Global Ballistic Protective Equipment Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Ballistic Protective Equipment Market Analysis and Size

The ballistic protective equipment market is experiencing significant growth, propelled by growing global security concerns and increasing military expenditures. Factors such as escalating geopolitical tensions, rising crime rates, and the need for advanced protective gear in conflict zones are fueling market demand. Technological advancements, including the development of lightweight and more durable materials, are also propelling market growth. Additionally, the expansion of law enforcement agencies and security forces globally is driving the adoption of ballistic protective equipment. With a focus on innovation and product development, key market players are striving to meet the evolving demands of defense and security sectors, further contributing to market expansion.

Global ballistic protective equipment market size was valued at USD 14.67 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 22.01 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 5.20% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

Report Scope and Market Segmentation

Market Definition

Ballistic protective equipment refers to specialized gear designed to protect individuals from ballistic threats such as bullets and projectiles. This equipment includes various items such as helmets, vests, shields, and armor plates, which are engineered to withstand and mitigate the impact of bullets and other ballistic projectiles, thereby reducing the risk of injury or fatality. Ballistic protective equipment is primarily used by military personnel, law enforcement officers, and security personnel operating in high-risk environments.    

Ballistic Protective Equipment Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Increasing Security Concerns  

Rising geopolitical tensions and terrorist activities globally are escalating the need for ballistic protective equipment. The prevalence of armed conflicts and the persistent threat of terrorism have heightened the demand for reliable protective gear. This trend is particularly evident in regions experiencing political instability or conflict, where security forces and civilians alike require effective protection against ballistic threats. As a result, there is a growing emphasis on enhancing personal safety and security, driving the market for ballistic protective equipment.    

• Technological Advancements in Ballistic Protective Gear    

Innovations in materials and manufacturing processes are revolutionizing the ballistic protective gear industry. Manufacturers are leveraging advanced technologies to develop lightweight yet highly durable materials that offer superior protection and comfort. These advancements are not only improving the performance of ballistic protection gear but also enhancing user experience. The integration of innovative features such as ergonomic designs, moisture-wicking fabrics, and adjustable fittings is making protective gear more comfortable and functional, driving the market growth.

• Rising Military Expenditure  

The increase in defense budgets in several countries is driving the procurement of advanced ballistic protective equipment for military personnel. Governments are prioritizing the safety and well-being of their armed forces, leading to investments in state-of-the-art protective gear. This trend is fueled by the evolving nature of modern warfare, which demands innovative solutions to protect soldiers from ballistic threats. For instance, BAE Systems has secured a USD 256.8 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps for additional Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) as part of a third order for full-rate production (FRP). This contract includes production, fielding, and support costs for both the ACV Personnel (ACV-P) variant and the Command variant (ACV-C). As a result, there is a growing market for advanced ballistic protection gear tailored to military specifications, creating opportunities for manufacturers to cater to this demand and expand their market presence.

Opportunities 

• Growing Demand for Lightweight Gear

The increasing demand for lightweight ballistic protective gear is driven by the need for enhanced mobility and comfort without compromising on protection. As security threats evolve, there is a growing emphasis on agility and flexibility in tactical operations, prompting law enforcement, military, and security personnel to seek lighter protective gear. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by developing innovative materials that offer high levels of protection while significantly reducing weight. These advancements not only improve user comfort but also enhance operational effectiveness, creating new opportunities for market growth.

• Expanding Law Enforcement Agencies

The expansion of law enforcement agencies globally is creating a surge in demand for protective gear, including ballistic protection. As governments invest in enhancing law enforcement capabilities to address growing security challenges, there is a corresponding need for advanced protective equipment. Law enforcement agencies require ballistic protection for personnel involved in various operations, ranging from routine patrols to high-risk interventions. This growing demand presents significant opportunities for manufacturers to cater to the specific needs of law enforcement agencies and expand their market presence in this sector.

Restraints/Challenges

• High Cost of Ballistic Protective Equipment

The high cost of ballistic protective gear poses a significant affordability challenge for certain end-users, particularly those in developing regions. The substantial investment required to procure this specialized equipment can strain budgets, limiting access to adequate protection for individuals and organizations operating in high-risk environments.    

• Limited Durability of Some Materials

Certain materials used in ballistic protection have inherent limitations in durability, necessitating frequent replacement and contributing to increased overall costs. This issue can pose challenges for users who require reliable and long-lasting protective gear, as frequent replacements can disrupt operations and incur additional expenses. Manufacturers are focusing on research and development efforts to enhance the durability of materials used in ballistic protection, aiming to extend the lifespan of protective gear and reduce the frequency of replacements.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Recent Developments

• In November 2023, MKU Limited introduced its innovative Kavro Doma 360 ballistic helmet, designed to protect against 7.62×39 mm mild steel core (MSC) bullets from AK-47 rifles, as well as 7.62×51 mm and 5.56×45 mm NATO rounds. The helmet can be customized with various accessories such as night vision devices, communication equipment, and masks, enhancing its functionality for diverse operational needs
• In May 2023, GPC Investments acquired Body Armor Outlet (BAO), a leading supplier of protective gear for law enforcement, military, and civilians. Although the financial details were not disclosed, the acquisition is aimed at helping BAO expand its product offerings and enter new defense equipment market

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Ballistic Protective Equipment Market Scope

The market is segmented into six notable segments based on raw material, product, and end-use. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meager growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Raw Material

• Aramid
• Composites
• UHMWPE
• Steel
• Others

Product

• Head Protection
• Soft Armor
• Hard Armor

End-Use

• Defense
• Law Enforcement & Security
• Commercial

Ballistic Protective Equipment Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The market is analyzed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, raw material, product, and end-use as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, rest of Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, rest of Asia-Pacific, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., South Africa, Egypt, Israel, rest of Middle East and Africa, Brazil, Argentina, and rest of South America.

North America is expected to dominate the market due to technological advancements, rigorous regulatory standards, and growing demand from military, law enforcement, and commercial sectors, the regional ballistic protection industry is experiencing significant growth. Manufacturers in the region are strategically focusing on innovation, collaboration, and market diversification to seize emerging opportunities and sustain their leadership in the global ballistic protection market.   

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing due to increasing geopolitical tensions and security risks, especially in regions such as the Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea, and the India-Pakistan border. This heightened threat perception has resulted in a surge in demand for sophisticated protective gear among military, law enforcement, and security personnel, prompting substantial investments in ballistic protection solutions.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in market regulation that impact the current and future trends of the market. Data points like down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.   

Competitive Landscape and Ballistic Protective Equipment Market Share Analysis

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Some of the major players operating in the market are:

• Seyntex N.V. (Belgium)
• Honeywell International, Inc. (U.S.)
• Tencate (Netherlands)
• Rheinmetall AG (Germany)
• BAE Systems, Plc (U.K.)
• Point Blank Enterprise, Inc. (U.S.)
• Morgan Advanced Materials (U.K.)
• ArmorSource LLC (U.S.)
• Craig International Ballistics (Australia)
• Survitec Group Ltd (U.K.)
• Verseidag-Indutex GmbH (Germany)
• Safe Life Defense (U.S.)
• Tactical Assault Gear (TAG) (U.S.)
• Hellweg International Pty. Ltd (Australia)
• MKU Limited (India)
• Mehler Vario System (Germany)

SKU-55494