Latin America Non-Lethal Weapons Market Trends & Summary (2025–2033)

Introduction

The Latin America Non-Lethal Weapons Market is undergoing a significant transformation as governments and security agencies increasingly seek solutions that ensure public order while minimizing fatalities and long-term injuries. According to Renub Research, the market is projected to grow from US$ 407.51 million in 2024 to US$ 652.65 million by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.37% between 2025 and 2033.

Download Free Sample Report

This growth reflects a broader regional shift toward more proportionate and accountable law enforcement methods. With frequent political demonstrations, rising urban crime, and heightened public scrutiny of policing practices, non-lethal weapons are emerging as critical tools for maintaining stability without escalating violence. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are at the forefront of this change, integrating advanced non-lethal technologies into both police and military operations.

Latin America Non-Lethal Weapons Industry Overview

The demand for non-lethal weapons in Latin America is being shaped by a complex combination of social unrest, organized crime, urbanization, and evolving legal frameworks around human rights. Governments across the region are under pressure to modernize security forces while avoiding the international criticism that often follows the use of lethal force during protests and riots.

Non-lethal weapons—including tear gas, rubber bullets, stun grenades, electroshock devices, and acoustic deterrents—offer a practical middle ground. These tools enable law enforcement agencies to disperse crowds, neutralize threats, and restore order while reducing the risk of deaths and permanent injuries. As a result, they are increasingly being deployed not only during protests but also in border security, prison management, urban patrols, and riot control operations.

Modernization programs within police and military institutions have accelerated the adoption of non-lethal technologies. This transition aligns with global policing standards that emphasize graduated force responses, accountability, and public trust. While challenges remain, the regional outlook remains positive as governments continue to invest in safer security alternatives.

Market Size and Forecast by Renub Research

Renub Research highlights strong and sustained growth for the Latin America non-lethal weapons market over the forecast period:

Market Size (2024): US$ 407.51 million

Expected Market Size (2033): US$ 652.65 million

CAGR (2025–2033): 5.37%

This expansion is supported by increasing public safety expenditures, growing adoption of non-lethal solutions by law enforcement agencies, and rising investments by private security firms. As non-lethal weapons become more technologically advanced and locally manufactured, their affordability and operational efficiency are expected to improve further.

Rising Role of Public and Private Security Spending

According to regional security data, urban crime rates in South American cities rose by approximately 32% between 2020 and 2023, intensifying the demand for effective yet humane law enforcement tools. By 2022, nearly 35% of the USD 2.8 billion spent on law enforcement modernization in the region was allocated to non-lethal weaponry and training programs.

The private security sector has also emerged as a major driver of market growth. The number of private security personnel in South America increased from 2.5 million in 2020 to 3.4 million in 2023, fueling demand for crowd-control and deterrent technologies. Between 2019 and 2023, private companies spent an estimated USD 1.2 billion on non-lethal security equipment, representing a 52% increase, while training-related expenditures grew by 40%.

Key Growth Drivers

1. Rising Civil Unrest and Crime Rates

Latin America continues to experience frequent protests, political demonstrations, and organized crime activity. These volatile environments demand tools that allow authorities to de-escalate tensions without resorting to deadly force. Non-lethal weapons such as tear gas, rubber bullets, and electroshock devices provide law enforcement with tactical flexibility, enabling crowd control and threat neutralization while limiting casualties.

As governments seek to prevent riots from spiraling into violent confrontations, non-lethal weapons have become central to modern policing strategies across the region.

2. Urbanization and Population Density

Rapid urbanization is another critical factor driving market growth. As Latin America’s cities become more densely populated, maintaining public order becomes increasingly complex. Large gatherings, protests, and emergency situations in crowded urban areas significantly raise the risk of collateral damage if lethal force is used.

Non-lethal weapons offer a safer alternative by allowing authorities to manage large crowds and diffuse potentially explosive situations without endangering civilians. Their deployment supports more controlled responses and helps preserve public confidence in law enforcement agencies.

