In 2022, the global bulletproof clothing market is expected to exceed US $2585.8 million. Increased investment in the defense sector will drive market sales at a stable CAGR of 5.2%, with a market valuation of $435.8 million in 2032.
But after the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, this number will rise exponentially! It has reached the estimated point of noon departure.
Sales are expected to increase in the coming years due to the surge in the preference of law enforcement and rapid combatants and civilians for light bulletproof vests. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to use lighter materials to make bulletproof vests, which bodes well for the market.
In addition, the introduction of soft armor, various new high-tech armor, Defcon and dragon skin technology will continue to promote market demand.
According to future market insight, the global bulletproof clothing market is expected to provide an absolute dollar opportunity of US $3720.1 billion during the evaluation period
2015-2021 Body Armor Market Outlook In Comparison To 2022-2032 Growth Forecast
The demand for body armor is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2%, compared with a CAGR of 4.7% registered between 2015 and 2021.
The increasing emphasis of military and defense departments on personal protective equipment is expected to promote market sales.
The rapid technological progress and the wide application of light bulletproof vests in the world will create growth prospects for the market.
In addition, due to the additional protective functions of double-sided combat clothing and modular tactical vest, there is a surge in demand, which will increase the sales of bulletproof clothing.
The introduction of Kevlar vests soft armor technology by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory is the main factor to promote market sales.
These armor are lightweight and flexible, allowing users to move more freely and easily while running and performing tasks. When the bullet hits the armor, the material hardens to protect the user from being shot.
The existence of regulations and acts defining the strength and efficacy of bulletproof vests will promote market innovation. Several regulators, including the US Department of Defense (DoD), the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and UL India, have developed quality control standards.
Manufacturers must comply with these standards to test the ability of bulletproof vests to resist threats.
What Are The Key Trends Impacting Sales Of Body Armor?
“Technological progress of bulletproof materials will promote growth” + “instability of the world”
In the practice of modern war, the increasing attention to the safety of military personnel is expected to boost the market in the next few years. Counter terrorism, counter insurgency and guerrilla warfare can cause fatal injuries.
In addition, law enforcement officers need personal armor to protect themselves from criminals, offenders and felons, which requires investment in light and strong bulletproof vests.
Traditional bulletproof vests are hard and restrict fluid movement when used. To cope with this situation, manufacturers have introduced lightweight and flexible bulletproof vests and accessories to improve the performance of these products.
The technical progress of ballistic protective clothing and the integration of human positioning technology ensure the correct fit and free movement when wearing these protective clothing.
The advanced suit can evenly distribute the weight of users and realize free movement and protection. Such development is expected to increase market sales.
“The progress of ceramic armor technology will increase the demand for bulletproof vests”
The latest development of bulletproof clothing technology is that ceramic materials can be used to produce light bulletproof clothing and accessories.
Brands are launching assault vests equipped with advanced glass-ceramic inserts to achieve unrestricted movement. These vests are economical and lightweight.
For example, Pinnacle armor offers Dragon Skin bulletproof vests, which use bulletproof ceramic leaves arranged in flexible layers similar to fish scales.
These developments are expected to create growth opportunities for market participants in bulletproof vests in the coming years.
Country insights
What drives the U.S. body armor market?
“The increase in government spending in the US military sector will promote the sales of bulletproof vests”
Due to the existence of one of the largest defense and military departments in the world, the United States is expected to continue to dominate the North American market. According to the FMI, sales in the U.S. body armor market are expected to grow at a CAGR of 3%, providing an absolute dollar opportunity worth $151.1 million over the forecast period.
The rapid adoption of technologically advanced protective equipment in the military field will promote market sales. In addition, the presence of major market participants ensures a wide supply of bulletproof vests and accessories, which is expected to guide the growth of the market during the forecast period.
In 2032, the total sales of the US bulletproof clothing market is expected to reach 590.5 million US dollars.
Why is the UK body armor market considered profitable?
“The surge in preference for British ceramic armor will increase”
UK demand for bulletproof vests is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% to $164.2 of $2032. According to the report, the UK body armor market is expected to provide an absolute dollar opportunity of US $38.3 during the evaluation period.
It is expected that the sales of bulletproof vests for UK law enforcement officers will drive the market during the forecast period. The growing demand for light protective equipment has driven the sales of ceramic bulletproof clothing, which in turn will promote the growth of the market in the coming years.
How is the Japanese bulletproof clothing market going?
“The rapid adoption of technologically advanced bulletproof clothing accessories will create growth prospects”
Japan is expected to become a lucrative pocket for market participants in bulletproof vests, with sales growing at a CAGR of 5.5% to reach a valuation of $213.2 million by 2032. The FMI found that during the evaluation period, the Japanese bulletproof vest market is expected to provide an absolute dollar opportunity of US $88.2 million.
Manufacturers in the Japanese market are investing in research and development to improve the quality of materials used to make bulletproof vests.
The growing demand for lightweight bulletproof clothing and accessories has promoted the application of ceramics, which is expected to promote product innovation in the country.
Category insights
Which is the most popular type of products and materials?
“Demand for soft bulletproof vests will remain high”
According to the product type, the global bulletproof clothing market is divided into soft, hard and accessories markets. Among them, during the evaluation period, the sales in the field of software armor are expected to grow. The increased flexibility and comfort provided by movement can be attributed to. In battle, soft armor can also effectively prevent various dangers.
“The use of steel bulletproof vests will gain power”
In terms of materials, during the forecast period, the sales of steel bulletproof clothing market is expected to surge at a healthy compound annual growth rate of 7.2%, accounting for the largest share in the global bulletproof clothing market. Steel is one of the most cost-effective materials for bulletproof clothing and can withstand any type of impact without injury to the user.
The use of steel plates is more cautious than ceramic plates and other material plates.
Which is the leading level and application of bulletproof vests?
“Sales of secondary bulletproof vests will gain momentum”
By level, due to the high demand of the law enforcement personnel part, the secondary part is expected to expand steadily during the evaluation period. These armor effectively protect users from bullets and provide flexibility.
“The increase in the application of bulletproof vests in the field of defense will promote growth”
In terms of application, under the background of increasing government investment in the global military sector, the demand in the field of national defense and security personnel will be boosted. In addition, the technical progress of ceramic plates and steel protective equipment will continue to promote the sales in this field during the forecast period.
Competition pattern
Major players in the global bulletproof clothing market are investing in research and development to improve their product portfolio by adding new lightweight materials. They are also committed to mergers, acquisitions and cooperation to gain market competitive advantage.
For example:
February 2021, DuPont denestd Ltd. acquired textec’s core matrix technology. It is a single piece fabric structure, which can reduce back trauma and improve the ballistic performance of military and law enforcement users.
