The global body armour market is experiencing robust growth in 2025, propelled by escalating geopolitical tensions, rising crime rates, and a heightened focus on personal safety.

The global body armour market is gaining strong traction in 2025, driven by rising geopolitical tensions, urban crime, and growing concern for personal safety. According to a report from Future Market Insights Inc., the market will reach around €2.43 billion this year and €4.35 billion by 2035. Meanwhile Consegic Business Intelligence forecasts a CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2032. Growth is being fuelled by military upgrades, law enforcement demand, civilian adoption, and advances in armour technology. With continued innovation and rising global instability, the outlook remains strong well into the next decade.

Multi-sector demand drives expansion

Traditionally rooted in military applications, the body armour market is now expanding across civilian and law enforcement sectors. Modernisation programmes in defence are a key driver, with governments worldwide upgrading outdated gear in favour of lighter, modular systems that offer improved protection without compromising mobility. These trends are particularly evident in high-conflict regions and urban centres experiencing a rise in organised crime and active shooter incidents.

Military personnel and law enforcement officers face increasingly complex threats, from escalating geopolitical instability to guerrilla warfare and heavily armed criminals. This has led to a surge in procurement of ballistic protection suits and modular tactical vests. Meanwhile, civilians—especially first responders, private security contractors, and professionals in high-risk roles—are turning to soft body armour for everyday safety.

Soft armour in the spotlight

Soft body armour continues to dominate the market in both volume and growth. According to Future Market Insights Inc., the soft armour segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% through 2035, fuelled by demand for lightweight, concealable protection from police, private guards, and civilians. Technological advancements in aramid fibres and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) have significantly improved performance, offering a better balance between ballistic resistance, comfort, and flexibility.

While soft armour is thriving, hard armour remains essential in military settings. According to a Cognitive Research Intelligence report, hard armour plays a vital role in protecting personnel from high-velocity projectiles and explosive threats, particularly in active combat zones. Complementary accessories—such as trauma pads, plate carriers, and tactical pouches—are also gaining ground as users increasingly seek modular and mission-specific systems.

Innovation and localisation as strategic imperatives

Both reports highlight the role of innovation in shaping the industry’s future. Manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development to produce next-generation armour solutions, including liquid body armour, dragon skin technologies, and double-sided protective suits.

In a competitive market, localisation has become a key strategy. Manufacturing close to demand centres helps reduce operating costs and ensure compliance with national procurement standards. For example, the United States benefits from federal programmes like the Ballistic Vest Partnership and NIJ certification standards, while Brazil has fostered local production to fulfil public safety contracts despite periodic budget constraints.

Regional outlook: Top markets in 2025

The United States leads the market, with a projected CAGR of 6.8% through 2032. Federal programmes like the Ballistic Vest Partnership and NGPPE support steady demand from military and law enforcement, while civilian sales are rising due to safety concerns.

India, with the fastest growth at 7.0%, is focusing on domestic production under national defence initiatives. China and Japan are also scaling up, with innovation in lightweight materials and modular systems.

In Brazil, growth is forecast at 6.7%, fuelled by high crime rates and consistent demand from the Polícia Militar and Polícia Civil. Civilian uptake is expanding in high-risk areas, although state budget constraints and reliance on imports remain challenges.

Canada’s market is set to grow at 6.3%, driven by procurement from the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP under federal modernisation plans. Civilian demand is increasing, particularly in urban centres and among private security professionals.

Looking forward

Across all three of these reports, a clear picture emerges: the global body armour market is not only growing but evolving. The convergence of advanced materials, regulatory frameworks, and an urgent need for protection in an unstable world is pushing the industry into a new era. Whether on the battlefield, in a patrol car, or in civilian life, body armour is becoming a critical tool for personal and professional safety.

As the findings from Consegic Business Intelligence, Cognitive Research Intelligence, and Future Market Insights Inc. collectively show, this market’s trajectory will continue to rise—driven by necessity, fuelled by innovation, and sustained by a shared global commitment to protecting lives.

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