Military Exoskeleton Market Report 2026

The military exoskeleton market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.24 billion in 2025 to $1.4 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased focus on reducing soldier fatigue driving adoption of early exoskeleton prototypes, rising demand for enhanced load-carrying capability supporting deployment of unpowered exoskeletons, advancements in powered exoskeleton technology improving mobility and endurance, growth in military research programs evaluating human-performance augmentation systems, expansion of field trials validating operational benefits of wearable support devices.

The military exoskeleton market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.25 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to development of lightweight and energy-efficient exoskeleton materials improving usability and mission duration, rising integration of sensors and ai control systems enabling adaptive movement assistance, increasing investment in next-generation soldier modernization programs boosting exoskeleton procurement, growing emphasis on injury prevention and ergonomics driving wider adoption across military units, advancement in battery and power management technologies enhancing performance of powered exoskeleton systems. Major trends in the forecast period include rising adoption of load-carrying and physical augmentation exoskeletons, development of lightweight and ergonomic designs, integration with human-machine and human-computer interfaces, expansion in rehabilitation and soldier performance enhancement applications, growth in battery-efficient and hybrid-powered exoskeleton systems.

The increasing incidence of terrorist activities and cross-border disputes is expected to drive the growth of the military exoskeleton market in the future. Terrorism refers to the deliberate use of violent means or threats to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals by instilling fear or coercing civilians. Cross-border disputes involve legal disagreements or conflicts between individuals or organizations from different nations. Military exoskeletons enhance soldiers' physical capabilities, such as strength, agility, and endurance, thereby improving their preparedness to respond to terrorist threats. For instance, in February 2024, The Institute for Economics and Peace, an international think tank based in Australia, reported that terrorist attacks became more lethal in 2023, with an average of 2.5 deaths per attack compared to 1.6 in 2022. Therefore, the rise in terrorist activities and cross-border disputes is fueling the growth of the military exoskeleton market moving forward.

Leading companies in the military exoskeleton market are concentrating on developing advanced technologies, such as personal protection technology, to improve soldier safety and enhance combat efficiency. Personal protection technology encompasses devices, equipment, or systems designed to shield individuals from physical harm or injury. This technology enhances physical protection against ballistic threats while also providing increased strength, endurance, and mobility. It assists in redistributing the weight of heavy loads, reducing fatigue, and improving combat effectiveness, all while ensuring high levels of protection. For example, in January 2024, Mehler Protection, a Germany-based division of Mehler Systems specializing in advanced ballistic protection, introduced the ExoM Up-Armoured Exoskeleton, tailored for military and law enforcement use. This innovative exoskeleton combines superior ballistic protection with outstanding load-bearing capabilities, delivering unparalleled comfort and safety. Key features include load redistribution, enhanced ballistic protection, and improved mobility, representing a significant advancement in personal protective technology.

In April 2023, Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation, a US-based technology firm, acquired RE2, Inc. for $100 million. Through this acquisition, Sarcos aimed to enhance its product portfolio by incorporating RE2 offerings, including the Guardian XO full-body, battery-powered industrial exoskeleton, among other products. RE2 is a US-based developer of robotic arms and exoskeleton technologies.

Major companies operating in the military exoskeleton market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation, Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS, Dephy Inc., Rostec State Corporation, BAE Systems plc, General Atomics, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc., SpringActive Inc., Safran SA, General Dynamics Corporation, CYBERDYNE INC., Bionic Power Inc., B-Temia, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, QinetiQ Group plc, Hunter Defense Technologies Inc, Fifth Dimension Technologies, Endeavor Robotics, EXHAUSS Exoskeletons.

Europe was the largest region in the military exoskeleton market in 2025.North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global military exoskeleton market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the military exoskeleton 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 affected the military exoskeleton market by increasing the cost of imported components and assembly systems, particularly for advanced powered exoskeletons. Segments such as active and battery-powered exoskeletons sourced from Asia-Pacific regions like China and Japan are most impacted due to dependency on manufacturing hubs. However, tariffs have also encouraged domestic production, research, and innovation in hybrid and cost-efficient exoskeleton solutions, creating opportunities for localized manufacturing and enhanced self-reliance in military applications.

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

A military exoskeleton refers to computer-controlled devices that alleviate joint strain and enhance soldiers' capabilities to carry heavy loads by improving their mobility, physical endurance, and load-carrying capacity. These devices aim to augment a soldier's mobility on the battlefield, enhancing their strength, stamina, safety, and ergonomics.

The primary types of military exoskeletons are full-body exoskeletons and partial-body exoskeletons. A full-body exoskeleton is a type of human-machine interface designed to enhance the interaction between humans and machines. These wearable devices can be worn over a regular uniform to augment a soldier's strength. They are powered by either active exoskeleton or passive exoskeleton systems, utilizing battery-operated and cable-operated mechanisms. The applications of military exoskeletons include physical augmentation, human-machine interface (HMI), and human-computer interface (HCI).

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

The military exoskeleton market consists of sales of powered or unpowered exoskeletons. 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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