Market Trends of Non-lethal Weapons Industry
Military Segment is Anticipated to Grow with the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period
The increase in the defense expenditure of various countries, the growing number of border disputes, and frequent clashes of civilians with the police as well as the military, which come under direct contact with the civilians during clashes, are the main factors that will lead to an increase in various countries worldwide acquiring non-lethal weapons. It will also lead to the growth in the market in the near future.
Currently, there is a growth in the number of violent clashes in various parts of the world, which led to an increase in the involvement of police forces and sometimes the military as well. Soldiers deployed in humanitarian roles are subject to strict rules of engagement threat. It generated the need for less lethal bullets and ammunition for use in perimeter security, crowd and riot control, and pilfering situations. Militaries are prepared to operate in the MOOTW (Military Operations Other Than War), where the use of lethal force is not permissible. With rubber bullets, batons, foam, bean bag rounds, and sponges failing to serve their less-lethal purpose effectively, there is a growing demand for weapons that can fulfill the goal of pain compliance without the risk of fatality.
The military holds a variety of nonlethal weapons to use in different situations, such as the M5 modular crowd control munition, Pulsed Energy Projectile, the Plasma Acoustic Shield System, shotgun tasers, 40 mm sponge grenades, rubber ball hand grenade, and the High-Capacity Oleoresin Capsicum Dispenser. Moreover, new complex situations with fighters operating among civilians are challenging conventional warfare and require new responsive technologies. It led to NATO sponsoring a Non-Lethal Technology Exercise in September 2016, which Belgium organized to practice the use and assess the military utility of non-lethal weapons in land operations. Moreover, there is an increase in terms of investments in research and development of advanced non-lethal weapons for the military worldwide.
Asia-Pacific to Showcase Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
Increasing expenditure on the development of advanced non-lethal weapons by various countries in the Asia-Pacific region will lead to the market witnessing significant growth during the forecast period.
China is witnessing a significant increase in the development of non-lethal weapons owing to the increase in the presence of several market players in China, which invest heavily in research and development of advanced non-lethal weapon systems. China is also engaged in the development of advanced non-lethal weapons to subdue the increasing number of clashes within the country. For instance, in April 2023, China unveiled a new electromagnetic gun that fires coin-shaped bullets to be used for riot control. The weapon uses electromagnetic force rather than gunpowder, which allows users to vary the speed and force of the bullets.
Moreover, the gun, which is known as the CS/LW21 handheld electromagnetic launcher, is stated to be jointly developed by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited and other technology teams. The barrel of the gun is designed to fit a scope easily. A display screen at the front provides information such as the battery level, rail temperature, bullet capacity, frequency, and firing mode. A double-chamber magazine allows for continuous firing and swift reloading.
The country of India is also witnessing significant growth in terms of non-lethal weapons. There is an increase in the development of advanced non-lethal weapons in India owing to the fact that various players in India are now exploring the capabilities of non-lethal weapons. It received various contracts or entered into partnerships with other companies to develop advanced non-lethal weapons for the Indian defense forces. For instance, in October 2021, Apastron Private Limited, a firm based out of Noida, India, announced that they developed non-lethal weapons for security forces inspired by traditional Indian weapons used in man-to-man combat. The need for such non-lethal weapons was felt after Chinese soldiers used wired sticks and tasers against Indian soldiers. Such developments render a positive growth outlook for the market in the region during the forecast period.
