Description
The worldwide armor materials market was valued at USD10.6 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compounded growth rate of 5.3 percent between 2020 to 2027. The market is expected to attain a value of USD15.7 billion by 2027. Armor Materials are used across a variety of platforms including land, naval and airborne systems. Advanced Materials are also employed in the development of soldier protection systems. Materials like Kevlar, UHMWPE, Dyneema, etc are popularly known due to their application in the soldier protection systems market.
Lightweight aluminum is a key material segment within this market. The overall growth in market trends for this segment is predominantly due to the increasing use of lightweight aluminum alloys in military vehicles such as troop carriers.
Lightweight aluminum alloys are utilized to transport equipment, particularly military vehicles, due to their superior performance. Aluminum alloys are also an excellent replacement for pricey titanium alloys because of their corrosion resistance and inexpensive cost. Furthermore, significant investments in body armor for police and military personnel are being made. This surge in investment to aid safety is expected to drive market growth. For example, the New Zealand police agency spent USD 20.7 million on new body armor produced by Cooneen Protection in January 2019. Such fresh initiatives will have a favorable influence on the growth of the armor materials industry.
The market for armor materials is divided into two categories: material type and application. Metals and alloys, ceramics, composites, para-aramid fibers, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), fiberglass, and others are the different types of materials. It is divided into four categories according to the application: automotive, aircraft, body, and others.
Increased political instability, as well as terrorist incidents throughout the world, have motivated military and law enforcement authorities, as well as the materials science community, to create efficient security solutions. Political conflicts in Syria, Egypt, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia-Ukraine, India-Pakistan, India-China, Russia-Turkey, Columbia-Peru, and criminal violence in Mexico are now driving up the need for modern armor. In many nations, domestic conflicts are increasing the need for ammunition to maintain national security.
As a result of increased internal disputes and tensions with their neighbors, developing countries such as Brazil, China, India, and Russia are increasing their defense budget. The Middle East and Africa are experiencing serious political upheaval, resulting in a greater need for superior armor materials.
The worldwide armor materials market is deemed sensitive since it has a potential impact on the country’s security system. As a result, government authorities control the manufacturing and use of armor materials to enhance and preserve the value chain for armor protection systems. Regulations have been enforced in terms of production levels, the sale of armor materials to other nations or foreign organizations, the safety of manufacturing technologies, and the import of goods from other countries. Corporations supplying armor materials to the US military forces, for example, are prohibited from selling supplies to other companies or nations without the government’s consent.
Rapid technological advancements and the accompanying launch of novel goods such as lightweight armor materials are two important themes that will help the sector grow during the forecast period. Vikela Armour, based in Northern Ireland, has revealed the prototype of a new, lightweight body armor consisting of Kevlar and carbon fiber that is meant to provide great protection against IED-driven shrapnel.
Since there are so many manufacturers, the worldwide armor materials market is fragmented and highly competitive. Saint-Gobain SA, Du Pont, DSM NV, Royal TenCate NV, Alcoa Inc., and Honeywell International Inc. are also major stakeholders in the sector.
