Shoulder Launched Munitions Market Size, Share, and Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis, By Component (Fuze, Explosive Fill, and Warhead Case), By Warhead Type (Blast Warhead, Fragmentation Warhead, Shaped Charge Warhead, Continuous-Rod Warhead, Thermal Warhead, Anti-tank Warhead, and Others), By Application (Anti-Tank, Anti-Aircraft, Flamethrowers, and Others), By Range (Short Range (Up To 1km), Medium Range (1km-5km), and Long Range (Above 5km)), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global Shoulder Launched Munitions Market is seeing remarkable growth, with a significant CAGR forecasted throughout the period up to 2032. Shoulder-launched munitions are portable weapons systems designed to be operated by an individual soldier. These munitions are typically lightweight and compact, allowing soldiers to carry and fire them from the shoulder. Shoulder-launched munitions are used for various purposes, including anti-tank, anti-aircraft, and anti-personnel applications.

Key Market Insights

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in geopolitical tensions, which has led to more conflicts between countries such as China and Taiwan, India and China, India and Pakistan, and others. Such circumstances led to a significant rise in demand for shoulder-launched munitions. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine also increased the demand for such defense weapon systems. As a result of these factors, technological development and innovation are increasing the potency and precision of surface-to-air weaponry. It has been demonstrated that shoulder-launched explosives are a potent and deadly weapon against airplanes, particularly those flying at low altitudes. Ukrainian soldiers used shoulder-launched weapons to engage Russian Su-24 jet aircraft in February 2023. These qualities will likely lead to increased demand for shoulder-launched munitions.

The market for shoulder-launched munitions is predicted to expand as many economies try to develop and modernize to produce more advanced weapons. Polish defense company Mesko has recently, in April 2023, started working on developing its Piorun shoulder-launched munitions. Poland increased the output of these shoulder-launched missiles after Piorun proved extremely effective against Russian aircraft and was in high demand in Ukraine. The market for shoulder-launched munitions is anticipated to rise due to such technological developments and applications.

The shoulder-launched munitions are widely used by non-state armed groups (NSAG) illegally to threaten civilians resulting in stringent regulations for using such weapons, thereby restraining the market's growth. Furthermore, the strict procedure to get the license for shoulder-launched weapons is also predicted to hinder the market growth for shoulder-launched munitions.

Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on the Shoulder-Launched Munitions Market

During the conflict, Ukraine heavily used shoulder-launched weapons and continues to do so. Many economies, including Norway, sought the MANPADS that proved deadly in Ukraine during the war. Defense weapon producers were forced to develop new technology and upgrade shoulder-launched munitions due to increased demand for them. Overall, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine increased demand for shoulder-launched weapons, sped up the creation of new parts, and enhanced those already in use.

Shoulder launched munitions market is segmented by component, fuze, explosive fill, and warhead case. By warhead type, blast warhead, fragmentation warhead, shaped charge warhead, continuous-rod warhead, thermal warhead, anti-tank warhead, and others. By application, anti-tank, anti-aircraft, flamethrowers, and others. By Range, short range   (up to 1km), medium range (1km-5km), and long range (above 5km). By geography, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

Key Insights

The report will include the following key insights:

• The report analyzes a detailed industry overview, including qualitative and quantitative information.


• The report analyzes an overview and forecast of the shoulder-launched munitions market based on various segments.


• The report also analyzes comprehensive PEST analysis for all five regions, i.e., North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Rest of the World, after evaluating economic, social, political, and technological factors affecting the impact of the shoulder-launched munitions market in these regions.

Regional Analysis

North America is expected to dominate the shoulder-launched munitions market during the forecast period. The market dominance is attributed to leading manufacturers of shoulder-launched munitions and the rising number of contracts for producing and supplying shoulder-launched munitions to other militaries. Europe is predicted to have a significant market share due to the Ukrainian army's heavy demand for shoulder-launched munitions. The Asia Pacific is expected to have a moderate market share and is anticipated to grow in the forecast period owing to a rise in defense expenditure by South Asian economies.

Key Players Covered

• Raytheon Technologies Corporation


• Thales


• MBDA


• SAAB


• Mesko


• Lockheed Martin Corporation


• General Dynamics Corporation


• IAI


• KB Mashinostroyeniya


• Others

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• In December 2022, U.S. Army worked towards replacement of man-portable anti-tank and anti-structure shoulder-launched weapons with a single multi-function munition that can easily take down a light armored vehicle or a bunker.


• In December 2022, SAAB entered into a USD 278 million contract with U.K. Ministry of Defence to provide latest next generation anti-tank weapons. The delivery of these weapons are expected to take place between 2024 and 2026.