According to Fortune Business Insights™, the global body armor market size was valued at USD 6.72 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 7.60 billion in 2025 to USD 14.42 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period.
Market Overview
Body armor is essential protective clothing used by military personnel, law enforcement, and civilians to defend against ballistic threats such as bullets, shrapnel, and explosive projectiles. In recent years, body armor has undergone significant advancements in material science and design, aiming to enhance both protection and mobility during combat and reconnaissance missions. The market has seen rising demand due to increasing global security threats, terrorist activities, and modernization efforts by military forces.
Competitive Landscape
The global body armor market is highly competitive, with both multinational defense firms and specialized protection equipment companies striving for dominance. Key companies focus on product innovation, R&D, and strategic partnerships to maintain leadership.
Key Players Profiled
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3M (U.S.)
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ArmorSource LLC (U.S.)
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BAE Systems plc (U.K.)
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DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (U.S.)
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Eagle Industries (U.S.)
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Gentex Corporation (U.S.)
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Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)
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Armor Express (U.S.)
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Point Blank Enterprises Inc. (U.S.)
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Revision Military (U.S.)
These companies leverage government contracts, defense technology integration, and global distribution networks to maintain competitive advantage.
Source:
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/body-armor-market-113318
Market Segmentation
By Application
The body armor market is segmented into army, air force, and navy. Among these, the army segment held the dominant share in 2024 and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing need to protect soldiers in active combat zones, escalating geopolitical tensions, and the persistent threat of terrorism. Modern armed forces are heavily investing in next-generation body armor systems that are modular, scalable, and lightweight. A notable example is the U.S. Army’s Modular Scalable Vest (MSV) Gen-II, which offers enhanced adaptability and mobility while maintaining high levels of ballistic protection.
By Material
The market is categorized into soft armor, hard armor, concealed vest, full body tactical armor, bulletproof military vest, and others. In 2024, the bulletproof military vest segment accounted for the largest share. This dominance is attributed to continuous innovations in ballistic fabrics such as Kevlar, Dyneema, and Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), which provide exceptional protection with reduced weight. Furthermore, the integration of advanced materials like graphene and metal nanofibers is significantly enhancing the durability and multi-hit capability of vests, making them highly preferred by military forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Market Dynamics
Market Drivers
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Military Modernization Programs
Ongoing modernization efforts by global military forces aim to enhance operational effectiveness and combat readiness. Programs such as the U.S. Army's modernization strategy focus on advanced combat vehicles, precision weapons, and soldier lethality, including protective gear. Similarly, India’s defense reforms prioritize faster acquisitions and homegrown defense manufacturing, which includes lightweight, durable body armor.
Market Restraints
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High Costs and Regulatory Challenges
The use of cutting-edge materials like Kevlar, Dyneema, and ceramic composites makes body armor expensive to manufacture. Additionally, stringent ballistic protection regulations, testing protocols, and certification standards further complicate production, affecting affordability and accessibility—especially in budget-constrained regions.
Market Opportunities
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Rising Civilian Demand for Modular Armor Systems
There is growing interest in modular and concealable armor among civilians, including private security professionals and urban preppers. These customizable systems offer flexibility, lightweight protection, and improved comfort. E-commerce platforms are boosting this trend by providing customizable features and transparent pricing, helping drive broader adoption.
Impact of Russia-Ukraine War
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has intensified demand for body armor, prompting manufacturers to optimize supply chains and seek region-based vendors to meet increasing demand. Reliance on a limited number of suppliers has exposed production bottlenecks, creating opportunities for new entrants to establish contracts with military and law enforcement buyers.
Regional Insights
North America
North America led the global market in 2024, driven by the U.S. Department of Defense's high military spending (USD 842 billion in FY2024). Programs such as Soldier Protection Systems and Extremity Protection are promoting next-generation armor adoption. Increasing civilian demand for body armor due to rising gun violence further boosts regional market growth.
Europe
Europe holds the second-largest share in the market. Rising tensions in Eastern Europe and NATO-led modernization initiatives have spurred investments in lightweight and modular armor systems. Police forces are also increasingly equipped with advanced protective gear to address civil unrest and terrorism.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is projected to register the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. The rising defense budgets in countries like China and India, along with efforts to equip soldiers with high-tech protective systems, are driving market growth. Additionally, growing civilian demand for body armor in densely populated urban centers adds to the market expansion.
Rest of the World
The Latin American market is gaining traction due to rising crime and political instability. Brazil and Mexico are investing in upgraded armor for military and law enforcement agencies. In the Middle East and Africa, ongoing conflict and security challenges are leading governments and private security firms to procure advanced body armor systems.
Key Industry Developments
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August 2024: The British Military launched a next-generation body armor system designed for modern warfare. The new design counters emerging threats such as drones and laser tracking while improving soldier mobility and battlefield awareness.
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May 2024: Craig International Ballistics, a defense firm based in Queensland, secured a USD 19.7 million contract to provide body armor to the Australian Protection Drive. The suits are engineered to protect soldiers from both high- and low-velocity threats and fragmentation.