3. Technological Advancements and Local Manufacturing

Technological innovation is reshaping the non-lethal weapons landscape in Latin America. Advances in electroshock systems, acoustic deterrents, smart launchers, and precision-targeted munitions are improving operational accuracy while reducing unintended harm.

At the same time, the expansion of local manufacturing capabilities is lowering costs and reducing dependence on imports. Regional manufacturers are increasingly developing solutions tailored to local security challenges, accelerating adoption across both public and private sectors.

Challenges Facing the Market

Public Perception and Trust Issues

Despite their intended purpose, non-lethal weapons face skepticism from the public due to past incidents involving excessive force. Improper use or lack of accountability can result in serious injuries, undermining public trust and triggering backlash against law enforcement agencies.

To overcome this challenge, governments must implement clear regulations, transparent oversight, and comprehensive training programs. Ethical deployment and adherence to human rights standards are essential to ensuring public acceptance of non-lethal technologies.

Logistical and Infrastructure Barriers

In many parts of Latin America, especially rural or economically disadvantaged areas, law enforcement agencies lack the infrastructure needed to support non-lethal weapons effectively. Challenges include insufficient storage facilities, limited maintenance capabilities, and inadequate data systems for monitoring usage.

Weak transportation and communication networks further complicate rapid deployment during emergencies. These logistical constraints can discourage investment and limit the operational effectiveness of non-lethal technologies.

Country-Level Insights

Brazil Non-Lethal Weapons Market

Brazil represents one of the largest and most dynamic markets for non-lethal weapons in Latin America. Rising urban violence, prison unrest, and large-scale demonstrations have made non-lethal tools essential for maintaining public order.

Brazilian law enforcement agencies are increasingly adopting tear gas, rubber bullets, stun grenades, and electroshock devices as part of modernization initiatives. The government’s emphasis on accountability and human rights is expected to further support market growth in the coming years.

Mexico Non-Lethal Weapons Market

Mexico’s non-lethal weapons market is expanding amid ongoing security challenges related to organized crime, political instability, and social unrest. Both police and military forces are integrating non-lethal solutions to improve crowd control and reduce reliance on lethal force.

This shift reflects a broader regional effort to implement more humane and effective policing strategies. As Mexico continues to strengthen its security infrastructure, non-lethal weapons are expected to play an increasingly important role.

Recent Market Developments

In July 2024, Byrna Technologies Inc. announced that the City of Buenos Aires had ordered 500 Byrna SD launchers for its police force. This move underscores the region’s growing commitment to adopting innovative less-lethal solutions. Police personnel are already undergoing training to ensure proper and responsible use of these devices.

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

Gases and sprays

Grenades

Bullets

Taser guns

Others

By Technology

Chemical

Electroshock

Mechanical and kinetic

Acoustic/light

Others

By End Use

Law enforcement

Military

Others

By Country

Brazil

Mexico

Argentina

Competitive Landscape

The Latin America non-lethal weapons market features a mix of global defense companies and specialized manufacturers. Key players analyzed across four viewpoints—overview, key persons, recent strategies, and financial insights—include:

Byrna Technologies Inc.

General Dynamics Corporation

Moog Inc.

Raytheon Technologies Corporation

Rheinmetall AG

Textron Inc.

Combined Systems Inc.

These companies are actively investing in product innovation, regional partnerships, and training programs to strengthen their market presence.

Final Thoughts

The Latin America Non-Lethal Weapons Market is set for steady and meaningful growth through 2033, driven by rising security challenges, urbanization, and a growing emphasis on human rights–oriented policing. With the market expected to reach US$ 652.65 million by 2033, non-lethal weapons are becoming indispensable tools in the region’s evolving public safety strategies.

While challenges related to public trust and infrastructure remain, continued investments in technology, training, and transparency are likely to reinforce adoption. As Latin America seeks to balance security needs with social responsibility, non-lethal weapons will play a pivotal role in shaping a safer and more accountable future.