Less Lethal Ammunition Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth Outlook

The global Less Lethal Ammunition Market is poised to register a 6.3% CAGR from $1.1 Billion in 2024 to $1.6 Billion in 2030.

The global Less Lethal Ammunition Market Study analyzes and forecasts the market size across 6 regions and 24 countries for diverse segments -By Product (Shotguns, Launchers, Others), By Application (Rubber Bullets, Bean Bag Rounds, Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets, OC/CS & Smoke Munitions, Flash Bang Rounds, Paintballs, Others), By End-User (Law Enforcement, Military, Others).

An Introduction to Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market in 2024

The future of less lethal ammunition is influenced by several key trends reflecting advancements in technology, regulation, and public demand for non-lethal alternatives in law enforcement and security operations. One significant trend is the development of innovative less lethal ammunition designs and materials that maximize incapacitation effectiveness while minimizing the risk of serious injury or death to targets. Manufacturers are exploring various propulsion methods, impact mitigation technologies, and payload options to optimize the performance and safety of less lethal rounds, including rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, and pepper spray projectiles. Additionally, there is increasing emphasis on training and education for law enforcement personnel to ensure proper deployment and use of less lethal ammunition in accordance with established protocols and legal guidelines. Moreover, regulatory agencies and policymakers are advocating for stricter standards and oversight to govern the use of less lethal ammunition, with an emphasis on accountability, transparency, and accountability to prevent misuse and mitigate unintended consequences. As public awareness and scrutiny of law enforcement tactics continue to grow, the less lethal ammunition industry will continue to innovate and collaborate with stakeholders to develop safer and more effective solutions for managing crowd control, riot situations, and other law enforcement scenarios.

Less Lethal Ammunition Market Competitive Landscape

The market report analyses the leading companies in the industry including 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, Trust Eibarres SA, Verney-Carron S.A., Winchester Ammunition Inc.

Less Lethal Ammunition Market Dynamics

Less Lethal Ammunition Market Trend: Increasing Demand for Non-Lethal Law Enforcement Solutions

A prominent trend in the less lethal ammunition market is the increasing demand for non-lethal law enforcement solutions. With growing public scrutiny and concerns over the use of lethal force by law enforcement agencies, there is a rising emphasis on adopting less lethal alternatives to traditional firearms. Less lethal ammunition, such as rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, and pepper balls, provides law enforcement personnel with effective tools to control crowds, subdue suspects, and mitigate threats while minimizing the risk of fatal injuries. This is driving the response to calls for police reform and the adoption of tactics and technologies that prioritize de-escalation, human rights, and community safety in law enforcement operations.

Less Lethal Ammunition Market Driver: Focus on Civilian Protection and Humanitarian Considerations

A key driver propelling the less lethal ammunition market is the focus on civilian protection and humanitarian considerations. Less lethal ammunition is designed to incapacitate individuals or control situations without causing fatal injuries, reducing the risk of collateral damage and civilian casualties in law enforcement operations, riot control scenarios, and conflict zones. The use of less lethal alternatives aligns with principles of proportionality, necessity, and respect for human rights, allowing law enforcement agencies and military forces to respond to threats effectively while minimizing harm to bystanders and non-combatants. The emphasis on civilian protection and humanitarian considerations drives the demand for less lethal ammunition as a critical tool in promoting public safety and minimizing the impact of armed interventions on civilian populations.

Less Lethal Ammunition Market Opportunity: Innovation in Technology and Product Development

An opportunity for growth in the less lethal ammunition market lies in innovation in technology and product development. As demand for non-lethal law enforcement solutions continues to rise, there is a need for advanced less lethal ammunition systems that offer improved accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness while minimizing unintended consequences. Manufacturers aim to capitalize on this opportunity by investing in research and development to enhance the performance, versatility, and safety features of less lethal ammunition products. This includes exploring advancements in materials, propulsion methods, impact kinetics, and payload delivery systems to develop next-generation less lethal ammunition that meets the evolving needs of law enforcement, military, and security agencies worldwide. By innovating and introducing cutting-edge solutions, companies can differentiate themselves in the market, address emerging threats and operational challenges, and drive growth in the less lethal ammunition segment.

Less Lethal Ammunition Market Share Analysis: Shotguns held the dominant revenue share in 2024

The Shotguns segment is the largest in the Less Lethal Ammunition Market due to diverse key reasons. Firstly, shotguns are widely used by law enforcement agencies and military forces for crowd control, riot suppression, and other non-lethal applications due to their versatility and effectiveness in dispersing less lethal projectiles, such as rubber bullets, bean bags, and pepper balls. Shotguns are capable of firing a variety of less lethal ammunition types, including baton rounds, rubber pellets, and tear gas canisters, providing law enforcement officers and military personnel with a flexible and scalable response to different threat scenarios. Additionally, shotguns are favored for their ease of use, reliability, and stopping power, making them suitable for close-range engagements and standoff situations where less lethal force is required to subdue or incapacitate individuals without causing lethal harm. In addition, shotguns are compatible with a wide range of less lethal ammunition options, allowing operators to tailor their response based on the level of threat and the desired effect on targets. Further, the widespread availability and familiarity of shotguns among law enforcement and military personnel contribute to their dominance in the Less Lethal Ammunition Market, as agencies prioritize equipment and training investments in proven and widely adopted platforms. With their versatility, effectiveness, and widespread adoption in less lethal applications, the Shotguns segment remains the largest in the Less Lethal Ammunition Market, meeting the diverse needs and requirements of law enforcement and military organizations worldwide.

Less Lethal Ammunition Market Share Analysis: OC/CS and Smoke Munitions is the fastest growing market segment over the forecast period to 2030

The OC/CS and Smoke Munitions segment is the fastest-growing in the Less Lethal Ammunition Market due to diverse compelling reasons. Firstly, OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) and CS (Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile) are chemical agents commonly used in riot control and crowd dispersal operations by law enforcement agencies and military forces. These agents, commonly known as pepper spray and tear gas, respectively, are highly effective in incapacitating and disorienting individuals through irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, causing temporary incapacitation and forcing compliance without causing permanent harm. Additionally, smoke munitions, which produce a dense cloud of colored or white smoke upon detonation, are used for signaling, screening, and obscuring visibility during tactical operations, providing cover for personnel and equipment movements. In addition, the increasing demand for less lethal options for crowd control and riot suppression drives the adoption of OC/CS and smoke munitions by law enforcement agencies and military forces worldwide. Further, advancements in chemical agent delivery systems and munitions technology have led to the development of safer, more effective, and longer-lasting formulations, increasing the efficacy and reliability of OC/CS and smoke munitions in less lethal applications. With their proven effectiveness, versatility, and increasing adoption in crowd control and tactical operations, the OC/CS and Smoke Munitions segment is poised to experience rapid growth in the Less Lethal Ammunition Market, meeting the evolving needs and requirements of law enforcement and military organizations worldwide.

Less Lethal Ammunition Market Share Analysis: Law Enforcement is the fastest growing market segment over the forecast period to 2030

The Law Enforcement segment is the fastest-growing in the Less Lethal Ammunition Market due to diverse compelling reasons. Firstly, law enforcement agencies worldwide are increasingly adopting less lethal ammunition as part of their arsenal to address a wide range of operational challenges, including crowd control, riot suppression, and apprehending armed or dangerous suspects, while minimizing the risk of lethal force and collateral damage. Less lethal ammunition provides law enforcement officers with a range of options to safely and effectively resolve situations where the use of lethal force may not be justified or necessary. Additionally, the growing emphasis on de-escalation tactics, community policing, and human rights considerations drives the demand for less lethal solutions that allow officers to mitigate threats and maintain public safety while preserving life and minimizing injuries. In addition, advancements in less lethal ammunition technology, including improved accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness, enhance the operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies, enabling them to respond more effectively to dynamic and high-stress situations. Further, the increasing prevalence of civil unrest, protests, and demonstrations worldwide underscore the importance of less lethal options for maintaining public order and managing civil disturbances, further driving the adoption of less lethal ammunition by law enforcement agencies. With their proven effectiveness in addressing a wide range of law enforcement challenges, the Law Enforcement segment is poised to experience rapid growth in the Less Lethal Ammunition Market, meeting the evolving needs and requirements of law enforcement agencies globally.

Less Lethal Ammunition Market Report Scope-

By Product
Shotguns
Launchers
Others
By Application
Rubber Bullets
Bean Bag Rounds
Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets
OC/CS & Smoke Munitions
Flash Bang Rounds
Paintballs
Others
By End-User
Law Enforcement
Military
Others

Less Lethal Ammunition Market Companies Profiled

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
Trust Eibarres SA
Verney-Carron S.A.
Winchester Ammunition Inc
*- List Not Exhaustive

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction to 2024 Less Lethal Ammunition Market
1.1 Market Overview
1.2 Quick Facts
1.3 Scope/Objective of the Study
1.4 Market Definition
1.5 Countries and Regions Covered
1.6 Units, Currency, and Conversions
1.7 Industry Value Chain

2 Research Methodology
2.1 Market Size Estimation
2.2 Sources and Research Methodology
2.3 Data Triangulation
2.4 Assumptions and Limitations

3 Executive Summary
3.1 Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market Size Outlook, $ Million, 2021 to 2030
3.2 Less Lethal Ammunition Market Outlook by Type, $ Million, 2021 to 2030
3.3 Less Lethal Ammunition Market Outlook by Product, $ Million, 2021 to 2030
3.4 Less Lethal Ammunition Market Outlook by Application, $ Million, 2021 to 2030
3.5 Less Lethal Ammunition Market Outlook by Key Countries, $ Million, 2021 to 2030

4 Market Dynamics
4.1 Key Driving Forces of Less Lethal Ammunition Industry
4.2 Key Market Trends in Less Lethal Ammunition Industry
4.3 Potential Opportunities in Less Lethal Ammunition Industry
4.4 Key Challenges in Less Lethal Ammunition Industry

5 Market Factor Analysis
5.1 Value Chain Analysis
5.2 Competitive Landscape
5.2.1 Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market Share by Company (%), 2023
5.2.2 Product Offerings by Company
5.3 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
5.4 Pricing Analysis and Outlook

6 Growth Outlook Across Scenarios
6.1 Growth Analysis-Case Scenario Definitions
6.2 Low Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.3 Reference Growth Scenario Forecasts
6.4 High Growth Scenario Forecasts

7 Global Less Lethal Ammunition Market Outlook by Segments
7.1 Less Lethal Ammunition Market Outlook by Segments, $ Million, 2021- 2030
By Product
Shotguns
Launchers
Others
By Application
Rubber Bullets
Bean Bag Rounds
Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets
OC/CS & Smoke Munitions
Flash Bang Rounds
Paintballs
Others
By End-User
Law Enforcement
Military
Others

8 North America Less Lethal Ammunition Market Analysis and Outlook To 2030
8.1 Introduction to North America Less Lethal Ammunition Markets in 2024
8.2 North America Less Lethal Ammunition Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2030
8.2.1 United States
8.2.2 Canada
8.2.3 Mexico
8.3 North America Less Lethal Ammunition Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2030
By Product
Shotguns
Launchers
Others
By Application
Rubber Bullets
Bean Bag Rounds
Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets
OC/CS & Smoke Munitions
Flash Bang Rounds
Paintballs
Others
By End-User
Law Enforcement
Military
Others

9 Europe Less Lethal Ammunition Market Analysis and Outlook To 2030
9.1 Introduction to Europe Less Lethal Ammunition Markets in 2024
9.2 Europe Less Lethal Ammunition Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2030
9.2.1 Germany
9.2.2 France
9.2.3 Spain
9.2.4 United Kingdom
9.2.4 Italy
9.2.5 Russia
9.2.6 Norway
9.2.7 Rest of Europe
9.3 Europe Less Lethal Ammunition Market Size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2030
By Product
Shotguns
Launchers
Others
By Application
Rubber Bullets
Bean Bag Rounds
Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets
OC/CS & Smoke Munitions
Flash Bang Rounds
Paintballs
Others
By End-User
Law Enforcement
Military
Others

10 Asia Pacific Less Lethal Ammunition Market Analysis and Outlook To 2030
10.1 Introduction to Asia Pacific Less Lethal Ammunition Markets in 2024
10.2 Asia Pacific Less Lethal Ammunition Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2030
10.2.1 China
10.2.2 India
10.2.3 Japan
10.2.4 South Korea
10.2.5 Indonesia
10.2.6 Malaysia
10.2.7 Australia
10.2.8 Rest of Asia Pacific
10.3 Asia Pacific Less Lethal Ammunition Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2030
By Product
Shotguns
Launchers
Others
By Application
Rubber Bullets
Bean Bag Rounds
Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets
OC/CS & Smoke Munitions
Flash Bang Rounds
Paintballs
Others
By End-User
Law Enforcement
Military
Others

11 South America Less Lethal Ammunition Market Analysis and Outlook To 2030
11.1 Introduction to South America Less Lethal Ammunition Markets in 2024
11.2 South America Less Lethal Ammunition Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2030
11.2.1 Brazil
11.2.2 Argentina
11.2.3 Rest of South America
11.3 South America Less Lethal Ammunition Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2030
By Product
Shotguns
Launchers
Others
By Application
Rubber Bullets
Bean Bag Rounds
Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets
OC/CS & Smoke Munitions
Flash Bang Rounds
Paintballs
Others
By End-User
Law Enforcement
Military
Others

12 Middle East and Africa Less Lethal Ammunition Market Analysis and Outlook To 2030
12.1 Introduction to Middle East and Africa Less Lethal Ammunition Markets in 2024
12.2 Middle East and Africa Less Lethal Ammunition Market Size Outlook by Country, 2021-2030
12.2.1 Saudi Arabia
12.2.2 UAE
12.2.3 Oman
12.2.4 Rest of Middle East
12.2.5 Egypt
12.2.6 Nigeria
12.2.7 South Africa
12.2.8 Rest of Africa
12.3 Middle East and Africa Less Lethal Ammunition Market size Outlook by Segments, 2021-2030
By Product
Shotguns
Launchers
Others
By Application
Rubber Bullets
Bean Bag Rounds
Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets
OC/CS & Smoke Munitions
Flash Bang Rounds
Paintballs
Others
By End-User
Law Enforcement
Military
Others

13 Company Profiles
13.1 Company Snapshot
13.2 SWOT Profiles
13.3 Products and Services
13.4 Recent Developments
13.5 Financial Profile
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
Trust Eibarres SA
Verney-Carron S.A.
Winchester Ammunition Inc

14 Appendix
14.1 Customization Offerings
14.2 Subscription Services
14.3 Related Reports
14.4 Publisher Expertise

By Product
Shotguns
Launchers
Others
By Application
Rubber Bullets
Bean Bag Rounds
Polyethylene/Plastic Bullets
OC/CS & Smoke Munitions
Flash Bang Rounds
Paintballs
Others
By End-User
Law Enforcement
Military
Others
Countries Analyzed
North America (US, Canada, Mexico)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, South East Asia, Rest of Asia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America)
Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East, South Africa, Egypt, Rest of Africa)