Military Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market Size, Share, and Industry 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, 2025-2032

The global military personal protective equipment (PPE) market size was USD 24.02 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 27.46 billion in 2025 to USD 56.23 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the military personal protective equipment (PPE) market with a market share of 34.6% in 2024.

Military personal protective equipment (PPE) is the device 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.

The global military personal protective equipment market is witnessing record growth due to rising geopolitical tensions, higher defense expenditures, and changing security threats. The key growth in the military PPE market is the global defense spending. The world's total military spending in 2024 was USD 2.718 trillion, which is a 9.4% increase from 2023. This enormous investment goes directly toward higher purchasing of protective gear for soldiers. Governments across the globe are introducing comprehensive soldier modernization programs to improve combat efficiency and survivability. For instance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that effective use of PPE can decrease occupational disease and injury by 37.6%. This considerable improvement in safety justifies the ongoing investment in advanced protective systems.

The major key players are in the market, such as 3M (U.S.), ArmorSource LLC (U.S.), BAE Systems (U.K), DuPont (U.S.), and so on. These key players are investing heavily in the market for advance materials and technologies to get the best protection for military personnel on the battlefield.

Tariff Impact

Imposition of Tariffs by U.S. Can Have Significant Repercussions on Racing Boat Industry

The global boating economy is experiencing stormy weather. Recent trade policy actions of the Trump Administrators have put, international market under severe strain from rising international tariffs, with the market witnessing both opportunities for growth and enormous cost burdens. Tariff measures since 2025 are reorganizing supply chains, driving up procurement costs, and inducing strategic vulnerabilities in defense sectors globally.

The overall tariff regime introduced in 2025 has woven a thick net of duties on the procurement of military PPE, such as a 10% tariff on imports across the globe. The sector is extremely fragmented due to tariffs, with members indicating concerns from operational disturbance to defense partnerships' strategic realignment. The most significant finding is the universal rejection of cost absorption by business leaders, bringing about a cascading financial burden that eventually lands on military acquisition budgets and jeopardizes readiness capabilities.   

Defense contractors are adopting several mitigation steps, but all entail high costs or operational sacrifices. For example, RTX is investigating free trade zones, refunds termed duty drawbacks, and leveraging various suppliers and assembly locations to reduce tariff exposure. Industry is also advocating Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clauses on new contracts to shift tariff risks to government customers, although this strategy encounters resistance from procurement officials.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Rising Concerns Related to Soldiers’ Safety and Security in Combat Operations to Drive Market Growth

The increasing need for military forces to provide better standards for soldiers’ security and safety in 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 armor, accelerating the global military personal protective equipment (PPE) market growth.

For instance, in July 2025, Safe Pro Group secured a new order from a contractor working with the U.S. government to supply protective equipment in the Indo-Asia Pacific area. The order comprises several items from Safe Pro's range of personal protective gear, including tactical equipment, eyewear, and gloves, to assist with landmine and explosive ordnance clearance efforts.

Market Restraints

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

Numerous malfunction issues and higher costs associated with the design and development of advanced combat helmets and body armor 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 plates and becomes heavy for soldiers. These factors thus restrict the military personal protective equipment (PPE) industry’s growth.

Military Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market Trends

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 of lightweight military personal protective equipment (PPE) 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, the more surface area, and create a softer, more comfortable ballistic material.

For instance, in May 2025, Capita Entrust, a prominent provider of customized training and development services, obtained a contract with the Ministry of Defense (MoD) to perform regular inspections that guarantee all personal protective equipment (PPE) adheres to the highest safety standards and is properly maintained.

Download Free sample to learn more about this report.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Product Type

Body Armor Segment Held Highest Share 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 vest, pelvic protection system, and life safety jacket.

The body armor segment held the highest market share in 2024. The growing procurement of body armor by the defense forces through increasing contracts with the companies is propelling the segment growth.

The protective eyewear segment is estimated to show significant growth during 2025-2032 due to the increasing demand for advanced night vision goggles from the defense forces.

The tactical vest 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.

By Application

To know how our report can help streamline your business, Speak to Analyst

Army Segment Dominated 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 in 2024 and is expected to continue its domination during 2025-2032. An increase in military modernization programs, growing military spending, and rapid expansion of military forces propel the market growth. The military personal protective equipment (PPE) 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.

MILITARY PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

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

Asia Pacific

To get more information on the regional analysis of this market, Download Free sample

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.

North America

North America dominated the military personal protective equipment (PPE) market share in 2024 and is valued at USD 5.57 billion. The growth is attributed to the highest defense budget in 2020 of the U.S. Department of Defense in the world. Technological advancements in PPE and procurement of next-generation body armor, 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 boosts market growth across North America.

The evolution of the U.S. market is predicated on the crossroads of increasing diversity of the threat, materials-based technological advancements, institution-based emphasis on safeguarding the Warfighter, and simplification of acquisition procedures. With ongoing responsiveness to evolving dangers as well as the incorporation of next-generation technologies, the market will achieve long-term qualitative advancements.

Europe

The military personal protective equipment (PPE) 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’ bodies, eye protection, and so on, from the Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Turkey.

Rest of the World

The Middle East & Africa military personal protective equipment (PPE) market size experience moderate growth over the forecast period. The Latin America region has seen significant growth during the forecast period.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Development of Advanced Military Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by Introducing Next Generation Technologies

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 2023, QinetiQ US announced that it received a 5-year IDIQ contract valued at USD 84 million to provide the Program of Record Next Generation Advanced Bomb Suit (NGABS) for Product Manager Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE).

As a part of this contract, QinetiQ US will supply more than 700 NGABS suits to the U.S. Army. The NGABS is designed to replace the two-decade-old Advanced Bomb Suit (ABS) and will offer improved protection for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Soldiers during their regular tasks of identifying, neutralizing, and disposing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other explosive hazards.

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

LIST OF KEY MILITARY PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) COMPANIES PROFILED:

• 3M (U.S.)
• ArmorSource LLC (U.S.)
• BAE Systems (U.K)
• DuPont (U.S.)
• AirBoss Defense Group (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

• July 2025 - An Indian defense equipment manufacturer has received two contracts from the Indian Army. These contracts, granted under Emergency Procurement 5, involve the provision of Bulletproof Jackets and Advanced Ballistic Helmets. The combined value of these contracts exceeds USD 36.14 million. As part of these agreements, SMPP is expected to supply 27,700 bulletproof jackets and 11,700 Advanced Ballistic Helmets to the Indian Army.
• November 2024 - Avon Protection, a well-known leader in innovative personal protective gear, secured three contracts from the US Department of Defense’s ASPIRE HMI (Advanced System for Protection and Integrated Reduction of Encumbrances Hood/Mask Interface) initiative, which is managed by the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND). These three contracts will focus on creating and developing a solution to enhance the integration of the currently deployed M50 and M53A1 CBRN protective masks with the hoods of CBRN protective garments on a CBRN suit.
• September 2024 - AirBoss of America Corp. revealed that its fully-owned subsidiary, AirBoss Defense Group (“ADG”), has secured a contract valued at up to USD 84 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (“ASPR”) to provide protective isolation gowns.
• August 2023 - As part of its aim to be a "technologically advanced military" prepared for future conflicts using homegrown solutions, the army has signed contracts for 49 projects under the fourth phase of urgent procurement, addressing needs from drones to personal protective gear.
• February 2023 - Ricochet secured a contract with the U.S. Air Force to be the exclusive supplier of structural firefighting turnout gear. This contract, worth USD 40 million, is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreement for Fire Emergency Services Personal Protective Equipment (FES PPE). Ricochet collaborates with ADS Inc., the primary vendor for this contract. The contract's performance period extends through the fourth quarter of 2027.

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.

To gain extensive insights into the market, Download for Customization

Report Scope & Segmentation