Strategic Intelligence - Soldier Modernization

Soldier modenrization is part of the analyst's stategic intelligence series of reprots on trends within military equipment modernization. The report explores trends in dismounted soldier equipment modernization programs, focusing on four key areas: Soldier ISR, C4I, Clothing and PPE, and Small arms. Soldier modernization programs of the past focused on general, hight-tech, and comprehensive dismounted soldier equipment overhaul.

Since the eruption of peer-to-peer high intensity warfare (HIW) in Ukraine, and to a lesser extent within the MIddle East, broad soldier modernisation programs have been split up into distinct programs, and are constantly being re-evaluated cost-wise. Many militaries are moving away from cost inefficent high tech programs, like the US Army's IVAS program, and toward cheaper COTS products.

As concerns over the outbreak of a near-peer conflict were realized following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the nature of this conflict has validated the focus of many armies worldwide on modernizing the capabilities of the modern infantry soldier to maximize their effectiveness on an increasingly networked battlespace. Soldiers equipped with a convoluted mix of equipment - including legacy anti-vehicular weapons systems coupled with cheap commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products - can still deliver outsized effects against a numerically and technologically superior adversary.
Commanders at both the tactical and strategic levels have placed greater emphasis on diversifying the capabilities of the individual soldier. However, the war in Ukraine has also demonstrated the unparalleled lethality of modern high-intensity warfare (HIW), with combat casualty rates far surpassing those seen during the Global War on Terror. Consequently, investing in the survivability of the modern soldier remains equally as important as the diversification of their roles and capabilities on the modern battlefield, factors which will shape the soldier modernization market in the future.

Comprehensive, high-tech programs are sparse

Due to shifting priorities over the past 15 years, comprehensive modernization programs have been split up into separate programs and are constantly being reevaluated.

Key Highlights

• Studies of emerging technological trends and their broader impact on the defense market.
• Analysis of the various soldier moderniztion programs and projects currently under development

Scope

• The key defense challenges that forces and defense sector suppliers face are covered.
• The investment opportunities for armed forces, suppliers, and institutional investors, across the whole soldier modernization value chain are covered.
• Highlights from the range of different soldier modernization programs and capabilities today and major upcoming programs.

Reasons to Buy

• Determine potential investment companies based on trend analysis and market projections.
• Gaining an understanding of the market challenges and opportunities surrounding the soldier modenrization in defense theme.
• Understanding how spending on soldier systems and related segments will fit into the overall market and which spending areas are being prioritized.