The global less lethal ammunition market was valued at USD 1.23 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.
Increased defense expenditures in economies worldwide have contributed to market growth. Notably, the United States has seen a significant rise in defense spending over the past decade, with the new administration emphasizing the strengthening of the country's military. This indicates a continued upward trend in defense expenditures for the next five years. The escalating risks of terrorism and political violence are expected to further contribute to market growth. These risks have increased due to growing global tensions and the erosion of liberal democratic governance.
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In the United States, demand for weapons has grown due to heightened demand from law enforcement agencies responding to protests and upgrading their weaponry. Furthermore, increased defense budgets and lenient gun usage regulations are set to have a positive impact on less lethal ammunition market growth. Political instabilities and escalating risks of terrorism are expected to increase the demand for these products further.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had a positive impact on the market as it has underscored the importance of investing in ammunition. Countries like Ukraine have increased their spending on less lethal ammunition, which has outpaced the supply rate. This has led other nations to focus on expanding their production capacities. To meet demand, guns and ammunition shipments are being redirected through various means, including acquiring them from active battle zones where they are either stolen or left behind. The increased ease of cross-border transactions and communication due to globalization has facilitated weapon diversion, smuggling, and the proliferation of illicit firearms and ammunition. These factors pose significant challenges for the market.
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Government regulations significantly restrict the use of less lethal weapons, playing a crucial role in preventing their unlawful utilization. For example, the Geneva Academy has introduced several guidelines regarding the use of less lethal ammunition, tear gas, and coated metal bullets. Moreover, the growing reliance on chemical alternatives like smoke grenades and pepper balls will curtail the acceptance of these ammunitions.
The research report offers a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Less Lethal Ammunition Market to enable effective decision-making. It covers the key trends and growth opportunities anticipated to have a favorable impact on the market. Besides, the study covers segment and regional revenue forecasts for market assessment.
Growth Drivers
The global market's value chain comprises raw material suppliers, ammunition manufacturers, distributors, and end-users. Raw material suppliers play a crucial role by providing various components essential for less lethal ammunition, such as cartridge casings, propellants, bullet leads, bullet penetrators, primers, and primer mixes, to the manufacturers. These suppliers offer tailored solutions to meet the specific requirements of the ammunition manufacturers. Key factors influencing value addition at this stage include pricing, raw material availability, cost efficiency, product quality, delivery schedules, and continuous product innovation.
The market is primarily segmented based on product, application, end use, and region.
By Product |
By Application |
By End Use |
By Region |
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The shotgun segment held the largest share in 2022. Its prominence in less lethal ammunition is attributed to its effectiveness in crowd control and various non-lethal applications. Governments worldwide are investing in research and development efforts to enhance less lethal options. Recent advancements in the shotgun segment involve the introduction of innovative rounds utilizing non-lethal projectiles such as rubber balls, bean bags, and foam batons, among others. These rounds have demonstrated effectiveness in restraining suspects without causing severe injury or fatality. Additionally, manufacturers have introduced specialized shotguns tailored for less lethal applications, further expanding the market's capabilities.
The launchers segment will grow at a substantial pace. These devices are engineered to project less lethal ammunition toward a target from a distance. Available in various sizes and configurations, they range from handheld devices to larger, more potent models that can be mounted on vehicles or other platforms. Launchers are specifically designed to discharge less-lethal rounds like bean bags, pepper spray or rubber pellets, allowing law enforcement to restrain suspects without causing lasting harm.
The rubber bullets segment held the largest share. Rubber bullets, a form of less lethal ammunition widely utilized by law enforcement agencies globally, are crafted from rubber or other non-lethal materials. Bean bag rounds, constructed from fabric and filled with lead shot or similar non-lethal materials, are designed to be discharged from shotguns. They serve various purposes, including crowd control, riot management, and situations demanding suspect restraint without lethal force. A significant advantage of bean bag rounds is their ability to be deployed from a distance, reducing the risk of injury to law enforcement officers.
The paintballs segment will grow at a significant pace. These products find versatile applications in crowd control, riot management, and situations requiring the subduing of suspects without resorting to lethal force. Paintballs are cost-effective and simple to produce, making them a practical choice for law enforcement agencies needing affordable, less-lethal ammunition for their officers. Flashbangs, another type of less-lethal ammunition, are designed to disperse crowds without causing deliberate bodily harm. The purpose of less-lethal ammunition is to temporarily incapacitate, immobilize, or stun a person without penetrating the body. It is commonly utilized by law enforcement and military entities to control crowds and disturbances effectively.
The law enforcement segment held the largest share. This segment encompasses the efforts of government officials tasked with upholding the law, which involves punishing, rehabilitating, and deterring individuals who break the law. It includes local police as well as central reserved police forces. Several nations are investing in research and development endeavors to enhance the efficiency and performance of ammunition while mitigating the threats posed by adversaries. The rising global terrorism threat has prompted a surge in civilian gun ownership for self-defense and home security purposes in numerous countries.
Less lethal ammunition tailored for military applications undergoes constant enhancements. Nations are willingly investing in the advancement of ammunition and weaponry for security purposes, thereby driving market growth. It also encompasses sporting and hunting activities, which are on the rise due to their increasing popularity. The growing interest in safe indoor games for entertainment and relaxation has boosted the demand for paintball games, thereby adding to the overall product demand.
The North America region dominated the global market. The increasing defense budget in the region is exerting a notable influence on the industry. Additionally, the Department of Defense's strategic focus on long-term technological advancements and innovative combat approaches is anticipated to further bolster product growth.
Asia Pacific will grow at rapid pace. Increasing geopolitical tensions and the escalating threat of terrorist attacks are driving the expansion of the region's defense industry. Nations like India and China are enhancing their military capabilities to address rising violence. To counter increasing crime rates and ensure public safety, these countries are procuring less lethal ammunition for their military and law enforcement agencies. These factors are expected to contribute to the heightened demand for such products over the forecasted period.
Manufacturers are striving to strengthen their positions by expanding their business operations throughout the entire value chain. Additionally, they are prioritizing distribution, introducing new products, and investing in research and development to understand both current and future demand trends in the emerging sectors.
Some of the major players operating in the global market include:
Report Attributes |
Details |
Market size value in 2023 |
USD 1.28 billion |
Revenue forecast in 2032 |
USD 1.91 billion |
CAGR |
4.5% from 2023 – 2032 |
Base year |
2022 |
Historical data |
2019 – 2021 |
Forecast period |
2023 – 2032 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD billion and CAGR from 2023 to 2032 |
Segments covered |
By Product, By Application, By End Use, By Region |
Regional scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
Customization |
Report customization as per your requirements with respect to countries, region and segmentation. |
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