The global anti-riot equipment market is poised for steady growth in the coming years, driven by rising public demonstrations, political protests, and crowd-management requirements worldwide. Valued at US$5.3 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach US$7.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. The growth is fueled by governments’ increasing focus on modernizing law enforcement and internal security forces, investing in protective gear, non-lethal weapons, and surveillance solutions to enhance public safety. Heightened global awareness about safety during mass gatherings and civil unrest is compelling agencies to adopt technologically advanced anti-riot equipment.

Among product types, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, shields, and body armor remains the leading segment due to its essential role in safeguarding personnel during high-risk events. North America dominates the market geographically, driven by substantial government spending on internal security, law enforcement modernization, and adoption of AI-enabled surveillance, drones, and smart protective gear. The region’s strong regulatory frameworks and the presence of leading manufacturers in the defense and security sector further reinforce its position as a market leader.

𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 & 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬:https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/13162

Key Highlights from the Report

• The anti-riot equipment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2025 and 2032.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the leading product segment in the market.
• North America dominates due to high government spending on law enforcement modernization.
• Rising frequency of public demonstrations and political protests fuels market demand.
• Technological integration, including AI surveillance and smart protective gear, enhances operational efficiency.
• Crowd-control barriers and non-lethal weapons adoption are on the rise globally.

Market Segmentation

The anti-riot equipment market can be segmented based on product type, end-user, and technology adoption. By product type, the market includes personal protective equipment, non-lethal weapons, crowd-control barriers, surveillance systems, and communication systems. PPE, comprising helmets, shields, and body armor, dominates due to its critical role in law enforcement operations, providing immediate protection during violent confrontations. Non-lethal weapons such as batons, tasers, and tear gas launchers are gaining traction due to their effectiveness in subduing crowds without causing permanent harm. Meanwhile, smart surveillance systems and AI-enabled monitoring solutions are increasingly being adopted for real-time threat detection and crowd management.

By end-user, the market serves law enforcement agencies, military units, private security firms, and public institutions responsible for maintaining public order. Law enforcement agencies account for the largest market share due to their frequent involvement in public safety and riot management. Military units are increasingly procuring advanced anti-riot technologies to ensure internal security during civil unrest. Private security companies and critical infrastructure operators are also adopting anti-riot equipment to safeguard personnel and property during emergencies.

Regional Insights

The North American market leads globally, supported by high government expenditure on security modernization, strategic defense initiatives, and early adoption of advanced surveillance and protective technologies. Europe follows closely, driven by regulatory emphasis on public safety, counter-terrorism measures, and investments in smart policing equipment. In the Asia-Pacific region, rapid urbanization, rising civil unrest, and growing demand for law enforcement modernization are key drivers of market expansion. Countries such as India, China, and Japan are investing heavily in advanced protective gear, non-lethal weapons, and integrated communication systems. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets, with governments increasing spending to manage political protests, large-scale events, and internal security threats.

Market Drivers

The anti-riot equipment market is primarily driven by the increasing frequency of public demonstrations, political protests, and civil unrest worldwide. Governments are prioritizing the modernization of law enforcement agencies by procuring technologically advanced protective equipment, non-lethal weapons, and surveillance systems. Integration of AI-enabled monitoring, drones, real-time communication systems, and smart protective gear enhances operational effectiveness and response time. Additionally, rising concerns over terrorism, urban violence, and mass gatherings compel authorities to adopt advanced crowd-control measures, thereby fueling the demand for sophisticated anti-riot solutions.

Market Restraints

Despite strong growth prospects, the market faces certain restraints. High procurement and maintenance costs for advanced anti-riot equipment can limit adoption, particularly among developing countries with budget constraints. Additionally, the complexity of integrating smart technologies, such as AI surveillance and communication systems, requires skilled personnel, which can be a barrier in regions with limited technical expertise. Regulatory restrictions on non-lethal weapons and privacy concerns related to surveillance technologies may also hinder market growth. Furthermore, the risk of misuse or over-reliance on anti-riot equipment can attract public scrutiny and legal challenges, limiting widespread adoption in some areas.

Market Opportunities

The anti-riot equipment market presents significant opportunities driven by advancements in technology and emerging threats. Integration of AI, IoT, and drone-based surveillance systems offers opportunities for predictive policing and real-time monitoring of public events. Rising demand for non-lethal crowd-control solutions provides manufacturers with avenues to develop innovative products that ensure safety while minimizing harm. Developing regions, particularly in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, represent high-growth opportunities due to increasing civil unrest and government investment in law enforcement modernization. Moreover, smart protective gear and wearable devices for law enforcement personnel provide new revenue streams and help enhance personnel safety during high-risk situations.

Company Insights

Key players operating in the global anti-riot equipment market include:

• Safariland Group
• Axon Enterprise, Inc.
• Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation
• FLIR Systems, Inc.
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• TASER International
• Morpho Detection
• ZOLL Medical Corporation
• Hanwha Corporation
• BAE Systems

Recent Developments:

Safariland Group launched a new line of lightweight, impact-resistant riot shields in 2025, designed for enhanced maneuverability during crowd-control operations.

Axon Enterprise introduced an AI-enabled surveillance system integrated with body-worn cameras to improve real-time monitoring and situational awareness for law enforcement agencies.

Conclusion

The anti-riot equipment market is poised for steady growth, driven by rising public demonstrations, political unrest, and increasing investments in law enforcement modernization. With a projected CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2032, the market is expected to reach US$7.7 billion by 2032. Personal protective equipment, non-lethal weapons, and smart surveillance technologies are witnessing growing adoption worldwide. While high procurement costs, technical skill requirements, and regulatory limitations present challenges, the integration of AI, drones, and wearable smart devices provides significant opportunities for innovation and market expansion. Companies that focus on advanced technology solutions, strategic partnerships, and smart protective equipment are well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving global demand for efficient, safe, and technologically advanced anti-riot equipment solutions.