Grenade Launchers Market Size, Growth Report, 2033

Grenade Launchers Market Size

The Grenade Launchers Market size was valued at USD 1518.15 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2296.72 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2033. The grenade launchers market is experiencing a steady rise in demand due to increasing procurement by military and law enforcement agencies across various regions. In 2024, over 60 countries deployed grenade launchers as part of their standard infantry equipment, with the U.S. Department of Defense maintaining an inventory of more than 50,000 portable grenade launchers.

Key Industry Highlights

Market Size

Market Value (2024): USD 1518.15 million
Forecast (2033): USD 2296.72 million
CAGR of 2024-2033: 4.7%
Top Leading Companies: Moog, Thales Group, Krauss-Maffei, Wegmann, GES Engineering

Key Market Share

Market Share Overview: Grenade launchers dominate ~42% of the global light‑weapons market in 2022, with grenades & launchers capturing ~42% and HMGs ~34%
Regional Leader: North America leads with ~41.3% in 2022.
Fastest‑Growing Region: Asia‑Pacific shows the highest CAGR (~15.8%)
End‑User Leader: The military segment drives ~75% of demand, with law enforcement/homeland security comprising the remainder.

Top Segments by Type

Vehicular: Accounts for ~60% of grenade launcher installations, primarily on vehicles and crew‑served systems
Portable: Makes up ~40%, including man‑portable, shoulder‑fired, and under‑barrel variants

Top Segments by Application

Military Use: Dominates with ~70% share—standard in infantry, mechanized units, crew‑served weapons
Civilian and Law Enforcement Use: Covers ~30%, used mainly for crowd control and non‑lethal operations

Q&A Summary

Q. What is Grenade Launchers Market size in 2024 and 2033?

The market is valued at approximately USD 146.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2296.72 million by 2033 with CAGR of 4.7%, driven by rising insurance fraud cases.

Q. Who are the key players operating Grenade Launchers Market?

Prominent manufacturers include Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Rheinmetall, Heckler & Koch, ST Engineering, and Milkor

Q. Which regions are analyzed in Grenade Launchers Market report?

The report covers five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

Q. What are the major trends influencing of Grenade Launchers Market?

Key market trends include shift from single- to multi‑shot launchers, and integration of advanced optics and smart fire‑control systems

Q. How is the market segmented in Grenade Launchers Market report?

Segmented by Type (vehicular, portable), Application (military, law‑enforcement/civilian), plus caliber, range, and distribution channel

Q. What are the key growth drivers in Grenade Launchers Market?

Driven by military modernization, rising defense budgets, and adoption of modular, lightweight infantry systems

Q. What are market challenges and risks discussed in Grenade Launchers Market report?

Challenges include strict export regulations, high manufacturing costs, and mounting competition among defense contractors

Grenade Launchers Market Trends

Several trends are defining the development and deployment of grenade launchers in the current defense landscape. A major trend is the transition from single-shot to multi-shot launchers, driven by demand for rapid fire capabilities in both combat and riot control scenarios. In 2023, over 15 countries procured multi-shot systems, including the MILKOR MGL series and ST Kinetics' 40 AGL.

Another significant trend is the integration of advanced optics and fire control systems. As of 2024, more than 60% of new grenade launcher procurements included laser rangefinders, smart sights, or digital targeting modules to increase first-round hit probability. This advancement has notably increased system lethality and reduced ammunition wastage.

Grenade Launchers Market Dynamics

The dynamics of the grenade launchers market are shaped by evolving military doctrines, modernization programs, asymmetric warfare threats, and advancements in lightweight weapon systems. As of 2024, over 65 national defense forces actively deploy portable or vehicle-mounted grenade launchers, driven by the need for increased infantry firepower and tactical versatility. Furthermore, technological upgrades such as programmable airburst munitions, recoil reduction systems, and optical sight integration are transforming legacy grenade launcher platforms into smart, modular systems.

DRIVER

Rising defense expenditure and military modernization programs.

Increasing global defense spending and investment in next-generation infantry systems are major drivers of the grenade launchers market. In 2023, global defense expenditure surpassed USD 2.2 trillion, with over USD 60 billion allocated for infantry equipment procurement. Nations including India, Australia, and Poland added more than 15,000 grenade launchers to their inventories as part of comprehensive modernization initiatives. These systems enhance infantry squad capabilities by offering high-explosive and area denial options at ranges exceeding 400 meters. Advanced models such as the Heckler & Koch GMG and Northrop Grumman’s Mk 19 Mod 3 offer superior rate-of-fire and targeting capabilities, which are increasingly favored by armed forces worldwide.

RESTRAINT

Regulatory restrictions and export limitations.

One of the main restraints in the grenade launchers market is the imposition of strict regulatory frameworks and export controls. Over 30 countries have strict export licensing requirements that affect the cross-border movement of grenade launcher systems. For instance, the Wassenaar Arrangement governs the transfer of such military technologies among its 42 participating states. In 2023, export license applications for grenade launchers from European manufacturers faced a 20% rejection rate due to geopolitical tensions. Civilian use is also heavily regulated, with legal access permitted in only select jurisdictions for non-lethal variants.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in non-lethal launchers for law enforcement and civilian security.

The expanding need for riot control, border security, and crowd management is creating new opportunities in the non-lethal grenade launcher segment. Between 2022 and 2024, procurement of less-lethal systems by police forces grew by over 30%, with notable demand in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. Manufacturers such as MILKOR USA and BAE Systems have developed models specifically designed for tear gas and flashbang rounds. These systems are often equipped with rail systems for tactical add-ons and are used in over 100 law enforcement departments globally.

CHALLENGE

High maintenance costs and training requirements.

Despite their advantages, grenade launchers present operational challenges related to maintenance and training. Most systems require routine inspection of firing pins, chambers, and sighting mechanisms, with mean time between failure (MTBF) averaging 8,000–10,000 rounds. Additionally, the need for operator training—especially with advanced digital sights—extends initial deployment timelines. In 2023, over 40% of procurement delays were attributed to training deficiencies and logistical challenges in maintenance support. This limits the deployment speed in newly equipped military and police units.

Grenade Launchers Market Segmentation

The segmentation of the grenade launchers market is based on type and application, reflecting the diverse operational requirements and deployment scenarios across military, law enforcement, and civilian sectors. Military use dominates the segment, with over 80% of global demand linked to armed forces' modernization programs, whereas civilian and police forces primarily adopt less-lethal grenade launchers for riot control and tactical response operations. This segmentation enables manufacturers and defense agencies to develop and procure launcher systems that align with specific mission profiles, regional threats, and tactical doctrines.

By Type

Vehicular grenade launchers are typically mounted on armored personnel carriers, tanks, or military trucks. These systems offer heavy firepower with increased stability and are commonly used in perimeter defense and convoy protection. In 2024, over 8,000 vehicular-mounted grenade launchers were active globally, with significant deployments in NATO operations and peacekeeping missions.
Portable grenade launchers, including shoulder-fired and standalone models, account for over 70% of the total units in service globally. These systems are highly mobile, lightweight (generally under 6 kg), and suitable for infantry use in both urban and field operations.

By Application

Military applications dominate the market, driven by global procurement programs and increasing adoption of high-explosive and airburst munitions. In 2024, over 75% of new grenade launchers were purchased for military use, supporting infantry modernization and firepower enhancement.
Law enforcement agencies and certain civilian security forces use non-lethal grenade launchers for riot control and area denial. In 2023, more than 5,000 units were deployed by police forces across 35 countries.

Regional Outlook For Grenade Launchers Market

The global grenade launchers market exhibits diverse regional dynamics, influenced by varying defense priorities, geopolitical tensions, and modernization initiatives. North America leads the market, driven by substantial defense budgets and ongoing military modernization programs. Europe follows, with countries like Germany and the United Kingdom investing in advanced weaponry to enhance their defense capabilities.

North America

North America leads the market, driven by the U.S. military's continued modernization and procurement initiatives. The U.S. alone accounted for over 40,000 active grenade launcher systems in 2024, including both portable and vehicular platforms. Canada has also increased its defense spending, with over 1,200 new units ordered in 2023.

Europe

Europe holds a significant share of the market, with countries such as Germany, France, and the UK investing in both lethal and non-lethal systems. In 2024, EU nations collectively deployed more than 10,000 grenade launchers for defense and internal security.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is a fast-growing region in the grenade launchers market. China, India, South Korea, and Australia have collectively procured over 25,000 units by 2024. India's Army procured more than 8,500 units as part of its Future Infantry Soldier as a System (F-INSAS) program.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region exhibits rising demand, particularly in counter-insurgency and peacekeeping missions. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa have increased procurement, with over 6,000 units in service in 2024. Regional tensions and internal unrest continue to drive investment in non-lethal crowd control weapons

List Of Top Grenade Launchers Companies

Moog
Thales Group
Krauss-Maffei
Wegmann
GES Engineering
NERO
Northrop Grumman (Orbital ATK)
MILKOR USA Inc
Rosoboronexport
BAE Systems
Colt
Heckler and Koch GmbH
General Dynamics
Knight's Armament Company
ST Kinetics

Northrop Grumman (Orbital ATK): With over 25,000 Mk 19 and Mk 47 systems supplied globally, Northrop Grumman remains a leading force in automatic grenade launcher technology.

Heckler and Koch GmbH: HK is a key supplier of portable grenade launchers with over 12,000 GMG and AG36 units delivered to NATO and allied forces as of 2024.

Investment Analysis And Opportunities

The grenade launchers market is witnessing robust investment activity driven by military modernization programs, border security enhancements, and R&D in advanced munition systems. In 2023, over 40 defense contracts globally included provisions for procurement or R&D of grenade launcher systems. The United States Department of Defense allocated over 950 million USD in budgetary spend toward infantry weapons modernization in FY2024, with a portion directed toward enhancing shoulder-fired and crew-served weaponry, including grenade launchers.

Private sector investments are also on the rise. Northrop Grumman (Orbital ATK) expanded its manufacturing capabilities in 2023 with a $20 million investment in its production facility in Radford, Virginia, aiming to increase output of 40mm grenade rounds. Similarly, ST Kinetics of Singapore has partnered with ASEAN regional defense ministries to provide portable and vehicle-mounted launcher systems in response to growing regional security concerns.

European defense innovation funding through the European Defence Fund (EDF) allocated approximately €75 million in 2024 to develop next-generation infantry systems, with collaborative projects involving countries such as France, Germany, and Italy. Companies like Heckler and Koch GmbH and Thales Group have leveraged these grants to develop modular launcher platforms that support multiple munition calibers and advanced fire control systems.

Overall, the market offers notable opportunities for investment in modular weapon design, lightweight material integration, and hybrid munition technologies. As threats evolve and asymmetric warfare becomes more prevalent, the global investment focus is expected to remain strong in enhancing rapid-response, mobile grenade launcher capabilities that support both defensive and offensive tactics.

New Product Development

Between 2023 and 2024, the grenade launchers market saw significant advancements in product innovation aimed at improving operational efficiency, accuracy, and tactical versatility. MILKOR USA Inc. launched the SuperSix MRGL, a six-shot 40mm multi-range grenade launcher that supports low-velocity, medium-velocity, and high-velocity rounds in a single platform, enhancing mission flexibility. It weighs 5.3 kg and provides a maximum range exceeding 800 meters, with the capability to engage both soft and hardened targets.

Thales Group introduced the F90 Integrated Grenade Launcher Attachment (IGLA), which attaches seamlessly to its F90 rifle series. This under-barrel design enhances ergonomics and supports programmable airburst munitions. The launcher is designed for NATO-standard 40mm grenades and was deployed by Australian forces during training in 2024.

Heckler and Koch GmbH expanded their GLM (Grenade Launcher Module) series in 2023 by developing a version compatible with both 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm rifles. This modular attachment system, tested in Germany’s Bundeswehr trials, includes programmable electronic sights and supports night vision compatibility.

Five Recent Developments

In 2023, Northrop Grumman invested over $20 million into its Virginia plant to boost production of 40mm grenade rounds, aiming to meet increasing U.S. and allied military demand.
The new multi-range grenade launcher capable of firing all 40mm rounds was introduced in 2024, offering extended range and tactical flexibility.
In 2024, Thales developed and deployed a modular grenade launcher designed for seamless integration with its F90 rifles, supporting programmable airburst rounds.
The Russian defense exporter unveiled a compact revolver-type 30mm launcher for urban warfare, attracting orders from four international defense clients.
In early 2024, ST Kinetics delivered over 1,000 automatic grenade launchers under a $32 million joint production program with Indonesia's defense procurement agency.

Report Coverage Of Grenade Launchers Market

This comprehensive report on the grenade launchers market offers an in-depth assessment of global market dynamics, emerging trends, technology evolution, competitive landscape, and investment potential between 2023 and 2024. The report categorizes the market based on type (vehicular, portable) and application (military use, civilian and law enforcement use), analyzing how each segment contributes to overall market performance.

It provides extensive coverage of vehicular systems used in armored personnel carriers and remote weapon stations, where grenade launchers play a critical role in crowd control, perimeter defense, and urban warfare. The portable segment, including single-shot and multi-shot models, is analyzed for its relevance in infantry squads and special operations.

In terms of application, military usage dominates, accounting for over 80% of total deployments globally. The report also evaluates civilian and law enforcement use, particularly in riot control and non-lethal munition applications, with adoption seen in more than 30 countries.

Geographical analysis includes insights into North America’s defense budgets, Europe's cooperative defense programs (such as PESCO), Asia-Pacific’s surge in localized production (led by India, China, and South Korea), and the Middle East’s procurement focus tied to regional instability.

Company profiles of leading players such as Northrop Grumman (Orbital ATK), MILKOR USA, BAE Systems, and Thales Group are included, detailing their product lines, recent innovations, and global footprint.