Military Body Armor Market Report by Protection Level (Type 1, Type 2-A, Type 2, Type 3, Type 3-A, Type 4), Protection Type (Ballistic, Spike, Edged Blade Protection), Material (Steel, Ceramics, Aramid, UHMWPE), and Region - Forecast Till 2030

Military Body Armor Market Overview

The global military body armor market size was valued at $2.23 billion in the year 2020, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR rate of 5.4% in the forecast period. Body armor is a combination of helmets, vests, and shields worn by soldiers to protect themselves against bullets, attacks, and other weapons. Security guards, civilians, law enforcement offices, and others also use military body armor in some cases. Now there is futuristic military body armor also available that offers protection and also tons of other features.

Technological advancement is transforming so many industries, including the armor industry. In recent years there has been a huge demand for innovative techniques that can offer enhanced protection. The combination of technology has also resulted in lightweight armors that will drive the military body armor market revenue in the coming years. Additionally, military body armor suits have high demand due to increasing terrorism activities worldwide and the governments' growing focus on border security. Some military body armor manufacturers use advanced synthetic fibers, flexible and lightweight products for better performance.

The security department of all the countries is increasing their budget for defense, and military force, which is one of the major reasons behind the military bulletproof vest market growth. Ceramic-based body armors are used to protect the heart against rifle ammunition. Additionally, the manufacturers are developing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, which is gaining popularity among the companies. They are combining advanced engineering with quality materials to produce highly advanced body armor. The body armors are also used in mental healthcare facilities to enhance the security of the healthcare workers from violent patients. According to the military body armor market analysis, the demand for body armor will rapidly increase in the forecast periods due to its wide range of applications.

COVID-19 Analysis

COVID-19 has created an immense impact on life around the world and how people live and work. This extremely dangerous disease has been a nightmare for people and industries around the world. There were no vaccines or medicines available for this virus, and the only way to tackle this disease was to maintain social distancing and take preventive measures. Due to this, the governments around the world imposed lockdown, due to which the global economy suffered massively. Due to this, all industries worldwide suffered, and their demand declined due to lack of production. The production process was disrupted due to travel restrictions, shortages of laborers, and so many factors. Due to the lack of production, the military body armor market was negatively affected. Also, the travel restriction made the supply of raw materials difficult which led to production disruption. So market hurt the due to covid-19 pandemic according to the military body armor market analysis. The market is expected to see a rise in demand after the pandemic, and the key players are trying to cover up for the loss.

Military Body Armor Market, By Segmentation

Market dynamics

Drivers in the military body armor market

One of the major drivers in the military body armor market is the rising terrorism and hostile activities worldwide. Due to this, the countries and the governments are highly expending on the defense. There are many territorial conflicts as well that have increased military operations in the past. To provide additional safety to the soldiers, several countries are investing in bulletproofs, vests, and modern military body armor for their military. For instance, in 2019, KDH Defense Systems Inc. has announced that the company got a contract worst $29.9 million from the US Army and the other two contracts worth $40 million. Also, rising military warehouses worldwide have increased the need for military body armor, which will propel the military body armor market.

Opportunities in the military body armor market

With the advancement of technology, armor manufacturers are building highly developed, lightweight body armors with more features. These armors can reduce the discomfort and help the soldiers in a better way. These advancements in the market are expected to bring opportunities to the military body armor market. Additionally, military body armors are used in various places such as healthcare, security, banks, shopping malls, etc., which is boosting the demand and generating more opportunities for the market.

Restraints in the military body armor market

One of the major restraints in the market is that the body armors are heavy, leading to back pain and injuries. The lightweight armors are more expensive, so it's a less popular choice. The heavy-weight armors can result in pain among the soldiers and offices. The key players are trying to provide lightweight body armor at an affordable price to overcome this challenge.

Challenges in the military body armor market

Just like other markets military body armor market also face challenges. A major challenge is to provide highly advanced military armor at a low price to be purchased by everyone. But manufacturing of the advanced body armors can be costly; that is why they are very expensive. The key players are trying to come up with strategies to overcome this challenge.

Cumulative growth analysis

Apart from the military purposes, the military body armors are used in various places; as a result, the demand of the market is expected to rise rapidly in the forecast period and register a CAGR of 5.4% in the forecast period.

Market segmentation

The military body armor market is segmented based on level, application, material, product type, and style.

By level

The military body armor market is segmented into Level-I, IIAM II, IIIA, III, and IV based on the level. The level IV segment was accounted for the highest military body armor market share of 25% in 2020. This is due to the high performance of Level-IV armor.

By application

The military body armor market is segmented into civilians, law & enforcement, and defense based on application. The defense segment was accounted for the highest share in the military body armor market of 50%. This is owing to the progression of battlefield threats on the battlefield.

By material

Military body armor materials segmented the market into Steel, Aramid, composite ceramic, UHMWPE, and others. Among these, composite ceramic accounted for 30% in 2020 due to the growing demand for body armor with high protective properties. Military surplus body armor with ceramic plates offers many advantages, and it is highly protective.

By product type

The military body armor market is divided into soft armor, hard armor, and accessories based on product type. Among these, the soft armor segment dominated the market with a share of 44.9% in 2002. This was because soft shields are ideal for flexibility and comfort.

By product style

Based on product style, the military body armor market is further carried out covert and overt. The overt segment led the military body armor market by registering the highest share over 85% in 2020.

Regional analysis

The major regions in the military body armor market are North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the world. Among these regions, North America dominated the military body armor market in 2020 by holding the highest military body armor market share. This was due to the rising adoption of ballistic protection suits in various industries. Us military body armor holds a huge share in the market revenue, and in 2019 the US government invested highly in body armor. Asia Pacific region is expected to register the highest CAGR in the military tactical body armor market owing to a significant increase in investments in body armor. This region has countries like India, Japan, China who are focusing on strengthening their military department.

Competitive landscape

The major regions in the military body armor market are

• Elmon (Greece)


• Honeywell (US), ),


• BAE Systems (UK)


• Coorstek Inc. (US)


• Du Pont (US)


• Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. (US)


• MKU Limited (India)


• M (US Safariland, LLC (US)


• Survitec Group Limited (UK)

Recent developments

In 2019, the Ukraine Defense Ministry produced a vest that complies with NATO standards, and it is designed for daily combat missions.

Report overview

This military body armor market report gives a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the military body armor market. This report includes the impact of the covid-19 on the military body armor market and the market dynamics such as drivers, opportunities, challenges, and restraints faced by the military body armor market. It also highlights the market segmentation, regional analysis, recent developments, and competitive landscape.

Segmental table

By Level

• Level I


• Level IIA


• Level II


• Level IIIA


• Level III


• Level IV

By Application

• Law Enforcement Protection


• Civilians

By Material

• Steel


• UHMWPE


• Aramid


• Composite Ceramic


• Others

Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

• Soft Armor


• Hard Armor

By product Style Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

• Covert


• Overt