Advanced Combat Helmet Market Report 2026

The advanced combat helmet market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.13 billion in 2025 to $3.36 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased adoption of mich-based designs across military forces, rising replacement of pasgt helmets with enhanced combat helmets, early integration of lightweight ballistic materials such as kevlar and aramid fibers, higher procurement driven by counterterrorism and ground troop modernization programs, expansion of helmet-related services including communication system retrofitting.

The advanced combat helmet market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.35 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for next-generation integrated head protection systems, increased investment in lightweight composite and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene materials, rising military modernization budgets in asia-pacific and middle east regions, accelerated incorporation of augmented reality and communication modules into helmets, higher focus on modular and customizable protection systems for specialized mission profiles. Major trends in the forecast period include adoption of lightweight and modular helmet designs for soldier comfort and mobility, integration of advanced ballistic materials for enhanced protection, development of camouflage-specific helmet variants for diverse terrains, incorporation of communication and situational awareness systems into helmets, expansion of helmet solutions for law enforcement and homeland security applications.

The growing threat of terrorism and conflicts is expected to drive the growth of the advanced combat helmet market going forward. Terrorism refers to the use or threat of violence, particularly against civilians, to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives, whereas illegal activity encompasses actions prohibited by law. The use of advanced combat helmets in counterterrorism operations enhances the protection of military and security personnel by offering improved ballistic resistance, greater durability, and enhanced communication capabilities, thereby reducing the risks associated with terrorist actions. For example, in February 2024, the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), an Australia-based non-profit think tank, reported that terrorism remains a major global concern, with total deaths rising to 8,352 in 2023, up from 6,823 in 2022. Therefore, the increasing threat of terrorism and conflicts is driving the expansion of the advanced combat helmet market.

Major companies operating in the advanced combat helmet market are focusing on advancing ballistic protection helmets to improve soldier safety. Ballistic protection helmets involve enhancing combat helmets to withstand bullets, shrapnel, and other battlefield hazards, while incorporating improvements in materials, design, and modular features to boost protection, comfort, and operational effectiveness. For instance, in August 2024, Gentex Corporation, a US-based provider of advanced personal protection solutions, announced the start of production for its Second-Generation Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH Gen II) for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). This announcement followed Gentex’s receipt of production authorization from the DLA. The ACH Gen II uses a cutting-edge Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) design, making it more than 28% lighter than previous aramid ACH helmets while maintaining equivalent ballistic protection. It also features an innovative boltless retention system that enables chin strap interchangeability with the Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS). Gentex’s ACH Gen II production underscores its continued role as a key supplier to the DLA and the U.S. Government, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the months following authorization.

In August 2023, Newtex Industries, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in high-performance textiles and fabricated textile systems for thermal management and fire protection, acquired Gentex Corp. for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition broadens Newtex's high-performance textile offerings, enhancing its solutions for thermal management and fire protection. The deal underscores Newtex's commitment to global safety by providing a comprehensive portfolio for various heat shielding requirements. Gentex Corp. is a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced combat helmets (ACH Gen II) for the defense logistics agency.

Major companies operating in the advanced combat helmet market are ArmorSource LLC, Elbit Systems, Gentex Corporation, Morgan Advanced Material plc, Revision Military, Ceradyne Inc., MKU Limited, Honeywell International Inc., Point Blank Enterprises Inc., DuPont de Nemours Inc., Eagle Industries, Survitec Group Limited, Elmon S.A, 3M Company, Avon Rubber plc, BAE Systems Inc., Safariland Group, Ballistic Protection Limited, Diamond Age Solutions Inc., Galvion, Hard Shell FZE, KDH Defense Systems Inc., MTEK, NFM Group, Ops-Core Inc., Rabintex Industries Ltd., Sarkar Tactical Inc., Team Wendy LLC, Performance Fabrics Incorporated, Defenx Limited.

North America was the largest region in the advanced combat helmet market in 2025. The regions covered in the advanced combat helmet 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 on advanced combat helmet components have increased production costs and disrupted supply chains, particularly affecting ballistic and composite materials in regions like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The defense and homeland security segments are most impacted due to reliance on imported high-grade materials. Positive impacts include encouraging domestic manufacturing, promoting localized R&D, and driving innovation in cost-effective and technologically advanced helmet solutions.

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

The advanced combat helmet is rooted in the MICH (Modular Integrated Communications Helmet) design, serving as an upgraded alternative to the earlier PASGT helmet (Personal Armor System for Ground Troops). This advanced helmet is engineered to furnish soldiers with enhanced protection against ballistic impacts from projectiles.

The primary types of advanced combat helmets are categorized as black and camouflage. Ballistic helmets, inclusive of black combat helmets, are meticulously designed to deliver exceptional performance and unparalleled protection, all while maintaining a lightweight profile. These helmets incorporate various materials, including ballistic materials, thermoplastics, and metals, making them suitable for deployment in defense, law enforcement agencies, and homeland security applications.

The countries covered in the advanced combat helmet market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The advanced combat helmet market consists of sales of modular integrated communications helmets, integrated head protection systems, and enhanced combat helmets. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to 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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