Ballistics Composite Market

Ballistics Composite Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global ballistics composite market is approximated to reach a worth of US$ 2.32 billion in 2024. Revenue from the sales is projected to rise at a 7.4% CAGR to reach US$ 4.74 billion by the end of the assessment period in 2034.

Ballistic composites are related to a class of materials particularly designed for protecting against ballistic threats, including shrapnel, bullets, and other projectiles. These composites are specifically engineered to have high strength, impact resistance, and lightweight properties, making them ideal for applications that require effective ballistic protection without compromising mobility or performance.

In the defense industry, ballistic composites are utilized in the production of body armor, helmets, vehicle armor, and other protective equipment to enhance the safety of military personnel.

The aerospace industry also utilizes ballistic composites for applications such as cockpit doors, armoring for aircraft structures, and other components that require protection against projectiles. Wide applications are going to create a plethora of growth opportunities for manufacturers of ballistic composites.

The use of ballistic composites is expanding beyond the defense sector into law enforcement and security applications. Police forces, security agencies, and first responders are adopting lightweight ballistic protection solutions to enhance personal safety and tactical capabilities. Growing focus on officer safety and the need for advanced protection against firearms and other threats are driving demand for ballistic composites in this sector.

The global market is prominently pushed by concerning rise in violent crimes, terrorism, and armed conflicts that are occurring worldwide. Furthermore, the growing demand for military modernization to improve national security is driving market expansion.

Governments and military agencies, particularly those in potentially high growth countries, are quickly implementing innovative ballistic composites to enhance and assist combat forces' survivability because of the advancement of next-generation armament systems.

To increase combat effectiveness against machine gunfire and overhead and external artillery, ballistic composites are also utilized in ground, marine, and aviation vehicles.

Other elements that promote expansion include the development of Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (ESAPI), Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), Enhanced Side Ballistic Inserts (ESBI), and Deltoid and Auxiliary Protector System (DAPS). These innovative composite materials offer improved defense against ballistic threats including flying debris, bullets, and shrapnel while remaining lightweight, cozy, and easy to use.

Report Attribute	Detail
Ballistics Composite Market Size (2024E)	US$ 2.32 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 4.74 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.4% CAGR
East Asia Market Value (2024E)	US$ 847.9 Million
North America Market Share(2034F)	29.1%
Glass Segment Value (2034F)	US$ 1.25 Billion
Mexico Market Value (2034F)	US$ 58 Million
Key Companies Profiled	Southern States LLC; Morgan Advanced Materials; MKU Limited; Gaffco Ballistics; PRF Composite Materials; Honeywell International Inc.; Gurit; FY Composites OY; DuPont; ArmorSource; Royal Ten Cate NV; Barrday Corporation; Elmon; Teijin Limited; BAE Systems; DSM.

Why is Demand for Ballistics Composites Increasing Steadily?

“Requirement for Ballistics Composites in Defense Industry is Growing”

Demand for ballistic composites is strongly influenced by the growth of the defense industry, which is directly affecting sales of advanced ballistic protection solutions.

As defense budgets continue to rise globally, several governments and defense organizations are investing in modernizing their military capabilities, including procurement of advanced ballistic protection systems and equipment. This, in turn, drives demand for ballistic composites. These composites play a critical role in providing lightweight and high-performance solutions for personal protection, armored vehicles, and aircraft applications.

The constant evolution of modern warfare and the emergence of new threats require enhanced protection for military personnel. Ballistic composites offer superior strength, impact resistance, and lightweight properties compared to traditional materials including steel. They enable the development of body armor, helmets, and vehicle armor that provide an effective defense against ballistic projectiles while minimizing the weight burden on soldiers and improving mobility.

The growth of the defense industry extends beyond national defense forces. Private security firms, law enforcement agencies, and peacekeeping missions also require advanced ballistic protection solutions. This broadens the market potential for ballistic composites, driving innovation and development in the industry.

Hence, the growing defense industry, as evidenced by increasing sales of arms and military services, plays a pivotal role in driving demand for ballistic composites, contributing to an overall ballistics composite market growth.

“Improvements in Material and Weightage Improving Market Condition”

In collaboration with fiber and ceramics companies, academic institutions, and other organizations, such as the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Center conducts extensive research and development on ballistic composites to develop ever lighter-weight, higher-performing materials that are improving soldiers' mobility, performance, and comfort. Using just heat and pressure, ballistic composite applications generate flat panels and molded parts with exceptional impact characteristics by melting and fusing the outer layers of the fabric stack.

This composite is combined with metals, ceramics, and other composites to create hard armor. This allows for a large weight reduction that is going to be achieved at a cheaper cost than premium composites and in comparison to glass-filled composites. This feature is driving demand for ballistic composites globally.

The market for ballistic composites is expanding primarily because of a growing need for these materials for personal protection due to their high strength and low weight. In contrast to past conflicts, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are an outcome of large-scale private-sector expenditures aimed at countering global threats and satisfying the military's need for lighter weaponry. Soldiers are now more protected against new ballistic threats since their body armor weighs less overall and is more comfortable.

Modern military vehicles are now lined with lightweight ballistic materials instead of steel, which increases mobility and the distance between refueling stops. Ballistic composites, which are lightweight materials utilized in testing, commercial goods, and fiber production, thereby enable military vehicles to carry less weight and move more quickly. This feature is positively affecting demand for ballistic composites.

What is Declining Market Size Worldwide?

“Higher Prices Compared to Conventional Materials Coupled with Price Sensitive”

Ballistic composites are relatively expensive compared to traditional materials including steel. Production and processing of these advanced materials involve specialized techniques and equipment, which contribute to higher manufacturing costs. The higher cost of ballistic composites limits their adoption, especially in price-sensitive markets.

The global market is subject to several regulations and standards, particularly in industries such as defense and aerospace. Meeting stringent regulatory requirements is a complex process that requires significant testing, certifications, and compliance procedures. These regulatory challenges pose barriers to entry and hinder the growth of smaller manufacturers in the market, affecting the overall ballistics composites market size.

Country-wise Evaluation

The market is growing around the world as more countries focus on increasing the defense sector and improving the condition of the army. Some of the prominent countries contributing to this market include the United States, China, Canada, and South Korea. The United States market is evaluated to occupy a strong ballistics composite market share in North America.

Which Market Scenarios Proving to be Profitable for Manufacturers in the United States?

“Easy Availability of Ammunition and Defense Equipment”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 484.3 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.7% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.01 Billion

Ease of access to ammunition and defense supplies is a major factor in the profitability of ballistic composite producers in the United States. The need for high-performance ballistic composites is growing as protective gear becomes highly important to law enforcement and the military. Ammunition accessibility facilitates training and operational preparedness, which increases the demand for efficient protective measures.

Furthermore, increasing public demand for recreational and personal defense shooting expands sales prospects. By creating novel and lightweight materials that adhere to strict safety regulations, manufacturers are taking advantage of these trends to position themselves advantageously in the marketplace and guarantee ongoing profitability.

What is Leading to the Success of Manufacturers in China?

“Presence of Aftermarkets and Availability of Economic Labor”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 479.9 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.1% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.04 Billion

The existence of strong aftermarkets and accessibility of inexpensive labor are key factors influencing the performance of ballistic composite producers in China. The aftermarket industry sustains demand for upgrades and replacement components, generating a steady income for producers. Furthermore, businesses are going to manufacture premium ballistic composites at reasonable pricing because of China's large labor pool, which increases their market appeal both nationally and globally.

Because of this economic advantage, manufacturers are spending too much on R&D, creating cutting-edge goods that adhere to changing safety regulations. When combined, these elements foster an atmosphere that is conducive to the ballistic composite industry's expansion and competitiveness.

Category-wise Analysis

Several categories of ballistics composites are introduced by manufacturers in the market leading to a wide category of preferences available for customers. Some of the major fiber types include aramid fibers, UHMPE, glass, and several other fiber types.

Which Fiber Type is Popular Among More Customers While Purchasing Ballistics Composites?

“Glass Ballistic Composites Becoming Highly Popular in End Market”

Attribute	Glass
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 634.9 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.25 Billion

Glass fiber is the most popular fiber type among customers purchasing ballistics composites. The use of glass ballistic composites is prominently increasing in the end market due to their superior strength, impact resistance, and lightweight properties.

These composites are widely favored for applications requiring high-performance ballistic protection, such as in military and law enforcement environments, as well as in civilian products like bulletproof vests and vehicle armor. This is becoming a new ballistics composite market trend.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the ballistics composite market are focusing on bringing new products into the market including marine composites and polymer composites.

• Defense Supercomputing Resource Center (DSRC) operations, maintenance, and management services, as well as program-wide services for high-performance computer (HPC) clients, were contracted out by BAE Systems plc to the US Army in July 2022.
• US Navy signed a contract with BAE Systems plc in January 2022 to manage C5ISR (command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) systems.

Fact.MR provides detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of ballistics composite positioned across the world, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in this updated market report.

Segmentation of Ballistics Composite Market Research

• By Fiber Type :

  • Aramid Fibers
  • UHMPE
  • Glass
  • Other Fiber Types

• By Application :

  • Vehicle Armour
  • Body Armour
  • Helmets & Face Protection

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • Latin America
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa