Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2025-2033)

Global Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market Size & Forecast

The Global Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market was valued at USD 4,994.35 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of around 6.62% during the forecast period (2025-2033F), driven by rising global defense spending, increasing threats from low-flying aircraft and drones, and the growing need for rapid-deployment, shoulder-fired air defense solutions.

Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market Analysis

MANPADS are short-range, lightweight, and portable surface-to-air missiles that can be fired by individuals or small groups to destroy aircraft or helicopters. They help shield troops from aerial attacks and are most effective in targeting low-flying aircrafts. The Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) market around the world is experiencing steady growth because of the growth in defense budgets, modernization, and threats of low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The presence of geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and asymmetric warfare has forced countries to increase their air defense budget, which has resulted in increased sales of MANPADS by developed and emerging economies.

Global Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market Trends

This section discusses the key market trends that are influencing the various segments of the global Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) market, as found by our team of research experts.

Shift toward infrared and radar homing advanced guidance systems

The shift towards infrared and radar homing advanced guidance systems is one of the most important emerging trends in the global MANPADS market. These technologies greatly improve the target detection rate and tracking accuracy even in unfavorable weather conditions or countermeasure-saturated environments. IR homing systems offer better heat-seeking features to stealth missions, whereas radar homing forms a dependable aspect of performance with fast-moving or low-visibility targets. These multi-spectral systems or dual mode guidance systems integrations are also allowing defense armed forces to operate with unprecedented flexibility, precision, and survivability, and have become very popular in the next generation MANPADS systems worldwide.

Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Industry Segmentation

This section provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033.

The Infrared Homing Segment Dominates the Global Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market

Based on the guidance system category, the market is categorised into command-to-line-of-sight, infrared homing, radar homing, and others. Among these, the infrared homing segment currently holds the largest market share in the MANPADS market because of its high accuracy, passive mode, and the ease of deployment without any external guidance systems. This is because they have better target-tracking capabilities compared to the aircraft and drones, and they are good both in defensive and offensive missions. However, the Command-to-Line-of-Sight (CLOS) segment is set to grow significantly with improvements in real-time data connection, optical tracking, and digital fire-control systems that increase the accuracy and resiliency to countermeasures, facilitating the modernization of next-generation air-defense systems.

The Military Segment Dominates the Global Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market.

Based on the application category, the market is segmented into military and homeland security. Among these, the military segment holds the largest market share because MANPADS systems are mainly used by military forces to provide air cover on the battlefield to attack airplanes, helicopters, and drone aircraft operated by the enemy. Their widespread use in military systems around the world is necessitated by the high cost of defense budgets, modernizations, and the demand to have mobile and fast response systems. However, in the future, the homeland security segment is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR, as more and more issues emerge regarding the problem of terrorism, trans-border threats, and rogue drone attacks. The security forces are also being gradually armed by the governments through portable air-defense systems to improve national protection and critical infrastructure defense capabilities.

For instance, in July 2024, MBDA unveiled a new man-portable VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defence) system at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, designed for the Italian Army and export markets, featuring a supersonic, fire-and-forget missile with an advanced seeker capable of engaging fighters, helicopters, and small drones either man-portable or vehicle-mounted.

North America holds the largest market share in the global Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) market

The North American Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) market is showing strong growth due to the constant investor activities in the development of superior air defense systems. The United States and Canada are focusing on rapidly deployable, low-weight, and high-precision systems to address the growing threats posed by drones, aircraft operating at lower altitudes, and evolving aerial warfare strategies. Market growth in the North America region is promoted through strong defense budgets, technological advancement, and the aggressive partnership of defense contractors with government bodies. Also, the push to create next-generation portable missile systems and the improvement of interoperability with other air defense systems are making North America a stronger force in the global MANPADS market.

The United States held a Dominant share of the North America Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market in 2024

The US Man-Portable Air-Defense system (MANPADS) market is also driven by the country's priorities to ensure a high level of tactical air defense and modernize its military equipment. The U.S. Department of Defense is still working to modernize outdated systems, such as the FIM-92 Stinger, and is investing in next-generation portable air-defense systems that offer greater accuracy, range, and resistance to countermeasures. The large number of defense contractors and the current activities of the R&D strengthen the technological competitiveness of the country in this segment. Additionally, the increasing hazards of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and asymmetric warfare situations are driving the expanding MANPADS acquisition and development of the U.S. military programs.

Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Industry Competitive Landscape

The global MANPADS market is competitive, with several global and international market players. The key players are adopting different growth strategies to enhance their market presence, such as partnerships, agreements, collaborations, geographical expansions, and mergers and acquisitions.

Top Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market Companies

Some of the major players in the market are MBDA, RTX Corporation, Thales, Saab AB, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Leonardo S.p.A., Roketsan, LIG Nex1 Co. Ltd., and Mesko S.A.

Recent Developments in the Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market

• In October 2025, the American company Raytheon introduced a prototype of a new portable air-defense missile system, “the Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI)”, designed to replace the Stinger.

• In February 2025, Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) announced the signing of an initial supply of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence systems (LBRM) in response to a requirement set out by the Indian Government to support India’s air defence capabilities.

Global Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market Report Coverage

Reasons to Buy the Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) Market Report:

• The study includes market sizing and forecasting analysis confirmed by authenticated key industry experts.

• The report briefly reviews overall industry performance at a glance.

• The report covers an in-depth analysis of prominent industry peers, primarily focusing on key business financials, type portfolios, expansion strategies, and recent developments.

• Detailed examination of drivers, restraints, key trends, and opportunities prevailing in the industry.

• The study comprehensively covers the market across different segments.

• Deep dive regional level analysis of the industry.

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