Ballistic Protection Market Report 2026

The ballistic protection market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $14.75 billion in 2025 to $15.57 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased global military and law enforcement deployments driving demand for body armor, rising insurgency and terrorism incidents boosting adoption of ballistic vests and shields, advancements in lightweight composite materials enhancing protective gear performance, expansion of domestic armor manufacturing capabilities across emerging economies, stricter safety standards for protective equipment increasing procurement volumes.

The ballistic protection market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $19.18 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing development of next-generation soft and hard armor integrating advanced materials, rising demand for modular and ergonomic protective solutions for varied mission needs, increasing focus on protection against high-velocity and multi-threat ammunition, expansion of civilian security and private defense sectors requiring ballistic protection products, continuous innovation in nanotechnology and fiber engineering enabling improved ballistic resistance. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for lightweight and modular armor, increasing focus on multi-threat protection, adoption of advanced composite materials, growing use of vehicle armor for urban security, development of rapid-prototyping and customizable armor solutions.

The rise in defense expenditure is expected to drive the growth of the ballistic protection market going forward. Defense expenditure refers to the financial resources allocated by governments for military purposes, including maintaining and modernizing armed forces, developing advanced weapons and technologies, and supporting operational activities. Higher defense budgets enable investment in lightweight, durable, and high-strength materials essential for developing effective ballistic protection equipment. For instance, in October 2025, according to the UK Parliament’s House of Commons Library, defense spending outlined in the 2025 Spending Review is projected to reach USD 83.3 billion (£62.2 billion) in 2025/26 and rise to USD 98.2 billion (£73.5 billion) by 2028/29, reflecting an average annual real-terms growth rate of 3.8%. Therefore, the rise in defense expenditure is supporting the expansion of the ballistic protection market.

Major companies operating in the ballistic protection market are focusing on developing innovative products such as next-generation combat helmets to enhance soldier mobility and protection in modern combat environments. Next-generation combat helmets are lightweight, modular ballistic helmets designed to offer superior protection, comfort, and adaptability. They integrate advanced liners, accessory mounts, and customizable sizing to help soldiers move more efficiently, carry mission-specific equipment, and maintain high levels of protection without added strain. For example, in October 2025, Galvion Inc., a U.S.-based defense technology company, introduced the Batlskin Caiman UL - an ultra-light next-generation combat helmet engineered to maximize ballistic protection while minimizing weight and bulk. The helmet features Galvion’s advanced APEX liner system, an upgraded harness, and a modular 3-hole shroud optimized for compatibility with night-vision devices and other mission-critical gear. Developed using more than seven years of feedback from special operations units, the Caiman UL addresses key challenges such as extended wear, high-mobility operations, and seamless integration of headborne equipment. Its low-profile shroud incorporates rubber bumpers to eliminate rattle, multiple anchor points for secure bungee and paracord routing, and an interchangeable metal shroud plate to support various night-vision goggles and future accessories.

In March 2023, Iten Defense LLC, a prominent U.S. manufacturer specializing in advanced composite armor, successfully acquired Transparent Armor Solutions. The acquisition, conducted for an undisclosed sum, aims to leverage the collective resources, enhancing Iten's capabilities by integrating Transparent Armor Solutions' expertise. This strategic move is anticipated to broaden Iten's product portfolio, incorporating transparent armor solutions catering to ground vehicles and infrastructure markets. Transparent Armor Solutions, known for its proficiency in manufacturing ballistic glass and transparent armor, serves as a valuable addition to Iten's strategic growth plans.

Major companies operating in the ballistic protection market are Avon Protection plc., BAE Systems plc, DuPont de Nemours Inc., Honeywell International Inc., Point Blank Enterprises Inc., Rheinmetall AG, Saab AB, Koninklijke Ten Cate BV, Teijin Limited, Survitec Group Limited, ArmorWorks Enterprises LLC, Revision Military Inc., ArmorSource LLC, MKU Limited, GENTEX Corporation, Tencate Advanced Armor, Ceradyne Inc., Craig International Ballistics Pty Ltd, EnGarde Body Armor, Safariland LLC, Blackhawk Industries Inc., Armor Express, Ballistic Body Armor Pty Ltd, C.P.E. Production Oy, CQC Limited, DMS Group, Eagle Industries SAS, Hellweg International, HighCom Security Inc., International Armored Group.

North America was the largest region in the ballistic protection market in 2025.Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global ballistic protection market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the ballistic protection 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 impacted the ballistic protection market by increasing costs for imported materials like aramid fibers, ceramics, and carbon composites, particularly affecting Personal Protection Equipment and Vehicle Protection Equipment segments. Regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific face the highest impact due to manufacturing and assembly hubs located there. While tariffs may slow deployment and adoption in some sectors, they also encourage domestic production and innovation in advanced materials and localized assembly, providing opportunities for regional suppliers to strengthen supply chains.

The ballistic protection market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides ballistic protection market statistics, including ballistic protection industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a ballistic protection market share, detailed ballistic protection market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the aballistic protection industry. This ballistic protection 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.

Ballistic protection encompasses body armor designed to defend against various forms of attack or defense, providing shielding for the body and eyes against threats of diverse sizes, shapes, and impact velocities.

Within ballistic protection, the primary product categories include personal protection equipment and vehicle protection equipment. Personal protective equipment encompasses attire and accessories worn to minimize exposure to workplace hazards that could lead to severe illnesses or injuries. Materials commonly employed in this field include aramid, carbon fiber composites, glass fiber and thermoplastic, ceramic, among others. Ballistic protection finds application across land, airborne, and marine domains, serving purposes in defense, homeland security, commercial sectors, and other diverse areas.

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

The ballistic protection market consists of sales of body armor, vest, and shield. 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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