Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Market Trends, Demand Analysis and Forecast at -0.4% CAGR (2026–2034)
According to a new report from Intel Market Research, the global Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) market was valued at USD 18.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 17.96 billion by 2032, declining at a negative CAGR of -0.4% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This market contraction reflects shifting global defense budgets, increased regulatory pressures, and a gradual transition toward non-lethal alternatives in certain security applications.
Download Sample Report: Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Market - View in Detailed Research Report
What are Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)?
Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) refer to portable firearms and light weapon systems designed for individual or small-crew use. While there is no universally accepted definition, the 1997 UN Panel of Governmental Experts provides a widely adopted framework that emphasizes portability as the defining characteristic. This category includes both military-grade and civilian firearms that can be carried by an individual, a small team, or transported by pack animals or light vehicles.
Get Full Report: Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Market - View in Detailed Research Report
Key Market Dynamics
1. Geopolitical Tensions and Defense Modernization
Ongoing regional conflicts and heightened global security concerns continue to drive demand for advanced small arms and light weapons. Nations are investing in modernization programs to replace aging inventory with more accurate, reliable, and technologically advanced systems. The recent focus on urban warfare and counter-insurgency operations has particularly increased demand for precision firearms and specialized light weapons.
2. Civilian Market Dynamics
The civilian segment remains the largest end-user market, accounting for approximately 60% of global market share. This dominance is driven by factors including personal protection, sporting activities, and recreational shooting. However, this segment faces increasing regulatory scrutiny and public debate regarding firearm ownership across various regions, creating a complex regulatory environment for manufacturers and distributors.
Market Segmentation
By Type
Small Arms
Light Weapons
By Application
Military
Law Enforcement
Civilian
By Region
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa
Get Full Report: Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Market - View in Detailed Research Report
Competitive Landscape
Key market participants include:
General Dynamics Corporation
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
NORINCO GROUP
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
Glock Ges.m.b.H.
FN Herstal S.A.
Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)
Beretta S.p.A.
Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC
Taurus Armas S.A.
IMBEL - Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil
Δeská zbrojovka (CZUB)
Heckler & Koch GmbH
Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd.
Olin Corporation
O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
SSS Defence
Download Sample PDF: Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Market - View in Detailed Research Report
About Intel Market Research
Intel Market Research is a leading provider of strategic intelligence, offering actionable insights in defense technology, security solutions, and industrial manufacturing. Our research capabilities include:
Real-time competitive benchmarking
Global market trend analysis
Country-specific regulatory and compliance analysis
Over 500+ specialized industry reports annually
Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, our insights empower decision-makers to drive innovation with confidence.
Website:
https://www.intelmarketresearch.com International: +1 (332) 2424 294
Asia-Pacific: +91 9169164321
LinkedIn: Follow Us
Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Market Trends, Demand Analysis and Forecast at -0.4% CAGR (2026–2034)
According to a new report from Intel Market Research, the global Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) market was valued at USD 18.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 17.96 billion by 2032, declining at a negative CAGR of -0.4% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This market contraction reflects shifting global defense budgets, increased regulatory pressures, and a gradual transition toward non-lethal alternatives in certain security applications.
π₯ Download Sample Report: Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Market - View in Detailed Research Report
What are Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)?
Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) refer to portable firearms and light weapon systems designed for individual or small-crew use. While there is no universally accepted definition, the 1997 UN Panel of Governmental Experts provides a widely adopted framework that emphasizes portability as the defining characteristic. This category includes both military-grade and civilian firearms that can be carried by an individual, a small team, or transported by pack animals or light vehicles.
π Get Full Report: Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Market - View in Detailed Research Report
Key Market Dynamics
1. Geopolitical Tensions and Defense Modernization
Ongoing regional conflicts and heightened global security concerns continue to drive demand for advanced small arms and light weapons. Nations are investing in modernization programs to replace aging inventory with more accurate, reliable, and technologically advanced systems. The recent focus on urban warfare and counter-insurgency operations has particularly increased demand for precision firearms and specialized light weapons.
2. Civilian Market Dynamics
The civilian segment remains the largest end-user market, accounting for approximately 60% of global market share. This dominance is driven by factors including personal protection, sporting activities, and recreational shooting. However, this segment faces increasing regulatory scrutiny and public debate regarding firearm ownership across various regions, creating a complex regulatory environment for manufacturers and distributors.
Market Segmentation
By Type
Small Arms
Light Weapons
By Application
Military
Law Enforcement
Civilian
By Region
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa
π Get Full Report: Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Market - View in Detailed Research Report
Competitive Landscape
Key market participants include:
General Dynamics Corporation
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
NORINCO GROUP
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
Glock Ges.m.b.H.
FN Herstal S.A.
Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)
Beretta S.p.A.
Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC
Taurus Armas S.A.
IMBEL - Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil
Δeská zbrojovka (CZUB)
Heckler & Koch GmbH
Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd.
Olin Corporation
O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
SSS Defence
π₯ Download Sample PDF: Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Market - View in Detailed Research Report
About Intel Market Research
Intel Market Research is a leading provider of strategic intelligence, offering actionable insights in defense technology, security solutions, and industrial manufacturing. Our research capabilities include:
Real-time competitive benchmarking
Global market trend analysis
Country-specific regulatory and compliance analysis
Over 500+ specialized industry reports annually
Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, our insights empower decision-makers to drive innovation with confidence.
π Website: https://www.intelmarketresearch.com
π International: +1 (332) 2424 294
π Asia-Pacific: +91 9169164321
π LinkedIn: Follow Us
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