Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market Insights Forecasts to 2032

• The Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market Size was valued at USD 0.83 Billion in 2022.
• The Market is growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2022 to 2032
• The Worldwide Less Lethal Ammunition Market Size is expected to reach USD 1.39 Billion by 2032
• Latin America is expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period

The Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market size is anticipated to exceed USD 1.39 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2022 to 2032. The global demand for less lethal ammunition is increasing. This is a major driver of growth in the global Less Lethal Ammunition Market. The Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market report offers a comprehensive analysis of the market. The report provides an in-depth study of key segments, trends, drivers, restraints, the competitive landscape, and factors that are significant in the market.

Market Overview

The market for less lethal ammunition refers to specialized projectiles and ammunition designed to incapacitate or control individuals without causing fatal injuries. Less lethal ammunition is primarily used as a non-lethal alternative to traditional firearms and ammunition by law enforcement agencies, military forces, and private security firms. It is also used for riot control, crowd management, and self-defense. Rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, foam batons, pepper balls, and chemical irritant canisters are all examples of less lethal ammunition. These projectiles are intended to deliver a significant impact or irritant effect to temporarily disable or deter targets, thereby reducing the risk of lethal outcomes. They are frequently employed when the use of lethal force is deemed inappropriate or undesirable. The global less lethal ammunition market has grown significantly in recent years as a result of a variety of factors, including rising public safety concerns, the need for effective non-lethal force options, and a growing emphasis on human rights and minimizing casualties. Demand from law enforcement agencies around the world drives the market, particularly in regions prone to civil unrest or where strict regulations govern the use of lethal force.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the global less lethal ammunition market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the less lethal ammunition market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the less lethal ammunition market.

Driving Factors

Non-lethal force options are becoming increasingly important, particularly in law enforcement and military operations. Less lethal ammunition provides an intermediate level of force, allowing individuals to be incapacitated or controlled without causing fatal injuries. This demand is fueled by a desire to reduce casualties while also promoting human rights. With an increase in civil unrest, riots, and public demonstrations, there is a greater emphasis on maintaining public safety while avoiding the use of excessive force. Less lethal ammunition can be used to disperse crowds, control unruly individuals, and manage volatile situations without resorting to lethal force, reducing the risk of fatalities and severe injuries. Many countries and jurisdictions have strict regulations and guidelines in place regarding the use of lethal force by law enforcement. These laws frequently require authorities to consider non-lethal alternatives before using firearms. As a result, as a means of complying with these regulations while ensuring effective law enforcement, the demand for less lethal ammunition has risen.

Restraining Factors

The adoption and acceptance of less lethal ammunition varies depending on the stakeholder, which includes law enforcement agencies, military organizations, policymakers, and the general public. Some may regard it as less effective or doubt its dependability in comparison to lethal alternatives. Building trust and confidence in the capabilities and safety of less lethal ammunition can be difficult, limiting its widespread use.

Market Segmentation

The Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market share is classified into product, weapon type, and end user.

• The rubber bullets segment is expected to hold the largest share of the global less lethal ammunition market during the forecast period.    

The global less lethal ammunition market is categorized by product into rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, plastic bullets, paintballs, and others. Among these, the rubber bullets segment is expected to hold the largest share of the global less lethal ammunition market during the forecast period. Rubber bullets are a type of less lethal ammunition commonly used by law enforcement and security forces to control crowds. They are usually made of rubber or similar materials and fired from firearms or specialized launchers. Rubber bullets are intended to cause pain and immobility without penetrating the body or causing fatal injuries. They are frequently used to disperse crowds, control riots, or subdue individuals.

• The shotguns segment is expected to hold the largest share of the global less lethal ammunition market during the forecast period.

Based on the weapon type, the global less lethal ammunition market is divided into shotguns and launchers. Among these, the shotguns segment is expected to hold the largest share of the global less lethal ammunition market during the forecast period. Shotguns are adaptable firearms that can be used for less lethal purposes by using less lethal ammunition. Law enforcement agencies frequently use them for crowd control and close-quarters engagements. Shotguns are especially effective at delivering less lethal rounds like bean bag rounds, rubber bullets, and other impact projectiles. They have the necessary power and range to engage targets accurately while minimizing the risk of lethal injury.

•   The law enforcement segment is estimated to witness the fastest growth rate in the global less lethal ammunition market during the forecast period.    

Based on the end user, the global less lethal ammunition market is divided into law enforcement, military, self defense, and others. Among these, the law enforcement segment is estimated to witness the fastest growth rate in the global less lethal ammunition market during the forecast period. The segmental growth can be attributed to the global trend of militarization of law enforcement departments, as well as an increase in political disputes and civil unrest. 

Regional Segment Analysis of the Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

North America is projected to hold the largest share of the global less lethal ammunition market during the study period.   

North America is expected to hold the largest share of the global less lethal ammunition market during the forecast period. The region's high demand is primarily driven by the adoption of less lethal weapons and ammunition by law enforcement, military, and civilian sectors. Because of a focus on non-lethal force options for crowd control, riot situations, and public safety operations, the United States is a major consumer of less lethal ammunition. Furthermore, the presence of leading manufacturers and research institutions in the region contributes to the growth of the less lethal ammunition market.    

Latin America is expected to grow at the fastest pace in the global less lethal ammunition market during the forecast period. Due to high crime rates, political protests, and the need for effective crowd control measures, Latin America is seeing an increase in demand for less lethal ammunition. Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia are significant contributors to the regional market. The use of less lethal weapons by security forces and law enforcement agencies to address human rights concerns has fueled market growth in this region.   

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global less lethal ammunition along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Combined Systems, Inc.
• Lightfield Ammunition Corporation
• Federal Ammunition
• Nonlethal Technologies, Inc.
• The Safariland Group
• Amtec Less Lethal Systems Inc.
• Mace Security International, Inc.
• Sage Control Ordnance, Inc.
• Security Devices International, Inc.
• Winchester Ammunition
• Chemring Group PLC
• Rheinmetall AG
• Verney-Carron SA
• Brenneke Ammunition GmbH
• Trust Eibarres SA
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent Developments

• In September 2022, Helsing, the leading European supplier of software and hardware for defence systems, and Rheinmetall, a seasoned, trusted partner of digitalized armed forces worldwide, have announced a strategic partnership to transform land defence capabilities.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2032. Spherical Insights has segmented the Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market, By Product

• Rubber Bullets
• Bean Bag Rounds
• Plastic Bullets
• Paintballs
• Others

Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market, By Weapon Type

• Shotguns
• Launchers

Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market, By End User

• Law Enforcement
• Military
• Self Defense
• Others

Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market, By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • Uk
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa