Military Personal Protective Equipment Market Report 2026

The military personal protective equipment market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $21.13 billion in 2025 to $22.97 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising deployment of protective garments to safeguard military personnel in combat and hazardous environments, increased adoption of respiratory equipment to protect against chemical and biological threats, growth in development of advanced barrier materials improving durability and contamination resistance, expansion of modernization programs enhancing soldier protection standards, advancements in lightweight ppe designs improving mobility without compromising safety.

The military personal protective equipment market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $30.98 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing investment in next-generation ppe integrating smart sensors for real-time health and exposure monitoring, increasing demand for modular and customizable protective systems tailored to mission requirements, expansion of high-performance materials such as nanofibers and advanced composites enhancing protection levels, rising focus on multi-threat protective suits capable of countering chemical and ballistic risks, development of ergonomic and climate-adaptive PPE improving comfort and operational endurance. Major trends in the forecast period include lightweight and high-performance materials, enhanced ballistic and blast protection, integration of wearable sensors and health monitoring, modular and customizable protective gear, advanced respiratory and chemical protection systems.

The increasing military expenditure is expected to propel the growth of the military personal protective equipment market going forward. Military expenditure refers to the funds allocated for weapons, weapon systems, operations, maintenance, personnel, and other specific military equipment. Rising geopolitical tensions are driving nations to strengthen defense capabilities and invest in advanced technologies for security and strategic advantage. Increased military spending enables governments to invest more in advanced personal protective equipment, including body armor, helmets, and chemical protection suits, thereby enhancing soldier safety, operational efficiency, and preparedness for high-risk missions. For instance, in April 2025, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a US-based independent international research institute, US military expenditure reached $997 billion in 2024, representing a 5.7% increase compared to 2023. Therefore, the rising military expenditure is driving the military personal protective equipment market.

Major companies in the military personal protective equipment market are actively developing innovative products such as aramid fiber for body armor to expand their customer base, increase sales, and drive revenue growth. Aramid fiber, known for its high strength, heat resistance, and durability, is a synthetic fiber utilized in crafting body armor. In April 2023, DuPont de Nemours Inc., a US-based chemical company, introduced Kevlar EXO aramid fiber. This fiber stands out for its exceptional combination of protection, lightness, and flexibility. Kevlar EXO, used in body armor, allows military and law enforcement officers to achieve unprecedented levels of ballistic protection while maintaining optimal mobility and comfort. Its unique pliability enables seamless contouring to body lines, providing a more inclusive and ergonomic solution without compromising on maximum protection.

In April 2024, Ansell Limited, an Australian manufacturer of gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE), acquired Kimberly-Clark's Personal Protective Equipment (KCPPE) business for $640 million. This acquisition strengthens Ansell's position as a global leader in personal protection by expanding its product range and enhancing its service capabilities. The deal allows Ansell to broaden its offerings in the PPE market, helping the company better address customer needs across various sectors. Kimberly-Clark's PPE division, based in the U.S., produces and markets a variety of protective products, including gloves, apparel, and safety eyewear.

Major companies operating in the military personal protective equipment market are 3M Company, Ansell Limited, Armor Express LLC, Avon Rubber plc, BAE Systems Inc., Ballistic Body Armor Pty. Ltd., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Eagle Industries Unlimited Inc., Gentex Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Koninklijke DSM N.V., MKU Limited, Point Blank Enterprises Inc., Revision Military Inc., Teijin Limited, Australian Defense Apparel Pty Ltd., Authorities Gear LLC, Fortis Clothing Ltd., KDH Defense Systems Inc., MSA Safety Incorporated, SEYNTEX NV, Sioen Industries NV, TOP-SKIN S.r.l., W. L. Gore & Associates Inc.

North America was the largest region in the military personal protective equipment market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the military personal protective equipment market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the military personal protective equipment market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs have influenced the military PPE market by increasing costs for imported raw materials, advanced fibers, and electronic components, affecting segments such as body armor, tactical vests, helmets, and respiratory protection, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions. While procurement expenses have risen and supply chains have faced delays, tariffs have also encouraged domestic manufacturing, strengthened local supply networks, and driven innovation in advanced and modular protective equipment.

The military personal protective equipment market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides military personal protective equipment market statistics, including military personal protective equipment industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a military personal protective equipment market share, detailed military personal protective equipment market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the military personal protective equipment industry. This military personal protective equipment market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Military personal protective equipment (PPE) consists of clothing designed to minimize exposure to risks that could lead to significant workplace diseases and injuries. In military applications, it is employed to safeguard military personnel from illnesses arising in challenging living conditions or injuries sustained during combat.

The primary types of military personal protective equipment include body armor, tactical vests, eye protection, combat helmets, life safety jackets, pelvic protection, respiratory protection, and others. Body armor serves as protective clothing designed to absorb or deflect physical attacks that could otherwise cause harm. These protective gear solutions are utilized for a range of purposes, including detection, fall protection, head and face protection, hearing protection, apparel, communications, eyewear, respiratory protection, and welding safety. Applications span across various branches such as the army, air force, navy, and others.

The countries covered in the military personal protective equipment market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The military personal protective equipment market consists of sales of respiratory equipment, protective garments, and barrier materials. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entries (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to the end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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