Less Lethal Ammunition Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product (Plastic Bullets, Bean Bag Rounds, Rubber Bullets, Flash Bang Rounds and Other Products), Weapon Type (Launchers, Shotguns and Other Weapon Types), End User (Self Defense, Milita

Less Lethal Ammunition Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Product (Plastic Bullets, Bean Bag Rounds, Rubber Bullets, Flash Bang Rounds and Other Products), Weapon Type (Launchers, Shotguns and Other Weapon Types), End User (Self Defense, Military, Law Enforcement and Other End Users) and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market is accounted for $0.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. The Less Lethal Ammunition Market is a critical sector within the broader defense and law enforcement industry, characterized by the development and deployment of munitions designed to incapacitate or deter targets without causing fatal injury. These tools offer a means of subduing individuals without causing permanent harm, reducing the risk of fatalities or severe injuries in confrontational situations. Law enforcement agencies worldwide utilize less-lethal ammunition for riot control, crowd dispersal, and apprehending armed suspects, promoting safer interactions between officers and civilians.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing demand for crowd control solutions

With rising civil unrest, protests, and demonstrations globally, law enforcement agencies and security forces are seeking effective means to maintain order while minimizing casualties. Less lethal ammunition offers a crucial alternative to traditional firearms, providing law enforcement with non-lethal tools to disperse crowds, deter aggression, and manage volatile situations with reduced risk of fatalities. These solutions encompass a range of projectiles such as rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, and pepper balls, designed to incapacitate or deter without causing lethal harm.

Restraint:

Cost considerations

While there is a growing demand for non-lethal alternatives for law enforcement and riot control, the expense associated with manufacturing less lethal ammunition remains a deterrent. Developing and producing ammunition that effectively incapacitates targets without causing fatal injuries requires advanced technology and specialized materials, which can drive up production costs. As a result, the higher cost of less lethal ammunition often dissuades law enforcement agencies and military organizations from adopting these alternatives on a broader scale.

Opportunity:

Rising concerns over human rights violations

Instances of excessive use of force resulting in injury or death have prompted authorities to seek non-lethal means to maintain public order. Less lethal ammunition offers a compromise between traditional firearms and unarmed methods, providing law enforcement with tools to incapacitate individuals without causing fatal harm. Additionally, the widespread availability of video footage capturing incidents of brutality has intensified public scrutiny and demand for accountability, pushing authorities to adopt less lethal options.

Threat:

Risk of escalation

While less lethal ammunition offers a safer alternative to conventional firearms, there exists a concern regarding its potential to escalate situations into more dangerous encounters. Law enforcement agencies and security personnel often rely on less lethal options to mitigate threats while minimizing the risk of fatalities. However, the improper use or deployment of less lethal ammunition can lead to unintended consequences, such as escalating tensions or causing severe injury. There is a risk of less lethal weapons being mistaken for lethal firearms, potentially resulting in lethal force being used in response.

Covid-19 Impact:

With widespread lockdowns and social distancing measures enforced globally, law enforcement agencies faced unprecedented challenges in maintaining public order while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. This led to an increased demand for less lethal ammunition as a means of crowd control and maintaining civil order without resorting to lethal force. However, disruptions in global supply chains and manufacturing processes due to the pandemic resulted in shortages and delays in the production and distribution of less lethal ammunition, further intensifying demand.

The Bean Bag Rounds segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

Bean Bag Rounds segment commanded the largest market share during the extrapolated period. These rounds typically filled with lead shot or rubber pellets, provide law enforcement agencies with a non-lethal means of subduing suspects or controlling crowds. Their use is particularly valuable in situations where lethal force is unwarranted but non-lethal force is required to maintain public safety. Bean Bag Rounds offer a balanced approach, allowing authorities to incapacitate individuals without causing permanent harm or fatalities. Moreover, their deployment minimizes the risk of litigation or public backlash often associated with more aggressive tactics.

The Shotguns segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Shotguns segment is poised to witness profitable growth over the domination period of time. Shotguns offer a platform that can accommodate a wide range of less-lethal ammunition types, including bean bags and pepper balls. This flexibility allows law enforcement agencies and security personnel to tailor their response to different situations, from riot control to crowd dispersal, with appropriate force levels. Shotguns typically have a longer effective range compared to handguns, providing officers with greater standoff capabilities while still delivering less-lethal payloads accurately. Additionally, the widespread availability and familiarity with shotguns among law enforcement agencies contribute to the seamless integration of less-lethal ammunition into existing arsenals.

Region with largest share:

North America region commanded the largest share of the market over the extrapolated period. As demonstrations intensify, law enforcement agencies and security forces seek non-lethal means to disperse crowds and maintain public order while minimizing casualties. The increased deployment of these less lethal options underscores a growing emphasis on crowd control tactics that prioritize de-escalation and minimize fatalities. Consequently, manufacturers of less lethal ammunition are experiencing heightened demand, leading to an expansion of the market as governments and security entities seek to bolster their non-lethal arsenal in response to the ongoing civil unrest across the region.

Region with highest CAGR:

Asia Pacific region is expected to hold lucrative growth over the projection period, due to the growing awareness of the environmental and health hazards associated with lead-based ammunition. Stringent regulations and bans on lead ammunition in several countries have compelled law enforcement agencies to seek safer alternatives. Consequently, this shift towards lead-free alternatives is fueling the growth of the less lethal ammunition market in the Asia Pacific region, as law enforcement agencies prioritize safety, compliance and sustainability in their ammunition procurement strategies.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Less Lethal Ammunition market include AMTEC Less-Lethal Systems Inc, Brenneke Ammunition GmbH, Chemring Group Plc, Combined Systems, Inc, Federal Ammunition, Lightfield Ammunition, Corp, Mace Security International, Inc, NonLethal Technologies, Inc, Rheinmetall AG, Safariland, LLC, SAGE Control Ordnance, Inc, Security Devices International, Inc, Verney-Carron S.A and Winchester Ammunition, Inc.

Key Developments:

In March 2024, Rheinmetall has acquired the Dutch startup REEQ, thereby expanding its vehicle portfolio to include innovative light hybrid vehicles. The technology group's Dutch subsidiary Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V., which is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, acquired 100% of the shares in the Dutch start-up REEQ. Rheinmetall is thus expanding its portfolio of lightweight tactical vehicles and also taking the step towards hybrid technology with a fully electric drivetrain in a military vehicle.

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

Products Covered:
• Plastic Bullets
• Bean Bag Rounds
• Rubber Bullets
• Flash Bang Rounds
• Other Products

Weapon Types Covered:
• Launchers
• Shotguns
• Other Weapon Types

End Users Covered:
• Self Defense
• Military
• Law Enforcement
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances