Smart Gun Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (RFID, Biometrics), By End users (Law Enforcement, Defense), and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2034

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SMART GUN MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Smart Gun market size was USD 0.33 billion in 2025 and is projected to touch USD 0.58 billion in 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.49% during the forecast period.

The Smart Gun Market is a new segment of the global firearms market that explores the technology of firearms with new identities, technologies, and safety features. The purpose of smart guns is to allow authorized users to fire a firearm using a locking mechanism, which can either be a biometric sensor, an RFID chip, or an electronic mechanism that will only allow authorized users. Smart Gun Market growth is driven by increased gun safety concerns, unintentional or accidental shooting concerns, and gun theft. Gun laws and increasingly developed technologies are driving demand in the civilian and law enforcement markets for smart guns. The Smart Gun Market is projected to experience a steady amount of growth in the upcoming years, and as advancements continue in the smart gun and/or smart firearm industry will provide a self-sustaining competitive advantage for manufacturers.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Smart Gun Industry Had a Negative Effect Due to global disruptions and restrictions during COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the Smart Gun Market, primarily affecting global supply chain management and manufacturing timelines. Due to lockdowns and restrictions in place all over the world, production activities were either completely halted or considerably slowed for travelers of smart firearm technologies. The closure of retailers and non-essential consumer spending considerably affected smart gun sale velocity. A lack of government budget in the law enforcement and defense sectors further delayed procurement of smart guns. Overall, COVID-19 considerably disrupted the growth of the Smart Gun Market, and caused progress into stagnation that was occurring in a segment that was otherwise evolving at a steady pace.

LATEST TRENDS

Market Growth Driven by Fingerprint-Enabled Biometric Authentication Trend

The Smart Gun Market is seeing an increase in the use of biometric authentication technology, which has emerged as a trend that increases the security of firearms. Biometric authentication systems use fingerprint and palm print recognition systems to ensure only approved users can activate and operate the weapon. Wireless connectivity in smart guns for tracking and usage data has also become a trend, especially in the law enforcement sector. But as time goes on, fingerprint-enabled Smart Guns are gaining the most attention since they offer the most natural user experience and the quickest response time. This trend is changing consumer expectations and fueling the innovation for civilian and professional firearms.

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SMART GUN MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into RFID, Biometrics

• RFID: Smart guns that use RFID operate by using radio frequency identification to only allow authorized users to fire a firearm. RFID uses a paired RFID tag (usually worn as a ring or bracelet) detected by a sensor in the firearm. In addition, this type of smart gun adds safety to firearms by limiting unauthorized access, particularly at home. Reliability issues with RFID could be problematic if the signal is blocked, or the tag is lost in some way, however, RFID is gaining traction because of the simplicity and low cost of smart gun options.

• Biometrics: Biometric smart guns use fingerprint recognition or palm recognition technology to make sure that only currently registered users can fire the weapon. This sector of smart guns is growing rapidly because the product is high security and highly convenient, especially for personal use and law enforcement use. The sensors in biometric smart guns have gained much faster speed and better accuracy than before, addressing the former concerns of speed, whether or not a fingerprint is matched was a lag in identification, and success of identification. Overall, biometrics can become the preferred type of authentication in the Smart Gun Market.

By End Users

Based on End users, the global market can be categorized into Law Enforcement, Defense

• Law Enforcement: Smart guns provide a new way to control firearms for law enforcement. Smart guns could improve ultimate control over the gun, as only authorized officers would be able to fire their weapons, which hopefully could mitigate some risk associated with theft of police firearms and/or misuse by non-police individuals. Police are especially interested in this technology in situations where weapons safety could be a huge concern, i.e. in high-stress situations involving resisters and suspects. Police departments are looking at smart guns using RFID tags and smart guns using biometrics to improve accountability and operational security. Developments in smart guns are on-going; however, it will take a while to catch on due to cost and also real-life proven experience by officers in the field.

• Defense: With an increasing interest in smart weapon technology in the defense sector to improve soldiers' safety and reduce the chance of unauthorized weapon use in a combat environment, we will see the future of smart guns and weapon technology will change. The combination of biometrics and digital locking mechanisms will help secure weapons to and prevent unauthorized access by anyone, even in a military environment. Pilot programs and research are currently underway to test smart firearms in extreme environments and evaluate performance in action. Although we will only see early-stage adoption for the understanding of smart guns in the active combat environment, the future for smart guns and weapon systems in our military appears promising.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

Market Growth Rising Due to Increased Misuse and Safety Demand

As the number of accidental shootings and misuse of weapons increases, demand for smart guns is also increasing. These issues draw awareness and generally create pressure as a society to find safer alternatives to traditional firearms. Smart guns can provide identification technologies that diminish the risk of misuse and appear to serve victimized households as well. For this reason, there is a general increase in interest by both individual consumers and policymakers alike.

Market Growth Driven by Improved Sensors and Tracking Features

Biometric sensors, RFID systems, and wireless communications have undergone rapid advancements that are making smart guns more consistent and easier to use. Sensor designs are becoming faster and more precise thus improving performance. When accompanied by a mobile app, and data tracking, smart guns offer an additional layer of user control and weapon tracking. These capabilities are creating a growing market for smart guns among civilian and institutional buyers.

Restraining Factor

Market Growth Limited Due to High Cost and Reliability Issues

One significant limiting factor of the Smart Gun Market Growth is the expense related to smart firearm technology. The added value gained by utilizing biometrics, RFID, and electronic locks adds considerable expense to production over traditional firearms, making smart guns less accessible to the regular consumer, especially in developing markets. If there is a delay in recognition by the sensor, or the sensor fails altogether, the reliability of the smart gun becomes questionable in emergency situations. Law enforcement and military agencies have been cautious about implementing smart guns as concerns about reliability increased skepticism about price and performance. All of these factors have a limiting effect on the adoption of smart guns.

Market Growth Supported by Regulations and Rising Safety Demand

Opportunity

One possibility for growth in the Smart Gun Market is the increase in governmental support and regulations encouraging safer firearms. With the rise in firearm violence and unintentional uses of firearms, many governments are considering potential requirements or incentives for smart gun development. The legislation that promotes responsible gun ownership and safety would give manufacturers an opportunity to compete in a positive environment.

It would also be helpful to have grants and funding for law enforcement to help improve their firearm systems and support the development of smart gun technology. The public's growing interest in gun safety will continue to increase the demand for advancements. Similarly, a public interest in self-defense and secure firearms will also provide positive momentum for continued growth from civilians.

Market Growth Challenged by Reliability Doubts and User Skepticism

Challenge

The Smart Gun Market faces challenge of user skepticism about reliability and operational performance in real-life situations. Users worry that smart guns might not work in critical situations because of a technical malfunction, misread by a sensor, or an oversight. These concerns hold special significance for law enforcement and defense because they depend heavily on immediate response from a weapon.

Additionally, environmental factors such as dirt, moisture, or extreme temperatures might jam biometric or electronic systems. Users are also wary of cyber-security threats, hoping that the new digital firearm is not hacked or tampered with affecting safety. Consumer hesitation can also be attributed to the sparse longitudinal field testing and performance evidence. Overcoming this skepticism is important to enable overall acceptance and market penetration.

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SMART GUN MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

Market Growth Led by U.S. Innovation and Firearm Demand

North America is expected to lead the Smart Gun Market because of their solid technological infrastructure, robust infrastructure for research and development, and growing concerns about firearm safety. North America's favorable position is due to the early adoption of smart firearms in law enforcement and civilian use and the United States Smart Gun Market is also favorable as the increase in gun ownership and demand for secure firearm solutions increases. U.S.-based companies have already established research funding, smart gun innovation and piloting programs, and we expect more investments to be made in the near future. Favorable and progressive legislation, and increases in public awareness, should also support the overall growth of the Smart Gun Market in the United States more than other countries in North America.

• Europe

Market Growth in Europe Driven by Safety Policies, Research

Europe supports the Smart Gun Market based on historical regulation considerations for firearm safety and technology development. Although, only Germany and Switzerland practices and are establishing quasi-research and pilot testing for smart firearm use we expect growth in their local markets, particularly for law enforcement use. Existing EU policies focusing on responsible gun ownership continues to influence the development of secure technologies for firearms too. Additionally, illegal arms trafficking causes significant concern for many countries in Europe this may have generated interest in the region for smart guns too.

• Asia

Market Growth in Asia Driven by Defense Tech Investments

The Smart Gun Market is developing in Asia as countries are investing in modernization of their defense and public safety technologies leading to increase in Smart Gun Market Share. For example, China, India, and South Korea are investigating the use of smart firearms in the military and law enforcement sectors. As concerns about unauthorized access to firearms and urban security challenges grow, there is correspondingly increased interest in the technology in Asia. Although its still early, Asia along with its large growing population and growing defense budget.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Drive Market Growth Through Innovation and Collaboration

Big industry players continue to positively influence the Smart Gun Market by innovating, collaborating and engaging in R&D. Companies like Biofire Technologies, Armatix and SmartGunz LLC are bringing RFID-enabled and biometric-based firearms to the market. They are trying to provide effortless, reliable, acceptable, and instant usage that is safe for smart gun technology; while also reducing the public scepticism faced in the market. These players are taking their processes a step further with collaboration and buy-in from their law enforcement and defense entities which allows for real world testing and makes the general public feel more confident in using their firearms. They are also trying to increase safe firearm ownership awareness to the general public. The forces of innovation of technology, the emerging market and product innovation will be major definitive disruptive forces influencing the global Smart Gun Market in the future.

List Of Top Smart Gun Companies

• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)
• Smart Firearms (U.S.)
• Identilock LLC (U.S.)
• Gun Guardian, LLC (U.S.)
• iGun Technology Corp (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

April 2023, Biofire Technologies (Broomfield, Colorado) unveiled the Biofire Smart Gun® in April 2023. The 9 mm biometric handgun uses both capacitive fingerprint scanning and 3D infrared facial recognition technology to make sure only authorized users can fire the weapon. As the first commercially available smart gun with biometric authentication, the Biofire Smart Gun’s pre‑orders began at a price of US $1,499 and customers will receive their shipments in early 2024.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis that also evaluates the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies and key strategies tailored for the anticipated frame of time. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.