Military Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market Size, Share and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, by Product Type (Advanced Combat Helmet, Protective Eyewear, Life Safety Jacket, Tactical Vest, Body Armor, and Pelvic Protection System), by Application (Air force, Army, and Navy), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global military personal protective equipment (PPE) market size was USD 17.08 billion in 2020. The market is projected to grow from USD 17.85 billion in 2021 to USD 32.30 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 8.84% in the 2021-2028 period. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with military PPE witnessing a negative impact on demand across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a lower growth of 2.84% in 2020 compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2020. The rise in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

Military personal protective equipment (PPE) is the equipment used by military forces to protect military personnel from injuries and harsh weather. It includes different protective equipment such as ear pro, protective eyewear, advanced combat helmet, improved outer tactical vest (IOTV), gloves, pelvic protection system (PPS), body armor, and others. These types of equipment are designed to protect soldiers from chemical and biological hazards in combat situations. An increase in safety and security concerns for military troops and growing expenditure on the defense sector drive the military PPE market growth.

Defense Industry Has Faced Unmatched Challenges Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic has harshly impacted the military personal protective equipment industry. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) faced major issues such as disruptions in supply chains, production halts, delayed deliveries, and defense budget cuts in some countries.

• Most countries such as India, South Korea, Thailand reduced defense expenditure and halted their procurement plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the South Korean government cut USD 750 Billion from the defense allocation.


• The Russian defense ministry has proposed the government to cut down military expenditure by 5% between 2021 and 2023.


• However, in the report published by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the global military expenditure rose to USD 1,981 billion, which showed an increase of 2.6% compared to 2019. Thus, this sector has witnessed steady growth.

LATEST TRENDS

An Increase in Demand for Lightweight Personal Protective Equipment During Military Operations to Bolster Growth

The U.S. Department of Defense is focusing on developing the next generation lightweight military personal protective equipment that improves the scalability of military forces and allows them to adjust the equipment as per the threat level and mission. The U.S. Army developed a new Torso and Extremity Protection (TEP) system that consists of a vest, a ballistic combat shirt, a battle belt, and a blast pelvic protection system.

Recently, Teijin developed high-tenacity Twaron Ultra Micro 550f1000 yarns designed for fragment-resistant vests. These filaments increase the stopping power of the fabric, more the surface area and create a softer, more comfortable ballistic material.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Concerns Related to Soldiers Safety and Security in Combat Operations to Drive the Market Growth

The increasing need for military forces to provide better standards for soldiers’ security and safety combat operations propels the global military personal protective equipment market growth. The growing security threats such as terrorist activities, political unrest, and cross-border conflict among different countries boost the growth of the market. Key OEMs in the market focus on introducing lightweight, fireproof body armors, technically advanced, protective eyewear, combat helmets, and others. The advanced combat helmets (ACH) are compatible with the night vision goggles (NVG), nuclear, biological, and chemical military equipment, communications packages, and body armors.

Expansion of Defense Forces and Rising Defense Budget to Drive Growth

The rising cross-border issues, increasing terrorism across the globe, and political unrest, especially among Asian countries, lead to the expansion of military forces, law enforcement, and homeland security. Furthermore, rising defense expenditure and increasing spending on the procurement of advanced military personal protective equipment drive the market growth. Countries such as China and India heavily spend on military research and development modernization programs.

• According to SIPRI report, world military expenditure reached USD 1981 billion in 2020. The top five defense spenders were the U.S., China, India, Russia, and the U.K., nearly constituting 62% of global military expenditure.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Development Cost and Malfunction Issues with Military Personal Protective Equipment to Hamper Market Growth

Numerous malfunction issues and higher costs associated with the design and development of advanced combat helmets and body armors would restrict growth. The combat helmets consist of head-up displays and night vision goggles, while the body armor consists of highly expensive fabric materials. The malfunction issues occur when the body armor consists of fully loaded ballistics and becomes heavy for soldiers. These factors thus restrict the military personal protective equipment industry’s growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Product Type Analysis

Body Armor Segment Held Highest Shares in 2020 Owing to Rising Procurement Contracts with OEMs for Soldiers Safety

Based on product type, the market is segmented into protective eyewear, body armor, advanced combat helmet, tactical vests, pelvic protection system, and life safety jackets.

Among these, the body armor segment held the highest shares in the market in 2020. The growing procurement of body armors by the defense forces through increasing contracts with the companies is propelling the segment growth.

• In May 2020, Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. entered into a contract with the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to provide body armor to the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air force. The value of the contract was USD 81 million.

The protective eyewear segment is estimated to show significant growth during 2021-2028 due to the increasing demand for advanced night vision goggles from the defense forces.

• In Jan 2020, Intevac signed a contract worth USD 8.1 Billion with the U.S. Army for Delta I fused digital night vision goggles consisting of advanced augmented reality (AR) capabilities.

The pelvic vests segment will witness moderate growth during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the rising demand from the military forces for the soldiers’ protection and improved safety.

• In August 2019, KDH Defense Systems, Inc. signed a contract with the U.S. Army to supply pelvic blast protectors. The value of the contract was USD 9 million.

By Application Analysis

Army Segment Dominated the Market Due to Rapid Expansion of Military Forces

By application, the market is divided into the navy, army, and air force.

The army segment held the largest market share and continued its domination during 2021-2028. An increase in military modernization programs, growing military spending, and rapid expansion of military forces propel the market growth. The military personal protective equipment protects soldiers from injuries caused by shrapnel, IED explosions, and gunshots.

The air force segment is anticipated to show significant growth during the forecast period. The growth is due to the growing demand for enhanced protective eyewear and helmets for fighter jet pilots.

The navy segment will showcase moderate growth owing to the rising demand from naval forces to protect the wearer from attacks and improve safety and security.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America to Dominate Market due to Rising Procurement Activities by Government Agencies

The market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

North America dominated the market in 2020 and is valued at USD 5.03 Billion. The growth is attributed to the highest defense budget of USD 778 billion in 2020 of the U.S. Department of Defense in the world. Technological advancements in PPE and procurement of next-generation body armors, protective eyewear drive the market growth. Furthermore, the presence of key players such as KDH Defense Systems, Inc., Honeywell International Inc., 3M, Eagle Industries, and others boost market growth across North America.

Asia-Pacific will witness the highest growth in the market during the forecast period. Increasing terrorist attacks, cross-border conflicts, and political unrest among neighboring countries led to the rapid expansion of the military forces in China, India, and South Korea. Thus, drive the market growth.

The military personal protective equipment market in Europe is projected to show significant growth owing to the increasing defense expenditure from European countries such as the U.K., Germany, Russia, and others. The rest of the world will witness moderate growth due to the increasing defense budget and adoption of advanced military PPEs for soldiers’ protection from the Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Turkey.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focuses on Development of Advanced Military Personal Protective Equipment by Introducing Next Generation Technologies to Drive Market Growth

Nowadays, key players are introducing the latest technologies such as biometrics, artificial intelligence (AI), and sensors used with wireless technologies is the latest trend in the market. In February 2021, Rostec, a Russian state corporation, unveiled next-generation soldier battle armor, ‘Sotnik.’ It is a lightweight body armor and can protect the soldier against direct fire from the .50 BMG.

In addition to that, the development of lightweight equipment by using composite materials and fabrics is the other upcoming trend followed by major companies. Key players are focusing business expansion strategies through rising agreements, contracts, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions. These factors drive the market growth.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• 3M (U.S.)


• ArmorSource LLC (U.S.)


• BAE Systems (U.K)


• DuPont (U.S.)


• Eagle Industries (U.S.)


• Gentex Corporation (U.S.)


• Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)


• Armor Express (U.S.)


• Point Blank Enterprises Inc. (U.S.)


• Revision Military (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2021 –The U.S. Army signed a contract worth USD 100 million with the L3Harris Technologies Inc. for the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular (ENVG-B) system. The advanced system will improve soldiers’ survivability, situational awareness, mobility, and lethality.


• June 2021 – The U.K. Ministry of Defence entered into a contract worth USD 16.2 million with Elbit Systems to provide XACT Night Vision Goggles to the country’s armed forces. The XACT goggles provide enhanced mission performance at night and enable safe off-road driving without the use of headlights.


• March 2020 – Avon Rubber signed a four-year contract worth USD 265 million with the U.S. Army to supply the next generation Vital Torso Protection (VTP) X-Side Ballistic Insert (XSBI) body armor plates.

REPORT COVERAGE

The military personal protective equipment market research report provides detailed market analysis and focuses on key aspects such as top military PPE companies, product types, and leading applications. Moreover, the report offers insights into market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the market report encompasses several direct and indirect factors that have contributed to the market's growth over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation