Automatic Weapons Market Market Size, Share and Trends 2024 to 2034

Automatic Weapons Market Size and Forecast 2024 to 2034

The global automatic weapons market size is expected to be worth around USD 18.69 billion by 2034 from USD 9.32 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 7.21% from 2024 to 2034. The North America automatic weapons market size reached USD 3.39 billion in 2023. The growing concerns over security threats are the key factor driving the automatic weapons market growth.

Automatic Weapons Market Key Takeaways

• North America dominated the automatic weapons market with the largest market share of 39% in 2023.
• Asia Pacific is expected to show the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period.
• By product, the automatic rifle segment has contributed more than 42% of market share in 2023.
• By product, the machine gun segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market over the forecast period.
• By type, the semi-automatic segment led the global market in 2023.
• By type, the fully automatic segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period.
• By caliber type, in 2023, the small caliber segment held the largest share of the market.
• By caliber type, the medium caliber segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market throughout the forecast period.
• By end-user, the land segment dominated the market in 2023.
• By end-user, the airborne segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market over the projected period.

U.S. Automatic Weapons Market Size and Growth 2024 to 2034

The U.S. automatic weapons market size was exhibited at USD 2.54 billion in 2023 and is projected to be worth around USD 5.57 billion by 2034, poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.39% from 2024 to 2034.

North America dominated the automatic weapons market in 2023. The growth of the market in the region is due to the high defense budget and expenditure to strengthen the special armed forces. The expenditure is mainly for procuring innovative weapons and upgrading the defense sector with advanced weapons. Moreover, the presence of key market players in the region is further driving the market growth.

• In April 2024, Ottawa is planed a mandatory buyback program for military-style firearms during the 2025 election year after the program was delayed by Canada Post's refusal to participate, sources say. With only months to go before its launch, details of the vast logistical operation remain in flux, federal officials have told Radio-Canada.

Asia Pacific is expected to show the fastest growth in the automatic weapons market during the forecast period. This is mainly because of the growing demand for body armor by the military and increasing overall military spending, particularly in India and China. Furthermore, growing defense and individual expenditure in the region can also stimulate market growth in the region in the coming years.

Market Overview

Automatic weapons are meant to discharge continuously if the trigger is pressed. these weapons are different from semi-automatic firearms. Due to their ability to fire continuously these weapons are mainly utilized by law enforcement and the military. Machine guns, submachine guns, and assault rifles are some examples of these weapons to overcome the possibility of abuse and crimes many nations have imposed strict laws controlling the possession and use of automatic weapons.

Top 10 Countries with Highest Gun Ownership

Role of AI in the Automatic Weapons Market

Machine learning algorithms play a vital role in this system and can be leveraged to analyze a large amount of data and make decisions accordingly. Innovative sensor technologies, such as infrared and electro-optical sensors, are the main components of these systems, which help them detect and track targets with great accuracy. Furthermore, many developed countries like the U.S. and China are already investing heavily in the automatic weapons market. However, the system also poses some legal, ethical, and operational challenges that need to be addressed.

• In July 2024, Zen Technologies, an anti-drone technology and defense training solutions provider, in collaboration with its subsidiary AI Turing Technologies, introduced the AI-powered robot Prahasta, among other products, for the global defense market. Prahasta is an automated quadruped that uses LiDAR and reinforcement learning to understand and create real-time 3D terrain mapping for unparalleled mission planning, navigation, and threat assessment.

Automatic Weapons Market Growth Factors

• The growing trend of military modernization programs globally is expected to drive the automatic weapons market growth shortly.
• The development of materials science and design can fuel the automatic weapons market during the forecast period.
• The increasing concerns about global security can boost the automatic weapons market growth further.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Driver

Increasing cross-border conflicts

Increasing cross-border conflicts around the world are fueling the demand for automatic weapons and thus driving the growth of the automatic weapons market. Border conflicts have increased dramatically in many countries in the past decades. Border disputes between Venezuela and Colombia, China and India, India and Pakistan, and Iraq and Syria are some notable ongoing examples in the world. Additionally, improvements in automatic weapon systems like armed robots and laser weapon systems are anticipated to drive market growth further in the future.

Ranking violent conflict levels across the world (2023 statistics)

Restraint

Unfavorable government regulations

Sometimes, these regulations can make it difficult and costly for companies to sell automatic weapons, which in turn can restrict the number of potential customers in the automatic weapons market. Many countries have stringent regularity policies regarding the authority and sale of automatic weapons. Additionally, high purchasing costs associated with automatic weapons can also hinder market growth.

Opportunity

Modernization of law enforcement capabilities

In the current automatic weapons market, public safety and the reduction of weapon-related incidents are key concerns for governments globally. The rising incidence of organized crimes, drugs, domestic violence, and arms smuggling demands the modernization of law enforcement capabilities. Furthermore, governments are spending large amounts of money on the development of automatic weapons for law enforcement agencies.

• In December 2023, China launched the Stealthy GJ-11 Attack Drone from Amphibious Assault Ships. China Central Television published an animated graphic showing its armed GJ-11 stealthy drone launching from a Type 075 amphibious assault ship—observers at the Pentagon tracking the rapid expansion and modernization of the People’s Liberation Army.

Product Insights

The automatic rifle segment dominated the automatic weapons market in 2023. The growth of the segment is attributed to the rising demand for fully automatic rifles from special forces, particularly from Asian countries. Moreover, automatic rifles have gone through substantial development in recent years. However, future advancements in automatic rifle technology are anticipated to pose a threat to society and cause social ramifications.

• In January 2024, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and a Hyderabad-based private firm launched an indigenous assault rifle named ‘ugram’ (ferocious). This is the first time that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab has collaborated with private industry to manufacture a 7.62 x 51 mm caliber rifle, said an official.

The machine gun segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the automatic weapons market over the forecast period. Machine guns are made to withstand continuous fire. The replacement of traditional machine guns with light ones can fuel the segment's growth further. Machine guns have many benefits, including the capability to quickly engage multiple targets and suppress enemy positions.

Type Insights

The semi-automatic segment led the global automatic weapons market in 2023. The dominance of the segment can be linked to the growing demand for semi-automatic weapon systems from India, Pakistan, Ukraine, and Syria to tackle regional tensions. The development of material science and manufacturing techniques can propel market growth soon.

The fully automatic segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the automatic weapons market during the forecast period. The growth is credited to the ease of accessibility of these weapons during war operations. Also, the rising cases of terrorism and demand for precision weapon systems are key factors driving market growth.

Caliber Insights

The small caliber segment held the largest share of the automatic weapons market in 2023. This is due to the improved performance, the lethality of small-caliber assault rifles, and penetration range during war operations. Additionally, small caliber weapons are easy to handle and convenient to use, which can lead to market growth shortly.

The medium caliber segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the automatic weapons market throughout the forecast period. Medium caliber refers to projectiles with diameters ranging from 20 mm (about 0.79 in) to 40 mm (about 1.57 in). Medium calibers, such as 20mm (about 0.79 in) and 25mm (about 0.98 in) weapons, dominate the segment. The growth of the automatic weapons industry can boost segment growth further.

• In April 2024, Leonardo, the Italian defense industry champion, unveiled two new projects for medium caliber guns, one chambered for 30×113 ammunition while the second is a Gatling weapon firing 20×102 mm rounds. The development of such weapons is part of the company's industrial strategy of vertical integration, which aims at putting products entirely made by Leonardo divisions on the market.

End-use Insights

The land segment dominated the automatic weapons market in 2023. The growth of the segment can be linked to the growing expansion of military forces worldwide and the increase in the procurement of weapons by land-based forces. The government's increasing focus on close combat systems is also propelling the segment's growth.

The airborne segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the automatic weapons market over the projected period. The rising replacement of traditional systems with innovative combat systems in combat support aircraft, fighter aircraft, and helicopters is driving the growth of the segment. Furthermore, the growing demand for GPS-guided weapons operating swiftly even in bad weather conditions can contribute to the market expansion.

Automatic Weapons Market Companies

• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Heckler & Koch
• FN Herstal
• Kalashnikov Concern
• Barrett Firearms Manufacturing
• Beretta
• shephardmedia
• Colt’s Manufacturing Company
• SIG Sauer
• Browning Arms Company
• Smith & Wesson
• Israel Weapon Industries

Recent Developments

• In March 2023, the Estonian Defense Investment Centre awarded an order to Israel’s IWI for the supply of 1,000 NG7 ‘Negev’ light machine weapon systems to the Estonian Army. The ‘Negevv’ machine guns, which are expected to be delivered towards the end of 2023, will take over from MG3 and KSP-58 machines that are already in use.
• In January 2022, the U.S. Army awarded FN America a contract for USD 49 million to supply M240L medium machine guns and titanium receivers. The M240L, which is roughly 18% lighter than the M240B, was adopted in 2010 after a joint effort by FN and the U.S. Army. It is to reduce overall weight while maintaining the performance and durability of the machine gun.
• In May 2022, Saab, a defense giant, and its armed forces partners completed a two-day series of live-fire demonstrations, including night-time firings, the largest demonstration at the company’s facilities since 2014. With Sweden formally petitioning to join NATO after decades of balancing the alliance with Russia, a new spotlight is being cast on its domestic defense industry.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product

• Automatic Rifle
• Machine Gun
• Automatic Launchers
• Automatic Cannon
• Gatling Gun

By Type

• Fully Automatic
• Semi-automatic

By Caliber

• Small Caliber
• Medium Caliber
• Large Caliber

By End-user

• Land
• Maritime
• Airborne

By Geography

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa