Ballistic protection market seen topping $19B by 2030

The Business Research Company says the global ballistic protection market will surpass $19 billion by 2030, driven by defense spending, terrorism threats and lighter materials. Personal protection equipment is expected to make up half the market, or about $10 billion, as demand rises for body armor, helmets and vests.

Why it matters: - Ballistic protection is becoming a bigger slice of the broader aerospace and defense market as governments and security forces invest in survivability and mobility. - The report projects the market will exceed $19 billion by 2030, with personal protection equipment alone expected to account for $10 billion. - The market’s growth points to continued demand for lighter armor, advanced helmets and multi-threat protection systems.

What happened: - The Business Research Company published its "Ballistic Protection Global Market Report 2026 – Market Size, Trends, And Forecast 2026-2035." - The report says the ballistic protection market will grow at a 6% compound annual growth rate through 2030. - The market is projected to reach nearly 2% of the larger aerospace and defense industry, which the report puts at $1,166 billion by 2030. - The report was released from London on October 16, 2026. - A free sample is available here. - The full report is available here.

The details: - Terrorism risks and broader security concerns are a major demand driver, with governments, law enforcement and private security companies seeking protection for personnel, critical infrastructure and transit systems. - Rising defense budgets and military modernization are another key growth factor, as armed forces buy improved body armor, vehicle armor and related technologies. - Advances in lightweight ceramics, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene and nanotechnology are helping reduce weight while improving ballistic resistance. - The report says next-generation combat helmets are reshaping the category by improving protection without sacrificing mobility. - In October 2025, Galvion Inc. introduced the Batlskin Caiman UL helmet, which pairs a lightweight design with high ballistic resistance. - Galvion’s helmet includes an APEX liner system and shroud for comfort, night-vision integration and long-duration use. - Personal protection equipment is expected to hold 50% of the market by 2030, driven by demand for body armor, ballistic helmets and vests. - The report also tracks segmentation by material, platform and end use, including aramid fibers, carbon fiber composites, glass fiber and thermoplastics, ceramics, land, airborne and marine applications, and defense, homeland security and commercial uses. - North America is forecast to remain the largest regional market in 2030 at $7.0 billion, up from $5.3 billion in 2025. - The United States is projected to be the largest single-country market in 2030 at $6.4 billion, up from $4.8 billion in 2025. - The report says the strongest growth segments through 2030 are personal protection equipment and vehicle protection equipment, which together should add more than $4 billion in market value. - Honeywell International Inc. led global sales in 2024 with a 7% share, according to The Business Research Company. - Other named market-share leaders in 2024 include BAE Systems plc, DuPont de Nemours Inc, Rheinmetall AG, Teijin Limited and GENTEX Corporation.

Between the lines: - The report suggests the market is shifting toward lighter, more modular gear that can support modern combat and security operations without reducing mobility. - Moderate fragmentation means no single company dominates, but the top 10 firms still controlled about 23% of revenue in 2024. - High barriers to entry remain because of defense standards, certification requirements and complex materials engineering. - The market’s competitive playbook centers on innovation, supply-chain reach, government contracts and expanded testing capacity.

What's next: - Expect more product launches in lightweight armor, modular body armor and next-generation helmets. - Defense and security buyers are likely to keep prioritizing protective gear that improves survivability and operational readiness. - The report says ongoing modernization programs and new material technologies should continue to support growth into the next decade.

The bottom line: - Ballistic protection is moving from niche defense procurement to a faster-growing, tech-driven market where lighter materials and personal protection gear are doing most of the work.