Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Research Report: Size, Share, Trends & Forecast (2026-2032)

By Weapon Type (Assault Rifles, Battle Rifles, Automatic Rifles / Infantry Automatic Rifles (IAR), Carbines (compact modular rifles), Designated Marksman Rifles (DMR) / Precision Infantry Rifles), By... ... nfantry Rifles), By Caliber Type (Multi-caliber / Convertible Systems), By Operating Mechanism (Gas-operated rifles, Short-stroke piston rifles, Hybrid recoil mitigation systems, Suppressor-optimized weapon systems), By End User (Military Infantry Forces, Special Operations Forces, Homeland Security / Law Enforcement, Reserve / National Guard modernization), and others Read more

  • Aerospace & Defense
  • Feb 2026
  • 195
  • PDF, Excel, PPT

Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Report Key Takeaways:

  • Market size was valued at around USD 1.63 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.91 billion by 2032. The estimated CAGR from 2026 to 2032 is around 8.63%, indicating strong growth.
  • North America holds the largest market share of about 40% in the Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market in 2025.
  • By weapon type, the assault rifles segment represented a significant share of about 40% in the Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market in 2025.
  • By end user, the military infantry forces segment presented a significant share of about 65% in the Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market in 2025.
  • Leading next generation infantry rifles companies in the Global Market are SIG Sauer, Inc., FN Herstal S.A., Heckler & Koch GmbH, Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC (Part of Colt CZ Group SE), Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd., Rheinmetall AG, General Dynamics Corporation, Beretta Holding S.p.A., Daniel Defense, Inc., Kalashnikov Concern JSC, ST Engineering Land Systems Ltd. (ST Engineering Group), Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc., Česká zbrojovka a.s. (CZ) (Part of Colt CZ Group SE), China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO Group), Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), and Others.

Market Insights & Analysis: Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market (2026-32):

The Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market size was valued at around USD 1.63 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.91 billion by 2032. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 8.63% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-32.

The Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market is projected to expand steadily, driven by rising geopolitical tensions, near-peer warfare preparedness, and the growing integration of smart optics and advanced fire-control systems.

One of the most significant indicators of long-term demand is NATO’s growing defense spending. According to SIPRI, NATO members collectively spent USD 1.506 trillion in 2024, accounting for 55% of global military expenditure. Defense spending across the alliance rose 8.9% in one year, while 18 of 32 NATO countries met the 2% of GDP defense spending target in 2024, up from 11 in 2023. This shift reflects a major transition toward readiness for large-scale conflict and sustained modernization of ground forces .

The United States continues to prioritize near-peer competition. In 2024, the country allocated USD 246 billion to strengthen deterrence worldwide, including USD 48.4 billion for Ukraine, USD 10.6 billion for Israel, and USD 2.6 billion for Indo-Pacific security and support for Taiwan.

Meanwhile, China is also expanding its military capabilities, with defense spending reaching USD 314 billion in 2024, marking the 30th consecutive year of growth and reinforcing modernization plans through 2035 .

These strategic shifts are translating into direct investment in next-generation infantry weapons. The U.S. Army significantly increased funding for the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program, raising its 2025 budget from USD 132.9 million to USD 367.3 million. This funding includes procurement of 39,836 rifles and fire-control systems, reflecting the rapid transition toward new weapon platforms.

The US Army has also awarded a 10-year production contract for the M7 rifle and XM250 automatic rifle, designed to replace legacy M4/M4A1 and M249 systems. These weapons use new 6.8 mm ammunition, developed to enhance lethality and accuracy against advanced threats. Parallel modernization efforts are integrating smart optics, networked targeting, and battlefield connectivity to improve survivability and situational awareness.

Long-term global investments further reinforce the market outlook beyond 2025. For instance, India signed a USD 600 million agreement to manufacture over 610,000 AK-203 rifles, with deliveries continuing through 2026 and beyond, driven by tensions with China and Pakistan.

Germany plans USD 28.7 billion in spending through the 2030s for soldier equipment and force expansion from 280,000 to 460,000 personnel. Meanwhile, Lithuania plans to increase defense spending to 5–6% of GDP from 2026 , while Poland intends to allocate USD 55 billion to defense in 2026, representing 4.8% of GDP.

Sustained military spending, modernization programs, and long-term geopolitical competition are creating a strong growth trajectory for next-generation infantry rifles. Continuous investments in soldier lethality and coalition readiness will drive sustained procurement and technology upgrades across global armed forces.

The integration of Smart Optics and Fire-Control Systems trend will increase the market demand. For example, the U.S. Department of Defense has emphasized digitized soldier lethality within modernization priorities, focusing on integrating weapons into broader battlefield networks. The Army has stated that NGSW technologies are intended to provide improved accuracy, survivability, and situational awareness for future combat scenarios. European and NATO forces are pursuing comparable upgrades, prioritizing optics with thermal imaging, augmented reality overlays, and battlefield connectivity to support multi-domain operations.

Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Recent Developments:

  • 2025: India’s Ministry of Defence awarded PLR Systems a contract worth about USD 133 million to supply 170,000 Close Quarter Battle carbines as part of a larger USD 332 million procurement for over 425,000 units. Deliveries begin in 2026 to replace legacy sub-machine guns and strengthen infantry modernization and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
  • 2025: The UK Ministry of Defence has advanced Project Grayburn, a long-term programme to replace the SA80 rifle, focusing on domestic production, multiple variants, and improved capability against modern body armour. The initiative remains in the concept phase, with industry engagement planned before procurement decisions.

Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Scope:

 Category  Segments
By Weapon Type (Assault Rifles, Battle Rifles, Automatic Rifles / Infantry Automatic Rifles (IAR), Carbines (compact modular rifles), Designated Marksman Rifles (DMR) / Precision Infantry Rifles),
By Caliber Type (Multi-caliber / Convertible Systems),
By Operating Mechanism (Gas-operated rifles, Short-stroke piston rifles, Hybrid recoil mitigation systems, Suppressor-optimized weapon systems),
By End User (Military Infantry Forces, Special Operations Forces, Homeland Security / Law Enforcement, Reserve / National Guard modernization),

Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Driver:

Rising Geopolitical Tensions and Near-Peer Warfare

Escalating geopolitical tensions and the return of near-peer conflict are accelerating military modernization programs worldwide, directly increasing demand for next-generation infantry rifles. Governments are prioritizing stronger ground forces, modern soldier equipment, and improved battlefield lethality to address evolving security threats.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military expenditure reached USD 2.718 trillion in 2024, representing a 9.4% year-on-year increase and the fastest growth rate since the Cold War. Military spending has now risen for 10 consecutive years and expanded by 37%, reflecting a sustained shift toward long-term defense preparedness and modernization.

Ongoing conflicts are a major catalyst for this spending surge. SIPRI reported that Israel’s military expenditure rose by 65% in 2024, while Russia’s increased by 38%, highlighting how active conflict environments rapidly drive procurement of weapons and soldier systems . Such increases typically translate into accelerated acquisition of small arms, ammunition, and advanced infantry equipment to sustain operational readiness.

Europe is also undergoing a significant rearmament cycle. Germany increased defense spending by 28% in 2024, supported by a USD 105 billion special military modernization fund, signaling sustained investment in force readiness and equipment upgrades. This modernization wave is expected to continue over the coming decade.

Sustained defense spending growth and ongoing conflicts are strengthening long-term procurement pipelines. This global rearmament trend will significantly accelerate demand for next-generation infantry rifles and associated soldier systems.

  1. Market Segmentation
  2. Introduction
    1. Product Definition
    2. Research Process
    3. Assumptions
  3. Executive Summary
  4. Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Policies, Regulations, and Product Standards
  5. Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Trends & Developments
  6. Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Dynamics
    1. Growth Factors
    2. Challenges
  7. Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Hotspot & Opportunities
  8. Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
    1. Market Size & Outlook
      1. By Revenues (USD Million)
    2. Market Share & Analysis
      1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        1. Assault Rifles
        2. Battle Rifles
        3. Automatic Rifles / Infantry Automatic Rifles (IAR)
        4. Carbines (compact modular rifles)
        5. Designated Marksman Rifles (DMR) / Precision Infantry Rifles
      2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        1. 5.56 mm Next-Gen Platforms
        2. 6.5 mm Intermediate Caliber
        3. 6.8 mm Advanced Caliber
        4. 7.62 mm Advanced Platforms
        5. Multi-caliber / Convertible Systems
      3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        1. Gas-operated rifles
        2. Short-stroke piston rifles
        3. Hybrid recoil mitigation systems
        4. Suppressor-optimized weapon systems
      4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        1. Military Infantry Forces
        2. Special Operations Forces
        3. Homeland Security / Law Enforcement
        4. Reserve / National Guard modernization
      5. By Region
        1. North America
        2. Europe
        3. The Middle East & Africa
        4. Asia-Pacific
      6. By Company
        1. Competition Characteristics
        2. Market Share & Analysis
  9. North America Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
    1. Market Size & Outlook
      1. By Revenues (USD Million)
    2. Market Share & Analysis
      1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      5. By Country
        1. The US
        2. Rest of North America
    3. The US Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
  10. Europe Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
    1. Market Size & Outlook
      1. By Revenues (USD Million)
    2. Market Share & Analysis
      1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      5. By Country
        1. The UK
        2. Germany
        3. France
        4. Italy
        5. Spain
        6. Rest of Europe
    3. The UK Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
    4. Germany Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
    5. France Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
    6. Italy Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
    7. Spain Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
  11. The Middle East & Africa Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
    1. Market Size & Outlook
      1. By Revenues (USD Million)
    2. Market Share & Analysis
      1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      5. By Country
        1. Saudi Arabia
        2. The UAE
        3. South Africa
        4. Egypt
        5. Rest of Middle East & Africa
    3. Saudi Arabia Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
    4. The UAE Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
    5. South Africa Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
    6. Egypt Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
  12. Asia-Pacific Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
    1. Market Size & Outlook
      1. By Revenues (USD Million)
    2. Market Share & Analysis
      1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
      5. By Country
        1. China
        2. Japan
        3. India
        4. South Korea
        5. Australia
        6. Rest of Asia-Pacific
    3. China Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
    4. Japan Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
    5. India Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
    6. South Korea Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
    7. Australia Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Outlook, 2022-2032F
      1. Market Size & Outlook
        1. By Revenues (USD Million)
      2. Market Share & Analysis
        1. By Weapon Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        2. By Caliber Type- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        3. By Operating Mechanism- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
        4. By End User- Market Size & Forecast 2022-2032, USD Million
  13. Global Next Generation Infantry Rifles Market Key Strategic Imperatives for Success & Growth
  14. Competitive Outlook
    1. Company Profiles
      1. SIG Sauer, Inc.
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      2. FN Herstal S.A.
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      3. Heckler & Koch GmbH
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      4. Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC (Part of Colt CZ Group SE)
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      5. Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd.
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      6. Rheinmetall AG
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      7. General Dynamics Corporation
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      8. Beretta Holding S.p.A.
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      9. Daniel Defense, Inc.
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      10. Kalashnikov Concern JSC
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      11. ST Engineering Land Systems Ltd. (ST Engineering Group)
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      12. Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc.
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      13. Česká zbrojovka a.s. (CZ) (Part of Colt CZ Group SE)
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      14. China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO Group)
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
      15. Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL)
        1. Business Description
        2. Product Portfolio
        3. Collaborations & Alliances
        4. Recent Developments
        5. Financial Details
        6. Others
  15. Disclaimer


MarkNtel Advisors follows a robust and iterative research methodology designed to ensure maximum accuracy and minimize deviation in market estimates and forecasts. Our approach combines both bottom-up and top-down techniques to effectively segment and quantify various aspects of the market. A consistent feature across all our research reports is data triangulation, which examines the market from three distinct perspectives to validate findings. Key components of our research process include:

1. Scope & Research Design At the outset, MarkNtel Advisors define the research objectives and formulate pertinent questions. This phase involves determining the type of research—qualitative or quantitative—and designing a methodology that outlines data collection methods, target demographics, and analytical tools. They also establish timelines and budgets to ensure the research aligns with client goals.

2. Sample Selection and Data Collection In this stage, the firm identifies the target audience and determines the appropriate sample size to ensure representativeness. They employ various sampling methods, such as random or stratified sampling, based on the research objectives. Data collection is carried out using tools like surveys, interviews, and observations, ensuring the gathered data is reliable and relevant.

3. Data Analysis and Validation Once data is collected, MarkNtel Advisors undertake a rigorous analysis process. This includes cleaning the data to remove inconsistencies, employing statistical software for quantitative analysis, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Validation steps are taken to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the findings, minimizing biases and errors.

Data Trangulation

4. Data Forecast and FinalizationThe final phase involves forecasting future market trends based on the analyzed data. MarkNtel Advisors utilize predictive modeling and time series analysis to anticipate market behaviors. The insights are then compiled into comprehensive reports, featuring visual aids like charts and graphs, and include strategic recommendations to inform client decision-making

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