Coated Fabrics for Defense Market Report 2026

The coated fabrics for defense market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.73 billion in 2025 to $3.94 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growing use of coated textiles for protective military gear such as chemical suits and ballistic vests, increased demand for durable tent and shelter materials for deployment in harsh environments, adoption of rubber- and neoprene-coated fabrics for enhanced abrasion and weather resistance, expansion of defense procurement programs requiring advanced coated materials, technological improvements in coating processes enabling stronger and more flexible defense-grade fabrics.

The coated fabrics for defense market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.84 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising integration of high-performance fluoropolymer coatings for chemical and thermal resistance, increasing demand for lightweight coated fabrics to support soldier mobility initiatives, growing adoption of advanced coated materials in next-generation military vehicles and equipment covers, expanding defense modernization programs driving procurement of multi-functional protective textiles, development of nanotechnology-enhanced coatings offering superior durability and environmental resistance. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for high-strength coated fabrics for ballistic protection, growing adoption of chemical- and flame-resistant fabrics, expansion of lightweight coated textiles for soldier mobility, increasing use of coated fabrics in deployable defense shelters, growing preference for weather-resistant military vehicle covers.

The rising defense expenditure is expected to drive the growth of the coated fabrics for defense market in the coming years. Defense expenditures refer to the financial resources allocated by governments to maintain and advance military forces and defense operations. These expenditures are increasing primarily due to heightened geopolitical tensions, prompting countries to invest more in military capabilities to safeguard national security and prepare for potential conflicts or threats from rival nations. This increase in spending enables greater investment in advanced protective materials, such as coated fabrics used in military shelters, gear, and vehicle coverings. For example, in May 2025, the UK Parliament's House of Commons Library reported that defense spending is projected to reach £56.9 billion (USD 72.3 billion) for 2024-2025 and is expected to rise to £59.8 billion (USD 76 billion) in 2025-2026. As a result, growing defense budgets are contributing to the expansion of the coated fabrics for defense market.

Companies in the coated fabrics for defense market are placing a strong emphasis on product innovation to meet the evolving demands of military applications. One such innovation is the development of coated tactical nylon, which enhances durability, abrasion resistance, and environmental protection. Coated tactical nylon is a robust nylon fabric treated with coatings such as polyurethane, neoprene, or other polymers to improve resistance to abrasion, moisture, flames, and severe weather conditions. For instance, in April 2023, Trelleborg AB, a Sweden-based engineering firm, named MMI Textiles as the authorized distributor of TACTWEARTM HANK. This fabric delivers enhanced cut resistance, weather protection, and durability while remaining flexible and easy to manufacture. Its flame-retardant and waterproof properties make it especially suitable for military gear, protective covers, and tactical equipment.

In May 2025, Bondcote Performance Textiles LLC, a U.S.-based manufacturer of coated and laminated engineered fabrics, acquired Graniteville Specialty Fabrics. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This acquisition is aimed at reinforcing Bondcote’s role as a major supplier to the U.S. defense and industrial textile sectors by expanding its technological capabilities and innovation potential. Graniteville Specialty Fabrics, also based in the U.S., focuses on the development and production of engineered coated fabrics specifically tailored for defense applications.

Major companies operating in the coated fabrics for defense market are Trelleborg AB, SRF Limited, Sioen Industries NV, Chemprene Inc., Tex Tech Industries Inc., Apex Mills Corp., Snyder Manufacturing Inc., Majilite Custom Coated Fabrics, Worthen Industries Inc., Colmant Coated Fabrics SAS, HLC Industries Inc., DIATEX SAS, E Squared Technical Textiles LLC, Eastex Products Inc., Stormproofings Coated Textile Pvt. Ltd., Auburn Manufacturing Inc., The Rubber Company Ltd., Batı Dokumacılık Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., Kusumgar Corporates Pvt. Ltd., Suzhou J&R Textile Co. Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the coated fabrics for defense market in 2025. The regions covered in the coated fabrics for 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 polymers, synthetic fibers, specialty chemicals, and coating materials have increased production costs for coated fabrics used in defense, particularly in neoprene, PVC, and fluoropolymer-coated segments. North America and Europe reliant on imported raw materials face greater cost pressures and extended lead times for high-performance defense textiles. However, tariffs have pushed manufacturers to localize material sourcing, invest in regional coating technologies, and strengthen supply chain resilience, supporting long-term competitiveness.

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

Coated fabrics for defense are specialized textiles that undergo treatment with protective coatings to improve their strength, resistance, and functionality in challenging military conditions. These fabrics serve multiple defense purposes, such as in tents, uniforms, vehicle covers, ballistic vests, and chemical protective gear. Their enhanced features make them vital for safeguarding military personnel and equipment in extreme environments.

The primary materials used in defense-coated fabrics include nylon, polyester, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), neoprene, Teflon, and others. Nylon-coated fabrics are strong and lightweight synthetic materials enhanced with polymer coatings to resist water, abrasion, and tears. Various coating methods are applied, such as high-frequency (HF) welding, thermal coating, solvent-based, and water-based techniques. These fabrics are commonly employed in protective apparel, shelters, awnings, and other military uses. Distribution channels include direct sales, authorized distributors, online platforms, and reseller networks. The main end-users are military forces, law enforcement, and similar organizations.

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

The coated fabrics for defense market consist of sales of rubber-coated fabrics, neoprene-coated fabrics, and fluoropolymer-coated fabrics. 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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