Body armor market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period (2023-2030). Body armor refers to protective clothing designed to absorb and deflect the impact of projectiles or sharp objects, increasing the safety of individuals in different sectors, including law enforcement and the military. Body armor mainly includes soft armor, usually constructed from pliable materials like Kevlar, providing defense against handgun rounds, and hard armor, made from ceramic or metal plates, offering resistance against rifle ammunition. The global body armor market is witnessing substantial growth driven by growing security concerns at both individual and institutional levels, growing armed conflicts and criminal activities globally, and advancements in materials and manufacturing technologies. The continuous development of lighter and more durable body armor, along with a growing awareness of personal protection, particularly among civilians, further propels market expansion.

Segmental Outlook 

The global body armor market is segmented by product type, material type, and end user. By product type, the market is sub-segmented into soft armor, hard armor, and accessories. By material type, the market is sub-segmented into metals, ceramics, composites, and fiber. By end user, the market is sub-segmented into military, civilian, and law enforcement. Among end users, the demand for body armor is expected to grow significantly in law and enforcement agencies owing to growing awareness of the importance of boosting officer safety due to rising threats and potential violence. The use of body armor provides a crucial layer of protection, giving law enforcement personnel an added sense of security during their duties. As incidents involving firearms and other dangers become more common, law enforcement agencies prioritizing advanced protective gear significantly contribute to the rising demand for body armor. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) 2019 statistics, more than 600 people die every day as a result of firearms violence, which is driven in part by easy access to firearms – whether legal or illegal and to 71% of all homicides globally involve gun violence. Also, as per the 2022 INTERPOL Global Crime Trend Summary Report, organized crime was among the top ten crime trends globally. With growing demand, global body armor manufacturers are also focusing on R&D and portfolio expansion catering to law enforcement personnel. For instance, in November 2023, Miguel Caballero delivered 3,000 Level IIIA vests for the protection of the Police in Ecuador. Also, in September 2023, the Government of India released ?1.19 crore ($140 thousand) for the purchase of safety gear and communication devices for patrolling in the Naxal-hit areas of Sonbhadra, Chandauli and Mirzapur districts.

The Military Sector contributes Highest in the Global Body Armor Market

The military sector contributes the highest share in the global body armor market and the demand is expected to grow significantly owing to rising geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, growing recognition of the importance of soldier protection and increasing prevalence of urban warfare and technological advancements in weapons such as high-velocity firearms and armor-piercing ammunition, has created a need for armor vests that can offer more effective protection. As per the 2023 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, 

In 2022, a total of 56 states were engaged in armed conflict, marking an increase of 5 compared to 2021. Among these conflicts, three, those in Ukraine, Myanmar, and Nigeria-were unequivocally classified as major conflicts, each involving 10,000 or more estimated conflict-related deaths. Additionally, 16 cases qualified as intensive armed conflicts, with death tolls ranging from 1,000 to 9,999. The cumulative number of estimated conflict-related fatalities stood at 147,609, slightly below the figure recorded in 2021. Also, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East are also expected to escalate which will boost demand for body armor. With growing global conflicts, there has been significant growth in global military expenditure. As per the same source, Total global military expenditure increased by 3.7 % in real terms in 2022, reaching $2.24 trillion. For instance, in October 2023, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that it the procure combat equipment, including ceramic armor, rifles, and scopes, at a cost exceeding NIS 100 million (approximately $25 million) due to the Israeli-Hamas war.

Regional Outlook

The global Body armor market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). Among regions, the demand for body armor is expected to grow significantly in the Asia Pacific region owing to factors such as growing defense expenditures of regional countries, growing security concerns, and government support. China is the second largest military spender globally, with a total defense expenditure of $ 292 billion in 2022 which was 4.2% more than in 2021 and constitutes 13% of global military expenditure. With growing defense expenditure and technological advancement in the region, the demand for body armor is growing mainly in major economies such as India and China. For instance, in August 2023, researchers at IIT-Delhi developed the world's lightest bulletproof jackets, which are capable of stopping eight bullets fired from an AK-series rifle. The jackets, which weigh 8.2 kg, are over 2 kg lighter than the ones being used by the Indian Army. Also, in November 2022, The Ministry of Defense (MoD) of India issued two tenders to purchase 62,500 bulletproof jackets for army troops deployed in counter-insurgency operations and at forward locations.

Global Body Armor Market Growth by Region 2023-2030

The Body armor Market is Expected to Grow Significantly in the North American Region

North America holds a significant share of the global body armor market. The rise of terrorism, mass shootings, and other violent incidents has led to heightened security concerns in North America. As per the data from Amnesty International, in 2022, there were 45,222 gun deaths in the United States, which per capita, is significantly higher than in other industrialized countries. Also In 2022, there were 46 school shootings, more than in any year since 1999. With growing gun violence in the region, the demand for body armor is expected to grow from regional law enforcement agencies and the civil population. Apart from this, the total military expenditure of the regional countries is among the highest globally and is expected to increase mainly due to rising geopolitical tensions and significant involvement in global arms conflicts by the US and Canada. In 2022, the total defense expenditure of the US was $877 billion, which was the highest in the world, constituting 39% of the global defense expenditure, and is expected to grow in the next few years. For instance, in December 2023, the US state of Missouri floated a tender for Statewide Body Armor and Ballistic Resistant Products. Additionally, the significant presence of the regional private defense industry also contributes to the growth of the regional body armor market.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the global body armor market are Aegis Engineering Ltd., Armored Republic, LLC, ArmorSource LLC, and Ballistic Body Armor Pty among others. Companies are increasingly focusing on collaborating with global defense organizations for business expansion. For instance, in October 2022, The Indian Air Force awarded a contract of 10,000 bullet-proof jackets to Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2022 and forecast to 2030.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the body armor market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.