Less Lethal Ammunition Market By Product Type (Rubber Bullets, Bean Bag Rounds, Foam Rounds, Pepper Spray Rounds), By Application (Law Enforcement, Military, Civilian Self-defense, Crowd Control), By End-User (Government Agencies, Private Security Firms, Civilians, Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies), By Range (Close Range, Medium Range, Long Range), and By Region; Global Insights & Forecast (2023 – 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the Less Lethal Ammunition Market was valued at USD 1.3 Billion in 2024-e and will surpass USD 1.7 Billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 4.7% during 2025-2030.

The less lethal ammunition market has emerged as a vital component of modern security and defense systems, especially in situations requiring the use of force without causing fatalities. This ammunition type, designed to incapacitate or control individuals, is increasingly being used by law enforcement, military, and even civilians for self-defense. The growing focus on human rights and the push for non-lethal alternatives to traditional firearms have accelerated the demand for less lethal options. The market is expanding as governments, security agencies, and private firms look for more effective ways to control crowds, manage conflict, and ensure public safety while minimizing harm.

Rubber Bullets Segment Is Largest Owing to High Demand in Law Enforcement

The rubber bullets segment holds the largest share in the less lethal ammunition market, driven primarily by their widespread use in law enforcement and crowd control scenarios. Rubber bullets are designed to deliver a non-lethal impact that can incapacitate a target without causing permanent injury. They are particularly effective in riot situations or protests, where law enforcement agencies need to manage large crowds while minimizing fatalities. Their low cost, easy availability, and efficiency in targeting specific areas, such as legs or the lower torso, make rubber bullets a preferred choice globally.

Rubber bullets are also favored due to their proven track record in various conflict zones, offering a safer alternative to traditional firearms while still maintaining the ability to subdue or deter threats. As law enforcement and security agencies continue to seek alternatives to deadly force, the demand for rubber bullets is expected to remain strong, ensuring its continued dominance in the market.

Crowd Control Application Is Fastest Growing Owing to Increasing Civil Unrest

The crowd control application segment is experiencing the fastest growth within the less lethal ammunition market. The rise in public demonstrations, protests, and civil unrest has created an urgent need for non-lethal methods to manage large groups of people without resorting to lethal force. Less lethal ammunition is a key tool in crowd control, as it allows law enforcement agencies to disperse crowds, subdue violent individuals, and prevent escalation without causing permanent harm or fatalities. This growing need for crowd management solutions in urban environments is propelling the expansion of this segment.

Governments around the world are increasingly incorporating less lethal options into their crowd control strategies, especially as the frequency of protests and riots continues to rise. As a result, there is a growing demand for ammunition that can ensure public safety while minimizing legal and reputational risks associated with the use of deadly force. The effectiveness and versatility of less lethal ammunition in crowd control are driving its rapid adoption.

Government Agencies Segment Is Largest Due to Strategic Law Enforcement Initiatives

The government agencies segment is the largest in the less lethal ammunition market, largely driven by the widespread use of non-lethal weapons by law enforcement and military units. Governments worldwide prioritize the safety of their citizens while ensuring law enforcement officers have the tools they need to maintain public order. Less lethal ammunition is a key element of this strategy, enabling government agencies to address security concerns in a manner that minimizes harm. This trend is particularly strong in developed nations, where there is greater public scrutiny of police and military actions, driving demand for non-lethal alternatives.

Government agencies are also investing in advanced less lethal ammunition to enhance their ability to manage various security scenarios. By equipping law enforcement officers with these alternatives, governments can better control situations such as protests, civil unrest, and other security risks without resorting to lethal force, which aligns with human rights and international law standards. This focus on non-lethal solutions is expected to continue fueling growth in the government agencies segment.

Close Range Segment Is Largest Owing to Frequent Use in Urban Security

The close range segment is the largest in the less lethal ammunition market, driven by the high frequency of urban and close-quarter confrontations in law enforcement and military operations. Close-range less lethal ammunition is often used for immediate threat neutralization in high-stakes situations, where officers or soldiers need to incapacitate individuals without causing long-term injury. This range is optimal for many law enforcement tools, including rubber bullets and bean bag rounds, which are designed to be effective at relatively short distances.

Close-range ammunition is particularly important in urban environments, where security personnel frequently face potentially hostile individuals in confined spaces. The need for quick and efficient control of such situations has made the close-range segment the most utilized in both law enforcement and military applications. As the demand for non-lethal crowd control continues to rise, close-range ammunition will remain the preferred option in many security operations.

North America Region Is Largest Owing to Technological Advancements and Demand from Law Enforcement

The North America region is the largest in the less lethal ammunition market, driven by significant investments in law enforcement and military technologies. The United States, in particular, is a leader in both the adoption and innovation of less lethal weapons, including non-lethal ammunition. North American law enforcement agencies are increasingly prioritizing the use of non-lethal alternatives in their daily operations, particularly for crowd control and riot management. Additionally, military forces in North America are incorporating less lethal ammunition into their strategic operations, further propelling market growth.

North America’s strong regulatory framework and commitment to reducing violence in law enforcement operations have contributed to the expansion of less lethal ammunition use. The region is expected to continue leading the global market due to ongoing technological advancements, a high level of investment in security technologies, and the growing emphasis on human rights in security operations. These factors will ensure North America's dominance in the global market for less lethal ammunition.

Leading Companies and Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the less lethal ammunition market is dominated by several global companies, such as Axon Enterprises, NonLethal Technologies, SABRE, and FN Herstal. These companies specialize in the development and production of less lethal ammunition, and they are continuously innovating to meet the growing demand for non-lethal solutions in law enforcement, military, and civilian self-defense applications. The market is highly competitive, with companies focusing on technological advancements to improve the performance, safety, and effectiveness of less lethal projectiles.

The competitive environment is also shaped by strategic partnerships and collaborations between companies and government agencies, as well as ongoing investments in research and development. As the demand for non-lethal ammunition grows, companies are likely to increase their focus on product innovation and customer-focused solutions to capture a larger share of the market. The continuous development of new materials and technologies will play a key role in driving competition and shaping the future of the less lethal ammunition market.

Recent Developments:

• Axon Enterprises, Inc. recently launched a new line of non-lethal ammunition specifically designed for crowd control, increasing their presence in the less lethal ammunition market.
• NonLethal Technologies, Inc. entered into a strategic partnership with SABRE, combining resources to innovate in the self-defense and law enforcement segments of the less lethal ammunition market.
• Bae Systems recently completed the acquisition of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, strengthening their position in the military and law enforcement non-lethal ammunition sector.
• The Safariland Group received FDA approval for the release of a new foam round product, designed to reduce injuries during crowd control operations, marking a key development in their non-lethal ammunition portfolio.
• Polymer Technologies, Inc. unveiled a new rubber bullet design that minimizes injuries, receiving favorable reviews from law enforcement agencies for its effectiveness in non-lethal applications.

List of Leading Companies:

• Axon Enterprises, Inc.
• NonLethal Technologies, Inc.
• The Safariland Group
• Bae Systems
• Amnesty International
• SABRE
• Taser International
• FN Herstal
• Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
• Polymer Technologies, Inc.
• Combined Tactical Systems, Inc.
• Glock, Inc.
• General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
• Harris Corporation
• Koch Industries, Inc.

Report Scope: