and SIG Sauer. These companies are at the forefront of innovation, focusing on developing firearms with improved accuracy, firepower, and ease of use. They also continue to expand their portfolios to meet the specific needs of the military, law enforcement, and civilian sectors.

The competitive landscape is characterized by continuous technological advancements, with companies increasingly integrating smart technologies and automation features into their weapons systems. As the market grows, leading players are also vying for larger shares by securing defense contracts, expanding product offerings, and focusing on customization to cater to a wide range of users. These developments, coupled with increasing demand for both precision and versatility in automatic firearms, are likely to further fuel competition in the global market.

List of Leading Companies:

• Heckler & Koch GmbH
• Beretta Holding S.p.A.
• FN Herstal
• Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC
• Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
• Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
• Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc.
• SIG Sauer, Inc.
• Saab AB
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Lockheed Martin
• BAE Systems
• Rheinmetall AG
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Thales Group

Recent Developments:

• FN Herstal announced the expansion of its portfolio with the launch of new lightweight, modular machine guns designed for enhanced mobility and ease of use in military operations.
• SIG Sauer secured a multi-million-dollar contract with the U.S. Army for the supply of the M400 rifle, continuing to dominate in military small arms supplies.
• Smith & Wesson has upgraded its automatic weapon technology, introducing more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes for its submachine gun models.
• General Dynamics acquired a tactical weapons manufacturer to bolster its capabilities in the production of precision sniper rifles and heavy-duty machine guns.
• Thales has entered into a strategic partnership with a European military force to provide next-generation automatic firearms integrated with advanced targeting systems and smart technology.

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