Riot Control Equipment Market By Product Type (Non-Lethal Weapons, Protective Gear, Vehicles & Barriers), By End-Use (Law Enforcement Agencies, Military & Defense, Private Security Services), By Technology (Manual Control, Automated Control), and By Region; Global Insights & Forecast (2023 – 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the Riot Control Equipment Market was valued at USD 3.0 Billion in 2024-e and will surpass USD 6.4 Billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 11.7% during 2025-2030.

The riot control equipment market plays a crucial role in maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of both citizens and law enforcement officers during times of civil unrest, protests, and riots. This market encompasses a wide range of products, including non-lethal weapons, protective gear, armored vehicles, and barriers, designed to manage large crowds and minimize harm. With increasing global instances of civil unrest and the demand for safer, non-lethal crowd control methods, the riot control equipment market is expanding rapidly. Governments, law enforcement agencies, and private security firms are continuously investing in advanced technologies that ensure effective crowd management while minimizing the risk of fatalities or severe injuries.

The market’s growth is largely driven by the increasing frequency of protests, demonstrations, and volatile political situations worldwide, which necessitate the use of riot control equipment. Additionally, there is a significant emphasis on non-lethal solutions, as there is growing public scrutiny on the use of excessive force during such events. As a result, both technological advancements and evolving political and social dynamics are shaping the market. In this overview, we will examine the key segments within the market, highlighting the largest and fastest-growing subsegments across product types, end-users, technology, and regions.

Non-Lethal Weapons Segment Is Largest Owing to High Demand for Crowd Control Solutions

The non-lethal weapons segment remains the largest in the riot control equipment market, driven by the increasing adoption of non-lethal technologies for managing crowd control situations. As governments and law enforcement agencies seek alternatives to lethal force, non-lethal weapons like tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades are becoming the preferred choice for minimizing fatalities while maintaining public order. This shift is in response to the rising number of protests, riots, and civil unrest, which require swift yet controlled interventions by security forces. The non-lethal nature of these weapons aligns with modern-day policing priorities, focusing on safety, accountability, and minimizing harm to civilians.

Within the non-lethal weapons subsegment, tear gas is the dominant product, widely used by law enforcement globally. Its high efficacy in dispersing large crowds, coupled with the ability to temporarily incapacitate individuals without causing permanent harm, makes it an essential tool in managing mass protests. Despite growing concerns over the humanitarian impact of tear gas, its widespread use continues due to its reliability and low cost compared to other crowd control methods. Furthermore, technological improvements have enhanced its effectiveness and range, contributing to its position as the largest subsegment in the non-lethal weapons category.

Protective Gear Segment Is Fastest Growing Due to Rising Focus on Officer Safety

The protective gear segment is experiencing rapid growth, driven by an increasing emphasis on officer safety during riot control operations. Law enforcement and security agencies are focusing more on equipping personnel with advanced protective equipment such as helmets, body armor, shields, and gas masks. This surge in demand is propelled by heightened security risks, rising instances of violent protests, and the global shift toward ensuring the safety of law enforcement officers while handling potentially dangerous crowd control situations. Governments are allocating more funds for the acquisition of specialized gear to safeguard their personnel, which is directly influencing the market expansion.

Among the various protective gear products, body armor is the fastest-growing subsegment. This growth is largely attributed to technological advancements in materials, such as lighter and stronger composites, that provide enhanced protection without compromising mobility. As the nature of protests and civil unrest becomes more unpredictable, there is a significant push toward ensuring that law enforcement officers are better equipped to handle various types of crowd disturbances, leading to the surge in body armor demand. With increasing concerns over the safety of personnel during high-risk operations, this subsegment is expected to continue expanding rapidly over the forecast period.

Vehicles & Barriers Segment Is Largest Due to High Demand for Armored Vehicles

The vehicles and barriers segment, which includes armored vehicles, water cannons, and roadblocks, is one of the most critical components of the riot control equipment market. Armored vehicles, in particular, dominate this subsegment, as they provide essential protection for law enforcement personnel during high-intensity operations. The growing need to manage large-scale public unrest and protests, especially in urban areas, has resulted in a significant rise in demand for these robust, defensive vehicles. Armored vehicles offer unparalleled protection and mobility, ensuring that security forces can maintain a presence in volatile situations while minimizing exposure to harm.

The demand for armored vehicles is being driven by an increasing need for specialized equipment to handle the growing scale of civil unrest and political instability. As protests become more frequent and intense, law enforcement agencies are turning to armored vehicles not only for the protection of personnel but also for their ability to deliver crowd control solutions in challenging environments. This trend is further bolstered by advancements in vehicle design and technology, such as enhanced maneuverability and the integration of non-lethal weapon systems, contributing to the sustained growth of this subsegment within the vehicles and barriers category.

Law Enforcement Agencies Segment Is Largest Due to High Adoption of Riot Control Equipment

Law enforcement agencies represent the largest end-use segment in the riot control equipment market, as they are the primary users of various riot control tools and non-lethal technologies. The growing frequency of civil unrest, protests, and large gatherings has led to the increased deployment of riot control equipment by police and other law enforcement bodies. These agencies are prioritizing non-lethal measures to manage public order more effectively while reducing the risk of casualties. In addition, the push for safer crowd control techniques aligns with the global trend of rethinking policing methods, making law enforcement agencies the largest consumers of riot control equipment.

The adoption of advanced technologies, such as non-lethal weapons and protective gear, by law enforcement agencies is driven by the need for efficient and humane crowd management strategies. Law enforcement's focus on improving safety and operational efficiency continues to bolster the demand for these solutions. As protests and demonstrations grow in frequency, law enforcement agencies are increasingly investing in riot control equipment to better prepare for such events. This segment is expected to maintain dominance in the coming years due to the consistent demand from police forces worldwide for innovative and non-lethal solutions.

Manual Control Technology Is Largest Due to Familiarity and Simplicity

In the riot control equipment market, the manual control technology segment is the largest, as it is widely used by law enforcement agencies and military forces due to its simplicity, familiarity, and effectiveness. Manual control methods typically involve the physical deployment of equipment such as rubber bullets, tear gas, and shields, requiring human intervention for their operation. Despite the growth of automated systems, manual control remains dominant because it offers direct oversight and more flexible responses in rapidly evolving riot situations. Security forces are accustomed to manually handling riot control situations, making this technology the most widely used for effective crowd management.

The manual control subsegment is expected to continue to dominate due to its established use in law enforcement practices and the ease of integration into existing operations. Manual control technology provides officers with direct command over the tools they employ, which allows for nuanced decision-making in highly volatile environments. While automated control systems are gaining ground, manual control methods are deeply entrenched in the operational protocols of law enforcement agencies, ensuring that this subsegment remains dominant in the short to medium term.

North America Is Largest Region Due to High Investment in Security Solutions

North America stands as the largest region in the riot control equipment market, primarily driven by the United States and Canada’s significant investments in law enforcement and military security solutions. The region’s strong emphasis on maintaining public order and security, particularly in light of recent political protests and social unrest, has led to an increased demand for riot control technologies. In addition, North American governments allocate considerable budgets to law enforcement agencies, ensuring the continued acquisition of state-of-the-art riot control equipment. The legal frameworks and political stability in the region further promote the use of advanced technologies in public safety and law enforcement.

The dominance of North America is also fueled by technological innovation in crowd control equipment. U.S.-based companies, in particular, are at the forefront of developing non-lethal weapons, protective gear, and armored vehicles, which are widely adopted across North America. As law enforcement and military agencies continually refine their crowd control strategies, North America is expected to retain its position as the largest market for riot control equipment, with continued investments in safety and security technologies.

Leading Companies and Competitive Landscape

The riot control equipment market is characterized by the presence of several prominent global players. Leading companies such as Axon Enterprise, Safariland, Rheinmetall AG, and BAE Systems are pivotal in shaping the market landscape. These companies offer a wide range of products, from non-lethal weapons and protective gear to armored vehicles and automated systems. The competition in this market is marked by continuous technological innovation, as companies strive to develop more efficient, safer, and cost-effective solutions for riot control. Strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and product innovations are common strategies among these firms to expand their market share and maintain a competitive edge.

In recent years, the market has witnessed increased mergers and acquisitions, with larger defense and security firms acquiring smaller specialized companies to broaden their product offerings and capabilities. Additionally, companies are focusing on research and development to create next-generation riot control equipment that meets the evolving needs of law enforcement agencies and military forces worldwide. This dynamic competitive environment ensures a constant flow of innovations aimed at improving public safety and crowd management strategies.

List of Leading Companies:

• Axon Enterprise, Inc.
• Safariland, LLC
• CBRN Protection Ltd.
• United Tactical Systems
• Nonlethal Technologies
• The Safariland Group
• Rheinmetall AG
• BAE Systems
• Raytheon Technologies
• General Dynamics
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• L3 Technologies
• TASER International
• FLIR Systems
• Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

Recent Developments:

• Axon Enterprise launched a new line of body cameras designed to enhance safety and transparency for law enforcement during riot control operations.
• Safariland introduced an advanced riot shield made of lightweight yet durable composite materials for improved protection.
• Rheinmetall AG secured a contract to supply armored vehicles designed for use in crowd control and urban security operations across Europe.
• General Dynamics acquired a leading riot control vehicle manufacturer to expand its defense portfolio in the non-lethal security space.
• Raytheon Technologies was awarded a contract to develop advanced non-lethal weaponry for military and law enforcement use in high-risk riot scenarios.

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