Body Armor Market - By Product (Concealable Armor, Tactical Armor, Stab Armor), By Body Type (Unisex Armor, Male Armor, Female Armor, Shaped Armor, Formed Armor), By End-Use (Defense, Law Enforcement Officers, Civilians) & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Body Armor Market Size

Body Armor Market was valued at USD 2.3 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 3.5% between 2024 and 2032. The continuous rise in global military spending is a primary driver of growth in the market.
 

As countries prioritize the safety and effectiveness of their armed forces, there is a growing demand for advanced body armor. Military forces around the world are investing in state-of-the-art protective gear that offers enhanced ballistic protection while being lighter and more comfortable. This demand drives innovation and development in the market, leading to the adoption of new materials and technologies that meet the stringent requirements of modern warfare. In January 2024, Safariland introduced the Apex Covert Vest System, a new line of concealable body armor, at the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas. The company highlighted that this innovative armor provides enhanced mobility and comfort.
 

The persistent threat of terrorism and the rise in criminal activities worldwide have heightened the need for personal protection, especially among law enforcement agencies and private security personnel. High-profile terrorist attacks and mass shootings have underscored the importance of body armor in safeguarding lives. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly equipping their officers with body armor that can protect against a wide range of threats, including firearms and stabbing weapons. The civilian market for body armor has also grown as private security firms and even individual citizens seek to protect themselves from potential threats. This has led to an increase in the production and sales of body armor, particularly in regions with high crime rates or frequent terrorist activities.
 

In the body armor market, ensuring appropriate coverage and fit is critical to the effectiveness of protective gear. However, the industry faces significant challenges due to the reliance on manual measurements during the fitting process. This challenge manifests in several key areas, including sizing discrepancies, operational inefficiencies, resource-intensive measurement events, and the costly nature of garment modifications. One of the primary challenges in the market is the variability in sizing that arises from manual measurements. When body armor is fitted manually, the process is highly dependent on the skill and experience of the individual conducting the measurement. Variations in technique, the tools used, and even the person’s interpretation of fit can lead to significant differences in the final product. This inconsistency is problematic because body armor must provide precise coverage to ensure maximum protection. Ill-fitting armor can leave critical areas exposed or restrict movement, thereby compromising the wearer’s safety and effectiveness in the field.
 

Body Armor Market Trends

Advancements in material science have revolutionized the body armor industry, leading to the development of lighter, stronger, and more flexible protective gear. These technological advancements have made body armor more effective against high-velocity projectiles while reducing the weight and bulkiness of the gear. This is particularly important for military personnel and law enforcement officers who require mobility and comfort in addition to protection. The continuous development of new materials and technologies is expected to drive further growth in the market as end-users seek the latest and most effective protective solutions. In April 2023, DuPont unveiled Kevlar EXO, which the company describes as the most significant aramid fiber innovation in over 50 years. Kevlar EXO is a chemically modified aramid with enhanced hydrogen bonding between molecular chains, improved transverse compressive strength, and a reduced defect rate all of which are expected to contribute to superior ballistic performance.
 

There is a growing demand for body armor that is tailored to the specific needs of different users, particularly women and those in specialized roles. Traditional unisex armor often fails to provide the necessary comfort and protection for female users, leading to an increased focus on gender-specific designs. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by developing armor that is specifically designed to fit the anatomical differences between men and women. This includes changes in the shape and distribution of protective materials to ensure better fit and comfort without compromising protection. Customization extends beyond gender, with military and law enforcement units also seeking armor that can be adapted to specific mission requirements. This trend is driving innovation in the market and expanding the customer base. For instance, an armor vest that is too large may not adequately protect vital organs or could shift during movement, leaving areas unprotected. Conversely, armor that is too small might leave gaps in coverage or be uncomfortable, leading to reduced wear time and increased fatigue. These discrepancies in fit not only affect the immediate safety of the wearer but can also lead to a loss of confidence in the equipment, reducing its overall effectiveness.
 

Body Armor Market Analysis

Based on the body type, the body armor market is segmented into unisex armor, male armor, female armor, shaped armor, and formed armor. The male armor represents the fastest growing segment, with a CAGR of over 5% between 2024 and 2032.
 

• One of the most prominent trends in the male armor segment is the increasing focus on enhancing fit and ergonomics. Manufacturers are prioritizing the design of armor that conforms more closely to the male body shape, providing a better fit, which is crucial for both comfort and effectiveness in the field.
   
• Customization is becoming a significant trend in male armor, with more options for modular systems that can be tailored to individual needs and missions. This trend allows for the integration of different protective components, enabling users to adapt their armor to various threat levels and operational environments. There is a growing demand for male armor made from lightweight materials that do not compromise on ballistic protection. The trend towards lighter armor is driven by the need to reduce fatigue and increase agility in combat and tactical situations.
   

Based on the end-use, the market is segmented into defense, law enforcement officers, and civilians. The defense segment dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to reach over USD 1.2 billion by 2032.
 

• Modern military operations require body armor that not only offers superior protection but also enhances mobility. There is a growing trend toward developing lightweight and flexible armor systems that provide the same level of ballistic protection as heavier alternatives.
   
• The integration of smart technologies into body armor is becoming increasingly prevalent in the defense sector. These include features like embedded sensors that monitor vital signs, body temperature, and potential impact forces. This trend is driven by the need for enhanced situational awareness and real-time data collection, which can be critical during combat operations.
   

The body armor market is experiencing growth in North America and is expected to reach USD 1 billion by 2032. The North American market is a leader in both demand and innovation, driven by substantial investments in defense and law enforcement. The region’s focus on safety, coupled with the rising threat of armed conflicts and terrorism, has fueled the need for advanced protective gear.
 

The U.S. body armor industry is the largest in the world, bolstered by significant defense spending and the size of its law enforcement community. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the annual budget for military personal protective equipment, including body armor, has seen steady increases, with billions allocated for continuous upgrades and research into new materials. In April 2023, the U.S. Army announced the rollout of the new Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS), which includes advanced body armor designed to provide better protection and comfort. This move is part of a broader modernization effort aimed at improving soldier survivability.
 

Europe’s body armor market is driven by a combination of military modernization programs, increased security concerns, and growing demand from private security companies. The region’s defense strategies have shifted towards enhancing soldier protection through advanced body armor, which has become a critical focus for NATO-aligned countries. The European Defense Agency (EDA) has been actively promoting joint procurement initiatives to streamline costs and ensure standardization across member states.
 

In February 2024, the European Defence Agency (EDA), through its Incubation Forum for Circular Economy in European Defence (IF CEED), advanced its commitment to circularity in European defense by launching a new project titled "IOTA 2." This initiative focuses on the circular management of body armor vests and is being carried out by an industrial consortium from Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, and France.
 

In the civilian sector, there has been a rise in the use of body armor among security personnel, particularly in urban areas where the threat of terrorism and violent crime is higher. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has reported an increase in the number of licensed security officers in the U.K., many of whom are required to wear body armor as part of their duties.
 

The Asia Pacific region represents a rapidly growing market for body armor, driven by increasing defense budgets, rising security concerns, and the expansion of law enforcement agencies. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and Singapore are at the forefront of this growth, investing heavily in modernizing their military and law enforcement equipment to address both internal and external threats.
 

China body armor market is rapidly growing, driven by the country’s increasing defense budget, expanding law enforcement needs, and rising security concerns. China's focus on modernizing its military and enhancing its domestic security apparatus has led to significant investments in body armor technologies, making it one of the fastest-growing markets in the Asia Pacific region.
 

Japan body armor industry is experiencing steady growth, driven by a combination of factors including rising regional security concerns, the country's strategic defense initiatives, and advancements in technology. As Japan navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, the demand for advanced protective gear is increasingly crucial, particularly for its defense forces and law enforcement agencies.
 

South Korea’s market is heavily influenced by the country’s ongoing security concerns related to its northern neighbor. The South Korean government has been investing in modernizing its military forces, with a particular focus on enhancing the protection of its soldiers.
 

Body Armor Market Share

BAE Systems and Safariland LLC collectively held a significant share of the market in 2023. BAE Systems, a global defense and aerospace company headquartered in London, is a significant player in the body armor industry. With a robust portfolio that includes advanced defense solutions, BAE Systems leverages its expertise in technology and manufacturing to deliver high-quality body armor products designed for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications.
 

Safariland LLC, a leading name in the market, is renowned for its innovative solutions in protective gear and tactical equipment. Established in 1964, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality body armor, including vests, plates, and accessories, tailored for law enforcement, military, and civilian use.
 

Body Armor Market Companies

Major players operating in the body armor industry are:

• BAE Systems
• Safariland LLC
• Pointblank Enterprizes, Inc
• Mehler Vario System GmBH
• MKU Limited
• Armor Express, Inc.
   

Body Armor Industry News

• In April 2024, Black Box Safety, Inc., a San Diego-based provider of advanced defense solutions, secured a USD 35 million, sole-source, 5-year body armor contract with the state of California, marking it as the largest body armor contract in the nation.
   
• In October 2023, defense industry company XTEK Limited announced that its HighCom Armor Solutions division secured a USD 2.2 million purchase order for the urgent delivery of high-end ballistic body armor products from existing inventory to an undisclosed international customer. Additionally, XTEK revealed plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. with the introduction of XTclave technology.
   

The body armor market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2024 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Concealable armor
• Tactical armor
• Stab armor

Market, By Body Type

• Unisex armor
• Male armor
• Female armor
• Shaped armor
• Formed armor

Market, By End-Use

• Defense
• Law enforcement officers
• Civilians

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA