The shoulder-fired weapons market, covering man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), guided and unguided anti-armor launchers, and their accessories, has grown steadily over the past few years. Rising geopolitical tensions, military modernization programs, and increased demand for lightweight, portable precision systems have been driving this growth. Nations worldwide are investing in short-range defense capabilities to strengthen infantry effectiveness and counter aerial and armored threats.
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Latest Trends
1. Shift toward guided, precision systems: Armed forces increasingly prefer guided shoulder-fired missiles, equipped with advanced seekers and fire-and-forget capability, ensuring higher accuracy with minimal collateral damage.
2. Rising demand for short-range air defense (SHORAD): Recent conflicts highlight the vulnerability of troops to drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. This has created a surge in demand for MANPADS and other very-short-range air defense systems.
3. Anti-drone capabilities: Manufacturers are developing seeker upgrades, dual-band sensors, and proximity fuzes to counter drones and loitering munitions, extending the operational role of shoulder-fired weapons beyond conventional uses.
4. Industrial partnerships: Major defense companies are entering co-production and licensing agreements to meet the rising demand, ensure regional supply, and localize production in key markets.
Short Overview of Segments — A, B, C
Segment A — Guided shoulder-fired systems: Includes MANPADS and guided anti-tank weapons, valued for precision, range, and effectiveness in modern conflicts.
Segment B — Unguided rockets & disposable launchers: Lower-cost systems, still widely used in close combat, anti-structure, and anti-armor missions.
Segment C — Launchers, training & lifecycle support: Covers reusable launchers, training modules, simulation, and upgrades. This segment offers recurring revenue through sustainment and modernization services.
Key Players & Recent Developments
Raytheon / RTX (Stinger): Expanded production capacity to meet increased global demand, with co-production partnerships in Europe for enhanced supply chain resilience.
MBDA (Mistral): Launched Mistral-3 upgrades with advanced seekers and drone-defense capabilities, achieving major production milestones.
Thales, Saab, Lockheed Martin, and others: Investing in modular launcher systems, improved seekers, and integration with digital battlefield networks.
Challenges
Export controls and restrictions: Political sensitivity around MANPADS exports slows down contracts and complicates global sales.
Proliferation risks: Portability raises concerns about unauthorized use, leading to stricter controls.
Evolving countermeasures: Adversaries adopt decoys, stealth, and swarm tactics, requiring constant R&D investment.
Production bottlenecks: Sudden spikes in demand strain manufacturing capacity and supply chains.
Opportunities
Counter-drone systems: Demand for affordable solutions to neutralize drones creates major growth potential.
Localization of production: Joint ventures and co-production deals enhance market access and strengthen industrial bases.
Aftermarket services: Training, upgrades, and sustainment programs generate long-term recurring revenue.
Integration into networks: Linking MANPADS with digital command and control systems boosts effectiveness and creates new opportunities.
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Most-Asked / Trending FAQs
Q: Is demand for MANPADS increasing?
Yes. Recent conflicts and evolving aerial threats have significantly boosted global demand for MANPADS and other short-range defense systems.
Q: Which regions are witnessing the fastest growth?
Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East are leading, driven by modernization programs and heightened security concerns.
Q: Are unguided systems still relevant?
Yes. Despite the shift toward guided systems, unguided launchers remain important in cost-sensitive markets and close-combat scenarios.
Q: How are manufacturers addressing drone threats?
By upgrading seekers, integrating dual-band sensors, and adding proximity fuzes, making systems capable of countering drones and loitering munitions.
Conclusion
The shoulder-fired weapons market is experiencing strong growth, fueled by modernization efforts, new threat landscapes, and increased global defense spending. While guided systems and drone-defense upgrades represent the future, traditional unguided weapons maintain a significant role. Opportunities lie in industrial partnerships, counter-drone innovation, and sustainment services. Despite challenges like export restrictions and proliferation risks, the market’s outlook remains robust, positioning it as a vital segment in global defense.
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