Composites in the Defense Market Report 2026

The composites in the defense market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $14.87 billion in 2025 to $15.86 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing adoption of lightweight composite materials for military aircraft structures, rising use of composites in ballistic protection equipment such as helmets and panels, expansion of unmanned aerial vehicle production driving demand for composite airframes, development of composite-based missile casings to enhance performance and durability, integration of composite materials in radar enclosures to support stealth and signal transparency requirements.

The composites in the defense market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $20.28 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for advanced composites to support next-generation stealth platforms, increasing use of high-temperature and impact-resistant composites in missile and drone systems, rising defense modernization programs emphasizing lightweight vehicle components, advancement in resin and fiber technologies enabling stronger multifunctional composite structures, expanding applications of composites in autonomous defense systems and space-related military programs. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of lightweight composite structures, rising demand for high-impact ballistic composites, growing use of stealth-grade composite materials, expansion of composites in missile casings and uav airframes, higher preference for corrosion-resistant naval composites.

The rising demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is anticipated to drive growth in the composites market within the defense sector. UAVs, which are aircraft that operate without an onboard human pilot and are controlled remotely or autonomously, are widely used for military, commercial, and recreational purposes such as surveillance, delivery, and aerial photography. Their increasing popularity stems from their ability to carry out diverse tasks more efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively compared to traditional methods. The defense industry's expanding use of UAVs has resulted in a higher dependence on advanced composites, as these materials help reduce weight while maintaining structural strength and durability. For example, a report from June 2025 by the UK Ministry of Defense states that the UK will supply 100,000 drones to Ukraine, a tenfold increase from the 10,000 drones delivered in 2024. Consequently, the growing demand for UAVs is fueling the expansion of the composites market in defense.

Leading companies in the defense composites market are focusing on creating innovative solutions such as customizable composite ballistic protection to improve mission-specific defense capabilities. Customizable composite ballistic protection involves adaptable armor systems made from advanced fiber-resin composites that provide tailored protection levels while minimizing weight and enhancing mobility. In November 2023, Integris Composites, a US-based protective materials firm, introduced customizable composite ballistic shields and vests. These products offer scalable protection options, lightweight multi-hit resistance, and ergonomic designs that maximize coverage and user comfort. They are designed for military and law enforcement personnel who require quick adaptability to evolving threat scenarios. These customizable ballistic shields and vests enhance survivability and mobility without sacrificing protection.

In November 2024, SK Capital, a private investment firm based in the US, acquired North America Composites along with the Fuel Containment Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation for an undisclosed sum. After the acquisition, the business was renamed Axillon Aerospace and has established itself as a leading provider of engineered carbon fiber composite components and fuel containment solutions for the defense and commercial aerospace industries. Parker Hannifin Corporation is a US manufacturer specializing in motion and control technology systems.

Major companies operating in the composites in the defense market are Airbus SE, General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Safran S.A., Thales Group, Toray Industries Inc., Evonik Industries AG, Leonardo S.p.A., Teijin Limited, Elbit Systems Ltd., Spirit AeroSystems, Hexcel Corporation, SGL Carbon SE, Magellan Aerospace, Gurit Holding AG, Patria Group, Plasan Sasa Ltd., CPI Aerostructures.

North America was the largest region in the composites in the defense market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the composites in the defense 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 high-performance fibers, advanced resins, and composite processing equipment have increased production costs in the defense composites market, affecting segments such as carbon, boron, and aramid fiber-based materials. Import-reliant regions experience prolonged lead times and elevated prices, especially for aerospace-grade composites used in missiles, UAVs, and armored vehicles. However, tariffs have also encouraged domestic material development, strengthened regional supply chains, and promoted investments in localized composite manufacturing capabilities.

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

Composites refer to advanced materials created by combining two or more components, usually fibers and resins, to produce components that are both lightweight and strong. These materials are utilized in defense sectors for applications like aircraft structures, body armor, helmets, and vehicle parts because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and ability to withstand tough conditions. This makes them perfect for enhancing performance and protection in military operations.

The primary types of composites used in defense include carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), aramid fiber reinforced plastic (AFRP), and boron fiber reinforced plastic (BFRP). Carbon fiber reinforced plastic is a lightweight yet strong material formed by combining carbon fibers with a plastic matrix. It offers outstanding strength, stiffness, and resistance to heat and chemicals, making it suitable for demanding applications. The types of resin used encompass thermoset composites, thermoplastic composites, and ceramic matrix composites, while manufacturing methods involve layup, filament winding, injection molding, pultrusion, and more. These composites find use in military aircraft, naval systems, land vehicles, arms and ammunition, body armor, and military hard wall shelters.

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

The composites in the defense market consist of sales of missile casings, drone airframes, radar enclosures, ballistic panels, and stealth technology components. 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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