The global non-lethal weapons market size was USD 8.50 Billion in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 16.16 Billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 7.4% during 2023–2031. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing demand for this weapons from political establishments and law enforcement officers for security.
Non-lethal weapons or less-lethal weapons or pain inducing weapons are weapons used to avoid killing of live targets during the riot situations. Non-lethal weapons are more effective than traditional weapons, such as firearms with live ammunition and knives to control the crowd during conflicts and riot like situations. The weapons acts like first line of defense against an attack. These weapons effectively replace firearms and also reduces the incidences of human causalities occurred during the instances of use of force by law enforcement officials. In many regions, use of non-lethal weapons is legal for self-defense with appropriate training and license from government.

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak had considerable impact on the market. During the pandemic, lockdown and social distancing norms implemented by government bodies across the globe affected the private and commercial security industries, which significantly reduced the demand of non-lethal weapons. However, in many regions several conflicts and riots with the government were witnessed and the law enforcement and military agencies made use of non-lethal weapons to control the situation, which is driving the demand of weapons amidst the pandemic.
Non-lethal Weapons Market Trends, Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities
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Increasing incidence of street riots and mass demonstrations is one of the key factors driving the market growth.
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Surging demand for non-lethal weapons due to improved features and technological advancements, which make them easy to use is projected to boost the market during the forecast period.
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Lack of proper training for use of the weapons which may led to serious injuries acts as a major challenge that can restrict the market growth in the coming years.
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Declining defense budgets of advanced economies is expected to hamper the market growth during the projected timeline.
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Rising R&D investment for the development of new non-lethal weapon technologies is anticipated to create significant growth opportunities for the market.
Scope of the Non-lethal Weapons Market Report
The report on the global non-lethal weapons market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.
Attributes
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Details
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Report Title
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Non-lethal Weapons Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast
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Base Year
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2022
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Historic Data
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2016–2021
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Forecast Period
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2023–2031
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Segmentation
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Types (Area Denial Weapons, Electroshock Weapons, Sting Grenades, Pepper Sprays, Water Cannons, Tear Gas, and Ammunition [Plastic Bullets, Rubber Bullets, and Wax Bullets]) and End-users (Law Enforcement Agencies, Citizens, and Military)
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Regional Scope
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Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa
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Report Coverage
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Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends, and Revenue Forecast
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Key Players Covered in the Report
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Taser International, Inc.; Moog Inc.; General Dynamics Corp.; Boeing Co.; Textron Systems; Nonlethal Technologies Inc.; Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc.; BAE Systems PLC; and Fiocchi Munizioni
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Non-lethal Weapons Market Segment Insights
Tear gas segment to register a high CAGR
On the basis of types, the global non-lethal weapons market is segregated into area denial weapons, electroshock weapons, sting grenades, pepper sprays, water cannons, tear gas, and ammunition. The ammunition segment is further fragmented into plastic bullets, rubber bullets, and wax bullets. The tear gas segment is projected to register at high CAGR in the projected timeline attributed to the rising adoption of this type as the effects are short term and rarely disabling.
However, the pepper spray segment is anticipated to register a substantial CAGR during the forecast period owing to the spray is easy to carry, easy to use, and portable. Moreover, the pepper spray is highly effective, delivers immediate result, and it is suitable choice for self-defense, which is driving the segment growth further.
Military segment to grow at rapid pace
Based on end-users, the market is divided into law enforcement agencies, citizens, and military. The military segment is expected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period due to the increasing involvement of military in policing the civilian populations. On the other hand, the law enforcement agencies segment is anticipated to expand at a substantial CAGR in the coming years attributed to the weapons offer more effective control over resistive suspects with fewer serious injuries.

Asia Pacific to constitute a key market share
In terms of region, the global non-lethal weapons market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is anticipated to constitute a key share of the market during the projected period owing to increasing focus on production of non-lethal weapons for law enforcement and military applications, such as border control and riot control by emerging economies in the region. However, the market of North America is anticipated to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period due to the rising adoption of the weapons by defense sector and presence of key market players in the region.
Segments
The global non-lethal weapons market has been segmented on the basis of
Types
- Area Denial Weapons
- Electroshock Weapons
- Sting Grenades
- Pepper Sprays
- Water Cannons
- Tear Gas
- Ammunition
- Plastic Bullets
- Rubber Bullets
- Wax Bullets
End-users
- Law Enforcement Agencies
- Citizens
- Military
Regions
- Asia Pacific
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- Middle East & Africa
Key Players
Competitive Landscape
Key players competing in the global non-lethal weapons market are Taser International, Inc.; Moog Inc.; General Dynamics Corp.; Boeing Co.; Textron Systems; Nonlethal Technologies Inc.; Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc.; BAE Systems PLC; and Fiocchi Munizioni. Companies are focusing on investments in R&D sector for advancements in non-lethal weapon technologies to fulfil the demand from the market and maintain their competitive position in the market. Companies have been widely engaged in strategic partnership, merger & acquisition, new product launch, and collaborations to boost their market share and acquiring new buyers.
For instance, in February 2021, introduction of ‘less-lethal weapons in place of batons, guns, bullets, and rubber was announced by San Jose (California, US) for crowd control. The newly introduced weapons include new tether launchers, TASER models, and pepper gel that can be used to detain aggressors. In October 2021, Apasteron Pvt. Ltd., an India-based firm, announced that they have manufactured non-lethal weapons inspired by Indian mythology to help combat conditions where the use deadly ammunition and arms is not permitted. The mythology- based weapons will be used by the Indian security forces deployed in the border regions.