Less Lethal Ammunition Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Rubber Bullets, Bean Bag Rounds, Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets, OC/CS & Smoke Munitions, Flash Bang Rounds, Paintballs, Others), By Weapon Type (Shotguns, Launchers, Others), By End-Users (Law Enforcement, Military, Self Defense, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.04 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.85%
Fastest Growing Segment	Launchers
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 2.71 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market will grow from USD 2.04 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.71 Billion by 2031 at a 4.85% CAGR. Less lethal ammunition consists of specialized projectiles and munitions designed to incapacitate targets or disperse crowds while minimizing the risk of fatalities and permanent physical injury. The market is primarily driven by the growing necessity for non-fatal crowd control solutions amidst rising civil unrest, alongside a global shift in law enforcement policies that prioritize de-escalation and human rights compliance over lethal force measures. These foundational drivers foster consistent demand distinct from fleeting technological trends.

According to the National Tactical Officers Association, in 2024, the organization trained over 13,100 law enforcement officers, highlighting the intensified sector focus on tactical proficiency and the deployment of intermediate force capabilities. Despite this momentum, a significant challenge involves the complex regulatory landscape and liability issues associated with accidental injuries, which can lead to restrictive legislation and hinder broader adoption across certain jurisdictions.

Key Market Drivers

Escalating incidence of civil unrest and public demonstrations acts as a primary catalyst for market expansion, necessitating advanced crowd control capabilities that mitigate fatalities. Law enforcement agencies worldwide are increasingly confronted with volatile political environments, prompting a surge in the procurement of kinetic impact projectiles and conducted energy devices to manage disorder effectively. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), July 2024, in the 'Conflict Index Results', the organization recorded a 15% increase in political violence events worldwide over the previous 12 months. This heightened instability directly correlates with sector growth as agencies upgrade inventories to handle complex threat environments. Reflecting this broader operational tempo, according to Axon Enterprise, in November 2024, the company reported that its TASER segment revenue grew 36% year-over-year to $222 million, underscoring the critical scale of agency investment in intermediate force options.

Rising civilian demand for effective personal defense alternatives represents a rapidly emerging driver, distinct from traditional institutional procurement. As gun ownership regulations tighten in various jurisdictions and individuals seek self-defense methods with lower legal and moral liability, non-lethal launchers and chemical irritants are gaining substantial traction in the consumer sector. This shift is transforming the market from a government-centric model to a dual-use landscape, supported by the aggressive marketing of user-friendly devices. According to Byrna Technologies, October 2024, in the 'Fiscal Third Quarter 2024 Results', the company reported net revenue of $20.9 million, marking a 194% increase compared to the prior year period. This trend indicates a sustained pivot where private safety concerns increasingly fuel manufacturing volumes and product innovation within the global arena.

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Key Market Challenges

The complex regulatory landscape and liability issues regarding accidental injuries present a substantial barrier to the expansion of the global less lethal ammunition market. Law enforcement agencies operate under increasing legal scrutiny, where the deployment of projectiles such as rubber bullets or bean bag rounds can lead to severe financial penalties and reputational damage if they cause unintended physical harm. This heightened risk of liability compels departments to implement rigorous usage restrictions or defer the procurement of specific munition types, effectively limiting the broader adoption of these technologies.

These legal pressures create a difficult operational environment for security forces that balances safety needs against litigation risks. According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, in 2024, member agencies reported more than 216,000 aggravated assaults within the first nine months of the year, underscoring the intense demand for effective crowd control and defensive options. However, the threat of lawsuits and the stringent compliance standards associated with injury liability force decision-makers to restrict the deployment of these tools. Consequently, the fear of legal repercussions directly dampens procurement volumes despite the clear operational necessity for intermediate force capabilities.

Key Market Trends

Growth in demand for dedicated training and simulation rounds is reshaping procurement strategies as agencies prioritize officer proficiency and liability mitigation. This trend focuses on the acquisition of ballistically matched practice munitions that allow for realistic, high-repetition drills without the risks associated with live service rounds, thereby ensuring safe and effective deployment in volatile scenarios. According to Rheinmetall, February 2024, in the press release 'Rheinmetall awarded contract to produce 40mm grenade launcher ammo for Germany', the company secured a deal to supply the German Armed Forces with 200,000 rounds of practice ammunition, valued at approximately €7.2 million. This substantial investment highlights the sector's shift toward specialized training solutions that rigorously prepare security forces for complex engagements while adhering to strict safety protocols.

The emergence of multi-effect and modular payload systems is driving market evolution, characterized by the integration of kinetic, chemical, and technology-driven solutions into unified product portfolios. Major defense entities are consolidating capabilities to offer comprehensive non-lethal ecosystems, including drone-deployable munitions and advanced irritant projectors, to meet diverse operational requirements with scalable force escalation tools. According to EDGE Group, May 2024, in the press release 'EDGE Becomes a Global Player in Non-Lethal Technologies by Acquiring Industry Leader CONDOR', the entity acquired a 51% stake in Condor Non-Lethal Technologies, gaining access to a portfolio of over 160 products. This strategic consolidation enables the delivery of versatile, multi-modal response options to global security forces, streamlining inventory management and enhancing tactical flexibility.

Segmental Insights

Based on market analysis from trusted industry sources, the Launchers segment is identified as the fastest-growing category within the Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by the increasing demand for standoff capabilities, which allow law enforcement and military personnel to deploy chemical or kinetic munitions from a safe distance, thereby reducing the risk of injury to officers. Modern launchers offer superior accuracy and multi-shot functionality compared to traditional hand-thrown alternatives, aligning with the operational need for precise and controlled force application. Furthermore, the procurement of these advanced systems supports compliance with international standards, such as the United Nations Human Rights Guidance on Less-Lethal Weapons, which advocates for equipment that minimizes indiscriminate effects during crowd control operations.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the global less lethal ammunition market, driven by substantial defense and law enforcement expenditure. The region benefits from extensive procurement initiatives by the U.S. Department of Defense and local police forces seeking alternatives to lethal force for riot control and peacekeeping operations. Furthermore, rising concerns regarding human rights and political stability have necessitated the widespread deployment of less lethal impact projectiles and chemical agents. This sustained demand from government institutions and a strong industrial base effectively consolidate North America's dominance in the sector.

Recent Developments

• In July 2025, Rheinmetall debuted its Squad Support Weapon 40 (SSW40) along with a new family of 40mm Medium Velocity ammunition during a live-fire demonstration. The event showcased the world’s first automatic, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired grenade launcher capable of firing both low-velocity and medium-velocity rounds, including less-lethal variants like irritation ammunition. The company highlighted the system’s ability to engage targets at extended ranges with high precision and reduced recoil. This development represented a significant technological advancement in the sector, offering infantry and security units enhanced operational flexibility by bridging the gap between standard grenade launchers and crew-served weapons.
• In May 2025, Byrna Technologies officially launched its new Compact Launcher, a smaller and more concealable version of its popular less-lethal personal defense devices. The release of this product followed a period of robust growth for the company, driven by increased demand for non-lethal alternatives in both consumer and professional markets. Management reported that the new launcher contributed significantly to record quarterly revenues, reflecting strong adoption by civilians and private security personnel. The device's compact form factor was engineered to provide the same effective stopping power as larger models while improving portability for everyday carry users.
• In April 2025, Primary Arms Government established a strategic partnership with ALS Less-Lethal, a prominent manufacturer of less-lethal munitions and tactical equipment. This collaboration enabled the government-focused supplier to offer a comprehensive selection of ALS products, including diversionary devices, chemical agents, and impact munitions, to its agency partners. The agreement was designed to streamline procurement processes for law enforcement and military professionals by providing wider access to reliable, field-proven duty gear. Through this direct relationship, the companies aimed to support first responders with mission-critical tools and improve supply chain efficiency for public safety operations.
• In February 2024, AARDVARK announced a significant strategic partnership with Combined Systems, Inc. to distribute the manufacturer’s portfolio of less-lethal solutions. This collaboration marked a major shift for the tactical distributor, which moved away from a previous long-term exclusive agreement with another supplier to focus on the Combined Tactical Systems and Penn Arms brands. The agreement authorized AARDVARK to sell and support a wide range of less-lethal munitions, launching systems, and crowd control equipment to law enforcement and military clients. This alliance was formed to enhance the availability and support of critical safety tools for agencies throughout North America.

Key Market Players

• Nonlethal Technologies Inc.
• Lightfield Ammunition, Corp.
• Combined Systems, Inc
• Safariland LLC
• Mace Security International Inc.
• Axon Enterprise, Inc.
• Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
• AMTEC Less-Lethal Systems, Inc.
• B&T AG
• Point Blank Enterprises, Inc.

By Product	By Weapon Type	By End-Users	By Region
Rubber Bullets Bean Bag Rounds Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets OC/CS & Smoke Munitions Flash Bang Rounds Paintballs Others	Shotguns Launchers Others	Law Enforcement Military Self Defense Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Less Lethal Ammunition Market, By Product:

• Rubber Bullets
• Bean Bag Rounds
• Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets
• OC/CS & Smoke Munitions
• Flash Bang Rounds
• Paintballs
• Others

• Less Lethal Ammunition Market, By Weapon Type:

• Shotguns
• Launchers
• Others

• Less Lethal Ammunition Market, By End-Users:

• Law Enforcement
• Military
• Self Defense
• Others

• Less Lethal Ammunition 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