Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition, Opportunity, and Forecast, By Technology (Guided Systems, Unguided Systems), By Weapon Type (ATGM Launchers, MANPADS, Recoilless Rifles, RPGs, SLAW), By Range (Short-range Systems, Medium-range Systems, Long-range Systems), By Projectile Component (Launchers/Tubes, Fire-Control and Sighting Systems), By End User (Armies, Homeland-Security Agencies, Navies, Air Forces, Special Forces), By Region, By Company 2021-2031F 2021-2031F

Key Insights	Details
Forecast Period	2026 - 2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 10.52 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.48%
Fastest Growing Segment	Unguided systems
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 14.49 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market is expected to grow from USD 10.52 Billion in 2025 to USD 14.49 Billion by 2031 at a 5.48% CAGR. Shoulder-fired weapons are man-portable weapon systems designed to be launched from the operator's shoulder, primarily encompassing anti-tank guided missiles, man-portable air-defense systems, and recoilless rifles, utilized by armed forces to engage ground or aerial targets. The market's growth is predominantly driven by escalating global geopolitical instability, leading to increased defense budgets across numerous nations for force modernization and inventory replenishment. The persistent threat of asymmetric warfare further necessitates the acquisition of agile and versatile weapon platforms, thereby sustaining demand for these systems.

According to the European Defence Agency, in 2025, total defence equipment procurement by EU Member States, which encompasses various weapon systems including shoulder-fired types, reached €115 billion. A significant challenge impeding market expansion, however, lies in the intricate web of international arms control treaties and stringent export regulations, which can restrict the transfer and broader proliferation of these weapons.

Key Market Drivers

Technological Progress Expands Shoulder-Fired Capabilities
The global shoulder-fired weapons market is significantly propelled by continuous technological advancements in weapon systems. Innovations are leading to the development of more accurate, extended-range, and multi-platform capable shoulder-launched munitions, enhancing their efficacy against both armored ground targets and aerial threats. These advancements often include enhanced guidance systems and improved target acquisition features, making these portable systems indispensable for modern combat scenarios. For instance, Raytheon, an RTX business, announced on July 7, 2026, that it is doubling Stinger missile production in Europe to strengthen NATO's air defense stocks and meet growing global demand, underscoring ongoing investment in advanced man-portable air-defense systems. This technological progression ensures that shoulder-fired weapons remain relevant and effective against evolving threats.

Growing Emphasis on Precision-Guided Munitions
Further bolstering market expansion is a strategic shift towards precision-guided munitions, which emphasizes the deployment of highly accurate, stand-off capabilities to minimize collateral damage and increase target neutralization probability. Many shoulder-fired anti-tank and anti-air systems now incorporate sophisticated guidance technologies, transforming them into precision-strike assets. For example, in June 2026, Saab signed a contract with the French General Directorate of Armaments for NLAW anti-tank weapons and training systems, with deliveries scheduled from 2026 to 2030, highlighting the continued demand for precision-guided shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons. This focus on precision-guided capabilities extends beyond traditional anti-armor roles. According to Lockheed Martin's Q3 2026 financial results, reported in October 2026, sales for its Missiles and Fire Control segment increased by 24% compared to the third quarter of the previous year, reflecting sustained procurement of advanced, precise, and portable weapon solutions by defense forces worldwide.

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Key Market Challenges

Regulatory Constraints and Export Controls Limiting Market Growth
The significant challenge impeding the growth of the global shoulder-fired weapons market stems from the intricate web of international arms control treaties and stringent export regulations. These complex regulatory frameworks directly restrict the transfer and broader proliferation of these man-portable weapon systems across national borders. This environment consequently limits manufacturers' ability to access emerging markets and fulfill diverse operational requirements, directly constraining potential sales volumes and revenue streams.

Export Licensing Burdens and Costs Constraining Global Market Activity
The process of obtaining multiple export licenses, complying with varying national laws, and adhering to international legal stipulations creates substantial administrative burdens and operational delays. These regulatory hurdles add considerable costs and complexities throughout the export cycle. According to the Aerospace Industries Association, U.S. aerospace and defense exports, which encompass various defense articles including shoulder-fired weapon systems, reached $172.7 billion in 2025. This figure illustrates the sizable yet tightly controlled nature of this segment. Such stringent controls and their associated complexities can deter both manufacturers from expanding their global footprint and potential buyers, resulting in a more constrained and less dynamic market for shoulder-fired weapons worldwide.

Key Market Trends

Weapon System Miniaturization and Portability
Enhanced weapon system miniaturization and portability is a significant trend, enabling dismounted soldiers to carry more potent anti-armor and anti-personnel capabilities into diverse operational environments. This emphasis on lighter, more compact systems allows for greater tactical flexibility and reduces the logistical burden on infantry units, thereby increasing their agility and responsiveness in complex terrains and urban settings. Modern design principles focus on materials science advancements and integrated electronics to achieve substantial weight reductions without compromising lethality or range. For instance, according to an announcement by the Finnish Army on October 28, 2026, Finland authorized the acquisition of RGW 110 anti-tank weapons from Dynamit Nobel Defence in a €84.5 million deal to bolster its infantry capabilities with advanced portable systems.

Counter-UAS Capabilities for Shoulder-Fired Weapons
The development of Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities for shoulder-fired weapons represents another crucial market trend, driven by the pervasive threat of small and tactical drones in modern warfare. As unmanned aerial systems become increasingly sophisticated and accessible, military forces are investing in man-portable solutions that can detect, track, and neutralize these aerial threats at the tactical edge. This trend integrates specialized sensors and effectors into shoulder-launched platforms, extending their utility beyond traditional ground or air target engagement to include immediate defense against drone swarms or reconnaissance drones. According to a report in Unmanned Airspace, May 18, 2026, the US Army's fiscal year 2027 budget request allocates $994 million to small counter-UAS, highlighting substantial investment in these evolving defensive capabilities.

Segmental Insights

Growth Drivers for Unguided Shoulder-Fired Systems
In the Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, unguided systems are identified as the fastest-growing segment. This rapid expansion is primarily attributed to their significant cost-effectiveness, which makes them a practical choice for defense forces operating within budget limitations or requiring widespread armament. The segment's growth is further propelled by the inherent simplicity and operational ease of these weapons, facilitating quicker training and deployment for soldiers in diverse combat environments, particularly in scenarios involving asymmetric and urban warfare. Additionally, the increasing demand for lightweight and portable weaponry that enhances troop mobility and individual soldier effectiveness significantly contributes to the rising adoption of unguided shoulder-fired systems.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific Leads Market Through Modernization, Increased Spending, and Indigenous Production
Asia Pacific leads the global shoulder-fired weapons market, driven by substantial military modernization efforts across the region. Countries, notably China and India, are significantly increasing defense expenditures to enhance infantry combat capabilities and protect strategic interests. Escalating geopolitical tensions, such as territorial disputes in areas like the South China Sea, and ongoing security concerns necessitate robust and portable defense solutions for armed forces. Furthermore, the strategic focus on indigenous production and procurement reduces reliance on external suppliers, fostering regional market growth for these versatile and cost-effective weapon systems.

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Barrett Firearms and MARS Inc. were announced as winners in the U.S. Army's xTech Soldier Lethality competition for their Squad Support Rifle System (SRSS). This shoulder-fired 30mm grenade launcher received development funding to advance its capabilities. The SRSS is a semi-automatic, magazine-fed weapon with integrated fire control and programmable munitions, designed to extend squad-level precision fire, neutralize targets in defilade, and engage low-altitude unmanned aerial systems. The companies publicly displayed prototypes at the AUSA 2025 exposition.
• In March 2025, Rafael Systems Global Sustainment, the U.S. subsidiary of Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, established a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the U.S. Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center. This collaboration focused on pursuing U.S. qualification for the SPIKE SR shoulder-fired missile. The agreement aimed to adapt and test the missile system to meet specific U.S. military requirements, indicating a significant step in integrating proven international shoulder-fired precision weapon systems into the U.S. defense infrastructure.
• In March 2024, Saab, a Swedish defense company, commenced construction on a new manufacturing facility in Haryana, India, dedicated to the production of its Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system. This strategic initiative represented a significant step in the local manufacturing of advanced defense technology and highlighted a collaboration with Indian suppliers to support the "Make in India" initiative. The new plant was established following the Indian government's approval of 100% foreign direct investment in defense. The Carl-Gustaf M4 is a man-portable, multi-role weapon system used globally by infantry forces for various combat scenarios.
• In March 2024, MBDA's Enforcer shoulder-fired guided missile system was scheduled to enter service with the German Army. This development marked a new product deployment designed to enhance the German armed forces' capabilities. The Enforcer system, entirely developed and manufactured by MBDA, is a portable guided missile weapon intended for destroying both stationary and lightly armored mobile targets. The system features a lightweight, disposable carbon fiber launch tube and a missile, offering day and night combat capabilities through its integrated sighting system.

Key Market Players

• Saab AB
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• RTX Corporation
• MBDA
• BAE Systems plc
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
• Rheinmetall AG
• Roketsan A.Ş.
• Bharat Dynamics Ltd.

By Technology	By Weapon Type	By Range	By Projectile Component	By End User	By Region
Guided Systems Unguided Systems	ATGM Launchers MANPADS Recoilless Rifles RPGs SLAW	Short-range Systems Medium-range Systems Long-range Systems	Launchers/Tubes Fire-Control and Sighting Systems	Armies Homeland-Security Agencies Navies Air Forces Special Forces	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Shoulder-fired Weapons Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, By Technology:

• Guided Systems
• Unguided Systems

• Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, By Weapon Type:

• ATGM Launchers
• MANPADS
• Recoilless Rifles
• RPGs
• SLAW

• Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, By Range:

• Short-range Systems
• Medium-range Systems
• Long-range Systems

• Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, By Projectile Component:

• Launchers/Tubes
• Fire-Control and Sighting Systems

• Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, By End User:

• Armies
• Homeland-Security Agencies
• Navies
• Air Forces
• Special Forces

• Shoulder-fired Weapons Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE