Middle East & Africa Non-Lethal Weapons Market Report by Product Type, Technology, End Use, Countries and Companies Analysis 2026-2034

Middle East & Africa Non-Lethal Weapons Market Size and Forecast

Middle East & Africa Non-Lethal Weapons Market is projected to experience steady growth over the forecast period, supported by increasing security concerns, counter-terrorism activities, and modernization of police and military forces. The market is expected to increase from US$ 226.99 million in 2025 to US$ 367.83 million by 2034, representing a CAGR of 5.51% during 2026–2034. Growing requirements for effective crowd-management systems, riot-control equipment, and advanced non-lethal technologies are contributing to market expansion. Rising investments in law-enforcement modernization and security infrastructure are also encouraging the adoption of less-lethal solutions designed to manage public-order situations while reducing reliance on conventional lethal force.

What are Non-Lethal Weapons and Their Uses & Popularity in the Middle East & Africa

Non-Lethal Weapons (NLWs), also commonly referred to as less-lethal weapons, are equipment and technologies intended to control, deter, or incapacitate individuals while reducing the likelihood of fatal outcomes compared with conventional lethal force. They can include conducted-energy devices, chemical irritants, impact-control equipment, acoustic systems, and other specialized law-enforcement technologies. In the Middle East and Africa, these solutions are used primarily by police, security agencies, border forces, and military organizations for crowd management, riot control, public-order operations, facility protection, and selected counter-terrorism situations. The market is gaining attention as governments seek security capabilities that provide alternatives to lethal force.

According to SIPRI, Middle Eastern military expenditure reached an estimated US$243 billion in 2024, up 15% from 2023, while African military expenditure reached US$52.1 billion, increasing 3.0%. This broader increase in security spending creates opportunities for modernization of law-enforcement equipment. However, adoption is increasingly linked to responsible-use requirements. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights provides specific guidance on less-lethal weapons, emphasizing necessity, proportionality, accountability, and lawful use.

Growth Drivers of the Middle East & Africa Non-Lethal Weapons Market

Rising Security Spending and Law-Enforcement Modernization

Increasing government expenditure on security and defense is a major factor supporting demand for modern non-lethal technologies across the Middle East and Africa. Governments are strengthening police, military, border-security, and public-order capabilities in response to terrorism, organized crime, civil unrest, border-security requirements, and regional geopolitical tensions. SIPRI estimates that Middle Eastern military expenditure increased 15% in 2024 to US$243 billion, while Africa’s military expenditure reached US$52.1 billion, up 3.0% from 2023. Saudi Arabia alone spent an estimated US$80.3 billion on its military in 2024, making it the largest military spender in the Middle East and the seventh-largest globally. These investments are not limited to conventional military platforms; security agencies are also upgrading surveillance, communications, protective equipment, crowd-management systems, and specialized law-enforcement technologies. Non-lethal solutions can provide authorities with additional options for managing potentially dangerous situations without immediately resorting to lethal force. As regional governments continue modernization programs, procurement opportunities for advanced less-lethal equipment are expected to expand.

Growing Need for Crowd Management and Public-Order Capabilities

The increasing requirement for effective public-order management is another important growth driver for non-lethal weapons across the region. Police and security agencies may require specialized equipment for managing large gatherings, demonstrations, riots, sporting events, critical infrastructure, and other situations where maintaining public safety is necessary. Less-lethal technologies can provide graduated force options when used within appropriate legal and operational frameworks. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights specifically developed guidance addressing less-lethal weapons in law enforcement, with particular attention to policing assemblies and the principles governing the use of force. This regulatory emphasis is encouraging agencies to consider equipment alongside training, accountability, and proportionality requirements rather than treating weapons procurement independently. Growing urban populations and large public events across major Middle Eastern and African cities can increase requirements for specialized public-order capabilities. At the same time, agencies increasingly seek systems that can be integrated with communication, surveillance, protective, and command-and-control technologies, creating opportunities for more sophisticated non-lethal equipment.

Counter-Terrorism and Border-Security Requirements

Counter-terrorism operations, border protection, and internal-security requirements are supporting investment in specialized security technologies across parts of the Middle East and Africa. Countries facing armed conflict, terrorism, insurgency, organized crime, or difficult border environments are strengthening their security capabilities and investing in equipment for military and law-enforcement personnel. SIPRI reported that military spending in Africa reached US$52.1 billion in 2024, while North African military expenditure reached US$30.2 billion, representing an 8.8% increase from 2023 and 43% growth from 2015. In the Sahel, several countries have also significantly increased military spending amid persistent security challenges; for example, Burkina Faso’s military expenditure increased 108% between 2021 and 2024, while Niger’s rose 56% between 2022 and 2024. Although conventional military equipment receives much of this spending, specialized less-lethal technologies can complement broader security capabilities in situations involving checkpoints, detention facilities, perimeter protection, public-order operations, and controlled interventions. Demand for more flexible force options and modernization of security agencies is therefore expected to create additional opportunities for the market.

Challenges of the Middle East & Africa Non-Lethal Weapons Market

Regulatory, Human-Rights, and Responsible-Use Concerns

Regulatory requirements and concerns regarding human rights represent a significant challenge for the Middle East & Africa non-lethal weapons market. Although these technologies are designed to reduce the likelihood of fatal outcomes compared with conventional lethal force, inappropriate or excessive use can still cause serious injury. Consequently, procurement decisions increasingly need to consider training, operational protocols, accountability, medical support, and legal compliance. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights states that less-lethal weapons should be governed by principles including necessity, proportionality, legality, precaution, and accountability, and its guidance specifically examines lawful and unlawful use in policing assemblies. These requirements can increase the total cost of adoption because agencies may need comprehensive training programs, certification procedures, monitoring systems, and updated operational guidelines in addition to purchasing equipment. Regulatory differences between countries can also make regional commercialization more complex for manufacturers. Furthermore, concerns about misuse can affect public acceptance and government procurement decisions. Suppliers therefore need to emphasize compliance, operator training, product safety, and transparent usage protocols to support sustainable market development.

Budget Constraints, Training Requirements, and Uneven Procurement Capacity

Despite increasing security expenditure in parts of the region, significant differences in fiscal capacity and procurement capabilities across Middle Eastern and African countries can constrain market expansion. SIPRI data show that sub-Saharan African military expenditure fell 3.2% in 2024 to US$21.9 billion, illustrating the uneven spending environment within Africa. Some governments face competing priorities involving healthcare, infrastructure, economic development, and social services, which can limit budgets available for specialized law-enforcement equipment. Advanced non-lethal systems can also involve substantial lifecycle costs, including training, maintenance, replacement components, storage, and periodic equipment upgrades. Effective use requires appropriately trained personnel because less-lethal equipment is not automatically risk-free and must be deployed according to established rules of engagement. The UN guidance emphasizes training and accountability as important elements of responsible less-lethal weapon use. Limited specialist training capacity and inconsistent procurement standards can therefore slow adoption, particularly in lower-income or conflict-affected markets. Manufacturers that offer training, technical support, maintenance programs, and cost-effective systems may be better positioned to address these barriers.

Non-Lethal Weapons Launches and Introductions in the Middle East & Africa

• 1. PepperBall Shatter™, Jammer™ and Lumen™ Rounds – 2025: PepperBall expanded its projectile portfolio with new rounds designed for less-lethal crowd-control applications, with exposure to international and Middle Eastern/African security markets.
• 2. PepperBall BURST™ – 2025: PepperBall introduced the BURST system, designed for area-effect deployment and marketed toward law-enforcement and crowd-management applications.
• 3. HAVOC 8×8 Robotic Combat Vehicle – 2025: Milrem Robotics showcased the HAVOC 8×8 robotic platform within the UAE’s EDGE ecosystem at IDEX 2025, highlighting potential configurations for security and non-lethal applications.
• 4. NIMR AJBAN MK2 Variants – 2025: NIMR presented new AJBAN MK2 vehicle variants at IDEX 2025, expanding the UAE-developed vehicle portfolio for security, mobility, and specialized operational requirements.
• 5. RABDAN 8×8 Recovery Vehicle Upgrade – 2025: AL JASOOR showcased an upgraded RABDAN 8×8 platform at IDEX 2025, providing enhanced mobility and support capabilities relevant to security and specialized operations.
• 6. EDGE Non-Lethal Grenade Systems – 2025: EDGE Group expanded its portfolio of non-lethal grenade solutions for controlled crowd-management and security applications during its 2025 international exhibition cycle.
• 7. EDGE RASH Precision Systems – 2025: EDGE presented RASH precision systems with modular applications, including potential non-lethal operational roles, as part of its expanding security-technology portfolio.
• 8. Theoram Mark-1 Non-Lethal Tactical Pistol – 2025: TRETA Tactical Solutions introduced the Theoram Mark-1, a non-lethal tactical pistol that attracted interest from international security markets, including the wider MEA region.
• 9. Milkor MAR Multi Anti-Riot Launcher – Regional Introduction: South African manufacturer Milkor expanded its less-lethal portfolio with the MAR (Multi Anti-Riot) six-shot launcher, capable of using 37 mm, 38 mm, and 40 mm anti-riot ammunition.
• 10. Less Lethal Africa 40 mm Rubber-Tipped Round – Africa: South African company Less Lethal Africa developed a 40 mm rubber-tipped projectile for police and military applications, with the design also intended to accommodate pepper spray or tear gas for riot-control applications.

Growing Demand for Crowd-Control Solutions in Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa Non-Lethal Gases and Sprays Weapons Market represents an important segment of the regional less-lethal weapons industry. Products in this category include irritant-based agents such as tear gas and pepper-based sprays, which are generally intended for short-term incapacitation or dispersal in law-enforcement situations. Demand is supported by requirements for crowd management, public-order operations, riot control, and security at large gatherings. The relatively rapid effect, portability, and comparatively low equipment requirements of these products can make them attractive to law-enforcement agencies. However, deployment requires strict adherence to national laws, operational protocols, and human-rights standards because exposure can cause serious health effects, particularly in enclosed or densely populated environments. UN guidance emphasizes that less-lethal weapons should be used according to principles including necessity, proportionality, precaution, and accountability.  Increasing urbanization and continued investments in public-security capabilities are supporting demand, while stronger training and oversight requirements are shaping how these products are procured and deployed.

Demand for Less-Lethal Impact-Control Technologies in Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa Non-Lethal Bullets Market includes various kinetic-impact projectiles intended for law-enforcement and public-order applications. Examples can include rubber, plastic, sponge, and other impact rounds. These products are generally designed to provide law-enforcement personnel with an intermediate force option in situations where lethal force may not be justified. Demand is influenced by public-order requirements, security operations, and the modernization of police and internal-security forces. However, these projectiles are not risk-free and can cause severe injuries if used improperly or at inappropriate ranges. The UN’s guidance on less-lethal weapons stresses that such equipment must be subject to appropriate training, operational controls, necessity, proportionality, and accountability.  Consequently, agencies are increasingly focused not only on equipment procurement but also on operator training, rules of engagement, medical preparedness, and monitoring mechanisms. Future market development is therefore likely to favor technologies and procurement programs that emphasize controlled deployment, reduced injury risk, and compliance with established law-enforcement standards.

Expansion of Physical and Kinetic Control Systems in Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa Mechanical and Kinetic Non-Lethal Weapons Market covers a broad range of equipment used by law-enforcement and security organizations for public-order management and controlled intervention. Products can include batons, shields, launch systems, water-cannon systems, conducted-energy devices, and other specialized equipment. Demand is supported by the modernization of police and security agencies and the need for graduated force options during public-order incidents. Governments across the region are increasing investments in security capabilities amid broader concerns involving terrorism, organized crime, civil unrest, and border security. SIPRI estimated that Middle Eastern military expenditure increased 15% in 2024 to US$243 billion, while African military expenditure reached US$52.1 billion.  Although military spending does not directly represent non-lethal weapons expenditure, it indicates a broader environment of increased security investment. Adoption of mechanical and kinetic systems is also increasingly linked to training, equipment standards, and appropriate rules governing use of force. International guidance emphasizes that less-lethal technologies should be used only when necessary and proportionately to the threat.

Growing Need for Public-Order and Policing Capabilities in Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa Law Enforcement Non-Lethal Weapons Market is expanding as police and internal-security organizations seek additional options for managing public-order situations while reducing reliance on lethal force. The segment encompasses various less-lethal technologies, including chemical irritant systems, kinetic-impact equipment, conducted-energy devices, protective equipment, and restraint technologies. Growing urban populations, public-security requirements, border-management challenges, and investments in police modernization are contributing to demand. Governments are also placing greater emphasis on training, operational procedures, and accountability when procuring less-lethal technologies. The UN guidance on less-lethal weapons specifically addresses their use during law-enforcement operations and assemblies, emphasizing legality, necessity, proportionality, precaution, and accountability. The broader regional security environment also supports modernization. According to SIPRI, Middle Eastern military spending rose 15% in 2024, reaching US$243 billion, while African military expenditure increased to US$52.1 billion.  As law-enforcement agencies modernize equipment and training, demand is expected to increasingly focus on reliable, controllable, and appropriately regulated less-lethal technologies.

Public-Safety Modernization Supports Market United Arab Emirates Growth

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Non-Lethal Weapons Market is developing steadily as the country continues to modernize its public-safety, law-enforcement, and security infrastructure. Demand for less-lethal technologies is supported by the need for effective crowd management, public-order control, facility protection, and rapid-response capabilities, particularly in a country that hosts major international events and large gatherings. UAE security agencies are increasingly interested in technologies that provide graduated force options while reducing dependence on lethal methods. The UAE’s broader investment in advanced security and defense technologies is creating opportunities for modern non-lethal systems, including controlled-impact equipment, conducted-energy technologies, and other specialized solutions. SIPRI reported that Middle Eastern military expenditure reached approximately US$243 billion in 2024, increasing 15% from 2023, reflecting the region’s broader security modernization environment.  While military expenditure does not directly represent non-lethal weapons spending, it indicates continued investment in regional security capabilities. The market is also influenced by growing emphasis on training, proportionality, accountability, and responsible use of force. UN guidance recommends that less-lethal weapons be deployed according to principles such as necessity, proportionality, precaution, and accountability.

Security Modernization Drives Saudi Arabia Demand

Saudi Arabia Non-Lethal Weapons Market is expanding as the Kingdom continues to modernize its police, security, and defense capabilities. Demand is associated with requirements for public-order management, crowd control, critical-infrastructure protection, and controlled intervention. Less-lethal technologies can provide security personnel with additional force options in situations where lethal force is not appropriate. Saudi Arabia’s extensive investment in security and defense modernization provides a favorable environment for advanced law-enforcement technologies. SIPRI estimated that Saudi Arabia’s military expenditure reached approximately US$80.3 billion in 2024, representing a 20% increase from 2023 and making the Kingdom the largest military spender in the Middle East that year.  Although this figure covers overall military expenditure rather than non-lethal weapons specifically, it demonstrates the country’s substantial security-investment capacity. Technological development is also encouraging interest in more controlled and precise less-lethal solutions. However, responsible procurement requires appropriate operator training, medical preparedness, rules of engagement, and oversight. UN guidance emphasizes that less-lethal weapons should be used only when necessary and proportionate to the circumstances, with appropriate safeguards. Continued security modernization, major-event protection requirements, and investments in advanced policing capabilities are expected to support the Saudi market over the forecast period.

Market Segments

Product Type

• Gases and sprays
• Grenades
• Bullets
• Taser Guns
• Others

Technology

• Chemical
• Electroshock
• Mechanical and Kinetic
• Acoustic/Light
• Others

End Use

• Law Enforcement
• Military
• Others

Countrie

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

All the Key players have been covered with 5 Viewpoints

• Overviews
• Key Person
• Recent Developments
• SWOT Analysis
• Revenue Analysis

Key Players Analysis

• Byrna Technologies Inc.
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Moog Inc.
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Rheinmetall AG
• Textron Inc.
• Combined Systems Inc.

Report Details: