Defense Composites Market Analysis | 2025-2032

Market Insights

The defense composites market was estimated at US$ 0.8 billion in 2024 and is likely to grow at a CAGR of 3.1 % during 2025-2032 to reach US$ 1.1 billion in 2032.

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Market Dynamics

Introduction

Defense composites are advanced materials engineered to enhance military equipment's strength, durability, and lightweight properties. These composites—made from a combination of high-performance fibers, resins, and ceramics—are used in everything from armored vehicles and aircraft to helmets and body armor. Their ability to provide superior protection while reducing weight makes them essential in modern defense applications.

The demand for defense composites is steadily growing, driven by the need for next-generation military technology. As global defense budgets rise and nations prioritize soldier safety, lightweight armored solutions, and fuel-efficient military vehicles, composite materials are becoming indispensable. The aerospace and naval markets are also embracing composites to improve performance, fuel efficiency, and stealth capabilities.

Technological advancements, including nanocomposites, 3D-printed materials, and enhanced ballistic protection, are further fueling market growth. Additionally, increasing geopolitical tensions and military modernization programs are pushing governments to invest in cutting-edge materials that enhance operational effectiveness. With defense forces worldwide seeking stronger, lighter, and more adaptable solutions, the defense composites market is poised for continued expansion.

Recent Market JVs and Acquisitions: 

A considerable number of strategic alliances, including M&As, JVs, etc., have been performed over the past few years:

• In 2018, Toray Industries acquired TenCate Advanced Composites to accelerate growth, expand its high-performance composite offering, and leverage synergies by combining TenCate's product lineup with Toray's carbon fiber and polymer technologies, particularly in areas like space, defense, and heat-resistant applications.
• In May 2018, Hexcel Corporation formed a joint venture with the Chinese aerospace parts manufacturer, Future Aerospace, to establish a materials testing lab in Shanghai, China, called Future Aerospace Hexcel Commercial Composite Testing Limited (FAHCCT).

Segment Analysis

By Reinforcement Type

“Carbon composites are expected to remain the dominant reinforcement type, while ceramic composites are projected to be the fastest-growing type in the market during the forecast period.”

Based on the reinforcement type, the defense composites market is segmented into carbon composites, glass composites, aramid composites, and ceramic composites. 
Carbon composites are expected to remain dominant in the defense composite market due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, proven reliability, and wide range of applications. Their use in military aircraft, armored vehicles, and personal protective gear makes them a staple in defense manufacturing. In addition to that, carbon composites have been used in defense applications for decades and have demonstrated excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and fatigue resistance. This long history of use gives them a continued edge in the market, as defense manufacturers prefer materials with proven track records in critical applications. Their resistance to extreme temperatures, corrosion, and impact also makes them perfect for demanding battlefield conditions. As military forces worldwide focus on next-generation defense systems, carbon composites will remain the dominant choice, offering superior performance, enhanced protection, and tactical advantages that shape the future of defense technology.

Ceramic composites is rapidly gaining traction in the defense industry because it offers unmatched protection, heat resistance, and durability while remaining lightweight. Unlike traditional materials, ceramic composites can withstand extreme temperatures and high-impact forces, making them ideal for applications like ballistic armor, hypersonic weapons, and advanced aircraft engines.

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By Resin Type

“Thermoset composites are expected to maintain their dominance, whereas thermoplastic is likely to be the faster-growing resin type during the study period.”

Based on the resin type, the defense composites market is segmented into thermoset composites, thermoplastic composites, and ceramic matrix composites. 
Thermoset resins, such as epoxy, polyester, and vinyl ester, have been the primary choice for defense applications for decades. They are known for their superior mechanical properties, including high strength and excellent resistance to environmental factors like corrosion, which is crucial in military and aerospace sectors. Thermosets cure into a rigid structure, offering long-term stability and resistance to wear and fatigue. This makes them ideal for high-performance applications, such as military aircraft, armored vehicles, and naval vessels, where durability is paramount.

Thermoplastic composites are expected to be the fastest-growing resin type due to their faster processing times, recyclability, and suitability for lightweight, high-performance components in emerging defense technologies. As demand for advanced systems and sustainability increases, thermoplastics are gaining momentum in the sector. 

While thermosets continue to dominate for their unmatched strength and stability, thermoplastics are rapidly evolving, offering lighter, more flexible, and repairable solutions that align with the future of defense innovation.

By Application Type

“The military aircraft is likely to be widely used as well as the fastest-growing application for the defense composites market throughout the forecast period.”

Based on the application type, the defense composites market is segmented into military aircraft, naval systems, land vehicles, personal protection, arms & ammunition, and other applications.Military aircraft is the largest and fastest-growing application for the defense composites market. Military aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, and surveillance planes, require materials that are lightweight yet incredibly strong to achieve optimal performance. Composites, particularly carbon composites, provide an ideal solution by offering superior strength-to-weight ratios. This is essential for fuel efficiency, agility, and high-speed capabilities, which are critical in military aviation. In addition to that, many countries are investing heavily in upgrading their fleets of military aircraft, particularly with the development of next-generation fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These advanced systems are increasingly utilizing composite materials to meet the high-performance standards required in modern military operations. As defense spending on aircraft modernization increases, so will the demand for advanced composites.

Regional Analysis

“North America is anticipated to maintain its position as the largest market for defense composites throughout the forecast period.”

North America, particularly the United States, has a well-established and robust defense industry with significant investments in advanced technologies. The U.S. military is one of the largest consumers of defense composites, utilizing them extensively in military aircraft, naval vessels, land vehicles, and personal protective equipment. Additionally, North America is home to major defense and aerospace manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon, all of which are heavy users of composite materials. These companies have long been at the forefront of developing and deploying advanced defense systems, driving demand for high-performance composites. Also, with the U.S. defense budget being one of the largest globally, the continuous funding of defense programs ensures a stable demand for composite materials. North America also benefits from its strategic position in the global defense supply chain, further boosting market demand.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market driven by rapid military modernization, increasing defense budgets, technological advancements, and growing aerospace capabilities. As countries in the region invest in modernizing their defense systems, the demand for advanced composite materials is expected to grow at an accelerated rate.

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Key Players

The market is highly populated with the presence of several local, regional, and global players. Most of the major players compete in some of the governing factors including price, product offerings, regional presence, etc. The following are the key players in the defense composites market. 

Here is the list of the Top Players (Based on Dominance)

• Hexcel Corporation
• Syensqo S.A.
• Toray Industries Inc.
• Sigmatex Limited
• Teijin Limited
• SGL Carbon SE
• Owens Corning
• Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• Lanxess AG

Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.

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Research Methodology

• This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s defense composites market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period. 
• The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner in order to provide a panoramic view of the market.
• The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants and investors in identifying the low-hanging fruit available in the market and formulating growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
• This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools. 
• More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data. 
• We conducted more than 12 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:

• Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.
• Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.
• Market trend and forecast analysis.
• Market segment trend and forecast.
• Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Service portfolio, New Product Launches, etc.
• COVID-19 impact and its recovery curve
• Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.
• Emerging trends.
• Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.
• Key success factors.

Market Segmentation

This report studies the market covering a period of 12 years of trend and forecast. The report provides detailed insights into the market dynamics to enable informed business decision-making and growth strategy formulation based on the opportunities present in the market.

The defense composites market is segmented into the following categories:

By Reinforcement Type

• Carbon Composites
• Glass Composites
• Aramid Composites
• Ceramic Composites

By Resin Type

• Thermoset Composites
• Thermoplastic Composites
• Ceramic Matrix Composites

By Application Type

• Military Aircraft
• Naval Systems
• Land Vehicles
• Personal Protection
• Arms & Ammunition
• Others

By Region

• North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico)
• Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, The UK, Russia, and the Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: Japan, China, India, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific)
• Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Others)

Report Customization Options

With this detailed report, Stratview Research offers one of the following free customization options to our respectable clients:

Company Profiling

• Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players)
• SWOT analysis of key players (up to three players)

Competitive Benchmarking

• Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Product portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances

Custom Research: Stratview Research offers custom research services across sectors. In case of any custom research requirement related to market assessment, competitive benchmarking, sourcing and procurement, target screening, and others, please send your inquiry to sales@stratviewresearch.com.