| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 7.58 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 9.84 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 5.34 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Shoulder-fired Weapons Market Analysis
The Shoulder-fired Weapons Market size is estimated at USD 7.58 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 9.84 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.34% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Modern shoulder-fired missiles boast heightened accuracy, extended ranges, and increased lethality, cementing their pivotal role in asymmetric warfare and combat scenarios. The rising specter of terrorism and regional conflicts propels the demand for agile and potent defense systems. Moreover, as armed forces globally pivot toward modernization, procuring cutting-edge armaments further stokes the market's growth. Notably, advancements like new guidance systems and lighter builds enhance operational efficiency and deployment convenience.
However, a key hurdle in the shoulder-guided missile industry lies in the intricate technology behind advanced guidance systems. These systems demand extensive R&D to ensure their reliability across diverse operational landscapes, leading to escalated costs and prolonged development timelines. Such technological intricacies spike the initial investment and mandate continuous maintenance and updates, often straining defense budgets.
For instance, in July 2023, the Australian Defense Force inked a USD 38.06 million deal with Saab AB for the latest Carl-Gustaf M4 system and its guided munitions. This procurement aligned with Australia's broader initiative to outfit its infantry units with the most cutting-edge portable weaponry available.
Shoulder-fired Weapons Market Trends
Guided Technology Projected to Witness the Highest Market Growth During the Forecast Period
Guided missiles are poised to lead the growth in the shoulder-fired weapons market, driven by technological advancements and increased defense spending. These missiles are becoming more effective owing to ongoing enhancements in precision and range. Many nations are bolstering their infantry arsenals with lightweight, easily deployable systems. Notably, global defense spending reached USD 2.4 trillion in 2023, with a significant share allocated to advanced missile systems.
Contracts in 2023 underscored the rising prominence of guided missiles. In September, the US Department of Defense granted RTX Corporation a USD 110 million contract for its Javelin missiles, showcasing their relevance in modern warfare. Simultaneously, Saab AB secured a USD 104 million deal to supply the US Army with AT4 and Carl-Gustaf munitions, including guided variants. These contracts highlight the increasing focus on cutting-edge shoulder-fired missile systems. Furthermore, in December 2022, the UK Ministry of Defence's procurement of the NLAW system totaled USD 76 million, underscoring the ongoing trend of outfitting armed forces with advanced guided missile technology.
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Asia-Pacific to Witness the Highest Market Growth During the Forecast Period
Asia-Pacific boasts some of the world's largest arms importers, with notable players including India, China, Pakistan, and South Korea. Both China and India have seen consistent upticks in their defense budgets. Nations like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are rapidly ramping up their defense expenditures, aiming to modernize their armed forces and bolster their capabilities. For instance, China's defense budget registered a steady annual growth of 6-7%, culminating in a substantial USD 230 billion in 2023. This heightened spending was primarily motivated by the imperatives of bolstering national security and asserting regional dominance, especially in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions.
Asia-Pacific is rife with geopolitical tensions and potential conflict scenarios, which are major drivers of increased defense spending. Key flashpoints include territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the India-Pakistan border. These tensions are further exacerbated by the escalating military buildups and strategic rivalries, notably between China and the United States.
Consequently, regional countries are intensifying their military preparedness and capabilities to address these security challenges, leading to heightened procurement and modernization endeavors. These geopolitical intricacies play a pivotal role in shaping the anticipated growth of the defense market. For instance, in April 2024, the Indian Army unveiled indigenous projects valued at over USD 827 million, focusing on the development of Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems. These systems, comprising shoulder-fired missiles, are specifically tailored to counter aerial threats along the country’s borders with China and Pakistan. The Indian Army's ambitious plans include over 500 launchers and approximately 3,000 missiles, all aimed at fortifying India's strategic defense infrastructure against aerial threats in border regions.
Rising technological prowess and a surge in international defense collaborations are further propelling the Asia-Pacific defense market. Nations are increasingly channeling investments into cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and unmanned systems. Collaborative defense initiatives, such as joint military platform developments between India and Russia or defense technology transfers between the United States and Japan, are fostering innovation and bolstering the industry’s capabilities. These initiatives not only cater to the immediate security needs of the armed forces but also lay a solid foundation for the long-term growth and evolution of the defense industry in Asia-Pacific countries.
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Shoulder-fired Weapons Market Industry Overview
The shoulder-fired weapons market is characterized by a notable fragmentation, with key players like RTX Corporation, Saab AB, General Dynamics Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and MBDA commanding significant market shares.
These companies are bolstering their market presence by forging partnerships with local entities, a strategy to secure lucrative contracts within those nations. Their dominance is underpinned by robust portfolios, extensive international agreements, and a commitment to innovation. Noteworthy collaborations, exemplified by the Javelin system jointly developed by RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin Corporation, alongside their adeptness at tailoring products to meet specialized military requirements, solidify their market leadership. By consistently winning high-value contracts and channeling investments into technological advancements, these firms maintain their top positions and set the stage for future growth in the shoulder-fired weapons market.
Shoulder-fired Weapons Market Leaders
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Saab AB
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Lockheed Martin Corporation
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General Dynamics Corporation
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MBDA
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RTX Corporation
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Shoulder-fired Weapons Market News
- March 2024: Poland awarded Saab a USD 1.2 billion contract for Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifles, ammunition, and training equipment. This contract, aimed at bolstering Poland's ground combat capabilities, will deliver thousands of launchers and hundreds of thousands of 84mm rounds. The move comes as Poland seeks to strengthen its military in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with plans to expand its army to 300,000 troops potentially. Simultaneously, Saab AB is broadening its global footprint by establishing a factory dedicated to the Carl-Gustaf line in India.
- September 2023: The US Department of Defense inked a USD 104 million deal with Saab AB to deliver AT4 anti-tank weapon systems and Carl-Gustaf ammunition. The order, catering to the US Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command, includes the AT4CS reduced sensitivity system and the Carl-Gustaf HE 441E recoilless rifle. While the AT4CS stands out as a lightweight, one-man-portable, disposable shoulder-launched weapon, the Carl-Gustaf M4, especially with the HE 441E, proves highly effective against semi-hardened structures and low-armored vehicles.
- September 2023: The Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) solidified an agreement to investigate the local production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) in Poland. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to bolster Poland's defense industry capabilities and cement strategic partnerships. The MoU delineates plans for technology transfer, local manufacturing, and potential co-development projects, all in line with Poland's broader defense modernization strategy. By ensuring a consistent supply of advanced ATGMs, the partnership meets Poland's defense needs and enhances regional security and defense cooperation with allies.
Shoulder-fired Weapons Market Industry Segmentation
Shoulder-fired weapons are portable rocket-propelled explosive projectiles designed to be carried and fired from one's shoulder. Rising conflicts near borders are fueling the demand for these weapons.
The shoulder-fired weapons market is segmented by technology, range, assembly type, and geography. By technology type, the market is segmented into guided and unguided. By range, the market is segmented into short, medium, and long range. By assembly type, the market is segmented into projectile and launcher. The report also covers the sizes and forecasts for the shoulder-fired weapons market in major countries across different regions. For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).
| Technology | Guided | ||
| Unguided | |||
| Range | Short | ||
| Medium | |||
| Long | |||
| Assembly Type | Projectile | ||
| Launcher | |||
| Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Europe | United Kingdom | ||
| Germany | |||
| Russia | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| India | |||
| Japan | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Latin America | Brazil | ||
| Rest of Latin America | |||
| Middle East and Africa | United Arab Emirates | ||
| Saudi Arabia | |||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | |||
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Shoulder Fired Weapons Market Research FAQs
How big is the Shoulder-fired Weapons Market?
The Shoulder-fired Weapons Market size is expected to reach USD 7.58 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 5.34% to reach USD 9.84 billion by 2030.
What is the current Shoulder-fired Weapons Market size?
In 2025, the Shoulder-fired Weapons Market size is expected to reach USD 7.58 billion.
Who are the key players in Shoulder-fired Weapons Market?
Saab AB, Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, MBDA and RTX Corporation are the major companies operating in the Shoulder-fired Weapons Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Shoulder-fired Weapons Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Shoulder-fired Weapons Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Shoulder-fired Weapons Market.
What years does this Shoulder-fired Weapons Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Shoulder-fired Weapons Market size was estimated at USD 7.18 billion. The report covers the Shoulder-fired Weapons Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Shoulder-fired Weapons Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Shoulder Fired Weapons Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Shoulder-fired Weapons market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Shoulder-fired Weapons analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
