Military Personal Protective Equipment Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The global market for military personal protective equipment was valued at approximately US$ 12,013.98 million in 2019 and is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% during the forecast period, ultimately reaching US$ 20,804.39 million by 2027.

One of the primary drivers for the increased acquisition of military personal protective equipment is the escalating threat posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) terrorism. This form of terrorism involves the deployment of weapons of mass destruction. Chemical weapons include agents that cause blistering (such as sulfur mustard), nerve agents (like sarin), and choking agents (for example, chlorine). Biological weapons release harmful biological agents, including viruses (such as smallpox), bacteria (like plague, anthrax, or salmonella), and toxins (such as botulinum toxin). Radiological weapons can inflict harm by dispersing radioactive materials, while nuclear weapons result in devastation through nuclear reactions.

According to the EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2019, three incidents of CBRN terrorism were documented in the EU in 2018. A report titled Reassessing CBRN Threats in a Changing Global Environment, published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), highlights that these weapons are not only lethal but also instill fear and insecurity among civilians. They serve as effective tools for coercing governments and can lead to significant collateral and economic damage. Consequently, terrorists may resort to CBRN attacks to garner extensive media coverage. To effectively manage the threats and consequences associated with these weapons, military personnel require advanced and reliable personal protective equipment.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the supply chain for military personal protective equipment, as governments have prioritized the medical sector over military needs, which has adversely affected the growth of this market.

In terms of equipment types, the body armor segment dominated the military personal protective equipment market in 2019. Body armor is crucial for safeguarding military personnel against lethal threats. With ongoing advancements in body armor technology, manufacturers are striving to create lighter and stronger armor with improved performance. The introduction of synthetic fibers has significantly contributed to innovations in body armor development. For example, Nylon 6.6 was the first synthetic fiber utilized in a ballistic protective system known as M-1951. This system consists of two components: the first part features a nylon basket-weave flexible pad that protects the shoulders and upper chest, while the second part includes Doron plates designed for the lower chest area of military personnel.

In the United States, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standard is employed to establish the ballistic resistance of body armor. This program, part of the Law Enforcement and Corrections Standards and Testing Program, outlines a set of minimum performance standards and tests applicable to commercially available equipment. It aims to assess new commercial body armor and ensure compliance with armor design standards.

The overall size of the military personal protective equipment market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research, utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. This approach also provided an overview and forecast for the military personal protective equipment market across various segments and regions. Furthermore, numerous primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the data and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants typically include industry professionals such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the military personal protective equipment sector.

Key players in the military personal protective equipment market include Ansell Ltd., Avon Protection Systems, Inc., Bae Systems PLC, Ceradyne (3M), Deenside Ltd., DuPont DE Nemours, Inc., Honeywell International Inc., KDH Defense Systems, Inc., MKU Limited, and US Armor Corporation.