PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1810137
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1810137
Grenade launchers are firearms or weapon attachments specifically designed to launch grenades with greater range and accuracy than by hand. These systems can be used as standalone weapons or mounted beneath the barrels of rifles. They enable soldiers to strike targets using explosive projectiles at medium distances, typically ranging from 30 to 400 meters, based on the model.
There are several primary types of grenade launchers, including single-shot launchers, multi-shot launchers, automatic grenade launchers, portable handheld variants, and vehicle-mounted versions. Single-shot models are intended to discharge a single round before manual reloading is necessary. Their mechanisms may be manual, semi-automatic, fully automatic, recoil-operated, or gas-operated, and they are commonly manufactured using materials such as composites, polymers, alloys, and specialty coatings for increased durability. Grenade launchers are utilized in a variety of applications including military engagements, law enforcement tasks, security duties, civilian or recreational activities, and training exercises.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The steep increase in U.S. tariffs and the triggered trade tensions in spring 2025 are profoundly impacting the metal and minerals sector by disrupting supply chains for automakers, appliance manufacturers, and infrastructure projects. Domestic mills have raised prices in response to reduced import competition, but capacity constraints limit their ability to meet demand. Mining firms, meanwhile, grapple with retaliatory tariffs on mineral exports, particularly lithium and rare earths. Industry players are investing in scrap metal recycling, lobbying for exemptions, and forming joint ventures with overseas producers to secure stable supply.
The grenade launchers market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides grenade launchers market statistics, including the grenade launchers industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with the grenade launchers market share, detailed grenade launchers market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the grenade launchers market. This grenade launchers market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The grenade launchers market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.73 billion in 2024 to $1.83 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growing use of grenade launchers in special operations forces, increasing investments in soldier modernization programs, rising adoption of advanced sighting and fire-control systems, growing focus on urban warfare capabilities, and increasing demand for non-lethal grenade launchers.
The grenade launchers market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.27 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. Growth in the projected timeframe will be driven by increasing demand for modern infantry weapons, heightened geopolitical tensions and border disputes, greater focus on asymmetric warfare tactics, expanding defense expenditures, and a rising preference for modular and lightweight grenade launchers. Notable trends expected include improvements in fire control technologies, incorporation of smart optics and laser rangefinders, the development of programmable airburst grenades, innovations in recoil-reducing mechanisms, and progress in using lightweight construction materials.
The increasing defense budgets are expected to propel the growth of the grenade launchers market going forward. Defense budgets refer to the total government spending allocated for military personnel, equipment, operations, and related defense activities to ensure national security. The rise in defense budgets, prompted by escalating geopolitical instability, compels countries to enhance their military prowess for deterrence and protection. These budget increases support the advancement of grenade launchers by enabling the development of new technologies such as guided systems and customizable configurations. These developments enhance combat adaptability and effectiveness, improving tactical outcomes and mission capabilities. For instance, in April 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a Sweden-based research organization, Russian military spending increased by 9.2% to approximately $86.4 billion in 2022, accounting for 4.1% of the country's GDP, up from 3.7% in 2021. Therefore, the increasing defense budgets are driving the growth of the grenade launchers market.
The increasing demand for advanced weapon systems is expected to propel the growth of the grenade launchers market going forward. Advanced weapon systems refer to high-tech military tools and platforms designed to enhance combat effectiveness through precision, automation, stealth, and integrated technologies. The global push for military modernization, driven by the need to counter sophisticated threats, is accelerating the demand for these systems. Grenade launchers contribute to these systems by delivering adaptable and high-impact firepower suited for infantry and vehicle deployment in complex combat settings. For instance, in November 2023, according to the UK Defense and Security Exports, a UK-based government agency, the UK secured defense orders valued at $15.1 billion (£11.2 billion) in 2022, marking an increase of approximately 70% from $8.9 billion (£6.6 billion) in 2021. Therefore, the increasing demand for advanced weapon systems is driving the growth of the grenade launchers market.
Major companies operating in the grenade launchers market are focusing on developing technologically advanced products, such as the 30mm semi-automatic grenade launcher, to enhance firepower, accuracy, and operational efficiency. A 30mm semi-automatic grenade launcher is a high-caliber weapon system that fires 30mm grenades in semi-automatic mode, offering enhanced firepower, accuracy, and rapid follow-up shots for modern combat operations. For instance, in October 2024, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, a US-based manufacturing company, launched a Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS). This system delivers precise, rapid firepower using 30mm grenades, enabling quick reloading, improved mobility, and effective strikes on concealed or distant threats. Featuring a rifle-style layout and modern optics, it is easy to train with and adaptable to multiple battlefield conditions, significantly improving infantry combat performance.
Major players in the grenade launchers market are Norinco Group, General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems, Thales Group, Leonardo S.p.A., Rheinmetall AG, Saab AB, Moog Inc., Colt-CZ Group a.s., PT Pindad, FN Herstal, Heckler and Koch GmbH, Denel Land Systems, Indumil, Rosoboronexport State Corporation, MILKOR (Pty) Ltd, Knight's Armament Company, Arsenal JSCo, Brugger & Thomet AG, NERO Inc., Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd, and Zastava Arms.
North America was the largest region in the grenade launchers market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in grenade launchers report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the grenade launchers market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The grenade launchers market consists of sales of standalone grenade launchers, under-barrel grenade launchers, ammunition such as 40mm grenades, and related accessories and components. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values and are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Grenade Launchers Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on grenade launchers market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for grenade launchers ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The grenade launchers market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.