NLAW market forecast to hit $1.55 billion by 2030

The global next-generation light anti-tank weapon market is projected to grow from $1.12 billion in 2026 to $1.55 billion by 2030, driven by military modernization, geopolitical tensions and demand for portable anti-armor systems. North America led the market in 2025, while Asia-Pacific is expected to grow fastest through the forecast period.

Why it matters: - Next-generation light anti-tank weapons are becoming more important as armies look for lightweight, portable tools to counter armored vehicles. - The market outlook points to continued defense spending on infantry anti-armor systems, especially where mobility, urban combat and rapid response matter. - The forecast suggests more procurement of disposable and highly portable weapons as militaries adapt to modern battlefield threats.

What happened: - The global next-generation light anti-tank weapon market is projected to rise from $1.03 billion in 2025 to $1.12 billion in 2026. - The market is expected to reach $1.55 billion by 2030. - The forecast implies a 8.8% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2026 and an 8.4% CAGR through 2030. - North America held the largest market share in 2025. - Asia-Pacific is expected to post the fastest growth during the forecast period.

The details: - The market has grown on the back of military modernization, higher deployment of infantry anti-armor systems, more orders for portable battlefield weapons and higher defense spending among NATO and allied countries. - The report points to rising investment in infantry weapon systems, battlefield survivability, mobile and expeditionary operations, anti-armor procurement, territorial defense and deterrence. - Key product trends include lightweight systems, top-attack capability, rapid-response infantry anti-tank weapons, disposable anti-armor weapons and use in urban and close-quarters combat. - The next-generation light anti-tank weapon is a shoulder-fired, lightweight missile system designed to disable heavily armored vehicles and main battle tanks at close range. - The system uses top-attack and direct-attack modes and is built to give infantry fast anti-armor capability in urban and defensive operations. - The market coverage spans Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - A free sample report is available here: Download the report sample. - The full report is available here: View the full report.

Between the lines: - Rising geopolitical tensions are reinforcing demand for advanced defense systems as states respond to territorial disputes, military maneuvers, sanctions and trade instability. - ACLED reported more than 165,273 political violence incidents worldwide in July 2024, a 15% increase from the prior year. - Defense modernization is also pushing adoption as governments replace older equipment with more advanced and portable weapons. - The U.S. Department of Defense announced a $13.5 billion fiscal 2024 budget in March 2023 focused on cybersecurity and acquisition under its digital modernization strategy. - The report frames the NLAW as a fit for armies seeking fire-and-forget capability and more mobility against modern armored threats.

What's next: - Market growth is expected to continue as defense procurement shifts toward portable anti-armor systems and expeditionary combat needs. - The strongest demand is likely to come from programs that prioritize territorial defense, deterrence and close-quarters battlefield performance. - The report also highlights updated market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspot infographics and future trend analysis.