Body Armor Market Insights
“The body armor market value was US$ 2,769.4 million in 2024 and is likely to grow at a decent CAGR of 3.6% in the long run to reach US$ 3,545.3 million in 2031.”
Introduction
Body armor is basically of two types soft armor and hard armor. Soft body armor consists of flexible panels made up of synthetic fiber materials like aramid and polyethylene, typically designed to protect against handgun ammunition, and is primarily worn by law enforcement officials while carrying out regular paramilitary operations. On the other hand, hard body armor is made up of hard, ballistic-resistant panels and plates, and is intended to provide additional protection as compared to soft armor. Typically, hard body armor is thicker and heavier than soft body armor, as it is a combination of a hard armor plate with a soft armor panel. These two types of body armor are designed to effectively absorb and fend off physical assaults and ballistic ammunition.
Armor was historically made of metals and alloys. These armors, which were typically constructed of steel, were cumbersome, clumsy, and useless. Heavy metals resulted in an increase in the armor's weight, which made it difficult to carriage for an extended period. However, there has been a shift from the conventional metallic heavy body armor to extremely lightweight and comfortable body armor over the years, which is developed using Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) materials. With defense expenditure and law enforcement budgets rising in both developed and developing countries, a sizeable amount is being inevitably allocated to the procurement of advanced body armor, which aids in fending off threats to the physical safety of the personnel.
Body Armor Market Report Overview
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Market Size in 2024
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USD 2,769.4 million
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Market Size in 2031
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USD 3,545.3 million
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Market Growth (2025-2031)
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3.6% CAGR
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Base Year of Study
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2024
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Trend Period
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2019-2023
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Forecast Period
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2025-2031
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Body Armor Market Drivers
The body armor market is driven by a host of factors, some of which are noted below:
- Increase in terrorism, mass shootings, and gun violence across the globe.
- Law enforcement officers and military personnel have come to rely heavily on body armor in order to ensure their protection and survival during anti-terrorist military operations.
- Cross-border conflicts and geopolitical tensions are on the rise around the world.
- The Russia-Ukraine crisis serves as a recent example. Such factors propel the development and sales of body armor products globally.
Body Armor Market Segments' Analysis
Segmentations
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List of Sub-Segments
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Segments with High-Growth Opportunity
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Armor-Type Analysis
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Soft Body Armor and Hard Body Armor
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Hard body armor is estimated to be the dominant armor type during the forecast period.
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Product-Type Analysis
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Ballistic-Resistant Armor, Stab-Resistant Armor, Combined Resistant Armor, and ICW Armor
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Ballistic-resistant armor is likely to be the dominant product type during the forecast period.
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Material-Type Analysis
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UHMWPE, Aramid, Ceramic, and Other Materials
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UHMWPE is expected to be the most preferred material in the market over the forecasted years.
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Level of Protection-Type Analysis
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Level IIA, Level II, Level IIIA, Level III, Level IV, SP1/KR1, SP2/KR2, SP3/KR3, Level IIA + SP/KR/SP-KR, Level II + SP/KR/SP-KR, Level IIIA + SP/KR/SP-KR, Level III+ Level IIIA/II, and Level IV + Level IIIA/II
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Level IIIA + SP/KR/SP-KR is anticipated to witness the highest demand by the level of protection type during the forecast period.
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End-User-Type Analysis
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Military, Homeland Security, and Commercial
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Homeland security is likely to generate the largest market demand as well as to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period.
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Mode of Operation-Type Analysis
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Covert and Overt
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Overt operation is estimated to be the dominant category in the market.
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Region Analysis
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North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Rest of the World
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North America is expected to be the dominant market.
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Armor Insights
“Hard body armor is estimated to be the dominant armor type during the forecast period.”
Based on armor type, the body armor market is segmented into soft body armor and hard body armor. Hard body armor dominates, due to its superior ballistic protection capabilities, widespread adoption by military and law enforcement, and continuous technological advancements in materials like ceramics and polyethylene. These advancements make the armor stronger while also making it lighter.
Product Insights
“Ballistic-resistant armor is expected to remain dominant in the market during the forecast period.”
Based on product type, the body armor market is segmented into ballistic-resistant armor, stab-resistant armor, combined resistant armor, and ICW Armor. Ballistic-resistant armor is likely to stay the top choice in the body armor market because there's always a need for strong protection against new and changing threats. With ongoing improvements in materials and how they're made, along with increasing security concerns in many industries, this type of armor remains in high demand.
Material Insights
“UHMWPE is expected to be the most preferred material in the market, over the forecasted years.”
Based on material type, the body armor market is segmented into UHMWPE, Aramid, Ceramic, and Other Materials. UHMWPE is expected to stay a popular choice for body armor because it’s incredibly strong yet lightweight. Its ability to resist bullets and last a long time makes it great at absorbing and spreading out the energy from projectiles, all while being easy to wear and tough enough for long-term use.
Level of Protection Insights
“Level IIIA + SP/KR/SP-KR is anticipated to witness the highest demand by the level of protection type.”
Based on the level of protection type the body armor market is segmented into Level IIA, Level II, Level IIIA, Level III, Level IV, SP1/KR1, SP2/KR2, SP3/KR3, Level IIA + SP/KR/SP-KR, Level II + SP/KR/SP-KR, Level IIIA + SP/KR/SP-KR, Level III+ Level IIIA/II, and Level IV + Level IIIA/II. Level IIIA + SP/KR/SP-KR body armor is expected to see the most demand and grow the fastest because it provides strong protection against a wide range of threats, like powerful rifle rounds and common handgun bullets. These types of armor are becoming more important in both military and law enforcement situations.
End-User Insights
“Level IIIA + SP/KR/SP-KR is anticipated to witness the highest demand by the level of protection type.”
Based on the level of protection type the body armor market is segmented into Level IIA, Level II, Level IIIA, Level III, Level IV, SP1/KR1, SP2/KR2, SP3/KR3, Level IIA + SP/KR/SP-KR, Level II + SP/KR/SP-KR, Level IIIA + SP/KR/SP-KR, Level III+ Level IIIA/II, and Level IV + Level IIIA/II. Level IIIA + SP/KR/SP-KR body armor is expected to see the most demand and grow the fastest because it provides strong protection against a wide range of threats, like powerful rifle rounds and common handgun bullets. These types of armor are becoming more important in both military and law enforcement situations.
Mode of Operation Insights
“Overt operation is estimated to be the dominant category in the market.”
Based on the mode of operation type the body armor market is segmented into covert and overt. Overt body armor is expected to lead the market because it offers better protection against serious threats, like heavy gunfire and sharp objects. It's also ideal for high-risk jobs, like military and law enforcement, where being visible and having customizable features are really important.
Regional Insights
“North America is expected to retain its dominance in the market during the forecast period.”
North America is expected to dominate the body armor market for several important reasons. First, there’s an ongoing need for stronger protection due to rising concerns about terrorism, mass shootings, and an increase in violent crime. These security threats have pushed governments, law enforcement agencies, and military forces to prioritize personal safety and invest in better protective gear.
In addition, the region's military and law enforcement agencies consistently upgrade their equipment, which drives demand for advanced body armor that can protect against a wider range of threats, from gunfire to sharp objects. The North American market also benefits from significant technological advancements, with new materials and design innovations making body armor more effective and lighter, which further boosts its appeal.
Moreover, North America has a well-established manufacturing base and strong supply chains that allow for the quick development and production of these technologies. This combination of high demand, continuous innovation, and strong local manufacturing capabilities makes North America the leading and fastest-growing market in the body armor industry.
Recent Developments of Body Armor Market
Recent M&As:
Schultze SPAC's Proposed Merger with Point Blank Enterprises (2023): In 2023, Schultze Special Purpose Acquisition Corp. II, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), entered into discussions to merge with Point Blank Enterprises Inc., a manufacturer of body armor. This merger aimed to enhance Point Blank's capabilities and market reach in the body armor industry.