Shoulder Launched Munitions Market Analysis 2025 and Forecasts 2033: Unveiling Growth Opportunities

Key Insights

The Shoulder Launched Munitions Market size was valued at USD 6.91 USD Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 9.81 USD Billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.8 % during the forecast period. Shoulder Launched Munitions refer to rockets or missiles which are transportable for use by one individual, so the system is put on the shoulder to launch the weapon. They are particularly employed in attack and destruction of armored vehicles, bunkers, and low altitude aerial targets, thus giving the infantry requisite anti-tank/anti-aircraft firepower. The categories of shoulder-launched systems are rocket propelled grenades, anti-tank guided missiles, and man-portable air defense systems. Some of the feature of shoulder launched munitions are that these munitions are easy to transport, they are easy to handle hence can be deployed in the battlefield quickly, the cost of these munitions is relatively low compared to some of the other available munitions in the market. Modern tendencies in development are associated with the upgrade of guidance systems, increasing effective range and launching capability, and applying smart elements for more precise targeting and operation with various targets in different conditions.

Shoulder Launched Munitions Trends

• Increasing adoption of smart munitions
• Growing demand for anti-tank shoulder launched munitions
• Emergence of shoulder launched anti-aircraft systems

Driving Forces: What's Propelling the Shoulder Launched Munitions Market

The global shoulder launched munitions market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, primarily driven by the following factors:

• Rising geopolitical tensions and security concerns: The escalation of regional conflicts, terrorism, and border skirmishes has heightened the demand for shoulder launched munitions, which provide effective infantry support in close-quarters combat and urban warfare situations.

• Increased military modernization and spending: Governments around the world are investing heavily in modernizing their defense capabilities, including the procurement of advanced shoulder launched munitions that enhance their strike power and tactical flexibility.

• Innovation and technological advancements: Manufacturers are constantly developing new and improved shoulder launched munitions with increased accuracy, range, and payload capacity. These advancements are driven by the need for more effective and versatile weapons that meet the changing needs of modern warfare.

• Growth in demand from emerging economies: Rapidly developing countries are upgrading their military arsenals with sophisticated weaponry, including shoulder launched munitions, to strengthen their defense capabilities and address security challenges.

• Increased focus on urban warfare: The growing prevalence of urban combat has created a demand for weapons that are effective in confined spaces and can provide precision strikes against enemy targets with minimal collateral damage.

Challenges and Restraints in Shoulder Launched Munitions Market

• High cost of development and production
• Stringent regulations governing the use of shoulder launched munitions
• Proliferation of shoulder launched munitions to non-state actors

Emerging Trends in Shoulder Launched Munitions

• Integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and precision guidance systems
• Development of shoulder launched munitions with extended range and enhanced lethality
• Increasing demand for shoulder launched munitions for urban warfare scenarios

Growth Catalysts in Shoulder Launched Munitions Industry

• Rising investments in defense research and development
• Adoption of shoulder launched munitions by Special Forces and Rapid Reaction Forces
• Increased focus on asymmetric warfare and counterterrorism operations

Market Segmentation: Shoulder Launched Munitions Analysis

Component:

• Fuze
• Explosive Fill
• Warhead Case

Warhead Type:

• Blast Warhead
• Fragmentation Warhead
• Shaped Charge Warhead
• Continuous-Rod Warhead
• Thermal Warhead
• Anti-tank Warhead

Application:

• Anti-Tank
• Anti-Aircraft
• Flamethrowers

Range:

• Short Range (Up To 1km)
• Medium Range (1km to 5km)
• Long Range (Above 5km)

Leading Players in the Shoulder Launched Munitions Market

• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Thales
• MBDA
• SAAB
• Mesko
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• General Dynamics Corporation
• IAI
• KB Mashinostroyeniya

Significant developments in Shoulder Launched Munitions Sector

• Raytheon Technologies Corporation launched the Javelin Block 1 missile, a shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon.
• MBDA introduced the Brimstone missile, a shoulder-launched anti-ship weapon.
• Saab developed the NLAW missile, a shoulder-launched anti-tank weapon.

Comprehensive Coverage Shoulder Launched Munitions Market Report

• Comprehensive insights into the global shoulder launched munitions market
• Detailed analysis of market size, growth rates, and drivers
• Segmentation of the market by component, warhead type, application, and range
• Profiles of leading players in the shoulder launched munitions market
• Analysis of industry trends, challenges, and growth factors

Regional Insight

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Middle East
• South America